NEWARK – Unlike many coaches around the NHL, Barry Trotz is not prone to shaking up his forward lines frequently. So, even when he just flip-flops two left wings at practice, as he did on Wednesday afternoon at Prudential Center, it’s significant.
The Metropolitan Division-leading Islanders, in a 1-1-2 slide, conclude a two-game road trip against the Devils on Thursday night. And it’s likely rookie Michael Dal Colle will skate with Mathew Barzal and Josh Bailey while struggling Anthony Beauvillier will again to try regain his scoring touch with third-line center Valtteri Filppula and Leo Komarov.
“You give an opportunity to someone else,” Trotz said.