Bailey nabs assist in return

After missing the previous four games with a lower-body injury, All-Star winger Josh Bailey rejoined the top line alongside John Tavares and Anders Lee in Thursday’s 5-2 loss to the Bruins at Barclays Center. Bailey — second on the team in points (50) and fifth in the NHL in assists (38) entering the game — also returned to the top power-play unit.

“Bails, amongst other guys, has been a really big loss. It’s been noticeable,” coach Doug Weight said at the morning skate. “It’ll be good to see him back in the lineup.”

Bailey logged 21:46 of ice time and assisted on a late goal by Tavares.

“I felt good,” Bailey said. “I wasn’t out too long fortunately. Any time you’re out a little bit, you’re trying to get back as quickly as you can.”

Weight praised Bai- ley’s determination to return quickly, as the 28year-old cancelled a vacation he had planned for last week’s bye week and instead used the time to get healthy.

“Bails, amongst other guys, has been a really big loss. It’s been noticeable,” Weight said Wednesday morning.

Weight was looking for improvements on defense in Thursday’s matchup, as the Islanders had surrendered an average of 44.2 shots over their previous five games.

“There is no reason to give up the amount of shots we’ve given up,” Weight said. “You can’t give up that many shots.”

They showed some progress in the defeat, mainly in an opening period that saw the Bruins take only seven shots. Boston finished with 34.

Defenseman Johnny Boychuk (lower body) and forwards Andrew Ladd (upper body) and Casey Cizikas (upper body) did not play.