One Note For Each Player Ahead Of Final Preseason Game
Bo Horvat, Jonathan Drouin, Kyle Palmieri, and Tony DeAngelo will not be suiting up for the Islanders, based on this morning’s line rushes.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The New York Islanders hit the ice tonight for their final preseason game of the season.
Expect this lineup tonight, with Bo Horvat, Jonathan Drouin, Kyle Palmieri, and Tony DeAngelo likely not suiting up, based on this morning’s line rushes.
Also, expect defenseman Isaiah George to come on the trip, but not play tonight.
Here’s a note for each player that is expected to play tonight:
Anthony Duclair: One of the strongest players so far at camp. He needs to keep the same pace we’ve seen — get dirty and continue to crash the net.
Calum Ritchie: Now getting a chance on a more offensive line, Ritchie has the opportunity to prove he can be a two-way forward, not just one or the other. He should skate up the middle of the ice with purpose and not be afraid to make a play.
Emil Heineman: There’s no question he has one of the heaviest shots on the team. His goal should be to let it rip whenever he gets it on his stick. He has just one 5-on-5 shot this preseason (through three games).
Anders Lee: Due to an upper-body injury, Lee hasn’t played the last five preseason games. For him, it’s simply about settling in.
Mathew Barzal: Working his way back from the knee injury, Barzal said he wants to get touches and timing down tonight. He’s looked very strong out there the entire camp.
Maxim Tsyplakov: He showed some rust in his preseason debut Monday, but he clearly understands how he has to play (go North, not East-West-South). Now playing with Barzal, look for him to cut to the slot more and become a bigger offensive factor.
Simon Holmstrom: What’s been missing from Holmstrom’s game all camp is a bit of grittiness. Look for him to bring more snarl tonight in his final tune-up.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau: Reliability has been Pageau’s biggest strength for Roy. With Shabanov on his wing, his role is to continue supporting him in any way he can. Maybe we’ll see some rush chances for the line.
Maxim Shabanov: He’s been quiet but effective so far in camp. With one last chance to prove himself, maybe he takes more pucks to the outside off the rush and shows off some of that elite hand-eye coordination. Doesn’t need a highlight-reel goal — but showing he can still play his style while adapting to the NHL matters.
Casey Cizikas: He’s been on the left side a few times. Tonight is about proving to Roy that he can be relied on in any position, especially in defensive assignments, which differ from playing center.
Kyle MacLean & Marc Gatcomb: Both have likely won extra forward duties. For MacLean, it’s about continuing to play physical and finish checks. For Gatcomb, it’s keeping those feet moving.
Adam Pelech: He’s so accustomed to Pulock that it’s just about getting more reps. Health is the most important thing, but overall, his game has looked solid, so just continue to get the reps.
Ryan Pulock: It’s been a tough camp for Pulock. He’s working on things, but it’s important that he ramps up his passing and first steps tonight.
Matthew Schaefer: He’s had a tremendous camp, but there have been mistakes. At times, he’s gotten caught up the ice. While communication with Mayfield has been strong, there’s still room for more.
Scott Mayfield: He continues to be a steady partner for Schaefer. Might want to hang back a bit more, just to ensure coverage when Schaefer takes off.
Alexander Romanov: He’s one of the steadiest, most technically sound defensemen in camp. It’s been impressive. In this last preseason game, look for him to maybe join the rush more and get shots through, a part of his game he flashed last year, even as Roy emphasized defensive responsibility.
Adam Boqvist: He’s expected to start the season as the 7th defenseman. His job is to solidify why he’s the right choice. With power play time, it’s key to show he can be trusted at the point. Roy trusts him — his job is to keep it that way.
Ilya Sorokin: He has only played one preseason game so far and was solid. Timing is everything for goalies. He was off his angle on the first goal allowed last Friday, so squaring up and settling in early will go a long way.