Islanders hoping lineup changes will spark offense in Home Opener

The New York Islanders are adjusting their forward lines ahead of Saturday night's home opener against the New Jersey Devils. Head coach Peter DeBoer is seeking to ignite the team's offense after managing only a single goal in a 2-1 season-opening loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

Practice combinations featured Emil Heineman, Bo Horvat, and Kyle Palmieri on the top line, alongside a new second unit featuring Victor Eklund, Calum Ritchie, and Brayden Schenn. Meanwhile, Matias Maccelli was shifted to the fourth line, and writer Nestor Quixtan notes that veteran contributions and secondary scoring will be essential.