Islanders Morning Skate: Romanov To Miss Second Straight Game, Tsyplakov Slips Back In vs. Sharks
The Islanders battle the Sharks at 7 PM ET on MSGSN.
EAST MEADOW, NY — The New York Islanders (2-3-0) host the San Jose Sharks (0-2-3) at UBS Arena on Tuesday night. This game can be found on MSGSN with puck drop at 7 PM ET.
Lineup Updates
Max Tsyplakov returns to the lineup for Kyle MacLean after sitting out the last two
Alexander Romanov (upper body) will miss his second straight game
Adam Boqvist will be in Romanov’s spot, alongside Tony DeAngelo, after playing on his left in a 5-4 win against Ottawa
Ilya Sorokin (1-3-0, 4.13 GAA, .860 SV%) makes his 5th start in 6 games
Lifetime vs. Sharks: 3-0-3, 2.43 GAA, .923 SV%.
Last meeting: 38 saves on 40 shots.
Lines:
Jonathan Drouin -- Bo Horvat -- Emil Heineman
Anthony Duclair -- Mathew Barzal -- Kyle Palmieri
Anders Lee -- Jean-Gabriel Pageau -- Maxim Shabanov
Simon Holmstrom -- Casey Cizikas -- Maxim Tsyplakov
Adam Pelech -- Ryan Pulock
Matthew Schaefer -- Scott Mayfield
Adam Boqvist -- Tony DeAngelo
Ilya Sorokin
David Rittich
Who’s Hot
Emil Heineman: 3-game point streak (2 goals, 1 assist).
Jonathan Drouin: 4-game point streak (1 goal, 3 assists).
Matthew Schaefer: 5-game point streak to start his career — the 6th player in NHL history to do so at age 18 or younger.
A point on Tuesday would tie Marek Zidlicky for the longest career-opening point streak by a defenseman.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau: 3 points in last 3 games (1 goal, 2 assists).
Had a 3-point performance (1G, 2A) in last matchup vs. San Jose.
Anders Lee broke out with 2 goals and an assist Saturday.
15th career 3-point game, 42nd career multi-goal effort.
Leads Isles with 13 goals in 20 games vs. San Jose.
Bo Horvat leads all Islanders in career assists (20) and points (31) vs. Sharks.
Sharks Notes
Coming off a 3-0 loss to Pittsburgh Penguins (Crosby, Mantha, Malkin scored; Jarry 31-save shutout).
First-ever meeting between 2025 NHL Draft top prospects: #1 Matthew Schaefer vs. #2 Michael Misa
Nick Leddy joined the Sharks via waivers from St. Louis; 1G, 1A in 7 games vs. the Isles since 2021
Jeff Skinner: 14 goals, 28 points in 49 games vs. Islanders (leads all Sharks)
14 assists tied with Dmitry Orlov for most vs. New York
Yaroslav Askarov (0-1-1, 6.47 GAA, .833 SV%) starts tonight.
Allowed 6 goals on 34 shots in last outing vs. Utah.
Adam Guadette is a game-time decision due to illness
Simon Holmstrom on Adjusting His Role and Finding His Game
Stefen Rosner: I know the fourth line may not be the role you’re used to. How tough is it to go from a more offensive role to being more defensive?
Simon Holmstrom: “Yeah, I mean, I think you just have to do your best out there. It’s something you can't control. You can only control what you can control. You just have to make the best of it and work hard.”
Stefen Rosner: This is probably the most offensive the fourth line has been in a while. Is it helpful that it’s not just a forechecking line like it’s been for years?
Simon Holmstrom: “Yeah, I mean, maybe. I think we all just want to go out there, have fun, play hard, and do our best to help the team as much as possible.”
Stefen Rosner: What has Patrick Roy’s message been to you?
Simon Holmstrom: “I haven’t really talked to him a lot. It’s more just to go out there and play my game. That’s how I had success last year and before. You can’t change anything — you just have to play the same way, play harder, and do your best.”
Stefen Rosner: Everybody gets caught up in the shot count. For you, how do you balance wanting to get more shots while not forcing low-quality ones?
Simon Holmstrom: “Yeah, for sure. Everyone knows I’m not going to just shoot the puck as soon as I cross the blue line or from the corner. But I think I’ve had three or four missed shots that could’ve been something. I think it was the second game where I had almost a half-open net and just missed. I had a couple more like that. I just have to hit the net — that’s number one. If I had hit the net on those two, that’s probably two goals. It makes a big difference. But like we talked about before, I still have to get those shots up to be able to score. I’m not too worried about it.”
I miss Barry’s Defensive System! It’s bizarre to see opponents coasting down between the circles and firing at point blank range ????? Not once or twice a game either. Sorokin cannot be confident in what’s in front of him. Romanov injury history is getting extensive. I’ve seen enough of Tony D, he is a defensive liability. I would rather see someone like George or Peleck playing on his off side.