New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils projected lineup preview

The Metropolitan Division rivalry heats up on November 10, 2025, as the New York Islanders travel to Prudential Center to face the New Jersey Devils in what promises to be an intense battle between two teams with contrasting early-season trajectories. The Devils enter the matchup riding high with an impressive 11-4-0 record, maintaining a perfect home record and establishing themselves as one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive teams. Meanwhile, the Islanders arrive at 7-6-2, seeking to find consistency on the road where they’ve posted a modest 3-3-1 mark.

This evening’s clash carries significant divisional implications as both franchises jockey for early positioning in the competitive Metropolitan Division. New Jersey’s high-powered offense, led by the dynamic Jack Hughes and supported by a balanced scoring attack, will test an Islanders defense that has shown both resilience and vulnerability through the season’s first month. With key injuries impacting both rosters and lineup adjustments creating new opportunities, the projected lineups offer fascinating matchup possibilities that could determine the outcome of this pivotal encounter.

New York Islanders vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup: offensive combinations

The Islanders’ forward group features an intriguing mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent. The top line showcases Emil Heineman alongside captain Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri, forming a balanced unit capable of generating offense while maintaining defensive responsibility. Horvat continues to be the offensive catalyst with 11 goals and seven assists through 15 games, establishing himself as one of the league’s most consistent two-way centers.

The second line presents perhaps the Islanders’ most skilled combination, with Jonathan Drouin and Simon Holmstrom flanking star center Mathew Barzal. Barzal has accumulated 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) and remains the team’s primary playmaker, though the Islanders will need more offensive production from this group to compete with New Jersey’s depth scoring. Drouin brings experience and creativity, while Holmstrom provides a responsible two-way presence that allows Barzal freedom to create.

Veterans Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau anchor the third line with Anthony Duclair, offering a physical presence and penalty-killing reliability. Lee’s leadership and net-front prowess remain valuable assets, particularly on the power play where the Islanders have struggled to find consistency. This unit will likely draw assignments against New Jersey’s depth lines, creating potential mismatches that could swing momentum.

The fourth line features Casey Cizikas, Calum Ritchie, and Maxim Tsyplakov in a checking-oriented role. Cizikas remains one of the league’s premier defensive forwards, capable of neutralizing opponents’ top players through relentless forechecking and positional discipline. The inclusion of young Ritchie provides fresh legs and energy, while Tsyplakov adds a physical element that could prove valuable in wearing down New Jersey’s defense corps over 60 minutes.

For the Devils, the top line of Stefan Noesen, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt represents one of hockey’s most dangerous combinations. Hughes has exploded out of the gate with 10 goals and eight assists, showcasing the elite vision and skating ability that makes him a legitimate Hart Trophy candidate. Bratt complements Hughes perfectly with his own playmaking skills and ability to finish from the slot, while Noesen provides net-front presence and grit that balances the line’s skill elements.

The second line featuring Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer offers remarkable depth scoring. Mercer has emerged as a legitimate top-six threat with eight goals and seven assists, forming excellent chemistry with captain Hischier. This unit often faces opponents’ shutdown pairings but continues to produce at a high level, creating matchup nightmares for opposing coaches who must choose between containing Hughes or Hischier.

New York Islanders vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup: defensive pairings and special teams

The Islanders’ blue line features Matthew Schaefer paired with Ryan Pulock on the top unit for the second consecutive game. This combination represents a significant development, as Schaefer continues integrating into Patrick Roy’s system following his recent call-up. Pulock brings a booming shot from the point and steady defensive play, providing the veteran presence that allows Schaefer to play with confidence and take calculated risks in the offensive zone.

Adam Pelech and Tony DeAngelo form the second pairing, combining Pelech’s shutdown defensive acumen with DeAngelo’s offensive creativity. Similar to their battle against the New York Rangers, the Islanders will rely heavily on Pelech to handle difficult matchups while DeAngelo quarterbacks the power play and joins rushes. This pairing must limit odd-man rushes against New Jersey’s speed-oriented transition game.

Alexander Romanov and Scott Mayfield round out the defense corps on the third pairing. Romanov brings physical intensity and gap control, while Mayfield provides size, reach, and penalty-killing reliability. This duo will face a crucial test against New Jersey’s depth forwards, needing to maintain defensive structure while avoiding costly turnovers that fuel the Devils’ dangerous counterattack.

The Devils’ defensive group faces significant injury challenges, with both Brett Pesce and Dougie Hamilton sidelined. Jonas Siegenthaler and Simon Nemec form the top pairing, with Nemec’s development into a more prominent role representing one of the season’s positive storylines for New Jersey. Siegenthaler’s steady defensive play provides the foundation that allows Nemec to activate offensively and showcase his puck-moving abilities.

Brenden Dillon and Luke Hughes comprise the second pairing, offering an interesting contrast in styles. Hughes, brother of Jack Hughes, continues developing his offensive instincts while improving defensively under Sheldon Keefe’s guidance. Dillon’s veteran presence and physical play complement Hughes’ mobility, creating a balanced unit capable of handling various situations.

Dennis Cholowski and Colton White occupy the third pairing, providing depth options that will be tested against the Islanders’ balanced forward attack. Both defensemen must play within their limitations, avoiding risks that could expose New Jersey to dangerous scoring chances. Their ability to move pucks quickly and support the transition game will be crucial in maintaining the Devils’ offensive pressure throughout the contest.

New York Islanders vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup: goaltending matchup and injury considerations

Between the pipes, Ilya Sorokin is projected to start for the Islanders, bringing his elite capabilities to face one of the league’s most prolific offenses. Sorokin has been the backbone of the Islanders’ respectable start, consistently giving his team a chance to win regardless of the opponent. His ability to make timely saves and control rebounds will be tested against New Jersey’s relentless forechecking and shooting volume.

David Rittich serves as the backup, providing competent insurance should Sorokin falter or require rest. The Islanders’ goaltending situation remains impacted by Semyon Varlamov’s knee injury, which continues to keep the veteran netminder sidelined. This places additional pressure on Sorokin to maintain his high level of play throughout the demanding schedule ahead.

For New Jersey, Jacob Markstrom is expected to receive the starting assignment after Jake Allen’s stellar recent performances. The Devils’ goaltending tandem has provided consistent results, allowing Keefe to deploy both netminders strategically throughout the season. Markstrom brings Stanley Cup Final experience and the ability to steal games when the Devils’ defense occasionally breaks down.

The injury report significantly impacts both teams’ depth and lineup flexibility. The Islanders are without Maxim Shabanov (upper body), who will miss his 10th consecutive game but is expected to rejoin the team later in the week. More significantly, Semyon Varlamov’s continued absence and Ethan Bear’s upper-body injury limit defensive depth, placing additional importance on the healthy defensemen avoiding penalties and defensive zone breakdowns.

New Jersey’s injury situation presents more significant challenges, particularly on defense where Brett Pesce remains out with a hand injury and Dougie Hamilton continues recovering from a lower-body ailment. Losing Hamilton removes the Devils’ most productive offensive defenseman and a key power-play weapon. The forward group also misses contributions from Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, and Marc McLaughlin, though the return of Zack MacEwen from a 13-game absence provides a physical presence that enhances the fourth line’s effectiveness.

Keys to victory for the New York Islanders vs New Jersey Devils projected lineup on 11/10/25

The Islanders must establish their checking game early, using physical intensity to disrupt New Jersey’s transition offense and force turnovers in the neutral zone. Patrick Roy’s system emphasizes defensive structure and limiting high-danger chances, principles that become even more critical against an opponent averaging over three goals per game. Winning face-offs and controlling puck possession will reduce the number of Devils’ offensive zone entries, limiting opportunities for their skilled forwards to create scoring chances.

Special teams could determine the outcome, as both clubs feature dangerous power-play units. The Islanders need to avoid undisciplined penalties that give Hughes, Bratt, and company extra space to operate. Conversely, capitalizing on their own power-play opportunities behind Barzal’s playmaking and Palmieri’s finishing ability could provide the goals needed to match New Jersey’s offensive firepower. Following their experiences in recent divisional matchups like the clash with the Philadelphia Flyers, the Islanders understand the importance of special teams execution in tight games.

For the Devils, maintaining their aggressive forechecking system while avoiding defensive breakdowns will be paramount. Keefe has implemented a fast-paced, attacking style that generates numerous scoring chances but occasionally leaves the defensive zone vulnerable to odd-man rushes. Against Sorokin’s elite capabilities, the Devils must generate traffic in front of the net and create second-chance opportunities through relentless offensive zone pressure.

Depth scoring remains crucial for New Jersey, particularly with injuries depleting their lineup options. The Meier-Hischier-Mercer line must continue its productive play, while the third and fourth lines need contributions that prevent the Islanders from keying solely on the Hughes line. Paul Cotter, Luke Glendening, and the newly returned MacEwen bring energy and physicality that can wear down opponents over 60 minutes, creating space for the skill players to exploit in the game’s later stages.

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As the puck drops at Prudential Center, this Metropolitan Division clash promises competitive hockey between two teams traveling different trajectories but equally motivated to secure two crucial points. The Devils seek to extend their perfect home record and solidify their position near the division’s top, while the Islanders aim to gain ground and prove they can compete with the conference’s elite teams on the road.

The projected lineups showcase both teams’ depth despite injury challenges, setting the stage for a physical, skilled contest that could have lasting implications for divisional standings. Whether New Jersey’s offensive firepower overwhelms the Islanders’ structured defensive approach, or whether Sorokin’s goaltending excellence frustrates the Devils’ potent attack, this matchup exemplifies why the Metropolitan Division consistently produces the NHL’s most compelling rivalries. As both franchises continue building toward playoff positioning, every divisional point becomes increasingly valuable in what promises to be another tightly contested race through spring.