Ben Shelley: Can the Islanders take a step forward this season?

press X to doubt

Their roster as it stands is better this year than last. PP will be improved and their PK can only go up.

This made me laugh

While I don’t think the Islanders are world-beaters by any means, they should be a much safer playoff bet than the odds suggest, especially relative to Detroit whose total is somehow only one point lower. There’s a lot more to like in Long Island, especially with the Anthony Duclair addition and a few other additions by subtraction. There’s also a new-ish coach behind the bench in Patrick Roy, who is notably not Lane Lambert

Holmstrom-Nelson-Palmieri
Lee-Pageau-Engvall
Tsyplakov-Karlstrom-Gauthier
Foudy-Thiesing-Gatcomb

Pelech-Pulock
Reilly-Mayfield
Odelius-Hutton
Warren

Hogberg
Skarek



They’re giving Holmstrom a real look with Nelson and Palms. I’d like to see Tysolakov with Nelson and Palmieri

Holmstrom-Nelson-Palmieri
Lee-Pageau-Engvall
Tsyplakov-Karlstrom-Gauthier
Foudy-Thiesing-Gatcomb

Pelech-Pulock
Reilly-Mayfield
Odelius-Hutton
Warren

Hogberg
Skarek



They’re giving Holmstrom a real look with Nelson and Palms. I’d like to see Tysolakov with Nelson and Palmieri
- kindlyrick

Young wingers: Simon Holmström has gotten the first shot at grabbing the second-line left-wing spot alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Holmström was solid in his one preseason game so far, a game in which two other under-27-year-old forwards, Julien Gauthier and newcomer Maxim Tsyplakov, shined. Tsyplakov, to my eyes, looks to be the best option for the Nelson-Palmieri wing, but perhaps Roy wants to see how Tsyplakov handles the pace and physicality of the NHL for a bit before elevating him over Holmström, whose two-way game and above-average shot are a bit better known in the organization.

No

Young wingers: Simon Holmström has gotten the first shot at grabbing the second-line left-wing spot alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Holmström was solid in his one preseason game so far, a game in which two other under-27-year-old forwards, Julien Gauthier and newcomer Maxim Tsyplakov, shined. Tsyplakov, to my eyes, looks to be the best option for the Nelson-Palmieri wing, but perhaps Roy wants to see how Tsyplakov handles the pace and physicality of the NHL for a bit before elevating him over Holmström, whose two-way game and above-average shot are a bit better known in the organization.
- Upstate_isles

I thought tsyplakov came as he was guaranteed a top 6 spot

No
- Glak18

Yes.

Young wingers: Simon Holmström has gotten the first shot at grabbing the second-line left-wing spot alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Holmström was solid in his one preseason game so far, a game in which two other under-27-year-old forwards, Julien Gauthier and newcomer Maxim Tsyplakov, shined. Tsyplakov, to my eyes, looks to be the best option for the Nelson-Palmieri wing, but perhaps Roy wants to see how Tsyplakov handles the pace and physicality of the NHL for a bit before elevating him over Holmström, whose two-way game and above-average shot are a bit better known in the organization.
- Upstate_isles

Holmstrom is having a strong camp. He’s noticeable to me

I thought tsyplakov came as he was guaranteed a top 6 spot
- Upstate_isles

Not sure about guaranteed, but they still have a few games to see who’s gelling. I think their top 6 is going to produce more pts than the last few years.

Holmstrom is having a strong camp. He’s noticeable to me
- kindlyrick

There's not a spot for Martin i mean how can he make it over fasching or holmstrom ? Hogberg has the 3 spot i think cause this game would be 10 0 if Tikenen was in net

There's not a spot for Martin i mean how can he make it over fasching or holmstrom ? Hogberg has the 3 spot i think cause this game would be 10 0 if Tikenen was in net
- Upstate_isles

I don’t really see a spot for Martin, but maybe they keep him as a 13th forward for league min. I could see a benefit having him travel with the team as the 13th guy, ready to dress if needed.

I don’t really see a spot for Martin, but maybe they keep him as a 13th forward for league min. I could see a benefit having him travel with the team as the 13th guy, ready to dress if needed.
- kindlyrick

Was just talking with vukota about this but man there are better options just no one that will fight if need be but how often did we see that last year?

THANK YOU BENNY

Was just talking with vukota about this but man there are better options just no one that will fight if need be but how often did we see that last year?
- Upstate_isles

Yeah the game is changing and the enforcer is being phased out. That said the two things that make fans jump outta their seats are breakaways and tilts. It’s still a show…

If you look at elite teams in and team with high end players. They all have someone to protect their assets. The minute you remove that, you open yourself for another team to take liberties against the players that put fans in the seats.

While yes hockey has been phasing the fighting aspect out of the sport. There is still a need to have a presence to protect your assets.

Fighting in hockey as a spontaneous response has a purpose. Fighting in hockey as a WWE event does not belong.

I could see Lou keeping MM for league minimum. Especially since the Devs brought in grit... The Rags have the Red Wood Line. And you will need it in the playoffs.

If you look at elite teams in and team with high end players. They all have someone to protect their assets. The minute you remove that, you open yourself for another team to take liberties against the players that put fans in the seats.

While yes hockey has been phasing the fighting aspect out of the sport. There is still a need to have a presence to protect your assets.

Fighting in hockey as a spontaneous response has a purpose. Fighting in hockey as a WWE event does not belong.

I could see Lou keeping MM for league minimum. Especially since the Devs brought in grit... The Rags have the Red Wood Line. And you will need it in the playoffs.
- Nfdbulldawg

Except most nights he won't be in the line up so what's he going to do fight the team 23 games later in the season? Mayfield can eat a few and lee will fight which would be along the spontaneous fights where it matters and a player is on the ice. Martin is not a deterrence imo

Except most nights he won't be in the line up so what's he going to do fight the team 23 games later in the season? Mayfield can eat a few and lee will fight which would be along the spontaneous fights where it matters and a player is on the ice. Martin is not a deterrence imo
- Upstate_isles

Agree. If it's Martin 10 years ago definitely. And if I had a vagina, I'd fingerbang myself. So there you go.

I don’t care about wins and losses in pre season as it’s obviously about finding chemistry and getting systems down etc. I just can’t help but be disappointed in both Anders Lee and JGP. They were playing against a minor league squad and not only didn’t put up a point as a line, but really basically unnoticeable. At least Lee is a bigger guy and can play physical in front of the net. JGP is just soft.

If you look at elite teams in and team with high end players. They all have someone to protect their assets. The minute you remove that, you open yourself for another team to take liberties against the players that put fans in the seats.

While yes hockey has been phasing the fighting aspect out of the sport. There is still a need to have a presence to protect your assets.

Fighting in hockey as a spontaneous response has a purpose. Fighting in hockey as a WWE event does not belong.

I could see Lou keeping MM for league minimum. Especially since the Devs brought in grit... The Rags have the Red Wood Line. And you will need it in the playoffs.
- Nfdbulldawg

Martin had two more fights than Lee last year, I don't think that's really going to be missed

Except most nights he won't be in the line up so what's he going to do fight the team 23 games later in the season? Mayfield can eat a few and lee will fight which would be along the spontaneous fights where it matters and a player is on the ice. Martin is not a deterrence imo
- Upstate_isles

Matt should enjoy retirement at this point.

I don’t care about wins and losses in pre season as it’s obviously about finding chemistry and getting systems down etc. I just can’t help but be disappointed in both Anders Lee and JGP. They were playing against a minor league squad and not only didn’t put up a point as a line, but really basically unnoticeable. At least Lee is a bigger guy and can play physical in front of the net. JGP is just soft.
- kindlyrick

Lee and JGP will show flashes during the season, but consistency will be an issue.

Lee and JGP will show flashes during the season, but consistency will be an issue.
- ses111

I'm not really putting any stock in the preseason for veteran guys who are locks to make the team. I haven't really watched any of the games so far, but those already know what their role on the team is going to be and there's no need for them to kill themselves in preseason games.

If you look at elite teams in and team with high end players. They all have someone to protect their assets. The minute you remove that, you open yourself for another team to take liberties against the players that put fans in the seats.

While yes hockey has been phasing the fighting aspect out of the sport. There is still a need to have a presence to protect your assets.

Fighting in hockey as a spontaneous response has a purpose. Fighting in hockey as a WWE event does not belong.

I could see Lou keeping MM for league minimum. Especially since the Devs brought in grit... The Rags have the Red Wood Line. And you will need it in the playoffs.
- Nfdbulldawg

If someone needs their face rearranged, then let Lee do it. My boy has no issue dropping mitts.