Defensemen Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield will return from injury against the Dallas Stars on Sunday (7:30 p.m. ET, Victory+, MSGSN). Pulock, who missed seven games with an upper-body injury, has 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) and is plus-7 in 48 games while averaging 21:55 of ice time. He will be paired with Scott Perunovich.

The Islanders spent their four practices leading into Sunday night’s match locked into the Stars and trying to get off to a good start after the NHL hiatus against one of the tougher teams in the Western Conference.

New York Islanders head coach Patrick said that Sunday's morning skate will determine if defensemen Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield are good to go against the Dallas Stars.

The best fit for Brock Nelson is the Minnesota Wild. While the Islanders won't be able to get a 2025 first-round pick in the deal, they could pull away a defensive prospect that would help them. The Wild would get better by making this deal, could re-sign him this offseason, and sell the “hometown kid” aspect of the deal.

Since New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal went down with a left knee-cap injury on Feb. 1, we have not been able to talk to him.

Adam Fox scored the go-ahead goal at 11:26 of the third period, J.T. Miller had two goals and the New York Rangers rallied to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 on Sunday. Will Cuylle scored on the power play and Jimmy Vesey added his 100th NHL goal for the Rangers.