The New York Islanders hit the ice for Wednesday’s morning skate with a couple of fresh faces in the mix, and the lineup is starting to take shape as the team looks to build momentum heading into a critical stretch of the season. Defenseman Carson Soucy and forward Ondrej Palat both skated with their new teammates, and Head Coach Patrick Roy wasted no time plugging them into meaningful spots.
Morning Skate Line Combinations
Here’s how the forward lines and defensive pairings looked during the session:
Forwards:
- Ondrej Palat - Bo Horvat - Emil Heineman
- Jonathan Drouin - Mathew Barzal - Anthony Duclair
- Anders Lee - JG Pageau - Simon Holmstrom
- Kyle MacLean - Casey Cizikas - Marc Gatcomb
Defense:
- Matthew Schaefer - Scott Mayfield
- Adam Pelech - Tony DeAngelo
- Carson Soucy - Adam Boqvist
Palat Slotted with Horvat and Heineman
Ondrej Palat is expected to make his Islanders debut skating on the top line alongside Bo Horvat and Emil Heineman. It’s a spot that reflects the trust Roy already has in the veteran winger’s all-around game. Palat’s known for his responsible two-way play, and Roy pointed out that his ability to support both ends of the ice made him a natural fit next to Horvat, another player who prides himself on being a 200-foot contributor.
“I like his 200-foot game,” Roy said. “He can play well offensively, play well defensively. I think that’s going to help Bo a lot.”
Palat’s experience playing complementary roles alongside elite scorers like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point in Tampa Bay gives the Islanders reason to believe he can mesh quickly in New York. Roy isn’t expecting a carbon copy of past success, but the blueprint is there.
“He did that in the past with Point and Kucherov,” Roy added. “I’m not saying it’s going to be the exact same thing, but he did that, he has that experience, and hopefully that’s going to click for us.”
Holmstrom Back, Shabanov Out
Simon Holmstrom is set to return to the lineup after missing Monday’s game due to illness. His return comes as Max Shabanov exits the lineup, a move that Roy explained was influenced by a desire to keep the fourth line of MacLean, Cizikas, and Gatcomb intact. That trio has brought energy and consistency, and the staff clearly sees value in maintaining that chemistry.
Rittich Gets the Nod in Net
David Rittich was the first goalie off the ice during morning skate, which typically signals he’ll get the start Wednesday night. Rittich is looking to get back in the win column after going 0-2-1 in his last three starts. Despite the recent skid, his overall numbers are solid: an 11-7-3 record, 2.57 goals-against average, .902 save percentage, and two shutouts-including a 27-save gem against the Rangers back on December 27.
With Rittich expected to start Wednesday, Ilya Sorokin is likely in line to handle Thursday’s rematch at Madison Square Garden.
Pulock Skates, Remains Game-Time Decision
There was a welcome sight at morning skate as Ryan Pulock joined the team for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury against Seattle on January 21. He skated as an extra defenseman and remains a game-time decision, according to General Manager and Executive Vice President Mathieu Darche.
Getting Pulock back would be a boost to the Islanders’ blue line, especially with a challenging back-to-back set on the horizon.
Ritchie Sidelined Day-to-Day
Forward Cal Ritchie did not participate in Wednesday’s skate and is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Darche described it as a minor tweak and downplayed any long-term concerns.
“I can’t tell you if it’ll be one day, or one week, but it’s nothing major,” Darche said.
With new pieces being integrated, veterans returning, and a key divisional matchup looming, the Islanders are entering a pivotal moment in their season. Chemistry will take time, but the early signs suggest this group is starting to take shape-and they’ll get their first test tonight.