EAST MEADOW, NY -- New York Islanders forward Anthony Duclair put in the work during the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off break to get as close to 100 percent as possible.
The 29-year-old sustained a lower-body injury just five games into his first season of a four-year deal. Despite being back in the lineup for 16 games, it was clear Duclair was compromised a bit, which certainly impacted his production, with just two points (one goal, one assist) over that span.
The two-week break was vital for Duclair and the handful of practices this past week.
"He cares, and he really wants to do well," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. "That is what you want, the first thing you want. And after that, what can we do to bring your game to the level that you want? And I think he's had really good practices every day, and he's been skating after on his own, making sure that he's ready. So it's a commitment that you want to see from a guy that you know you depend on."
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With Mathew Barzal out long-term with a left kneecap injury that required a "minor" procedure, Duclair has been chosen to skate alongside Bo Horvat and Anders Lee on the top line.
"He's an important player playing the top six right now, playing with Bo and Anders, and we need Anthony to play some good hockey for us and help us to to achieve the goals we want.
Duclair hasn't used the early season injury as an excuse, but understandably, a player whose game is based on speed would have problems playing their brand of hockey.
However, the Islanders don't have any room for error, given that they're five points back of a wild-card spot with one game in hand.
If they are going to go on a run and make the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they need Duclair to overcome his injury and give them the production they expected and have yet to see.
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