Overview
- The Islanders beat the Los Angeles Kings 5-2 on Thursday after reactivating Matias Maccelli and Ryan Pulock, ending a four-game losing streak.
- Pulock returned after a four-game absence for a shoulder issue that required offseason surgery and said his shoulder will need ongoing management this season.
- Maccelli came back after roughly three-and-a-half weeks out with a lower-body injury and is expected to ease into minutes with power-play time on the second line.
- Jean-Gabriel Pageau exited morning skate and did not play with a lower-body complaint, while Mathew Barzal continues a gradual comeback after missing training camp.
- The win relieved immediate pressure but coverage highlights that persistent defensive breakdowns and a struggling power play must be fixed through coaching and roster decisions if health alone does not restore consistent form.