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Islanders Preview: Barzal Out, Nine Centers, and the Devils Test | Beatline Islanders
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The New York Islanders face the New Jersey Devils in a crucial preseason matchup as Mathew Barzal sits out with a two-week injury. We analyze how the Islanders' unique nine-center roster, featuring Bo Horvat, Casey Cizikas, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, impacts line combinations and special teams. Key players like Cole Eiserman and Josh Kotai are watched closely as the team seeks to establish defensive structure against New Jersey's speed.
Topics include the strategic adjustments for the power play without Barzal, the role of Liam Foudy and Kyle MacLean on the lower lines, and whether Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield can contain the Devils' transition game. We also discuss the deployment of rookies like Calum Ritchie and the potential for Tony DeAngelo versus Alexander Romanov on the blue line.
This preview breaks down the keys to the game: winning faceoffs, tight neutral zone play, and capitalizing on special teams opportunities. With David Shuman joining the ownership group and the new Navy Lighthouse jersey announced, the Islanders are focused on building momentum before the regular season starts.
In this episode: Matchup Storylines & Structure · Line Combinations & Injuries · Keys to the Game & Prediction.
More Islanders coverage, previews & recaps: https://www.beatlinesports.com/shows/new-york-islanders/
Full transcript: https://cdn.beatlinesports.com/nhl/nyi/2026-09-20/transcript.html
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