Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 13, 2024 11:11 am GMT
As the New York Islanders hit the ice for their first preseason game of the year, excitement swells among fans and players alike. The Islanders are set to take on the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Sunday evening, launching their six-game preseason journey.
Game Details
The matchup will begin at 7:00 PM ET and will broadcast live on MSG Networks. As both teams prepare, the atmosphere is charged with hope, anticipation, and a rush to get into competitive shape ahead of the regular season.
Islanders’ Roster Insights
In a strategic move, the Islanders will feature a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers. Here’s a glance at their lineup for tonight:
- Forwards: Maxim Tsyplakov, Simon Holmstrom, Julien Gauthier, Kyle Palmieri, Oliver Wahlstrom, Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Kyle MacLean, JG Pageau, Alex Jefferies, Matthew Maggio, Cam Thiesing
- Defensemen: Adam Pelech, Samuel Bolduc, Ryan Pulock, Scott Mayfield, Dennis Cholowski, Travis Mitchell
- Goaltenders: Jakub Skarek, Marcus Hogberg
New Faces and Returning Veterans
Maxim Tsyplakov, making his unofficial North American debut, has caught the attention of head coach Patrick Roy. “I like what I saw in those scrimmages,” Roy stated. “He was handling the puck very well and making great decisions.” Although nerves are expected, the coaching staff remains eager to see how Tsyplakov will perform in a game situation.
Veterans Kyle Palmieri and Scott Mayfield stressed the importance of using preseason to acclimate back to game speed. “There are new concepts that Patty’s been working on with us,” Palmieri explained, highlighting the focus on special teams and overall gameplay. For Mayfield, this marks a much-anticipated return after injury sidelined him since February. “I’m really excited… it’s been a while,” he said, reflecting on his eagerness to get back on the ice.
Devils’ Lineup and Missing Faces
On the other side, the New Jersey Devils are also gearing up for the new season but have announced that several key players will not participate in the game. Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, Dawson Mercer, and Simon Nemec will be resting. “We are giving them more time,” Keefe commented on the injury concerns surrounding his players.
- Forwards: Stefan Noesen, Nico Hischier, Nathan Bastian, Shane Bowers, Ondrej Palat, Nolan Foote, Curtis Lazar, Paul Cotter, Ryan Schmelzer, Chase Stillman, Jesper Bratt, Tomas Tatar
- Defensemen: Brenden Dillon, Dougie Hamilton, Johnathan Kovacevic, Colton White, Nick DeSimone, Jonas Siegenthaler
- Goaltenders: Jacob Markstrom, Nico Daws
Injury Updates
Simon Nemec is recovering from an upper-body injury sustained during Olympic qualifying. Although he has shown good progress, the team continues to prioritize his health, offering him more time off the ice. Timo Meier and Jack Hughes are both recovering from shoulder surgeries. Meier described his summer as “definitely busy” but was grateful for the care he received during rehabilitation, emphasizing his readiness to join the team.
Dawson Mercer is also back in practice after finalizing his contract. Although he won’t join the lineup for this game, Mercer is focused on catching up with teammates to integrate smoothly into team strategies.
The Importance of Preseason
Preseason games are critical for players on both teams, allowing them to shake off rust and start building chemistry. For many, it’s a chance to secure a position in the lineup for the regular season. Both head coaches are emphasizing preparation, with each team learning to adapt to new strategies and team members.
Looking Ahead
With the start of the preseason upon us, fans are eager to see how their squads will perform. It’s a time of hope and excitement, as teams begin to transition from practice to competitive play. Both the Islanders and Devils will look to establish rhythm and cohesion ahead of the challenges that lie in the regular season.
Conclusion
The first game against the New Jersey Devils is going to kick off an exciting series as we get ready for the NHL season. Players are working hard to improve their skills and get used to playing together. Fans will be excited, cheering for every goal, assist, and good defensive play. With all the energy of the game in the air, both teams are ready to show what the future of hockey looks like in New York.
