NHL Buzz: Barzal, Chara out for Islanders against Ducks

Welcome to the NHL Buzz. Throughout the 2021-22 season, NHL.com will have you covered with the latest news.

New York Islanders

Mathew Barzal and Zdeno Chara will not play when the Islanders visit the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday (8:30 pm ET; NHLN, SNE, SNO, SNW, BSW, MSG +, NHL LIVE).

Coach Barry Trotz said each is day to day.

Barzal left with a lower-body injury in the second period of a 5-2 loss at the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday after Kings center Phillip Danault fell on his leg at 11:49. He played one more shift and then did not return.

Chara left in the second period against Los Angeles after sustaining an upper-body injury.

Barzal leads the Islanders with 37 points (12 goals, 25 assists) in 45 games this season. Chara has eight assists in 45 games.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Elvis Merzlikins is in the net for the Blue Jackets against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday (6 pm ET: SNE, SNO, SNW, BSOH, ATTSN-PT, ESPN +, NHL LIVE).

The goalie was activated off injured reserve Friday after missing three games with a lower-body injury.

Merzlikins was 18-13 1 with a 3.42 goals-against average, .903 save percentage and two shutouts in 32 games (31 starts) this season Entering Sunday. His most recent start was a 7-4 win against the Chicago Blackhawks on Feb. 17 when they made 28 saves.

Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins did not play in a 2-1 loss at the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday because of an upper-body injury.

“He went to get a picture taken and get reevaluated, and that’s what we’re waiting for, the results from that reevaluation,” Coach Jay Woodcroft said before the game.

The forward left a 3-2 win against the Florida Panthers in the first period Saturday after playing 3:17.

“He’s in great spirits and he’s a heckuva teammate,” Woodcroft said. “He didn’t play a lot in that game, but he was with the fellas there in terms of celebrating with them after the win.”

Nugent-Hopkins has scored 37 points (seven goals, 30 assists) in 45 games this season.

Forward Kailer Yamamoto also did not play against Carolina because of an Unspecified injury. The forward played 20:14 against Florida on Saturday and has scored 19 points (10 goals, nine assists) in 52 games this season.