The Islanders activated Casey Cizikas from long-term injured reserve on Thursday morning, marking the first return to a healthy lineup in a while for a team that has dealt with injury issues since opening night.
Cizikas, who injured his lower body while blocking a shot by Filip Hronek on Jan. 9, has missed the last 10 games with Kyle McClain filling in for him.
However, after scoring his first NHL goal in Toronto on Monday night, McClain was ejected for cap compliance with the Islanders on Thursday.
With Robert Bortuzzo (lower body) still on long-term injured reserve, the Isles still lack cap space at the trade deadline.
But Cizikas became the third daily player to return since the All-Star break, joining Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock in a 3-2 win against the Maple Leafs on Monday.
Thursday’s game against the Lightning will be the first time since the Nov. 24 win over the Senators that the Isles will be without a single player from the lineup.
