The scoring and philosophy questions behind the Islanders’ fourth-line battle

Source: New York Post

Not counting Mat Barzal, who is highly likely to miss opening night while dealing with lingering kneecap issues, there are nine forwards who can be considered stone-cold locks to be in the Islanders’ lineup six days from now in Toronto. Simon Holmstrom, Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri have been a de facto first line throughout camp, and without Barzal, the second line has been a constant as well with Matias Maccelli, Cal Ritchie and Brayden Schenn. We know that JG Pageau will center the third line and Casey Cizikas the fourth.