What We Think We Know — And Still Don’t — Entering Islanders’ Final Preseason Game

What we think we know — and still don’t — about the Islanders’ roster, lineup and defense entering their final preseason game against the Devils.

Stefen Rosner, David Kolb, and The Elmonters

Sep 26, 2026

∙ Paid

**PHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York Islanders**

ELMONT, NY — Friday night’s 6-1 result was somewhat expected, with the New York Islanders fielding a heavy prospect-AHL lineup against a full New York Rangers roster.

On top of that, veterans like Alexander Romanov and Ryan Pulock were both playing in a game for the first time since undergoing major shoulder surgery — Romanov was out much longer, and I thought Pulock was sharper, but Romanov found his game in the third period.

Regardless, there was a chance for some players to continue fighting for roles or to put a dagger in their make-the-team plans.

With one preseason game to go — it will be as close to the NHL lineup minus Tony DeAngelo, who already played the two-game max — here’s what we think we know and here’s what we don’t know entering Saturday night against the New Jersey.

But first, here’s a look at our latest stories: