Islanders Star Rids Himself Of Red Non-Contact Jersey In Vital Step Toward Return To Lineup

Following Monday morning's skate, New York Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer said that injured forwards Mathew Barzal and Matias Maccelli, along with defenseman Ryan Pulock, were staying on the ice to take a beating.

Barzal and Maccelli were back in non-contact sweaters for the full skate after wearing regular sweaters for Saturday's optional morning skate. Pulock, who was in a red non-contact sweater Saturday morning was in the regular sweater on Monday. 

On Tuesday in San Jose, following a 3-2 shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks, it was a positive sign that Barzal and Maccelli were able to shed the red jersey after taking contact.

With Jean-Gabriel Pageau taking a maintenance day, Barzal lined up alongside Anthony Duclair and Ryan Pulock in his place while Maccelli rotated in with the fourth line. 

The Islanders battle the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday and we likely won't know Barzal, Maccelli's or Pulock's true status until Thursday's morning skate.