The New York Islanders have had a frustratingly inconsistent season. Currently 15th in the Eastern Conference and seven points outside of a playoff spot, it’s more than fair to say this season has not gone to plan for New York.

Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon could each return to the lineup for the Wild against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+). Each took part in line rushes at practice on Wednesday, and coach John Hynes said he is "cautiously optimistic" that they would play.

Could miss time

Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson has no timetable for a return from the lower-body injury he suffered in Monday’s win over the Blue Jackets, the team told Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News and NHL.com.

Dobson did not participate in Tuesday’s practice at Northwell Health Ice Center and the team announced he was dealing with a lower-body injury suffered in Monday night’s 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets at UBS Arena. The Islanders said there was no timetable yet for Dobson’s recovery.

Dobson suffered an undisclosed injury in the third period of Monday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jackets, per Andrew Gross of Newsday. Dobson was injured on his first shift in the final frame as a result of an awkward fall after being hit by Columbus' Cole Sillinger.

The two-game winning streak has helped the New York Islanders, but they remain in last place in the Metropolitan Division. That said, the recent games have shown how they can turn the season around and make a push for the playoffs.

THROUGH GAMES OF WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22, 2025

Trevor Zegras returned from a torn meniscus in his right knee in a 5-2 loss against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday and had four shots in 15:48 of ice time. The Ducks forward was injured late in the first period of a 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Dec. 4.

Islanders defenceman Noah Dobson has a lower-body injury with no timeline for his return, according to NHL.com’s Stefen Rosner.

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Noah Dobson for fantasy hockey. According to Andrew Gross of Newsday, New York Islanders defenseman Noah