Preseason Gameday Preview: Devils at Islanders

This afternoon, the New Jersey Devils will travel to Elmont, New York, to play their final preseason game at 7:00 P.M. versus the New York Islanders. The club owns a 6-0-0 record and earned a 6-5 victory over the Islanders on Oct. 2. Jesper Bratt scored three goals, while John Marino collected three points.

The Devils did not hold a morning skate, but head coach Lindy Ruff revealed that Nathan Bastian will return to the lineup yesterday after practice. The 25-year-old has only appeared in one preseason contest. Per THN's Stefen Rosner, the Islanders held an optional skate that included Brock Nelson, Bo Horvat, Matt Martin, Adam Pelech, and Ilya Sorokin.

New Jersey has outscored opponents 27-13 and, along with the Dallas Stars, are the only teams in the NHL that have not suffered a regulation loss this preseason.

The Devils' special teams are trending in the right direction, as the power play is eight for 18 (44.4%), and the penalty kill is 16 for 18 (88.9%), per the media notes.

Kyle Palmieri rejoined his team on Monday after suffering a pre-training camp undisclosed injury. The ex-Devil will not play his former team but is expected to be ready for the Islanders' regular-season opener.

Forwards

Nate Bastian

Justin Dowling

Joe Gambardella*

Alexander Holtz

Curtis Lazar

Michael McLeod

Dawson Mercer

Tomas Nosek

Ryan Schmelzer*

Tyce Thompson

Chris Tierney

Max Willman

Defensemen

Kevin Bahl

Santeri Hatakka

Luke Hughes

Colin Miller

Simon Nemec

Brendan Smith

Goaltenders

Isaac Poulter

Akira Schmid

* Both Gambardella and Schmelzer were assigned to the Utica Comets on Sept. 29. Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News contacted the team, who confirmed both were recalled and added to tonight's lineup. 

Simon Holmstrom - Bo Horvat - Mathew Barzal

Pierre Engvall - Brock Nelson - Julien Gauthier

Anders Lee - Jean-Gabriel Pageau - Hudson Fasching

Matt Martin - Casey Cizikas - Cal Clutterbuck

Adam Pelech - Noah Dobson

Alex Romanov - Ryan Pulock

Sebastian Aho - Scott Mayfield

Ilya Sorokin

Ken Appleby

Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be broadcast on MSGSN and MSG. Fans can also listen on the Devils Hockey Network.