Adam Pelech was back in the Islanders’ lineup, but Tuesday was not the day they could play their six opening-night defenseman for the first time since Oct. 25.

PITTSBURGH — It has been, coach Patrick Roy admitted, a “weird season” for the Islanders because of injuries and illnesses.

The Islanders had a three-goal third period after falling in a 4-0 hole, but ultimately come up short in Tampa Bay ...

Pelech logged an assist, two shots on goal and two blocked shots in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Lightning. The helper was Pelech's first point in six games since he returned from missing a contest ...

Reilly entered the lineup with Adam Pelech (lower body/day-to-day ... Righthanders Noah Dobson — moved to his off side — and Ryan Pulock skated together with the left-shooting Pelech ...

Pelech notched an assist and went plus-2 in Sunday's 6-4 loss to the Hurricanes. Pelech was a bright spot for the Islanders in an otherwise poor defensive showing. This was his second game in a ...

Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Pulock also scored ... Key moment Captains Anders Lee and Adam Lowry attempted to inspire their respective teams by dropping the gloves in the first period.

Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Pulock also scored ... Captains Anders Lee and Adam Lowry attempted to inspire their respective teams by dropping the gloves in the first period. Nelson has nine 20-goal ...