And with the prognosis on Nelson unclear — the Islanders didn’t practice on Wednesday, so there is no new information on his status — that’s the reason to think the Isles can complete their playoff push even if they need to do it without him or Barzal.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/03/23/islanders-at-most-comfortable-with-tight-play-down-stretch/

Barzal converted a one-timer from the left face-off circle at 2:26, shortly after Horvat’s apparent power-play goal was waived off due to goaltender interference.

Source: https://www.baytoday.ca/national-hockey/pettersson-scores-2-canucks-beat-isles-to-snap-2-game-skid-6520753

Barzal has been around the facility and interacting with teammates on a regular basis.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/03/31/islanders-mathew-barzal-may-not-be-ready-for-start-of-playoffs/

He stopped Bo Horvat, Oliver Wahlstrom, Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri in the shootout to help the Flyers snap a two-game skid.

Source: https://www.baytoday.ca/national-hockey/errson-makes-25-saves-stops-all-4-shootout-attempts-in-flyers-1-0-win-over-islanders-7883718

Injured Islanders star Mathew Barzal is set to begin skating softly, general Lou Lamoriello said.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/04/02/injured-islanders-star-mathew-barzal-set-to-begin-skating-soon/

Lambert kept Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, two natural centers, together on the top line along with Josh Bailey.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/02/14/jean-gabriel-pageaus-injury-changes-islanders-center-situation/

Mathew Barzal celebrates his hat trick with then-teammate Beauvillier against the Maple Leafs in 2018.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/02/09/anthony-beauvilliers-emotional-move-from-islanders-to-canucks/