Islanders and Devils Set for Crucial Matchup Ahead of Playoffs

NEWARK, N.J. — The New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils are gearing up for an intense matchup tonight at 7 p.m. ET at the Prudential Center, with playoff implications on the line for both teams.

The Islanders come into the game after a recent 4-3 shootout defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers, with goaltender Marcus Hogberg making 19 saves. This matchup marks a critical juncture in the season as both teams are jockeying for playoff positioning.

Islanders’ coach has announced his projected lineup as follows: Anders Lee, Bo Horvat, and Kyle Palmieri will take the first forward line. Maxim Tsyplakov, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Simon Holmstrom form the second line while Pierre Engvall, Casey Cizikas, and Hudson Fasching appear in the third line. The fourth line will feature Matt Martin, Kyle MacLean, and Marc Gatcomb. Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock, alongside Alexander Romanov and Tony DeAngelo, will make up the defense. Meanwhile, Noah Dobson and Scott Mayfield round out the defensive unit. Goalie Tristan Lennox is set to take the net tonight.

Notably absent for the Islanders are key players Mathew Barzal and Ilya Sorokin, both sidelined with lower-body injuries.

Meanwhile, the Devils, who are also eyeing a playoff spot, will rely on the talents of their first line—Stefan Noesen, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt. Erik Haula, Dawson Mercer, and Timo Meier will form the second line, while Ondrej Palat plays alongside Justin Dowling and Tomas Tatar on the third line. Paul Cotter, Cody Glass, and Daniel Sprong are projected as the fourth trio. On defense, Luke Hughes, Brett Pesce, Brian Dumoulin, and Jonathan Kovacevic comprise the back end, along with Brenden Dillon and Simon Nemec, with Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen as goalies.

Dougie Hamilton remains out for the Devils as he recovers from a lower-body injury, which will mark his 17th consecutive game missed. Hamilton practiced recently but still hasn’t met the necessary criteria to return to the ice as confirmed by Coach Sheldon Keefe.

The intensity surrounding this matchup is palpable as both teams understand the significance of a victory. Head Coach Ryan Huska stressed the importance of situational awareness, particularly late in periods and games, as they prepare for the Islanders. “It’s about squeezing points out of games,” he stated. “Every game now is critical as we push for the playoffs.”

Fans in Newark can expect an electrifying atmosphere, as the playoff race heats up and both teams look to solidify their standings. “Every game has been like a playoff game,” said one veteran player. “Our fans have brought the noise, and we need that now more than ever.”