Bruins vs Islanders: Projected Lineups for November 4, 2025 at UBS Arena

The Boston Bruins travel to UBS Arena on November 4, 2025, looking to extend their winning streak to four games as they face the New York Islanders. Both teams enter this matchup with momentum, as the Bruins (7-7-0) have won three straight games while the Islanders (6-5-1) are coming off a 3-2 victory against Columbus. With puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, this divisional clash promises to be a critical test for both clubs as they seek to establish consistency in the early portion of the season.

The projected lineups for this contest reveal interesting storylines on both sides. The Bruins will deploy the same roster that secured their 2-1 victory over Carolina on Saturday, while the Islanders make their own adjustments after Sunday’s win. Jeremy Swayman gets the nod in goal for Boston, making his second consecutive start, while Ilya Sorokin returns to the crease for New York after David Rittich handled duties against the Blue Jackets.

Bruins vs Islanders projected lineup: Boston’s forward combinations

The Bruins’ forward lines feature several intriguing combinations as head coach Jim Montgomery sticks with what’s been working. The top line centers around the dynamic duo of Marat Khusnutdinov and David Pastrnak, with Morgan Geekie rounding out the trio. This line has generated offensive opportunities in recent games, and Pastrnak continues to be Boston’s most dangerous scoring threat.

Casey Mittelstadt anchors the second line between Pavel Zacha and Viktor Arvidsson. This unit provides a balanced mix of playmaking and finishing ability, with Mittelstadt’s vision complementing Arvidsson’s speed and shot. The Swedish winger has been finding his rhythm after joining the Bruins, and this matchup against an Islanders team allowing 2.75 goals per game presents an opportunity for him to contribute.

The third line combination of Tanner Jeannot, Fraser Minten, and Michael Eyssimont brings an energy and physical presence that Montgomery has come to rely upon. This trio won’t be asked to shoulder the offensive load but must maintain strong defensive zone coverage and create momentum through forechecking pressure. Their ability to wear down the Islanders’ defensemen could prove crucial in a tight contest.

Boston’s fourth line consists of Johnny Beecher, Sean Kuraly, and Mark Kastelic, providing grit and penalty-killing expertise. Kuraly, a former Bruin who knows the organization well, brings veteran savvy to this checking unit. Their matchup against the Islanders’ bottom six will be a battle of depth that could swing the game’s momentum at critical junctures.

The absence of Elias Lindholm due to a lower-body injury has forced the Bruins to shuffle their center depth, with Khusnutdinov elevated into a top-line role. Jordan Harris remains sidelined following surgery, while defenseman Mason Lohrei will be a healthy scratch for the fourth consecutive game, suggesting Montgomery’s preference for the current defensive pairings.

Bruins vs Islanders projected lineup: Islanders’ offensive structure

The Islanders’ forward group features an unexpected addition on the top line, with Emil Heineman slotting alongside Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. This combination represents New York’s best offensive weapons, as Barzal’s playmaking ability meshes with Horvat’s two-way excellence. Heineman’s presence on this line is noteworthy, as he’ll need to match the speed and skill level of his linemates.

Jonathan Drouin centers the second line between Calum Ritchie and Kyle Palmieri, providing a veteran presence that can contribute in all situations. Palmieri remains one of the Islanders’ most reliable goal-scorers, and his chemistry with Drouin has developed throughout the season. Ritchie, a young center with high potential, gets an opportunity to prove himself in a middle-six role.

Anders Lee, the Islanders captain, leads the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Simon Holmstrom. Lee’s leadership and net-front presence make this unit dangerous on the power play and in cycle situations. Pageau’s defensive reliability ensures this line can handle tough matchups, while Holmstrom’s speed adds a dimension that keeps opponents honest.

The fourth line of Kyle MacLean, Casey Cizikas, and Anthony Duclair provides a fascinating blend of checking ability and offensive skill. Cizikas has been a staple of the Islanders’ identity for years, winning faceoffs and shutting down opponents’ top centers. Duclair’s addition brings legitimate scoring potential to a traditionally defensive-minded unit, creating mismatches against opposing fourth lines.

Maxim Tsyplakov sits as a healthy scratch, while injuries to Maxim Shabanov (upper body), Semyon Varlamov (knee), and Ethan Bear (upper body) have forced the Islanders to adjust their depth chart throughout the lineup.

Bruins vs Islanders projected lineup: Defensive pairings and matchups

The Bruins’ blue line features Nikita Zadorov and Charlie McAvoy as the top pairing, combining McAvoy’s elite two-way abilities with Zadorov’s imposing physical presence. This duo will likely draw the assignment of containing the Barzal line, a matchup that requires both speed and size. McAvoy’s ability to transition the puck quickly could be the difference in generating odd-man rushes.

Hampus Lindholm and Andrew Peeke form the second pairing, providing steady defensive zone coverage and puck-moving capability. Lindholm has been a quietly effective performer for Boston, while Peeke’s addition to the roster has provided the reliable right-shot defenseman the team needed. Against the Islanders’ balanced attack, this pairing must limit high-danger chances and support the breakout.

The third pairing of Jonathan Aspirot and Henri Jokiharju represents the Bruins’ depth on the back end. Jokiharju brings NHL experience to this role, having played significant minutes throughout his career. Their performance against New York’s third and fourth lines will be crucial in maintaining defensive structure throughout the contest.

Similar to their recent matchup with the Islanders on October 28, Boston’s defensive structure emphasizes active sticks and controlled exits from the defensive zone. The ability of the blue line to support Swayman while creating transition opportunities could determine the game’s outcome.

For the Islanders, Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock anchor the top pairing, forming one of the league’s most dependable defensive duos. Pelech’s defensive acumen pairs perfectly with Pulock’s shot-blocking prowess and offensive instincts. This tandem will see heavy minutes against Boston’s top offensive threats.

Matthew Schaefer and Scott Mayfield comprise the second pairing, bringing veteran steadiness to the Islanders’ defensive structure. Mayfield’s physical style complements Schaefer’s mobility, creating a pairing capable of handling various matchups. Their performance in transition will be critical against a Bruins team looking to capitalize on turnovers.

Alexander Romanov and Tony DeAngelo form the third pairing, an interesting combination of styles. Romanov plays a heavy, physical game while DeAngelo provides offensive creativity from the back end. This pairing’s ability to manage limited minutes while maintaining structure could prove decisive in a close game.

Bruins vs Islanders projected lineup: Goaltending battle at UBS Arena

Jeremy Swayman gets his second consecutive start for the Bruins after delivering a solid performance against Carolina. The 26-year-old netminder has been Boston’s most consistent goaltender this season, and his ability to make timely saves during crucial moments has kept the Bruins competitive. Swayman faces an Islanders offense that generates quality chances through sustained zone time and net-front presence.

Swayman’s rebound control and positioning will be tested by the Islanders’ shooting mentality. New York doesn’t rely on finesse as much as volume, putting pucks on net and crashing the crease for second opportunities. The Bruins’ goaltender must communicate effectively with his defensemen to clear traffic and limit those dangerous second chances.

Joonas Korpisalo serves as the backup for Boston, providing insurance should Swayman falter or require rest. The Finnish netminder has experience in big games and could see action later in the week as the Bruins navigate a busy schedule.

Ilya Sorokin returns to the crease for the Islanders after David Rittich handled the Columbus game. Sorokin remains one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders when healthy, possessing exceptional athleticism and tracking ability. His performance will be critical against a Bruins offense that has found its rhythm in recent games, scoring timely goals and generating quality chances.

The battle between Swayman and Sorokin represents a clash of elite goaltending talent. Both netminders have the capability to steal games for their respective clubs, and their performances could ultimately decide this tight divisional contest. Whichever goaltender can maintain composure during high-pressure sequences will give his team the edge needed to secure two points.

Key factors in the Bruins vs Islanders projected lineup for 11/04/25

Special teams will play a significant role in determining the outcome of this matchup. The Bruins’ power play has shown improvement recently, with better puck movement and shooting mentality. Pastrnak remains the focal point of the man advantage, but secondary scoring from players like Zacha and Mittelstadt has created more balanced offensive pressure.

The Islanders’ penalty kill has been respectable but not impenetrable, allowing opportunities for skilled power plays to capitalize. New York’s power play relies heavily on Barzal’s playmaking and the net-front presence of players like Lee and Horvat. The Bruins must stay disciplined to avoid giving the Islanders’ man advantage chances to swing momentum.

Faceoff battles will be crucial throughout the contest, particularly in the defensive zone. Both teams feature strong centers who excel in the dot, with Horvat and Barzal leading the way for New York while Zacha and Kuraly provide consistency for Boston. Winning faceoffs in the defensive zone allows teams to clear the puck and change lines, preventing sustained pressure.

The physical element cannot be overlooked in a divisional matchup between two teams familiar with each other’s tendencies. Players like Zadorov, Jeannot, and Kastelic bring sandpaper to Boston’s lineup, while the Islanders counter with the grit of Cizikas, Martin (if dressed), and Romanov. The team that establishes physical dominance without taking undisciplined penalties will gain an advantage as the game progresses.

According to NHL.com’s official game preview, both teams will use familiar structures that emphasize defensive responsibility while creating offensive opportunities through transition play. The coaching chess match between the benches could prove as important as individual performances.

The Bruins enter this contest riding a three-game winning streak, building confidence and chemistry throughout the lineup. Meanwhile, the Islanders seek to build on their victory over Columbus and establish consistency at home. With both teams hovering around the .500 mark early in the season, every divisional point becomes crucial for playoff positioning down the stretch. This projected lineup breakdown reveals two evenly matched teams prepared for a battle that could come down to execution in key moments and the ability of star players to make difference-making plays when the game hangs in the balance.