Pete DeBoer's Islanders Line Changes: What's Working & What's Not

Which Islanders lines are working under Pete DeBoer? Breaking down the early results, lineup changes, and the tough decisions ahead when Mathew Barzal returns.

PHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York Islanders

With Mathew Barzal unavailable to start the season, we knew the New York Islanders’ lines would likely change a few times before he returned.

There was a game plan…

For Simon Holmstrom to get a good look on the top line after showing he had offensive potential in his toolbox.

For Cal Ritchie to start as the second-line center and prove that he could play a reliable two-way game down the middle.

For rookie Victor Eklund to get a feel for the NHL alongside Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

For the Islanders’ fourth line to be an offensive unit that could provide much-needed secondary scoring.

Holmstrom–Horvat–Palmieri

Heineman–Ritchie–Schenn

Maccelli–Pageau–Eklund

Palat–Cizikas–Duclair

Plans change, and they did pretty quickly in Toronto.