Islanders Welcome Barzal & Pelech Back vs. Blackhawks: Lineups & Notes
The Islanders are getting some reinforcements back.
CHICAGO — After winning the first leg of their home-and-home set, the New York Islanders (12-12-7) eye a sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks (9-19-2) at the United Center.
Puck drop is set for 3:00 p.m., and the game can be found on MSGSN.
Forward Mathew Barzal and defenseman Adam Pelech are back in the lineup:
Barzal: “The biggest thing is just the mental battle, just not being around the boys as much, not being on the road, not being in the fight with the boys. So, definitely long days at the rink. But time goes on, and we're here today […] The boys, first of all, did a heck of a job. I mean, they really threw their rally caps on. And every single game, you saw them competing. There wasn't a single game that we weren't in he could have won. So, credit to them. It was inspiring."
Pelech: “I knew right away because I could feel in my mouth that things weren't really where they were supposed to be […] Romy comes off the ice. I go out there and get hurt. As soon as I get to the room, I turn the TV on, and Mike is down. A lot of guys stepped up big time that game.”
Forward Anthony Duclair will not play against Chicago, but he is probable to return Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. Forward Bo Horvat will not play due to a lower-body injury, as he’s day-to-day. Forward Pierre Engvall is back up after clearing waivers on Saturday. Goalie Semyon Varlamov has been placed on injured reserve.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Lee-Pageau-Barzal
Tsyplakov-Nelson-Palmieri
Engvall-MacLean-Holmstrom
Martin-Cizikas-Fasching
Romanov-Dobson
Pelech-Pulock
Cholowski-Mayfield
Sorokin
Hogberg
WHO’S HOT:
Simon Holmstrom had three points at UBS Arena on Thursday, tallying a goal and two assists in the win. He has 10 assists through 31 games, tying his career-high set last season.
Noah Dobson’s offensive output has continued to rise in recent weeks. Across his last five games, he’s tallied two goals and four assists for six points, increasing his season stats to three red lights and 14 helpers for 17 points.
Kyle Palmieri has a three-game point streak entering Sunday’s game after a moderate slump. The forward has a goal and three assists in that span. He has the most career helpers against Chicago with 12 in 19.
Brock Nelson is close to moving up on the Islanders’ career goals list, but he is two short of moving into a tie with Brent Sutter and Pat LaFontaine for fifth place. Nelson has 285 goals in his career, all with the Islanders.
Ilya Sorokin will start his eighth straight game after winning the front end of the home-and-home, making 26 saves on 30 shots in the win. He improved to 4-0-1 against the Blackhawks in the win with a 2.20 GAA and .919 SV%.
OPPONENT’S NOTES:
Connor Bedard was the star of the show for the Blackhawks on Thursday, recording a goal and two assists against the Islanders. Across his first two games against New York in his career, he has a goal and three assists.
T.J. Brodie is two assists short of 200 for his NHL career entering Sunday’s game. In his 935-game career, he has 57 goals and 298 assists for 355 points.
Ryan Donato is Chicago’s goals leader this season with 10 in 26 games. Connor Bedard leads in the remaining offensive categories, with 18 helpers and 24 points.
Taylor Hall recorded an assist in Thursday’s game to extend his lead as Chicago’s leading scorer across the board against the Islanders. In 33 games, he has 16 goals and 14 assists for 30 points in 33 games.
Drew Commeso started the front of a back-to-back for Chicago, so Arvid Soderblom is likely to start for the Blackhawks on Sunday. He was yanked from the game on Thursday after the Islanders’ third-period onslaught, finishing with five goals against on 19 shots. Against New York, he is 0-3-0 with a 3.68 GAA and .888 SV%.
Blackhawks Latest Lines
Islanders Community:
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Should the team be retooled
1. PP and PK over the last two plus years historically bad
2. This team is exactly what they have shown the last two plus years.
3. You have to maximize the Cup Winning portion of Sorokin’s career
4. The contending teams will be desperate to get a hold of Pulock (RHD in his prime is gold) Winnipeg is a perfect trade partner. Palmeri Lee JG playing well and the islanders can clear cap space. Lee playing very well, maybe we need to retain some. Mayfield has value also.
4. Build around core of
Sorokin
Varley (Back up)
Defense
Romanov. Dobson
George. Pelech
Forwards
DuClair. Horvat. Barzel
Holmstrom Nelson Tsyplakov
Trade of Pulock to Winnipeg could bring D Ville Heinola and F Brad Lamert if they don’t like these players the Jets have other guys. The Jets time in NOW and they need a Pulock desperately
Clearing cap space will give you an opportunity to sign a Marner at best and at worst you’ll have tremendous flexibility.
Eiserman Danny Nelson Liam Foudy Alex Jefferies are players that are very close to NHL
Be smart sign Nelson for 3 years he is in excellent physical shape.
Identify young PK players via FA or trade and build a 3rd and 4th
Management knows exactly what they have and what needs to be done. Forget this year reload!
Low point of a very disappointing season.