Isles' Lineup Adjustments: Mayfield and Shabanov Return
The New York Islanders hit the ice on Sunday, gearing up for their match against the Colorado Avalanche. This game marks a significant return for the team.
SHABANOV'S COMEBACK
Max Shabanov is back in action after a 12-game absence due to an upper-body injury. He's been gradually rejoining the team, skating for the first time during practice in Vegas on Wednesday, donning a red non-contact jersey. He shed this the next day for the morning skate, signaling his return to full participation.
The Russian winger will be joining Casey Cizikas and Cal Ritchie on the ice. Shabanov has been impressive, racking up three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in six games for the Isles. During the morning skate, he took his usual spot on the second power play unit, on the right half wall, which he held before his injury. Head Coach Patrick Roy noted that Shabanov's injury occurred during the game against the Ottawa Senators on October 16, and he played through it until October 21 against San Jose.
"Against Ottawa, he was outstanding," Roy praised. "He made some great plays. The two hits he took, he stayed in the game and played in the following game, but he realized he couldn't take it anymore. I'm very impressed with him, and I'm eager to see how he performs tonight."
As a result, Max Tsyplakov and Kyle MacLean will be sitting out, with Tsyplakov having scored only one goal in 12 games for the Isles.
MAYFIELD'S RETURN
Scott Mayfield is also back, rejoining the team after missing two games to welcome his first child with his wife, Emily. Mayfield, with three assists in 16 games this season, will be paired with Alexander Romanov. He expressed his excitement, stating, "Everyone’s good. It’s been a crazy week, it’s been fun."
Mayfield missed some crucial games, including the Islanders' second and third straight OT wins, but he's ready to contribute. Adam Boqvist will be taking a seat on the bench as a result, having recorded four blocked shots and one hit in six games this season.
PROJECTED LINEUP
- Emil Heineman - Bo Horvat - Kyle Palmieri
- Jonathan Drouin - Mathew Barzal - Simon Holmstrom
- Anders Lee - JG Pageau - Anthony Duclair
Casey Cizikas - Cal Ritchie - Max Shabanov
Matthew Schaefer - Ryan Pulock
Adam Pelech - Tony DeAngelo
Alexander Romanov - Scott Mayfield
Ilya Sorokin
