Week-to-week in Islanders playoff blow

PITTSBURGH — The Islanders’ playoff hopes took a disastrous blow on Monday morning when the news came down that Mat Barzal is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Barzal left Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Bruins 6:01 into the first period after a hit from Craig Smith. After taking a skate around the rink during a TV timeout, he spent the rest of the game in the locker room.

With the Islanders scrapping and clawing to try and make the playoffs, losing Barzal — one of their most dynamic offensive players — drastically changes their outlook for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old has 51 points (14 goals, 37 assists) in 58 games this season.