NY Islanders set to roll out realistic lines in final two preseason games

The time for experimenting is almost over.

The New York Islanders trimmed their training camp roster on Sunday and practiced for the first time as one group compared to the three that had been rotating since the start of camp.

The change comes after prospects and career AHLers were loaned to Bridgeport. Among the forwards no longer with the main roster are William Dufour and Matthew Maggio, while time at NHL camp is also up for defensemen Isaiah George and Calle Odelius. Forward Tyce Thompson also cleared waivers and was assigned to Bridgeport.

With two final pre-season games before the season opener on Oct. 10 vs. Utah, the Islanders plan to use them as an opportunity for likely linemates and defense pairs to grow accustomed to playing alongside one another, hoping to carry some chemistry into the regular season.

"I think these two [next] exhibition games are important in that regard, to see how everybody will fit in and be comfortable with the role that we need them for," head coach Patrick Roy said on Sunday. "Not only that, but also see if we could maintain that intensity level using those four lines."

The Islanders' top line will consist of Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Anthony Duclair. That's no surprise after how well they've looked this pre-season. However, Maxim Tsyplakov has earned a shot at a top-six role, skating with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. It's the perfect time and a huge opportunity for the KHL star to show what he can do alongside two 30-goal scorers after a strong camp. We knew he was signed to contribute at the level; the chance to skate on the second line is a strong indicator that Roy has been impressed with what he's seen thus far.

Meanwhile, the third line on Sunday was made up of Anders Lee, JG Pageau, and Simon Holmstrom, while a much speedier fourth line included Kyle MacLean, Casey Cizikas, and Julien Gauthier. Matt Martin, who is on a PTO, Pierre Engvall, and Oliver Wahlstrom skated as the extra forwards.

"We want speed. We want guys that can bring energy to the lineup ... we like the depth that we have," said Roy when asked about the makeup of the bottom six.

The bottom six will likely be mixed up in the final two preseason games as Roy concludes his evaluation and determines who should be the team's 12th and 13th forwards on opening night. For those vying for one spot on the opening night roster, how they perform in one or both of the final preseason games could determine their fate as the lineup gets finalized ahead of the real thing starting in less than two weeks.