Tonight's game between Islanders and Rangers must be postponed

Tonight the New York Islanders are scheduled to welcome the New York Rangers to the UBS arena for the first time ever. But the shadow of the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic looms large over the game. So large in fact that the game should be postponed.

For the first time since the pandemic began in March of 2020, the New York Islanders have their first true COVID-19 outbreak. But for some reason the NHL isn't stepping up to postpone any of the Islanders games.

New York Islanders game against New York Rangers should be canceled

On Tuesday, defenseman Zdeno Chara was the latest addition to the New York Islanders COVID protocol list. That puts the list at seven players now. Here's are all the players currently on the list.

1. Josh Bailey
2. Andy Greene
3. Kieffer Bellows
4. Anders Lee
5. Adam Pelech
6. Ross Johnston
7. Zdeno Chara

Remember, Anthony Beauvillier was on the list at one point but came off for a false positive.

This virus is bouncing from player to player since Josh Bailey was initially infected and placed on the COVID protocol back on November 16, 2021. The team needs to have a break to try and contain this virus.

The NHL, by continuing to allow the Isles to not only play but welcome other teams to their arena, is giving this virus the chance to spread and jump to another team.

By postponing this one game against the Rangers, the NHL would give the Islanders an extra two days to try and recover and potentially get a player or two off the COVID protocol. But, more importantly, they'd be helping stop the spread of this virus.

Tonight's game between the New York Islanders and the Rangers should not happen. These two local teams should be able to reschedule this game for a later date. It's now up to the NHL to step up and do what's right.