The line remix that appeared to be forecast at yesterday’s practice appear to be true as the Islanders prepare to host the Arizona Coyotes with both teams riding four-game win streaks.
Casey Cizikas is off IR and back in the lineup for the Islanders, while Cole Bardreau remains — and at center — for his second NHL game. Derick Brassard, the veteran center who has struggled to produce thus far, moves to wing.
Here are the expected lines, with Semyon Varlamov all but certain to get the never-announced start:
#Isles lineup to start tonight should look like this
Lee-Barzal-Bailey
Brassard-Nelson-Beauvillier
Dal Colle-Bardreau-Wahlstrom
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck
Leddy-Boychuk
Pelech-Pulock
Toews-Mayfield
Varlamov— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 24, 2019The Coyotes have been on fire and Barry Trotz sang their praises — more than the obligatory respect the opponent/”they’re a good team” lingo even — so they’ve overcome a tough start to the season and the long-term loss of Niklas Hjalmarsson to a broken leg.