New York Islanders (38-24-5, 81 Pts) at Toronto Maple Leafs (29-27-12, 70Pts)

Venue: Scotiabank Arena
Date: Monday, March 17
Time: 7:00 pm EST
TV: ESPN+/TSN4
Radio:
New York – ESPN 98.7 FM, 970AM
Toronto – SN 590

Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster

New York Islanders News & Notes:

The New York Islanders have turned their fate around this season and find themselves right in the playoff hunt. With three wins in their last four games, the Islanders are looking to build some momentum. Many would view their remaining schedule as easier than that of a lot of bubble teams, so the Islanders will need to capitalize on each opportunity they get. Tonight, that opportunity comes against a tanking Leafs team that has had more success in their past three games than they’ve had in the previous month. The Islanders will look to shut down the Leafs offense while taking advantage of their unstable defense.

Toronto Maple Leafs News & Notes:

The Toronto Maple Leafs come into tonight’s game off an impressive win against the Minnesota Wild, largely due to contributions down the lineup. The only issue is the Leafs are in no man’s land, where each win lessens their probability of landing a top-5 pick and getting their first-round selection this year, but they’re also out of playoff reach. The key for Toronto is to give their young players a chance, to see what they have to work with as they set their eyes on next season. Keep an eye on all the young players to get increased ice time and capitalize on it tonight as they look to win a second consecutive game.

New York Islanders Projected Lines

Heineman-Horvat-Barzal
Duclair-Schenn-Holmstrom
Lee-Pageau-Ritchie
Palat-Cizikas-MacLean

Schaefer-Pulock
Pelech-DeAngelo
Soucy-Mayfield

Sorokin
Rittich

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Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lines

Maccelli-Tavares-Nylander
Maccelli-Domi-Cowan
Joshua-Groulx-Robertson
Pezzetta-Quillan-Jarnkrok

Rielly-Myers
McCabe-Carlo
Benoit-Stecher

Woll
Stolarz

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Players To Watch:

New York Islanders

Matthew Schaefer has taken the NHL by storm in his rookie season, establishing himself as not just the frontrunner for the Calder Trophy but as an elite defenseman in his first season, regardless of age or experience. The 18-year-old phenom, selected first overall by the Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft, has compiled an astounding 48 points through 67 games. What makes Schaefer’s season truly historic is his goal-scoring skill as he became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach 20 goals in a season. The Hamilton, Ontario native has blown away expectations, and now gets the chance to play close to home, and many family and friends are poised to make the trip. At one point, Schaefer guessed that nearly 1,000 friends and family would be attending tonight’s game, and that includes childhood friend and Leafs prospect Tyler Hopkins. Against a struggling Toronto defense, Schaefer will have opportunities to continue his remarkable rookie campaign and help the Islanders maintain their position in the Metropolitan Division playoff race.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthew Knies has been getting a lot of attention as of late, mainly due to word coming out that Toronto was considering trading him if a high asking price was met. These conversations did not lead anywhere, and some fans are relieved, while others are not so much. Knies is a power forward who excels on the wall and has shown skill and improvement with each season. He has 57 points in 65 games this season and is just one point away from tying his career high in points. Knies has had some injury trouble this season and, at times, played through an ailment in his knee, but looks to be playing and feeling better as of late. With six points in his last three games, Knies will look to extend his point streak against an elite goalie, Ilya Sorokin.

Injury Report:

New York Islanders

G Semyon Varlamov – Out
F Pierre Engvall – Out
D Alexander Romanov – Out
F Kyle Palmieri – Out

Toronto Maple Leafs

F Auston Matthews – Out
D Chris Tanev – Out

Next Game

New York – March 19 vs Ottawa Senators

Toronto – March 20 vs Carolina Hurricanes

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