The tweak opens up an even more lethal Islanders' attack. Barzal teeing up Horvat and Heineman off the rush should make Islanders' fans salivate. Drouin and Ritchie will be able to make a ton of plays together, and with a lethal finisher like Palmieri, it fits even more.

He has an abysmal 35.28 expected goals rate at five-on-five, and that’s despite playing a significant chunk of minutes alongside Mat Barzal, whose 47.47 xGF rate is fifth on the Islanders.

The Islanders were without star center Mathew Barzal, announced by coach Patrick Roy earlier in the day as a healthy scratch as discipline for being late to the rink.

Matthew Schaefer begins his NHL career with his first Rookie of the Month award, the league announced on Saturday. He is the seventh player in franchise history to receive the honor.

WASHINGTON — Mat Barzal explained his tardiness that led to a healthy scratch on Thursday night as an “alarm clock issue” on Friday before returning to the Islanders’ lineup against the Capitals.

David Rittich dropped his first game as an Islander, turning aside 27 of 33 shots faced. Brandon Bussi made 26 saves in the win for Carolina. The Islanders have lost three straight games (0-2-1), all on the road. The Islanders record dropped below NHL-.500 for the first time since Oct. 18.

Get Washington vs New York hockey betting preview, spread and over/under insights for their matchup on Oct. 31.

Everything you need to know about the NHL matchup between the Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders, including how to watch and team news.

Isles Rewards is currently available exclusively for Islanders Season Ticket Members, with plans to expand access to the broader fanbase

The New York Islanders have recalled top prospect Calum Ritchie, who will make his Islanders' debut Friday against the Washington Capitals