Four-Line Threat: How The Islanders Might Win The Matchup Game In 2025-26
The Islanders are poised to be much deeper offensively than they have been in quite some time.
Last season, I asked New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy about matchups and how important having the second change was at home, ahead of a game at UBS Arena.
The Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender was honest, stating that he wasn’t too focused on matchups, as he more often than not went with whatever line he felt was cooking at that moment in time.
Appreciating the honesty, Roy’s answer made sense—especially given all the injuries, particularly to the forward group.
With Anthony Duclair and Mathew Barzal both out of the lineup with long-term injuries after Games 5 and 10, respectively, the opposing head coach didn’t really have to think too much when it came to what players he was throwing on the ice to shut down the likes of Bo Horvat and whoever his linemates were—something that changed way too often.
Even with Brock Nelson on the team, Horvat’s line got the opponent’s best defense pairing more often than not, which impacted offensive production for sure.
The Islanders have always had an abundance of depth forwards, but their bottom six in 2024-25 didn’t contain the kind of goal-scoring depth that would make opposing coaches question their matchup decisions.
Now, things have changed—and the Islanders may actually have a leg up in the matchup game this season, whether at home or on the road.