The Detroit Red Wings arrive at UBS Arena on Thursday evening riding high with a 5-2-0 record, looking to extend their strong start to the 2025-26 season against a New York Islanders team searching for consistency. Fresh off a back-to-back set that saw them fall 4-2 to the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, the Red Wings will need to shake off the fatigue and focus on capitalizing against an Islanders squad that has struggled defensively despite winning three of their last four games.
This matchup between Eastern Conference rivals features two teams heading in different directions. Detroit has been one of the NHL’s surprise packages early in the campaign, with captain Dylan Larkin leading the charge on a remarkable seven-game season-opening point streak. The Islanders, meanwhile, sit at 3-3-0 and rank 29th in the league with a 3.67 goals-against average, presenting an opportunity for the Red Wings’ offensive weapons to continue their hot start.
Red Wings vs Islanders projected lineup October 23 2025: Detroit’s forward combinations
The Red Wings’ projected lineup for Thursday’s contest features some intriguing line combinations as head coach Derek Lalonde continues to juggle personnel amid injuries and player development. The top line remains intact with rookie Emmitt Finnie flanking captain Dylan Larkin and the red-hot Lucas Raymond. This trio has developed impressive chemistry through the first seven games, with Larkin’s seven-game points streak (5 goals, 7 assists) serving as the engine that drives Detroit’s offense.
Larkin has been nothing short of exceptional to start the season, becoming the eighth active NHL player to record at least two season-opening points streaks of seven or more games. His 12 points through seven games have him among the league leaders in scoring, and his presence on the ice has elevated everyone around him. Raymond, skating on his wing, has contributed six points in five games while posting a plus-5 rating, showcasing the two-way responsibility that has marked his development into a legitimate top-line threat.
The second line features Alex DeBrincat centering Marco Kasper and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, though there’s some uncertainty about whether Brandsegg-Nygard or Elmer Soderblom will draw into the lineup. Brandsegg-Nygard, the highly-touted prospect, is still searching for his first NHL goal and is tied with defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka for the team’s worst plus-minus at minus-4. This presents an opportunity for Lalonde to potentially insert Soderblom if he feels a different look is needed against New York’s defense.
Detroit’s third line will see James van Riemsdyk, Andrew Copp, and Michael Rasmussen grouped together, providing veteran stability and a physical presence that can grind down opponents. The fourth line of Mason Appleton, J.T. Compher, and Jonatan Berggren offers speed and versatility, capable of both defensive responsibility and chipping in offensively when opportunities arise. The Red Wings will be without Patrick Kane for a third consecutive game due to an upper-body injury, a significant absence that removes one of their most skilled playmakers from the equation.
Red Wings vs Islanders projected lineup October 23 2025: Detroit’s defensive pairs and goaltending
Detroit’s blue line configuration features their cornerstone pairing of Ben Chiarot and Moritz Seider, who continue to log heavy minutes in all situations. Seider, the 2022 Calder Trophy winner, has evolved into one of the league’s premier two-way defensemen and will be tasked with shutting down the Islanders’ top offensive threats, including Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat. Chiarot brings physicality and shot-blocking prowess, creating a well-rounded top pairing.
The second pairing showcases Detroit’s youth movement with Simon Edvinsson partnered alongside rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka. Both defensemen represent the future of the Red Wings’ blue line, though Sandin-Pellikka’s minus-4 rating suggests he’s still adjusting to the NHL’s pace and defensive requirements. This pairing will need to be sharp against the Islanders’ middle-six forwards, who possess the speed to exploit mistakes in the neutral zone. The third pairing of Albert Johansson and Jacob Bernard-Docker rounds out the defensive corps, with Travis Hamonic expected to be a healthy scratch.
Between the pipes, Cam Talbot gets the nod for Detroit on the second night of a back-to-back. The veteran netminder has been solid in the early going and will look to bounce back after John Gibson handled the crease duties in Buffalo. Talbot’s experience will be crucial in helping the Red Wings navigate potential fatigue issues that come with playing consecutive nights. According to Detroit Hockey Now, the Red Wings rank eighth in the NHL with an 88.9% penalty-killing efficiency, a testament to their defensive structure and goaltending competence.
Red Wings vs Islanders projected lineup October 23 2025: New York’s offensive setup
The Islanders’ forward group features a mix of established veterans and emerging talent as they attempt to establish offensive consistency. The top line will see Jonathan Drouin flank center Bo Horvat alongside Emil Heineman, a combination that provides both skill and speed. Horvat, acquired from Vancouver in a blockbuster trade during the 2022-23 season, remains the heartbeat of New York’s offense, though the team’s overall struggles to score have put additional pressure on his line to produce.
The second line presents one of the most intriguing matchups of the evening, with Anthony Duclair and Kyle Palmieri flanking superstar center Mathew Barzal. According to NHL.com’s official game preview, Barzal did not participate in the Islanders’ morning skate due to load management but is expected to play. His presence is critical for New York’s offensive structure, as he possesses elite playmaking abilities and the speed to create separation in transition. Any limitations or rust from missing the morning skate could impact his effectiveness against a Detroit team that will key on him defensively.
The third line features captain Anders Lee centering Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Simon Holmstrom, providing a veteran presence and net-front expertise. Lee’s ability to establish position around the crease and convert on second chances will be essential against Talbot, who has been stout in limiting high-danger rebounds. The fourth line consists of Kyle MacLean, Casey Cizikas, and Maxim Tsyplakov, with MacLean drawing into the lineup due to Maxim Shabanov’s day-to-day upper-body injury.
The Islanders will be without several key players due to injury. Pierre Engvall is out for the season following hip and ankle surgeries, while Alexander Romanov, a physical defenseman, has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to October 16. Additionally, Ethan Bear remains sidelined with an upper-body injury. These absences have forced head coach Patrick Roy to shuffle his lineup and rely on depth players to step up in expanded roles.
Red Wings vs Islanders projected lineup October 23 2025: New York’s defensive structure and goaltending situation
The Islanders’ blue line will feature their trusted top pairing of Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock, two defensemen who have anchored New York’s defense for several seasons. Pelech brings exceptional defensive awareness and gap control, while Pulock contributes a booming shot from the point that powers the team’s power play. This duo will face the challenge of containing Larkin’s line while also managing Detroit’s speed through the neutral zone.
The second pairing showcases highly-regarded prospect Matthew Schaefer alongside veteran Scott Mayfield. Schaefer, one of the organization’s top defensive prospects, has impressed with his mobility and puck-moving abilities in limited NHL action. Mayfield provides stability and physicality, though at 29th in goals-against average, the Islanders clearly need better defensive performances throughout their lineup. The third pairing of Adam Boqvist and Tony DeAngelo offers offensive upside but can be vulnerable defensively, a concern against Detroit’s multi-faceted attack.
David Rittich is projected to start in goal for the Islanders, with the elite Ilya Sorokin backing him up. Rittich, acquired to provide depth behind Sorokin and the injured Semyon Varlamov (who’s recovering from knee surgery), will be making an important start as he looks to solidify his position as the team’s reliable backup. Varlamov’s absence until at least mid-November places additional pressure on both Rittich and Sorokin to handle the workload.
The Islanders’ goaltending situation represents both a strength and a vulnerability. When Sorokin is sharp, he’s among the NHL’s elite netminders, capable of stealing games single-handedly. However, the team’s defensive lapses have left their goaltenders exposed too often, contributing to that 29th-ranked goals-against average. Rittich will need to be sharp from the opening faceoff against a Detroit team that has shown the ability to score in bunches when given quality opportunities.
Key matchups and special teams considerations for Thursday’s battle
The most critical matchup to watch involves Dylan Larkin’s line against whichever Islanders defensive pairing draws the assignment. With Larkin riding a seven-game point streak and Raymond playing at a high level, New York will need to make life difficult for Detroit’s top trio by limiting time and space in the offensive zone. The Pelech-Pulock pairing typically handles these assignments, but their success or failure will likely dictate the game’s outcome.
On special teams, Detroit holds a significant advantage with their eighth-ranked penalty kill operating at 88.9% efficiency. The Islanders’ power play will need to capitalize on any opportunities presented, particularly with Barzal’s playmaking and Pulock’s point shot as primary weapons. Conversely, Detroit’s power play will look to exploit New York’s defensive vulnerabilities, with Kane’s absence forcing other players like Raymond and DeBrincat to take on expanded roles with the man advantage.
The faceoff circle represents another crucial battleground, with Larkin and Horvat both being elite centers who can control possession. Winning draws in the defensive zone will be essential for both teams, particularly given the back-to-back schedule that may have Detroit’s legs feeling heavy as the game progresses. The Islanders will look to establish offensive zone time through faceoff wins, keeping pressure off their vulnerable defense.
Goaltending may ultimately determine the winner in this matchup. While Talbot has been solid for Detroit, the back-to-back situation could test his resilience if the Islanders generate sustained pressure. Rittich, meanwhile, needs to provide strong positioning and rebound control against a Detroit team that excels at creating second-chance opportunities. Whichever goaltender can make the key save at the crucial moment will likely give his team the edge.
As puck drop approaches at UBS Arena, the Red Wings find themselves in an enviable position despite the challenging back-to-back schedule. Their 5-2-0 start has exceeded expectations, driven by Larkin’s exceptional play and improved depth throughout the lineup. A victory over the Islanders would push their record to 6-2-0 and solidify their status as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference’s competitive Atlantic Division. However, they’ll need to overcome fatigue and the absence of Patrick Kane to continue their strong start.
For the Islanders, this game represents an opportunity to build momentum at home and address the defensive issues that have plagued them early in the season. With Barzal expected to play despite missing the morning skate and Rittich getting a chance to prove himself in goal, New York has the pieces to challenge Detroit. The question is whether they can put together a complete 60-minute effort and tighten up defensively against a Red Wings team that has shown it can exploit mistakes. This Metropolitan Division clash should provide plenty of intrigue as both teams battle for crucial early-season points.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.