Islanders begin defensive overhaul with Alexander Romanov lost for season

The New York Islanders reshuffled their defensive pairings instead of calling up a replacement following Alexander Romanov's season-ending ACL tear. Head coach Pete DeBoer moved Logan Stanley to the top pair alongside Matthew Schaefer for Thursday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks at UBS Arena. Meanwhile, Adam Pelech reunited with Ryan Pulock on the second pair, and Tony DeAngelo joined Scott Mayfield on the third pair.

Romanov suffered the torn ACL during Tuesday's loss to the New York Rangers, just three games into his return from shoulder surgery. The lineup adjustment gave Mayfield his first action of the season after three consecutive healthy scratches, while also solidifying the organization's reliance on the 19-year-old Schaefer playing on his off-side right wing.