NHL postpones 2 Islanders games due to COVID-19 protocol

The NHL postponed the New York Islanders' games through at least Nov. 30 on Saturday as a result of the team's worsening COVID-19 situation.

The Islanders' road contests against the New York Rangers on Sunday and versus the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday won't be played as scheduled.

Another Islanders player landed in COVID-19 protocol on Saturday morning, and up to eight in total may be unable to play as a result of being on the list, according to the league. The NHL also cited the possibility of there being more cases due to the virus spreading within the team.

The club has been decimated by absences related to COVID-19. On Tuesday, Zdeno Chara became the seventh Islander to land in protocol along with captain Anders Lee, forwards Josh Bailey, Kieffer Bellows, and Ross Johnston, as well as defensemen Andy Greene and Adam Pelech.

Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello confirmed Saturday that forward Casey Cizikas tested positive, according to Newsday's Andrew Gross.

New York's next game would be a home date against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, followed by a road matchup versus the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday and a return to UBS Arena to host the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. However, the league said it's "reviewing and revising" the Islanders' schedule.

This is the second time this season and the second time in less than two weeks that the NHL has adjusted its schedule due to COVID-19 protocol. The league postponed three Ottawa Senators contests on Nov. 15 when the team had 10 players and its associate coach on the list.

The Islanders' COVID-19 situation has further compounded matters for a club that's also been without its leading scorer, forward Brock Nelson, and defenseman Ryan Pulock due to injuries.