Months of summer away from one another didn't damage the chemistry between Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt. Hischier and Bratt picked up right where they always left off, assisting and contributing to one another goals.

Hockey is back, everybody. The New York Islanders skated in their first game against an opponent since April, when they were dumped out of the playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes.

New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe provided insight into which players will not play in the club's first preseason game.

Sunday’s preseason game will be the first chance for Devils players to put into motion the systems and schemes of Sheldon Keefe and his coaching staff. However, the expectation isn’t for things to be perfect as the Devils held their first on-ice session of training camp just three days ago.

As with such games, the goals are to perform well and don’t get hurt. The Time: 7:00 PM ET The Broadcast: TV: MSGSN, MSGSN2; Digital, Out of Market: ESPN+ The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils vs. the New York Islanders The Song of the Evening: School began for many earlier this month.

Despite less time to prepare for the regular season than the other teams in the NHL, the Devils are resting notable stars for Sunday’s preseason opener. Coach Sheldon Keefe said on Saturday that top-line forwards Jack Hughes and Timo Meier won’t dress against the Islanders at the Prudential Center since they are coming back from offseason surgeries.

The offseason is finally over, and the New York Islanders are set to play their first preseason game tomorrow (Sep. 22) against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.