Islanders Face Hurricanes: Game Preview
The Islanders made several lineup changes ahead of a back-to-back set against the Hurricanes. This brief game preview outlines the skater and goalie adjustments. Coaching staff adjusted forward and defensive pairings for the road swing.
Projected forward and defensive lines
- Anders Lee — Bo Horvat — Emil Heineman
- Mathew Barzal — JG Pageau — Simon Holmstrom
- Max Shabanov — Brayden Schenn — Cal Ritchie
- Ondrej Palat — Casey Cizikas — Marc Gatcomb
- Matthew Schaefer — Ryan Pulock
- Adam Pelech — Carson Soucy
- Isaiah George — Scott Mayfield
- Goalies: Ilya Sorokin; David Rittich
Defense: Isaiah George recalled
Isaiah George will play after being recalled on March 26. He will skate alongside Scott Mayfield on the third pair. George had two NHL appearances this season on January 24 and January 26.
In those games he recorded one assist. His average time on ice in those outings was about 13 minutes and 18 seconds. In Bridgeport he has 17 points, including two goals and 15 assists, through 45 AHL games.
Coach’s expectations
Head coach Patrick Roy said he wants George to keep his game simple. Roy praised his skating and defensive play. He noted George has been performing well in Bridgeport.
Forward adjustments and scratches
Max Shabanov returns to the lineup for the first time since March 13. He will play with Brayden Schenn and Cal Ritchie. As a result, Kyle MacLean will be a healthy scratch.
Shabanov has 16 points on the season, with four goals and 12 assists across 42 games. Simon Holmstrom also returned to the lineup on Friday night.
Holmstrom update
Holmstrom posted one assist, three shots, and one takeaway in 20:09 of ice time. That marked the third time he has exceeded 20 minutes in a game this season. The 24-year-old sits fifth on the team with 40 points, including 19 goals and 21 assists this 2025–26 campaign.
Barzal milestones and form
Mathew Barzal reached 50 assists this season with a helper on a JG Pageau goal. It is his third 50-assist campaign and his second in three years. That feat places him alongside Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin, Mike Bossy, and Stefan Persson in franchise history.
Barzal leads the Islanders with 69 points. He has 19 goals and 50 assists on the year. He is also on a three-game point streak with four points in that span.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow line combinations and late changes before puck drop. Expect in-game updates and analysis during the match against the Hurricanes.
