The upcoming matchup features the Lightning facing off against the Islanders in an intriguing game at The Spot, MSGSN. Both teams hold similar records, with the Lightning at 18 wins, 11 losses, and 2 overtime losses, while the Islanders are at 18 wins, 11 losses, and 3 overtime losses. The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Projected Lineups for Islanders vs. Lightning
Lightning Projected Lineup
- Brandon Hagel — Anthony Cirelli — Nikita Kucherov
- Jake Guentzel — Brayden Point — Oliver Bjorkstrand
- Pontus Homberg — Yanni Gourde — Zemgus Girgensons
- Curtis Douglas — Nick Paul — Scott Sabourin
- J.J. Moser — Darren Raddysh
- Charle-Edouard D’Astous — Emil Lilleberg
- Declan Carlile — Max Crozier
- Goalies: Jonas Johansson, Brandon Halverson
Scratched players include Dominic James and Gage Goncalves. Notable injuries include defenseman Ryan McDonagh, defenseman Erik Cernak, goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, and defenseman Victor Hedman.
Islanders Projected Lineup
- Emil Heineman — Mathew Barzal — Jonathan Drouin
- Anders Lee — Jean-Gabriel Pageau — Maxim Shabanov
- Simon Holmstrom — Calum Ritchie — Anthony Duclair
- Kyle MacLean — Casey Cizikas — Marc Gatcomb
- Matthew Schaefer — Ryan Pulock
- Adam Pelech — Adam Boqvist
- Travis Mitchell — Scott Mayfield
- Goalies: Ilya Sorokin, David Rittich
Scratched players are Maxim Tsyplakov and Adam Boqvist. The Islanders are facing several injuries, including Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri, who are sidelined due to various lower body injuries.
Status Report
Defenseman Victor Hedman is expected to undergo an elbow procedure on Monday and is projected to return in early February. He is also anticipated to play for Team Sween at the Winter Olympic Games in 2026.
Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is practicing, but he will not participate in this game. He may return for the next match against the Florida Panthers. Forward Dominic James is a possibility to return after fully participating in practice.
In contrast, Jonathan Drouin is making his return to the Lightning following a five-game absence due to a lower-body injury.
Forward Bo Horvat will be unavailable for the Islanders after sustaining an injury during a recent matchup against the Anaheim Ducks.
