NY Islanders are to be with Adam Pelech and likely Mat Barzal tomorrow against the Chicago Blackhawks

After having practice canceled yesterday, the NY Islanders hit the ice today before they travel to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks for an afternoon matinee.

After Adam Pelech, Mat Barzal, and Anthony Duclair have all been practicing with the team, Patrick Roy has announced that Pelech will play, Barzal will be a game-time decision, and Duclair will not play but will travel with the team.

Pelech will play, Barzal likely

"Barzal, I would ," said Roy. "But we'll make a decision after warmups, I don't want to jump the gun. As of now, I think he will be in. Duclair won't be in. Pelly will be in. He feels really good - ready to go."

The organization has been waiting for this after being without three of its top players for over a month.

The goal was to tread water while waiting for reinforcements, and that's exactly what the Islanders were able to do. Through 31 games, they sit with 31 points and trail the Philadelphia Flyers by one point for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The addition of Barzal, Pelech, and soon enough Duclair, should be a jolt to the team's special teams. The penalty kill ranks 31st out of 32 teams, and the penalty kill is dead last in the league.

On the negative side of things, Bo Horvat didn't practice and is listed day-to-day. He missed the second half of the third period on Thursday but will travel with the team and will be a game-time decision.

Perhaps the best news of the day was that Mike Reilly was on the ice in uniform before practice just a month after having heart surgery.