Trotz: Islanders Likely to Go with Same Lineup in Game 3

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — Don’t expect any changes to the New York Islanders lineup on Thursday, at least that was what head coach Barry Trotz was trying to convey following the team’s practice on Wednesday.

The Islanders’ lines were the same at practice as they had been in Game 1 and Game 2 against the Boston Bruins. All three goaltenders also practiced on Wednesday at Northwell Health Ice Center.

[Click here for complete Stanley Cup Playoff coverage of the New York Islanders]

Oliver Wahlstrom did not skate with the main group at the Islanders suburban Long Island practice facility, but Trotz did say he skated on his own. The Isles rookie has missed the last three playoff games after being hit awkwardly into the boards in Game 5 of the First Round.

“They’re still day-to-day,” Trotz said, while also addressing the injury to Michael Dal Colle. “I think we’re going to go with the same lineup as last game. They’re getting closer, but they’re still day-to-day.”

Dal Colle is dealing with an undisclosed injury, but he had not appeared in any postseason games during the First Round or Second Round so far. Wahlstrom had played in the first five games of the New York Islanders series with the Pittsburgh Penguins before he was hurt in Game 5.

The New York Islanders and Boston are currently even 1-1 as the series shifts to Long Island for Game 3 at the Nassau Coliseum. The puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

New York is 6-1-0 in the playoffs at the Nassau Coliseum under Trotz.