Islanders’ Forward Lines Falling Into Place At Crucial Time In Playoff Push
The New York Islanders are finding line stability at the perfect time, with their fourth line leading the way and secondary scoring emerging as the playoff race heats up.
ELMONT, NY — Since the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy has been trying to find the right line combinations.
Ondrej Palat got a look on the top line with Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat after the Islanders acquired him from the New Jersey Devils on January 27, before being moved up and down the lineup. Brayden Schenn, whom the Islanders acquired on Trade Deadline Day (March 6), also had different wingers early on.
At some point — just my opinion — Roy needed to let the players gel.
I asked Roy Friday morning, a day before the Panthers game, about the challenge of trying different combinations while also understanding there’s little room for error in a tight playoff race.
“It’s an adjustment for us as a coaching staff, as well as the players,” Roy said. “But I think right now, we’re past that.”
I think he’s right.