The New York Islanders have faced serious injury challenges at the start of the 2024-25 season, with essential players such as Mat Barzal, Anthony Duclair, Adam Pelech, and Alexander Romanov sidelined for significant periods. With Romanov now back and Barzal, Duclair, and Pelech expected to return soon, fans are eager to speculate on the team’s potential lineup. After completing over a quarter of the season, there is sufficient information to start envisioning the optimal forward line configuration once all players are healthy.
This season, the Islanders have primarily struggled with depth in their forward lines and special teams. Although there likely won’t be major changes to the top lines, only the second line has played together for more than 10 games. Moving forward, fostering chemistry and matching skill sets will be vital for achieving consistent results.
1A: Tsyplakov – Nelson – Palmieri
The Islanders have yet to establish a true first line this season, but the second line featuring Maxim Tsyplakov, Brock Nelson, and Kyle Palmieri has performed like one. This group ranks second in total minutes played among all NHL forward lines and sits sixth in expected goals percentage (57.4 xG%) and 12th in goals percentage (57.1 G%) for lines with over 150 minutes of ice time, according to MoneyPuck.
The Islanders’ trio has outperformed renowned line combinations such as the New York Rangers’ Alexis Lafreniere, Vincent Trocheck, and Artemi Panarin, as well as the Florida Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Carter Verhaeghe. Despite not having the same level of star power, the Islanders’ line has emerged as a dominant presence and should remain together as they continue their strong performance.
1B: Lee – Horvat – Holmstrom
In a limited sample of just two games, the Islanders’ line of Anders Lee, Bo Horvat, and Simon Holmstrom has outscored their opponents 4-0. Furthermore, they boast an impressive expected goals percentage of 65.4% (xG%) and generate 3.58 expected goals per 60 minutes, the highest of any line on the team. Although such production may not be sustainable, the early signs have been promising, making it a logical decision to keep them paired for the time being.
1C: Duclair – Pageau – Barzal
Jean-Gabriel Pageau enjoyed a successful run alongside Lee and Horvat but has recently returned to the bottom six due to Holmstrom’s strong performance in his absence. Yet, Pageau’s contributions are noteworthy, as he has demonstrated his capacity to step up into a top-six role when required.
Reuniting Duclair and Barzal, who showed good chemistry early in the season, appears to be a sensible choice. Adding Pageau, with his speed, 60.4% faceoff win percentage, and dependable two-way play, would further enhance this line. Barzal excels with specific types of linemates, and both Duclair and Pageau match that profile. If this combination proves effective, the Islanders will establish a robust top-nine forward group.
4: Engvall – MacLean – Fasching
The Islanders’ fourth line has struggled significantly at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, regardless of the players involved. Fortunately, a strong top-nine roster could allow this line to have limited ice time, making it beneficial to put together three competent forwards to maximize their effectiveness.
Although Kyle MacLean’s analytics have been underwhelming, his 54.7% faceoff win rate and penalty-killing skills are solid assets. Pierre Engvall and Hudson Fasching have notably outperformed Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas, receiving direct feedback from head coach Patrick Roy. With Nelson and Palmieri excelling in penalty-killing, Cizikas’ role has diminished, paving the way for a fourth line with greater offensive potential.
The Islanders will face the Montreal Canadiens tonight, and with Duclair and Barzal still recovering from injuries, forwards Holmstrom, Engvall, MacLean, Fasching, Cizikas, and Oliver Wahlstrom have the opportunity to showcase their worth in the lineup once everyone is back to full health. While the statistics and observation support this strategy, enhanced performances—particularly from Cizikas and Wahlstrom—could alter these plans.
