The New York Islanders (16-11-0) come into town for a Friday night showdown against the New Jersey Devils (21-4-1). The Islanders enter this one having lost three of their last four games, while New Jersey are winners in five of their last six. The Devils remain tied for first in the league with 43 points. Meanwhile, the Islanders hold the first Wild Card position.
Projected Lineups
New Jersey –
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New York –
Forwards:
Bailey – Barzal – Wahlstrom
Lee – Nelson – Beauvillier
Parise – Pageau – Holmstrom
Martin – Cizikas – Fasching
Defense:
Pelech – Pulock
Romanov – Mayfield
Aho – Dobson
Goalies:
Sorokin
Varlamov
Who To Watch Watch
Brock Nelson
Brock Nelson has a tendency to be a thorn in the Devils’ side and he just happens to come into tonight’s game having a point in each of his last five games (two goals, three assists). Nelson is a big bodied forward who can beat you a multitude of ways, especially on the powerplay when the defense is focusing in on Barzal.
Dougie Hamilton
Dougie Hamilton is coming off of one of a three-point night against the Blackhawks in one of his best performances on the season thus far. Having strong defensive rotations is going to go a long way in maintaining pressure and forcing the Islanders into making mistakes in their own zone. A well-timed pinch or a quick rotation up on the rush driving the play can really create some mismatches for the forwards on the ice. Look for Hamilton to keep rolling and be a factor early and often in this one.
Where To Watch:
Puck drop from the Prudential Center is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. and can be watched via MSG SportsNet.