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Eyes On Isles
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NY Islanders look to bounce back and earn their first win in Nashville since 2017

ByJiggs Westfall
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Jan 8, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly (90) and New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (3) battle for the puck during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Jan 8, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly (90) and New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (3) battle for the puck during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Islanders saw their five-game point streak come to an end Sunday in Dallas. Now, they'll look to get right back on track Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.

And they'll do it with a slightly different look.

After surrendering three unanswered third-period goals in a 6-3 loss to the Stars, Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer is opting for an 11-forward, seven-defenseman lineup against Nashville. Scott Mayfield returns for the first time since October 10, while Kyle MacLean will be a healthy scratch.

It's an interesting decision, particularly against a Predators team boasting one of the NHL's most dangerous power plays.

Nashville enters Tuesday converting on 33.3 percent of its opportunities, third-best in the league. Veterans Steven Stamkos, Ryan O'Reilly, Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi remain the engines driving the Predators' offense.

Mayfield's physical presence and penalty-killing ability should come in handy.

Meanwhile, Matthew Schaefer continues making history seemingly every time he touches the ice.

The 19-year-old defenseman scored his 25th career goal Sunday, passing Bobby Orr for second-most goals by a teenage defenseman in NHL history. He's also riding a four-game point streak and averaging a remarkable 26:13 of ice time.

Not bad for someone who can't legally buy a beer.

Bo Horvat has been equally important offensively, leading the Islanders with five goals and 12 points through 11 games. Brayden Schenn and Emil Heineman have also found some consistency, each carrying three-game point streaks into Nashville.

The Predators, meanwhile, snapped a rough stretch with Sunday's impressive 6-2 win over Colorado, scoring four power-play goals.

For the Islanders, the formula isn't complicated. Stay disciplined, tighten things defensively and avoid another third-period collapse.

A demanding four-games-in-six-nights stretch won't make things easier.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

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