Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech talk about their “obsessive” chess “addiction” as classic board game grows in Isles room

Lamoriello was questioned about the team’s identity. In the past – circa 2020 and 2021 when they reached the NHL semifinals – the Islanders were a very hard team to play against with solid defensive structure and a grinder’s mentality personified by the longstanding fourth line of Casey Cizikas centering Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck.

The Islanders' top line of Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, and Mathew Barzal had a week, playing a part in seven of the club's 11 goals. Lee and Bo Horvat led the way in the goal department with three on the week, with Brock Nelson snapping a 17-game goal drought with two over these last three games.