New York Islanders

Islanders Game 47 Preview vs. Vegas Golden Knights: Lines, Notes & How Tow Watch

Published

3 months ago

January 23, 2024

The New York Islanders (20-15-11) will try to keep the energy brought in by new head coach Patrick Roy going tonight against the Vegas Golden Knights (27-14-6) at UBS Arena. Here’s what you need to know before puck drop.

Who Will Benefit Most From Roy?

There’s been a refreshing buzz in the Islanders locker room ever since Roy arrived, as he’s made a point to be hands-on in teaching his system to his new players.

While every single one of them seems to be benefitting from Roy’s presence right now, there will be a few who will truly do so in the long run.

Which Islanders Will Benefit Most From New Coach Patrick Roy?

Varlamov Off IR:

The Islanders have their goalie tandem back together after activating Semyon Varlamov off injured reserve yesterday.

Islanders Activate Semyon Varlamov Off Injured Reserve

Varlamov will back up Ilya Sorokin tonight against Vegas. Roy says the plan is for Varlamov to make his first start since Jan. 2 on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens.

Projected Lines:

Lee-Horvat-Barzal

Fasching-Nelson-Palmieri

Holmstrom-Pageau-Gauthier

Martin-MacLean-Clutterbuck

Romanov-Dobson

Pelech-Aho

Reilly-Mayfield

Sorokin

Varlamov

Last Time Out:

Regardless of how this season ends for the Islanders, we’ll look back on their 3-2 overtime victory against the Dallas Stars on Sunday night, one of, if not the, biggest of the year.

Islanders Beat Stars In OT; Snap Losing Skid In Head Coach Roy’s Debut

While there weren’t many discernible differences in the Islanders from a tactical standpoint in their first game with Patrick Roy as the head coach, there was absolutely a shift in emotion.

After giving up the lead in the second period, Hudson Fasching tied the score for the Islanders to begin the third period. In overtime, it only took 41 seconds for Mathew Barzal to hit Bo Horvat with a stretch pass, which he carried in to score and snap a four-game losing streak.

The Opponent:

In their last 10 games, the Vegas Golden Knights are 5-4-1 as they sit in second place in the Pacific Divison, eight points back of the division lead.

Vegas arrives on Long Island prime for picking after falling to the New Jersey Devils in overtime last night. To further put the defending Stanley Cup champions at a disadvantage, they’re missing several key players from their lineup, including Jack Eichel, William Karlsson and Shea Theodore.

However, they are getting one big piece of their team back tonight against the Islanders as goaltender Adin Hill is expected to make his first start since mid-December.

In 15 starts this year, Hill brings a record of 10-2-2 with a 2.72 GAA and a .907 save percentage.

Mark Stone leads Vegas in points with 49, while Jonathan Marchessault is the team’s top goal scorer with 22.

The Golden Knights own the league’s 18th-ranked power play and 16th-ranked penalty kill.

In their matchup on Jan. 6 at T-Mobile Arena, the Golden Knights defeated the Islanders 5-2.

How To Watch:

Puck drop between the Islanders and Golden Knights from UBS Arena is scheduled for just past 7:30 p.m. EST. The game is available to watch on MSGSN or streamed on MSG Plus or ESPN Plus for out-of-market viewers. 88.7 FM WRHU will produce the radio feed of the game, which can also be heard on 103.9 FM WRCN.