Isles’ Romanov Out, Boqvist to Make Season Debut Against Senators

OTTAWA, Canada — The New York Islanders announced that defenseman Alexander Romanov is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and will miss Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators. Romanov’s absence allows Adam Boqvist to skate in his place, making his season debut.

Head Coach Patrick Roy expressed confidence in Boqvist, describing him and his defensive partner as players with strong puck-moving skills. “They’re both very good hockey players, so I’m sure they’re going to find a way to make their mark here today,” Roy said.

Boqvist played 17 games for the Islanders last season, tallying eight points (2 goals, 6 assists). The Isles are seeking to build on their recent momentum after a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.

The Islanders, currently with a record of 1-3-0, will face the Senators at 3 PM at Canadian Tire Centre. They are eager to build on their win, where Bo Horvat scored a hat trick, alongside a goal from Mathew Barzal.

The Senators enter this matchup with a record of 2-3-0, following a win over the Seattle Kraken. Both teams will look to improve their standings in an early season that has seen mixed results.

Roy has also confirmed that goaltender Ilya Sorokin will start against the Senators. Sorokin has struggled this season with a 0-3-0 record, 4.18 goals-against average, and an .854 save percentage. However, he has found success against the Senators in the past, holding a lifetime record of 4-0-1 with a 1.97 GAA.

With Brady Tkachuk out for the Senators due to a thumb injury, both teams will need to adapt their strategies. Tkachuk recorded three assists in three games this season before his injury, leaving a gap in the Senators’ lineup.

As the Islanders face off against the Senators, the focus will be on how new line combinations perform and whether they’ll continue to capitalize on their most recent win.