The New York Islanders take on the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. Watch the game on MSG+ or MSG GO. Listen to the game on 88.7FM WRHU or 880AM WCBS. Read the game preview and game notes.
LINEUP NOTES:
Weight: #Isles going 11F 7D again. Beauvillier in for Ho-Sang, Seidenberg in for Mayfield. Greiss in goal vs Sharks.
Doug Weight is going with 11 forwards and seven defensemen again on Saturday night. Weight said it's a short-term solution especially in the wake of Thursday's win. Weight said the positive of 11/7 is creating some internal competition among the forwards for the extra minutes. If penalties become prevalent and Weight feels the team needs some regularity, Thomas Hickey may see some time at forward.
BEAU IN, HO-SANG OUT:
Anthony Beauvillier gets back in the lineup after missing three games as a healthy scratch. "I'm really excited, I feel like it's been forever. I'm going to go out there, have fun and play like I have nothing to lose," Beauvillier said. Beauvillier said he was shocked when he was taken out of the lineup last Saturday, but said it was motivation to practice hard all week. The 20-year-old has one assist in four game to start the season. "It just means I have to be better and whenever I'm on the ice I have to make things happen and be good in all three zones," Beauvillier said.
Beau: "I'm excited to get back in the lineup. Obviously I want to stay in, so I'll do whatever it takes to stay in." #Islespic.twitter.com/toA55BTZnJ
As for Ho-Sang, whose four assists are tied for the team lead, Weight said he wants a night in the press box to be a learning experience and for the winger to correct a few habits. "It's everything from decisions to shift length and body language and things like that," Weight said. "We're clear on everything and it's a game to sit back and watch. It's good to get Beau in, Beau's been working hard. He's a good hockey player."
SEIDENBERG IN, MAYFIELD OUT:
Dennis Seidenberg is back in the lineup for the first time since opening night. Weight said that Scott Mayfield is a little banged up and while it's nothing serious, the Islanders coach is giving his defenseman some time to heal. "Mayfield has played really well for us. He got a little banged up and he could play probably, but it's a good time to get Dennis in," Weight said. Seidenberg's ability to play both the left and right side will be an asset for Weight, as the Islanders are icing seven defensemen on Saturday and will invariably have to mix-and-match at five-on-five. ISLANDERS PROJECTED LINES: SHARKS PROJECTED LINES: Aaron Dell is the likely starter for Saturday's game, according to nhi.com/sharks. Dell made 20 saves on 22 shots last Saturday against the Islanders. *Sharks lineup courtesy of nhl.com/sharks
