Islanders winger Josh Bailey, who suffered a lower-body injury in a loss to the Penguins on Friday, did not play in Sunday’s 5-4 shootout win over the Devils.
Coach Doug Weight said the issue is not a “long-term thing”, but did not rule out Bailey missing time after the bye week, which runs from Monday until Saturday, when the Islanders visit the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
“Just a little sore,” Weight said of Bailey. “It wasn’t horrific news, but certainly not good news.
“It’s a big loss for us. He’s been one of our best players every night in all three zones.”
The 28-year-old Bailey entered Sunday tied with John Tavares for the most points on the team (50), and second in the entire league in assists (38). He was named the NHL’s second star for the month of December.
According to Weight, Bailey has canceled his plans to go away for the break, and will stay at home to try to get healthy.
“I think he’s showed a ton this year as a leader,” Weight added. “He’s a big piece of that room. He’ll be back soon.”
After exiting Friday’s game in the third period, left wing Andrew Ladd (18 points) also did not take the ice Sunday. His injury is “nothing long-term,” Weight said.
With the Islanders plagued by injuries, Anthony Beauvillier was an emergency recall from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday.
In two AHL outings, the former first-round pick in 2015 registered two goals, nine shots, and a plus-one rating. Bridgeport head coach Brent Thompson — a tough critic, according to Weight — maintained Beauvillier was the “best player on both teams, for both games.”
He certainly looked comfortable on the big stage Sunday, as the 20-year-old scored his fifth career NHL goal on a one-timer in the second period, helping the Isles grab the crucial win.
“I thought Beau was very good — best game of the year for him,” Weight said. “Which is exciting, because he goes down, gets a little confidence. That’s what the [AHL] is for, and it’s been good for him.”
After the game, the Islanders sent Beauvillier, Sebastian Aho and Tanner Fritz to Bridgeport, presumably to get more playing time. The Sound Tigers have two games scheduled during the Islanders’ bye week.