New York Islanders

Islanders Preseason Game 2 vs. Flyers Preview: Lines, Goalies, How To Watch

Published

7 months ago

September 27, 2023

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The New York Islanders will continue their preseason schedule this evening when they welcome the Philadelphia Flyers to UBS Arena.

Last night, the Islanders lost their preseason opener against the New York Rangers, 4-2, largely due to a bad start in the first period.

Considering who played yesterday, we can infer who may possibly play for the Islanders tonight.

Projected Lineup:

Forwards: Horvat, Barzal, Wahlstrom, Cizikas, Martin, Gauthier, Kuhlman, Holmström, Iskhakov, Liukas, Pinho, Timashov

Defense: Pelech, Dobson, Salo, Cholowski, Mitchell, LaDue

Goalies: Sorokin, Appleby

Projected Lineup per Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News

Players To Watch:

Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat found an instant spark with each other once Horvat joined the Islanders prior to last year’s trade deadline. However, a lower-body injury to Barzal smothered that spark. Tonight will mark the first time the duo will skate with each other at full strength after both overcame obstacles this offseason.

But as much as those two will be a point of focus, so too will be whoever it is that joins them on their line, as there is an open spot for the Islanders on the left side.

Prospects have mostly filled that role so far this preseason, and tonight it could very well likely be Simon Holmström.

Holmström played in 50 games for the Islanders in his first year in the NHL last season but only recorded nine points. Heading into this season, the 22-year-old is pushing to make the team’s roster with limited space available

But even if Holmström does make the cut, he likely won’t play on the top line. However, Oliver Wahlstrom possibly could.

Wahlstrom suffered a lower-body injury last December that forced him to miss the final 47 games of the regular season and playoffs for the Islanders. He’s returned to the ice during training camp, and Wednesday’s game will be his first against live competition since his injury.

How To Watch:

Puck drop from between the Islanders and Flyers at UBS Arena is scheduled for just after 7 p.m. this evening. There won’t be a television or radio broadcast of the game, but fans can tune in through a live stream on the New York Islanders website.