Overview
- Romanov and Ryan Pulock were back in game action and skated together, a key step as both come off shoulder surgeries and seek game reps to regain form.
- The Islanders were routed 6-1 by the Rangers in a dress-rehearsal that featured New York’s NHL regulars against an Islanders lineup heavy with prospects and minor-league players.
- Management announced additional cuts and waiver moves Saturday, including Pierre Engvall on waivers and several players reassigned to AHL Hamilton, as the club pares the roster ahead of Monday’s deadline.
- The fight for the third-pair roles centers on Isaiah George, Matt Kessel and Scott Mayfield, with George’s standing weakened after a poor showing in the preseason finale.
- Goaltender Semyon Varlamov played the full preseason game and allowed six goals but the team says he is fine; the shortened four-game preseason has compressed evaluations and made single games more consequential for opening-night decisions.