Islanders Expected To Make These Lineup Tweaks Ahead Of Game vs. New Jersey Devils

EAST MEADOW, NY -- Following a 5-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night, the New York Islanders showcased some changes at Friday's skate ahead of their Saturday night showdown against the New Jersey Devils. 

Head coach Pete DeBoer hadn't decided on his lineup when we spoke with him, but here's what we saw at Friday's practice. 

Emil Heineman was back skating alongside Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri, with Simon Holmstrom lining back up with his partner in crime, Jean-Gabriel Pageau. 

Ondrej Palat has worked his way into the top six, lining up alongside Brayden Schenn and Victor Eklund. 

After signing a one-year deal on Thursday, Ben Hutton may be making his Islanders debut, having skated alongside Matt Kessel on the club's third pair. 

DeBoer also tweaked his struggling power play. Victor Eklund has been elevated to the top unit, with Kyle Palmieri dropping down to the second unit. 

Eklund will primarily be along the left half-wall.

Ilya Sorokin is expected to start after Semyon Varlamov made 34 saves in Thursday's loss. 

The Islanders will skate on Saturday morning, so we'll see if those changes stick, unless it's an optional skate.