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Sports · Olympics · published 2026-09-03 · via Sports Illustrated

Islanders' Defensive Alignment on Right Side Could Shape Season

Image via Sports Illustrated
Image via Sports Illustrated

The New York Islanders are evaluating their defensive pairings, with a potential move of Matthew Schaefer to the right side. Such a shift would allow younger players like Isaiah George to take on larger roles. The team's success may hinge on how they configure the right side of their blueline.

Expanded Detail

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The Islanders' defensive configuration hinges on whether Schaefer, a left-handed shot, can effectively transition to the right side. His skill set suggests adaptability, but the move carries inherent risk. If successful, the pairings would feature Pelech anchoring the left with Romanov and George, while Pulock and DeAngelo slot behind Schaefer on the right.

General manager Mathieu Darche and coach Peter DeBoer face additional pressure from a pipeline of young defensemen

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
Read the full article at Sports Illustrated →
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This summary is AI-generated and original to Mobble; the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Right Side of Defense Could Be Key for NY Islanders.” Browse more stories.