Barzal opened the scoring at 12:35 of the first, beating Subban for his sixth goal with assists to Bailey and Dobson. It was the first goal since Dec. 2 for Barzal, who missed three games in COVID-19 protocol this month.

Barzal leads the Islanders with 20 points.

Former Islander Kyle Okposo tied it for the Sabres with a power-play goal at the 19-minute mark of the opening period. The 33-year-old Okposo spent nine seasons with the Islanders before signing a seven-year, $42 million free-agent contract with the Sabres in July 2016.

The goal was Okposo’s seventh and team-leading 21st point this season. Brett Murray and Victor Olofsson assisted.

The 28-year-old Subban, acquired from Chicago this month, made 28 saves.

The Islanders entered tied with Boston having played a league-fewest 26 games.

The Sabres were coming off a 4-3 loss to the Devils on Wednesday night at home, Buffalo’s first game back since a 3-2 overtime loss at Pittsburgh on Dec. 17.

ROSTER MOVES

Before the game, New York forwards Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Martin and Zach Parise plus defenseman Robin Salo were removed from the COVID-19 protocol list. The Islanders also recalled forwards Cole Bardreau, Austin Czarnik and Michael Dal Colle from their taxi squad and recalled defenseman Grant Hutton from AHL Bridgeport. Dal Colle made his season debut.

NOTES: The Sabres and Islanders are also scheduled to play in Buffalo on April 26. … The Islanders were without forwards Brock Nelson, Oliver Wahlstrom and Anthony Beauvillier plus defenseman Sebastian Aho because they are in COVID-19 protocol. ... The Islanders were without injured forward Kyle Palmieri and defenseman Ryan Pulock. ... New York also scratched Bardreau and Hutton. ... The Sabres scratched defensemen Robert Hagg, Colin Miller and Jacob Bryson.

UP NEXT

Sabres: Visit the Boston Bruins on Saturday afternoon.

Islanders: Host the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon.

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