STAYING HOT: Islanders Lineup, Matchup and Game Notes vs. Boston Bruins

When it comes to teams that New York Islanders have gotten the better of this season, the Boston Bruins have surprisingly been at the top of the list. Tonight they’ll look to continue that trend when they host Boston for the third time this season.

The Islanders have already defeated Boston twice on home ice, and of their three regulation losses this year the Islanders are responsible for two of them.

“They’re obviously a really good team so it’s a tough matchup,” said Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has three goals in two games against Boston this season. “Every team is looking to get points and climb in the standings. That’s what we’re trying to do. We’re not too far behind first place and obviously, tonight’s game is very important. Our preparation has to be at the top.”

🎥 Nelson Pregame Availability 🎥 pic.twitter.com/f7UJLv7QTz

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 25, 2021

The Islanders are three points back of Boston for the East Division lead and a point behind the Washington Capitals for second in the division and could leapfrog their division rival into second with a win, and a Washington loss tonight.

New York will still be without Michael Dal Colle, who remains day-to-day, but is close to returning. Islanders head coach Barry Trotz would not say what the rest of his lineup would be or if Austin Czarnik would play against his former team.

Czarnik played 59 games with Boston in parts of two seasons during 2016-17 and 2017-18. So far this season, Czarnik has appeared just two games for the Islanders, including Monday’s win over Buffalo.

“I think everybody enjoys playing against a former team,” said Trotz, while making a point to say he wasn’t confirming if Czarnik would play or not. “I think there’s a little added motivation, that’s for sure.”

🎥 Trotz Pregame Availability 🎥 pic.twitter.com/8kqyUXvY65

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 25, 2021

Semyon Varlamov is expected to start in goal for the Islanders tonight. He has been in goal in both previous matchups with Boston this season.

“We were playing fast then on the forecheck we were able to get some turnovers and some chances,” Brock Nelson said about the last time the Islanders faced Boston. “They’re a tough team. They have a lot of weapons. Obviously great goaltending, so every time you play them it’s going to be you hope for a tight game and a chance to win it. Tonight’s a good opportunity.”

Boston will start Jaroslav Halak in Net tonight, which will be the first time he has faced the Islanders since playing for them. The last time he played at the Nassau Coliseum had been April 25, 2015, during the Islanders’ first “last game” at the building.

New York Islanders Lineup (Projected)

Anders Lee — Mathew Barzal — Jordan Eberle

Anthony Beauvillier — Brock Nelson — Josh Bailey

Austin Czarnik — Jean-Gabriel Pageau — Oliver Wahlstrom

Matt Martin — Casey Cizikas — Cal Clutterbuck

Adam Pelech — Ryan Pulock

Nick Leddy — Scott Mayfield

Andy Greene — Noah Dobson

Semyon Varlamov

Ilya Sorokin

Boston Bruins Lines (Projected via Boston Hockey Now)

Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak

Nick Ritchie – Charlie Coyle – Craig Smith

Anders Bjork – Jack Studnicka – Jake DeBrusk

Trent Frederic – Sean Kuraly – Chris Wagner

Urho Vaakanainen – Charlie McAvoy

Jakub Zboril – Brandon Carlo

John Moore – Connor Clifton

Jaroslav Halak

Tuukka Rask

Game Notes

The Islanders have picked up points in each of their first home games this season. They are the only team in the NHL that has earned a point in every home game this year. … New York has scored a game-winning goal on the power play in each of their last three home games. Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored the winning goal on Monday at 15:08 of the third while the Islanders had the man-advantage. … The Islanders are 6-2-3 in their last 11 games and have picked up points in nine of those contests. … David Pastrnak will appear in his 400th NHL game tonight. … Pastrnak and Brad Marchand lead Boston in goals with nine each this season. Marchand’s next goal will be his 300th in the NHL. … Boston enters tonight’s game with the league’s third-fewest goals against per game with 2.25.

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 1050 AM ESPN, 88.7 FM WRHU and 103.9 FM LI News Radio.