Kelly: Nine centers. One major injury. And a rivalry game on the line before the puck even drops. If you thought the Islanders’ roster construction was weird last week, wait until you hear how they’re planning to play without Mathew Barzal against New Jersey.
Gary: It’s a logistical nightmare for any head coach, but the Islanders are leaning into it. We’ve got the full breakdown of the matchup, the line combos, and why this preseason test against the Devils matters more than the score.
Kelly: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Kelly, and alongside me is our lead analyst, Gary. Today is Saturday, September 20th, 2026. We are diving into the New York Islanders' upcoming clash with the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.
Gary: Happy Saturday, everyone. It’s early days—0-0-0 record—but the stakes feel high because of who we’re playing and who we’re missing.
Kelly: Here is what we are covering today. First, the big picture: why this Devils matchup is the ultimate stress test for the new look. Second, the nine-center dilemma and how Barzal’s absence changes the ice. And third, the keys to winning this one in Newark.
Gary: We also touched on some of this in the mailbag earlier this week, but today we go tactical. Let’s get into it.
Kelly: Let’s start with the matchup. The Islanders are sitting first in the Metropolitan Division on paper, obviously, but we know that means nothing right now. The Devils are coming off a strong preseason vibe. What’s the biggest storyline heading into tonight?
Gary: The storyline is adaptation. Last year, the Islanders were built around Barzal’s creativity. Tonight, they have to prove their structure holds up without him. The Devils are known for transition speed. If the Islanders can’t handle the neutral zone, they’re in trouble.
Kelly: Right. And we talked about the 'Navy Lighthouse' jersey win earlier, which is cool for the fans, but on the ice, this feels like a grind. The Devils love to push pace. How does the Islanders’ defensive core look against that?
Gary: Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield are still there. They provide stability. But the question is the supporting cast. Do they trust Ryan Pulock to move the puck quickly? Or do they lean on the defensemen to clear zones?
Kelly: I think they’ll lean on clearing zones. Without Barzal’s ability to break out under pressure, it has to be simpler. But that makes the forecheck even more important. If the Islanders lose the forecheck battle, they’re chasing pucks all night.
Gary: Exactly. And if they’re chasing pucks, the Devils’ forwards will eat them alive. This isn’t just about talent; it’s about discipline. The Islanders have to be tight in their gaps.
Kelly: So, structure over flair. That’s the game plan tonight. Let’s shift gears. We have nine centers on the roster. That is... unusual. How are they splitting the lines without Barzal?
Gary: This is where it gets interesting. Bo Horvat is expected to center the top line. He’s a two-way beast. He can handle the heavy minutes Barzal usually sees. Then you have Casey Cizikas and Jean-Gabriel Pageau running the middle six.
Kelly: Cizikas and Pageau are your classic shutdown guys. So, they’re going to be tasked with killing penalties and keeping things simple. But what about the fourth line? Who’s taking those shifts?
Gary: Liam Foudy and Kyle MacLean are likely candidates. Foudy has the skill, but MacLean brings the physicality. It’s a contrast. You want energy from that group to spark the offense when Barzal isn’t creating it.
Kelly: And don’t forget the younger guys. Calum Ritchie and Brayden Schenn are there too. Schenn brings experience, but Ritchie is the rookie looking to make a name for himself in this chaotic lineup.
Gary: Ritchie is the wildcard. If he plays fast and smart, he could steal a spot. But against the Devils’ speed, he needs to be careful. One mistake and it’s a goal against.
Kelly: So, nine centers, no Barzal, and a speed matchup. This is a recipe for either a brilliant strategic masterclass or a complete meltdown. Stick with us, because next we’re breaking down the specific players who need to step up.
Kelly: Welcome back. We’re talking about the Islanders’ nine-center roster and the impact of Mathew Barzal being off skates for two weeks. Gary, who is the most critical player to watch tonight?
Gary: Bo Horvat. He’s the anchor. If Horvat doesn’t drive offensive attempts, the Islanders’ power play stagnates. He’s used to carrying that load, but doing it against a team like New Jersey requires extra focus.
Kelly: Horvat is going to be everywhere. But what about the wingers? With Barzal gone, who is getting the prime real estate on the wing? Anthony Duclair? Mitchell Chaffee?
Gary: Duclair is the safe bet. He knows how to play with Horvat. Their chemistry is established. But I’d keep an eye on Cole Eiserman. He’s a left wing, but he’s big, he’s skilled, and he’s hungry. If he gets minutes with Horvat, it could change the dynamic.
Kelly: Eiserman! Yes, the rookie sensation. He’s been lighting up practice. Do you think the coaching staff trusts him enough to put him in a top-six role this soon?
Gary: They might. Preseason is for evaluation. If Eiserman shows he can handle the pace, they’ll use him. But if he looks slow, they’ll bench him. It’s a risk.
Kelly: What about the defense? We mentioned Pelech and Mayfield, but who is the odd man out? Tony DeAngelo? Alexander Romanov?
Gary: DeAngelo is the risky choice. He’s talented, but his defensive lapses can be costly. Romanov is faster, more mobile. Against the Devils, I think they prefer Romanov’s mobility to match speed.
Kelly: So, Romanov over DeAngelo for speed. Got it. And what about the goaltending? Josh Kotai is the only goalie listed on the active roster here. Is he starting?
Gary: It’s likely Kotai gets the nod. He’s the veteran presence in net for these exhibition games. He needs to be sharp. The Devils are going to test him early.
Kelly: Kotai needs to be sharp. No room for error. And speaking of errors, let’s talk about the injuries again. Barzal is out for two weeks. That’s a huge blow to the top line.
Gary: It is. But the Islanders have depth. That’s the point of having nine centers. They can shuffle lines to find matchups. It’s not ideal, but it’s manageable if they stay disciplined.
Kelly: Discipline is key. And that leads perfectly into our final segment. What are the keys to the game? How do the Islanders actually win this one?
Kelly: Okay, Gary. Keys to the game. The Islanders are facing the Devils. Barzal is out. Nine centers on the ice. What are the three things the Islanders must do to win?
Gary: One: Win the faceoffs. Especially in the defensive zone. If they give up second chances, they’re done. Two: Keep the neutral zone tight. No easy entries for New Jersey. Three: Capitalize on the power play. If Barzal is out, the PP needs to find other ways to score.
Kelly: Faceoffs, neutral zone defense, and special teams. Simple, but hard to execute. Do you think the Islanders’ power play can survive without Barzal’s playmaking?
Gary: It’s tough. Barzal is a primary creator. But Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield can quarterback it. And if Horvat is on the ice, he can drive the cycle. It won’t be pretty, but it can work.
Kelly: Not pretty, but effective. I like that. What about the penalty kill? Can they shut down the Devils’ quick passing game?
Gary: They have to. The Islanders’ PK has been solid historically. With Pageau and Cizikas, they bring that gritty, blocking mentality. If they stay together, they can limit New Jersey’s chances.
Kelly: Pageau and Cizikas are your walls. Okay, final question. Bold prediction time. We’ve had a few predictions already this week. Some said Islanders 3-2, others said Devils 4-3. Where do you land?
Gary: I’m sticking with the Islanders. 3-2. Gritty victory. Driven by defensive structure. The Devils might have more speed, but the Islanders have more discipline. And in preseason, discipline often wins out.
Kelly: 3-2 Islanders. Defensive structure wins the day. I’m buying it. Bo Horvat steps up, the defense stays tight, and the Islanders take care of business in Newark.
Kelly: That’s our show for today. We covered the nine-center strategy, Barzal’s injury impact, and why discipline beats speed tonight. Thanks for listening to the Beatline Podcast Network.
Gary: Great episode. Remember, support keeps this show free. No ads, no paywalls. Just hockey talk.
Kelly: If you love what we do, please chip in via the link in the episode description. Your support helps us keep bringing you daily, ad-free content. We appreciate every single one of you.
Gary: Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Share this with a fellow Islander fan.
Kelly: Go Islanders! See you tomorrow!