New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (40) looks for the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) looks at the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (3) controls the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal, left, talks with left wing Anders Lee, right, during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)