WASHINGTON — The Islanders were able to dress only 11 forwards — one fewer than usual — for Tuesday night’s 4-1 win over the Capitals at Capital One Arena even with center Jean-Gabriel Pageau returning to the lineup after three games while in COVID-19 protocol.
But top-line center Brock Nelson, already in uniform for warmups, was the latest to be felled by the non-COVID-19 illness going around the Islanders’ room.
“He just got sick and he said, ‘I’m not going to be able to help,’” coach Barry Trotz said. “Our room is hacking and coughing and there’s a lot of guys sick.”
