The New York Islanders hit the ice Monday morning at Capital One Arena, gearing up for their clash with the Washington Capitals. With a few fresh line combinations and a key return to the lineup, Head Coach Patrick Roy is continuing to tinker with his roster in search of the right spark.
PROJECTED LINEUP
- Ondrej Palat - Bo Horvat - Mathew Barzal
- Emil Heineman - Jonathan Drouin - Simon Holmstrom
- Anders Lee - JG Pageau - Anthony Duclair
- Kyle MacLean - Casey Cizikas - Marc Gatcomb
Defensive Pairings
- Matthew Schaefer - Ryan Pulock
- Adam Pelech - Tony DeAngelo
- Carson Soucy - Scott Mayfield
Starting Goalie
- David Rittich
Let’s break down the key storylines heading into this matchup.
Drouin Returns - And He’s Taking the Middle
After missing Saturday’s game due to illness, Jonathan Drouin is back in the lineup, and he’s slotting in as the center between Emil Heineman and Simon Holmstrom. While Drouin has primarily played on the wing throughout his career, he’s no stranger to the center position and has been used in faceoff situations regularly this season - winning just over 50% of his draws (50.9% to be exact).
Coach Roy praised Drouin’s recent play, particularly at the faceoff dot, and sees the move as a natural fit. “He’s been really good on faceoffs, over 50%. He has played well as a centerman in the past,” Roy said.
Drouin enters the night with 20 points (3 goals, 17 assists) on the season, and his return gives the Islanders a bit more balance down the middle.
Holmstrom and Heineman: Swedish Chemistry on Display
One of the more intriguing wrinkles in today’s lines is the pairing of Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman - two young Swedes who’ve grown close off the ice and now get their first shot at playing together on it.
Holmstrom, who’s quietly put together a strong season with 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 53 games, is known for his two-way game and ability to create plays in transition. He’s coming off a three-point performance against the Rangers and continues to earn praise from both teammates and coaches.
“He’s underrated,” said Heineman. “He has a 200-foot game. He can create plays out of nowhere and he’s really good at winning pucks back - which is huge when you want to generate offense.”
Holmstrom, meanwhile, is excited about the partnership. “Heineman’s really hard on the forecheck and he’s got a hell of a shot,” he said. “It’s up to me and Drouin to find him.”
This line could offer a mix of speed, skill, and puck retrieval - and if the chemistry translates from off-ice friendship to on-ice production, Roy might have something worth sticking with.
Barzal and Horvat Reunited
At the top of the lineup, Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat are back together - a duo the Islanders have leaned on heavily since Horvat’s arrival. Ondrej Palat will join them on the left wing, bringing some grit and net-front presence to complement the skill of his linemates.
Horvat is still finding his rhythm after missing five games with a lower-body injury earlier in January. He’s picked up two assists in five games since returning, and Roy is hoping this line tweak helps get him going again.
“Palat’s a really good fit for these two guys,” Roy said. “He works hard, goes to the net.
Bo’s been strong in the faceoff circle and solid at both ends. This setup lets Barzal focus more on offense and less on defensive zone faceoffs, which we think will help his game.”
The move not only plays to each player’s strengths but also gives Barzal a bit more freedom to create - something the Islanders will need as they look to generate consistent scoring.
Rittich Gets the Nod in Net
David Rittich will get the start between the pipes. With the Islanders looking to build momentum and secure valuable points, Rittich’s steady presence in goal will be key against a Capitals team that can still strike quickly when given space.
The Islanders are navigating a crucial stretch of the season, and Roy’s lineup decisions reflect a coach looking for the right mix of chemistry, structure, and offensive punch. With Drouin back, Holmstrom and Heineman paired up, and Barzal-Horvat reunited, tonight’s game offers a fresh look - and a chance to see if these combinations can carry the team forward.