MORNING SKATE NOTES
- Anders Lee shed the red non-contact jersey on Monday morning, but will not dress against the Rangers. The captain said on Sunday that he hopes to get another preseason game in, but doesn't want to push it knowing the 82-game schedule ahead.
- The Islanders are icing a veteran-heavy roster against the Rangers on Monday night. Head Coach Patrick Roy said he's looking for strong execution and to see his team connected as a unit of five.
- Max Tsyplakov will get back into game action after missing the previous two preseason matchups. He'll skate on a line with Cal Ritchie at center and Casey Cizikas at wing.
"[Tsyplakov] will be around the net, Casey will be more of a chaser," Roy said. "Ritchie is showing very good puck movement, he's a smart player, plays well offensively and defensively. Curious to see how that's going to fit."
- Ritchie will play in his third preseason game on Monday night and Roy has utilized the 20-year-old at center throughout camp. Ritchie played on the wing in preseason last year with Colorado, noting that the biggest difference between this year and last year is the development of his defensive game and feeling more comfortable after each game.
- Anthony Duclair was elevated to a line with Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri. The winger last played against the New Jersey Devils on Friday, contributing a goal in the 4-2 loss.
- Roy had Maxim Shabanov on JG Pageau's wing for the second consecutive skate along with Simon Holmstrom. As Shabanov acclimates to the North American game, Roy said Pageau and Holmstrom will make the shifty and skilled forward feel more comfortable because of their defensive attributes. Roy wants to give Shabanov the best chance to make a good impression.
"I really love the kid, he cares," Roy said of Shabanov. "He's very talented both with and without the puck. We haven't seen it yet because I think it's going to take time. But when you watch the practice, you can see he's capable of creating space in small areas. I know that will come in games eventually.
- Roy said the plan is for David Rittich to start and play the full game.
