Islanders' Patrick Roy Delivers Crucial Updates on Matt Barzal, Semyon Varlamov Before Faceoff vs Blackhawks

The New York Islanders, who are coming off a 3-1 loss to the LA Kings on Tuesday, may be missing key players for their game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday.

The Blackhawks on the other hand are coming off a 2-1 win against the New York Rangers in enemy territory at the Madison Square Garden, and with the Islanders' lineup changes- this could be game-deciding news for a Blackhawks win.

New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy delivered major injury updates to the media ahead of their faceoff against the Blackhawks, revealing that star forward Matt Barzal is ruled out, and is considered 'day-to-day', but isn't quite ready yet.

Backup goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who is used to taking on weaker teams (such as the Blackhawks) is also not skating, which is a bad sign for the Islanders.

The Blackhawks not only face the Islanders on Thursday, but Sunday as well, noted by Tab Bamford.

This is a severe advantage for newly appointed head coach Anders Sorensen to make adjustments, and overpower this shorthanded Islanders team accordingly.

Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m at UBS arena in New York, for Blackhawks fans wanting to watch- click HERE