Adam Boqvist skates at center with Islanders in a lineup crunch

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Kyle MacLean was out of Sunday’s lineup with illness, so the Islanders tried something way out of left field.

Adam Boqvist, a defenseman, centered the fourth line in MacLean’s spot as the Islanders went with a lineup that was technically 11 forwards and seven defenseman, with the intent of playing as if it were 12 and eight.

“I kind of asked him if he’s open,” coach Patrick Roy said before a 4-1 loss to the Ducks. “He said whatever helps the team to win. That’s what we want from our guys.”