Islanders Gameday News: Some changes for DeBoer DeBut

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Two guys getting new chances. | NHLI via Getty Images

The final four-game homestretch begins tonight for the chief combatants in the Eastern Conference lower-seeds playoff race. With 78 games down, the Islanders (89 pts.) host the Leafs, the Blue Jackets (90 pts.) visit the Sabres, the Senators (92 pts.) host the Panthers, and the Flyers (92 pts.) are in Detroit (89 pts.).

Technically, the Washington Capitals are also in this picture, winning last night to match the Islanders at 89 points but with one fewer game to go.

For the Islanders, whether this season sees playoffs or not, tonight is a significant one due to Pete DeBoer’s debut as their head coach.

And he has some changes in store, it seems: Mathew Barzal will be back at center and Max Shabanov will get a real chance. And in alignment with what I assumed but did not see when he was acquired, Brayden Schenn will skate on the wing, though you wonder if he’ll take more of the faceoffs than Barzal.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News​

• Quotes and rationale from DeBoer on his lineup and line choices, with heavy existing-staff input. [THN]
• DeBoer brings a sense of urgency to these final four games, that was somehow missing from the preceding ones. [Newsday | Post]
• DeBoer was optimistic Tony DeAngelo would return tonight, not a sentiment you always hear. [Post]
• That would put DeAngelo back on a pair with Adam Pelech. [Isles]
• Previewing tonight: It will be regular season game 1,262 for DeBoer as an NHL head coach. [Isles]

Elsewhere​

• The Leafs hobble in with three more injuries: Anthony Stolarz, Brandon Carlo and Dakota Joshua were all hurt Wednesday and will not suit up tonight. The Isles will face Artur Akhtyamov in net, making his first NHL start. [Sportsnet]
• The durability of Stolarz, signed to a contract extension by Brad Treliving that hasn’t even kicked in yet, is a major concern for the Leafs. [Sportsnet]
• Welp, James Hagens has signed with the Bruins, may make his debut Saturday. [NHL]
• Ron Francis will leave the Kraken, which he currently serves as president. The founding GM of the franchise, has he delivered or is this an overdue “thoughtful transition?” [NHL | TSN]
• Looking at some of this summer’s top draft prospects and their NHL comparables. [NHL]
• Here are all the Masterton nominees. [Sportsnet]

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