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The New York Islanders begin their special 81-game 2017-18 season tonight with the home opener in front of fans in Brooklyn.
After laying an egg last night in Columbus — okay, technically that was Game 1 of 82 — they need to rebound, and they’re likely to have lineup changes.
With the Islanders set to have three players they are confident in using sitting in the pressbox every night, chances are good that Joshua Ho-Sang, Scott Mayfield and/or Ryan Pulock will get into the lineup tonight.
But coming off a back-to-back with travel, there was no morning skate and lineup news wasn’t likely to emerge until Doug Weight met with media around 4:30 p.m.
Update: Indeed, Ho-Sang amd Mayfield in, Clutterbuck (day to day), Seidemberg out
Weight: Ho-Sang and Mayfield in. Clutterbuck (dtd lower body) and Seidenberg out. Halak in goal. pic.twitter.com/NVqYoKvg94
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 7, 2017
We do know Jaroslav Halak was already slated to start, and certainly nothing about last night’s performance by and in front of Thomas Greiss would lead us to think that plan has changed.
Hello, Buffalo
The Sabres are coming off a season-opening loss as well, though far less embarrassing with a blown third-period lead and shootout loss to the Canadiens two nights ago.
Regardless, they’ll have at least one expected lineup change with old friend Matt Moulson coming back from a healthy scratch to skate on their fourth line. More on that and expected lines over at Die By The Blade.
Game Time
Islanders (0-1-0) vs. Sabres (0-0-1)
7 p.m. | [bank or old-timey first name] Center in Brooklyn
Broadcast: MSG+, 88.7FM - WRHU, 660AM 101.9FM WFAN