These two forwards appear to be the odd men out when the NY Islanders return to action next week

It feels like forever since the NY Islanders last played a game, but they'll be back in action one week from today when they travel North of the border to take on the Montreal Canadiens in their first game after the Olympic break.

With the team fully healthy outside of Alexander Romanov and Kyle Palmieri, Patrick Roy will have some decisions to make regarding who is in the lineup and who's watching from the press box.

Who sits when the Islanders take the ice again next week?

If the lines from practice over the last two days are any indication, it appears as if Maxim Shabanov and Anthony Duclair will be the odd men out. The two skated on the top line with Barzal in practice, but those positions are likely slated for Bo Horvat and Ondrej Palat.

Shabanov, in his first season in North America, hasn't yet adapted to the physicality of the NHL. He's been knocked off the puck rather easily and has been the recipient of some monster hits (but has always popped right back up). Through 40 games this season, the Russian winger has totaled 16 points (4 G, 12 A). Not built for a bottom-six role, Shabanov hasn't had the production that would warrant him a spot in the top-six.

We've seen glimpses of Duclair's ability this season, but it hasn't been consistent. After a sluggish first half of the season, Duclair was the hottest Islander after the New Year. But that well has gone dry, and it appears he used all of the magic in Casey Cizikas' stick after giving him a significant jolt.

This isn't to say that Duclair and Shabanov will be riding the pine for the rest of the season, as they'll certainly get their opportunities at some point. But it looks like Roy has his lineup set for when the Islanders take on the Canadiens for the first time since the Noah Dobson blockbuster trade made right before the draft.