Islanders projected lines vs Capitals: Zdeno Chara to return

The New York Islanders and Washington Capitals complete their mini home-and-home series today. Last time out the Isles played their most complete game in weeks and left DC with a solid 4-1 over the playoff-bound Caps.

Now we get to see if the Isles can continue that form or will they fall back to the team that lost five in a row prior to this recent win over the Caps. Ideally, we see the former over the latter, even if it may hinder the Isles draft position slightly.

When it comes to the lineup there will be at least one change to the team that beat the Caps.

New York Islanders projected lineup: Zdeno Chara to return

There's no official word from the Islanders, yet, on this change, and with no pre-game skate, we won't hear from Trotz till later in the afternoon. But with Robin Salo sent back to Bridgeport from his emergency loan, it's safe to say they don't need him anymore.

The emergency that forced the Isles to call up Salo was Zdeno Chara having to miss a game, likely due to the stomach bug that's been going around the Islanders dressing room. So with Salo back down expect Chara to get into the squad.

It's possible Trotz sticks with Sorokin today and opts to give Varlamov the start tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Lightning for the Isles final game of the season. After all, Sorokin was excellent against the Caps on Tuesday.

No call-up has been officially made as a replacement for Brock Nelson yet. At least not officially. Remember, Brock was a last-second scratch against the Capitals that left the Isles short one man. They played with 17 skaters instead of 18. I have to imagine that if a call-up isn't made Brock is good enough to go.

Projected Islanders Lineup
Lee-Nelson-Palmieri
Bellows-Pageau-Bailey
Parise-Barzal-Wahlstrom
Martin-Cizikas-Johnston

Chara-Dobson
Pelech-Pulock
Aho-Greene

Sorokin (Varlamov)