The Islanders just lost veteran defenseman Ryan Pulock for 4-6 weeks with a lower body injury ahead of Saturday’s grand opening of UBS Arena, and now, their team captain likely won’t be there to take the ice in the team’s brand new home.
The team announced Friday morning that Anders Lee, along with Ross Johnston, have both entered COVID-19 protocol. They join Josh Bailey, the longest tenured Islander, who was put in COVID-19 protocol earlier this week.
“It sucks. I feel for him,” Lee told reporters on Thursday when asked about Bailey’s absence for Saturday’s first game at UBS Arena. “If there’s anyone that deserves to open up this building, it’s Josh.”
Now Lee, a 10-year Islander, will likely be in the same situation as Bailey.
Lee has four goals this season through 12 games, while Johnston has played just one game so far this season.
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