Nick-At-Night: New York Islanders Lineup, Matchups and Game Notes vs. Philly

When the night is said and done, the New York Islanders hope they’re sending in the dancing lobsters rather than shouting “oh man” like Swiper the Fox.

The Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers on Nickelodeon night at Nassau Coliseum as they look to move back into a tie for first place with the Washington Capitals.  New York is coming off an eight-goal night against Washington on Thursday.

They have also had plenty of success against Philadelphia as of late, taking both of their previous matchups against them. Tonight is the sixth meeting between Philadelphia and New York.

It comes as Philadelphia has struggled of late, going 4-5-1 in their last 10 games. Even knowing the struggles that Philadelphia has had, the Islanders’ focus entering tonight’s tilt will be on themselves.

“It doesn’t matter really the opponent, it’s more about our game,” Andy Greene said. “Use our strengths to our advantage and try to inflict our game onto them. Try to play our game and go from there. You can’t get too caught up in different scenarios like that. We’re really focused on what we’re trying to do tonight and bring our best game.”

📹 Greene Pregame Availability 📹 pic.twitter.com/O1UTzlo4ie

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 3, 2021

New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz again kept his cards close to the chest during his morning media availability. He did not divulge any news about his roster or starting goaltender, other than saying he would be Russian.

Semyon Varlamov was in net on Thursday for the Islanders 8-4 win over Washington. Anthony Beauvillier has also been back with Brock Nelson and Josh Bailey on the ice.

“We have a number of guys that you can kind of move around seamlessly and they fit right in,” Brock Nelson said. “When we have Beau it’s nice to get him out there and all three try to get going. Just playing fast, create some turnovers and make some plays. It’s nice when we’re out there together.”

Philadelphia will have Carter hart in net tonight on Long Island and both Oskar Lindblom and Nolan Patrick will be back in the lineup. Both players were kept out of Wednesday’s 6-1 loss to Buffalo.

New York Islanders Lineup (Projected)

Leo Komarov — Mathew Barzal — Jordan Eberle

Anthony Beauvillier — Brock Nelson — Josh Bailey

Ross Johnston — Jean-Gabriel Pageau — Oliver Wahlstrom

Matt Martin — Casey Cizikas — Cal Clutterbuck

Adam Pelech — Ryan Pulock

Nick Leddy — Scott Mayfield

Andy Greene — Noah Dobson

Ilya Sorokin

Semyon Varlamov

Game Notes

The Islanders have outscored their opponents 45-23 in the third period for a league-high +22 goal differential. … The Islanders have allowed 87 goals in 37 games, matching the fewest goals through 37 games in club history. … Josh Bailey is one point shy of his 500th of his NHL career. … Sean Couturier has a five-game point streak going entering tonight. He has four goals and four assists in that span. … Philadelphia is third in the NHL in faceoff success, with a 53.6 FOW%. … James van Riemsdyk is Philadelphia’s leading scorer with 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) through 35 games.

How to Watch

Tonight’s game will air on MSG+ and stream on MSG Go or on NHL.TV outside of the New York market. On the radio dial, the game can be heard on 970 AM WNYM, 88.7 FM WRHU and 103.9 FM LI News Radio.