It looks like the Islanders’ lineup is almost back to full health after a nasty bout with COVID-19.

The pandemic forced eight regular players – including Casey Cizikas, the most recent positive case – out of the lineup, contributing to an eight-game losing streak. The Islanders have a chance to snap that skid Thursday at home against the San Jose Sharks.

Anders Lee, Adam Pelech, Andy Greene, Josh Bailey, and potentially Ross Johnston will all be in the lineup in the fifth game of what turned out to be a five-game homestand to open UBS Arena, according to head coach Barry Trotz (no, he didn’t specify those specific players, but he said at least four out of five of them). The NHL postponed the Islanders’ two road games against the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers after the organization totaled over 10 positive tests over the weekend.

While this is certainly welcome news, the Islanders are still missing Brock Nelson, Ryan Pulock, Zdeno Chara, Kieffer Bellows and Cizikas. Wednesday’s practice was closed to reporters, so none of them could see what lines Trotz was using. But we can speculate.

Forwards

Beauvillier – Barzal – Palmieri

Parise – Bailey – Lee

Panik – Pageau – Wahlstrom

Johnston – Clutterbuck – Martin

Trotz spoke in his press conference Wednesday about playing time for the players coming off COVID-19 protocol. I would assume Trotz would try and limit their minutes as much as possible, while still trying to get them back to full speed. That’s why I think neither Bailey nor Lee will see first-line minutes with Barzal on Thursday.

Barzal needs talent on his wings. Hopefully, Beauvillier can provide speed and Palmieri can find his scoring touch. If they do, that could be a dominant first line for the Isles.

Although Lee and Bailey haven’t played in a bit, I don’t think they’ll be too slow. Lee does a great job creating space in front of and behind the net, and Bailey is a great playmaker. Perhaps they can spark Parise and help him find his first goal of the season.

Those top two lines can give Pageau and Wahlstrom sheltered third line minutes. Panik also played well with many regulars out of the lineup, so I expect him to stick around until Nelson, Cizikas or Bellows get healthy.

The fourth line needed a shake-up. Perhaps Cizikas’ absence gives Johnston a chance to get in and spark his team. I’m a bit worried about Clutterbuck at center, though. Still, Trotz doesn’t really have a choice. Maybe Otto Koivula or Andy Andreoff will play instead of Johnston.

Defense

Pelech – Dobson

Salo – Mayfield

Greene – Aho

Boy, do the Islanders need Pelech back. He drives offense and makes terrific plays on defense, both things the Islanders need to start doing quickly. He won’t have his regular defense partner, Ryan Pulock, for a few more weeks, but Noah Dobson has taken a massive step forward in the past few games. He deserves a full-time shot with Pelech.

Salo has also stood out lately. He can be the Nick Leddy replacement we desperately need. But he might only get a few more chances to wow Trotz before Chara comes off COVID-19 protocol. He’ll play with the solid Scott Mayfield on the second pair.

Andy Greene was incredible before he got sick. He anchored the third pair, and can hopefully pick up where he left off on Thursday night. Aho can play the right side and is a serviceable sixth defenseman.

The boys are starting to come back, and I’m feeling optimistic. The Islanders have a chance to get back on track this month with plenty of home games on the horizon. If they take these next few weeks one game at a time, then the Islanders can certainly turn their season around.

Ben Baruch

Born and raised on Long Island. Isles fan since 2009. Studying journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park.