Islanders center Derick Brassard, left, celebrates his goal against the Buffalo Sabres with Anthony Beauvillier during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y. on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. Credit: AP/Adrian Kraus
Barry Trotz put off the decision, at least for now.
The Islanders coach had right wing Jordan Eberle available for Saturday’s matinee against the Panthers at Barclays Center after he had missed 10 games with a lower-body issue. So, Trotz inserted Eberle right back into his usual spot on Mathew Barzal’s top line along with captain Anders Lee.
Yet, Trotz also kept natural center Derick Brassard on Brock Nelson’s right wing, where he’s thrived offensively rather than immediately move him back into the middle.