It was line juggling with a purpose.
Coach Barry Trotz could construct new line combinations for Sunday night’s rematch against the Rangers at Nassau Coliseum to conclude a season-high, six-game homestand. He certainly tried to get a sneak peek at potential trios in the third period of Friday night’s 4-1 loss.
It was the Islanders’ second game since acquiring forwards Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac from the Devils.
"I have an idea of where we want to go," Trotz said before giving his team off on Saturday in the midst of three games in four nights.