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NY Islanders make lineup change as they try to keep momentum going in Ottawa

ByJiggs Westfall
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Mar 19, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jordan Spence (10) moves the puck away from New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
Mar 19, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jordan Spence (10) moves the puck away from New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Islanders will look to build on Tuesday night's 3-2 victory over Vancouver when they visit the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night, with Pete DeBoer hoping a third-period lineup adjustment can provide an offensive spark.

After watching Matias Maccelli, Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri generate four scoring chances and a goal in just 4:37 together against the Canucks, DeBoer is keeping that trio intact. It's an intriguing combination, particularly with Palmieri finally breaking through with two goals Tuesday after a lengthy scoring drought.

Maccelli might be the biggest story. The offseason acquisition scored his first goal as an Islander against Vancouver, added an assist and extended his point streak to four games. His playmaking ability could be exactly what Horvat and Palmieri need.

Speaking of Horvat, the Islanders captain continues to lead by example. His seven points through six games represent the longest season-opening point streak of his career and the longest by an Islanders forward since Kyle Okposo in 2009.

Defensively, Matt Kessel will remain in the lineup after recording an assist in his Islanders debut. With Alexander Romanov sidelined long-term, DeBoer continues evaluating his defensive options.

Semyon Varlamov gets the start in goal, giving Ilya Sorokin a night off.

Ottawa presents a difficult challenge despite coming off a 7-2 loss to St. Louis. Tim Stützle has been outstanding, collecting 11 points in seven games, while Linus Ullmark is unbeaten in five starts with a .948 save percentage.

The Islanders will also miss out on a potential Eklund family showdown, with Ottawa's William Eklund sidelined by an ankle injury.

For the Islanders, the challenge is straightforward: carry Tuesday's third-period momentum into Ottawa and find a way to solve one of the league's hottest goaltenders.

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