Islanders Gameday News: What lineup changes could the coach possibly make?

The Islanders have a chance to avenge that embarrassing last-minute loss to the Capitals tonight. They would be wise to take it, as this season will pass quickly and the teams in front of them continue to gain.

The Islanders wake up this morning in seventh place in the East, nine points three points (don’t try to do math without coffee) and three teams out of a playoff spot. It may seem a little histrionic to worry about that now, but it is a shortened season against only divisional opponents. Proverbial four-point games all-around, including Tuesday’s debacle, which was 27 seconds from not being a four-point game. The Islanders have yet to sweep an opponent. And tonight, they will try to avoid being swept.

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Islanders News

• A preview of tonight’s critical game. [Islanders]
• Barry Trotz promised a shake-up to the lines. [The Athletic]
• But without Anthony Beauvillier available, there is not much he can do. [Newsday]
• The Isles have been working on their face-offs. It’s paying off. [Islanders]
• The Islanders have sold in advance quite a few seats at UBS Arena. The location has been a boon. [Sports Business Daily]

It’s coming along nicely.

Elsewhere

Only two games on the schedule last night: the Predators beat the Blackhawks and the Canucks toppled the Senators.

• Penguins GM Jim Rutherford shocked the hockey world by announcing that he resigned from his post for personal reasons. [Sportsnet | Pensburgh]
• Jack Roslovic will make his Blue Jackets debut tonight. [NHL]
• And Zdeno Chara, on his new team, will face the Bruins for the first time on Saturday. [NHL]