New York Rangers projected lineup against the Islanders: Mike Sullivan finally gives fans what they want

The Rangers skated Saturday morning with lines that offer a clear snapshot of how head coach Mike Sullivan plans to deploy his group. With puck drop set for Saturday at 6:00, this lineup reflects both urgency and trust in recent combinations as the Rangers look to steady themselves in the Metro Division.

Up front, Artemi Panarin remains alongside Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière, a trio the Rangers continue to lean on for offense. Panarin leads the team in scoring, while Lafrenière is coming off a confidence-boosting stretch.

Vincent Trocheck centers the second line with Jonny Brodzinski and rookie Gabe Perreault. That grouping reflects Sullivan's continued effort to balance offense with responsibility, especially after Perreault showed flashes of playmaking upside in recent games.

The bottom six features a physical edge. Will Cuylle skates with Noah Laba and Taylor Raddysh, while Brennan Othmann slots in on the fourth line alongside Sam Carrick and Matt Rempe. That unit brings size, forechecking pressure, and a willingness to stir things up against an Islanders team that thrives on structure.

Defensively, the Rangers continue to roll with the same lines. However, Mike Sullivan has finally listened to what fans have been asking for, veteran forward Conor Sheary will officially be coming out of the Rangers lineup as he will be a healthy scratch.

Igor Shesterkin is expected to anchor the lineup after shaking off a brief scare at practice earlier in the day. With the Islanders known for traffic and net front chances, his composure will be critical.