New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals: Home Opener

The New York Islanders open their season at home, their original home, with a tailgate-friendly affair on Friday at Nassau Coliseum.

The visitors, the Washington Capitals, have already opened play by defeating the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues in overtime on Wednesday night.

The game features the NHL debut of 2015 first-round pick Ilya Samsonov in goal for Washington. Here is their expected lineup, via Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Wilson
Vrana-Eller-Oshie
Hagelin-Stephenson-Panik
Leipsic-Dowd-Hathaway

Siegenthaler-Carlson
Orlov-Jensen
Fehervary-Gudas
Samsonov

For a further look at the opponents, check out our friends at Japers’ Rink.

The Islanders, led by former Caps coach Barry Trotz, were cagey about who they’d start in goal. But you’d think former Capital and big money summer signing Semyon Varlamov would get the nod.

Top prospect Noah Dobson was outside the top three pairs during practice and left with a slight tweak, so we’re not expecting an NHL debut from him just yet.

Meanwhile, the Islanders return the same top and fourth lines but an experimental Middle SIx. Here’s our educated but not necessarily informed guess:

Anders Lee -- Mathew Barzal -- Jordan Eberle
Michael Dal Colle -- Brock Nelson -- Josh Bailey
Anthony Beauvillier -- Derick Brassard -- Leo Komarov
Matt Martin -- Casey Cizikas -- Cal Clutterbuck

Adam Pelech -- Ryan Pulock
Devon Toews -- Scott Mayfield
Nick Leddy -- Johnny Boychuk

Semyon Varlamov

If you want to join our gameday First Islanders Goal pick game, the rules and place to leave your pick are over here.