Islanders head coach Patrick Roy provided two reasons why Barzal being back at the center is advantageous for the Islanders.

Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are back in the lineup for the New York Islanders after being sidelined by upper-body injuries ...

Mathew Barzal (upper body) and Adam Pelech (upper body) were both activated ahead of Sunday's game against the Chicago ...

Barzal hadn’t played since Oct. 30, missing a total of 21 games. Pelech had been out since he took a puck to the face on Nov.

Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech were back in the lineup for the Islanders on Sunday after being sidelined by upper-body ...

Removed from LTIR ...

Barzal (upper body) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against Chicago, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports. Barzal will likely return from a 21-game absence against the Blackhawks on Sunday.

Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are back in the lineup for the New York Islanders after being sidelined by upper-body injuries.

The Islanders managed to stay within striking distance of a playoff spot while both players were sidelined for six weeks.

The familiar wide smile and constant chirping were welcome additions to the Islanders’ morning skate. Top-liner Mathew Barzal ...

The New York Islanders got Mathew Barzal and two other key players back in practice after lengthy injury absences.