Islanders change forward lines; Sorokin to start home opener
New York reshuffled its forwards and confirmed Sorokin for Saturday against New Jersey, when Schaefer will wear the A at home for the first time.
What's newMatthew Schaefer will wear the alternate captain’s letter at home for the first time against New Jersey on Saturday.
The New York Islanders tested different forward combinations at Friday's practice following Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Coach Pete DeBoer also confirmed that Ilya Sorokin will start the home opener against the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena on Saturday, Oct. 3 (7:30 p.m. ET, MSGSN).
Matthew Schaefer will wear the alternate captain’s letter at home for the first time. The reigning Calder Trophy winner, who turned 19 on Sept. 5, is the youngest player in Islanders history to wear a letter, according to the club.
Emil Heineman practised with Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri, continuing a change made during the Toronto game. Simon Holmstrom joined JG Pageau and Anthony Duclair, while Victor Eklund and Cal Ritchie worked with Brayden Schenn.
The other forward group consisted of Ondrej Palat, Casey Cizikas and Matias Maccelli. Kyle MacLean was also listed among the forwards at Northwell Health Ice Center.
DeBoer said the club is searching for combinations that improve its five-on-five scoring after difficulties during the preseason and opener. Duclair had four shots against Toronto, and DeBoer moved him up during that game.
The defence combinations remained unchanged: Adam Pelech with Matthew Schaefer, Alexander Romanov with Ryan Pulock, Logan Stanley with Tony DeAngelo, and Matthew Kessel with Scott Mayfield.
