Islanders forward Josh Bailey missed Sunday's 5-4 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils, but coach Doug Weight said his star's lower body injury would not keep him out for long.
Weight on Bailey: “It’s not going to be a long term thing. He’s showed a ton this year as a leader. He’s a big piece of our room and he’ll be back soon.”
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 7, 2018
Bailey suffered the injury during the first period of Friday night's 4-0 loss to the Penguins and did not return.
#Isles Injury Update: Josh Bailey will not return to tonight's game (lower body).
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 6, 2018
The 28-year-old has been enjoying a career-best season in Brooklyn, registering 12 goals and 38 assists in 42 games this year. Bailey posted a career-high 56 points last season in 82 games.
The Islanders (21-18-4) snapped a five-game losing streak Sunday and moved into a tie for fifth place in the tight-knit Metropolitan Division. They now have six days off before facing the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.