Clearly no way of knowing, but exactly four months from today the Isles will have one game remaining on the regular season schedule. Entirely possible that Pelech is back for the playoffs if his surgery/rehab goes well. Big "if", obviously.

The next 1.5 months will be hugely important for both the team and Dobson/Aho/potentially Hickey, personally. If things aren't going well on the blueline then yeah, they'll absolutely have to go out and pick someone up.
- eichiefs9

Pelech has been great for us but we have an awesome coach and some great depth. Time to see how wonderful a job that caveman Thompson has been doing in Bridgeport. Dobson has been practicing and playing though albeit occasionally he still knows the system and expectations. Teams with less depth defensively have recovered I feel we can as well especially with the systems we play in. I think it’s a big loss but I’m positive. I’m still more worried about our top 9 than our defense until one of these kids crap the bed. If that happens well we’re (frank)ed. Acquiring some bottom 6 defenseman I don’t feel is going to alleviate all that much.

Clearly no way of knowing, but exactly four months from today the Isles will have one game remaining on the regular season schedule. Entirely possible that Pelech is back for the playoffs if his surgery/rehab goes well. Big "if", obviously.

The next 1.5 months will be hugely important for both the team and Dobson/Aho/potentially Hickey, personally. If things aren't going well on the blueline then yeah, they'll absolutely have to go out and pick someone up.
- eichiefs9

Pelech's injury will take longer for him to get into game shape only because he probably can't do bike work or skate for a while.

Sucks but sometimes teams grow through these situations and make them a stronger unit.

I think we certainly need that 3C for sure but this team is built on solid D and D first mentality creating our offensive chances. I think they will try to acquire both if Dobson and Aho don't prove themselves ready and Quickly.

Tough break for the team, just never know when bad luck rears its ugly head
- nyisles7

I don’t disagree but I just don’t see how impactful trading for some bottom 6/7 player from a bottom dweller is going to be? I’m optimistic we have the depth to handle this I’m more worried about our offense. We’ll see like I said if these kids don’t step up we’re screwed either way imo.

I don’t disagree but I just don’t see how impactful trading for some bottom 6/7 player from a bottom dweller is going to be? I’m optimistic we have the depth to handle this I’m more worried about our offense. We’ll see like I said if these kids don’t step up we’re screwed either way imo.
- Cptmjl

I agree. Cannot see a 6/7 dman having a big impact. Focus on 3C. Time to see what players like Aho have.

Pelech has been great for us but we have an awesome coach and some great depth. Time to see how wonderful a job that caveman Thompson has been doing in Bridgeport. Dobson has been practicing and playing though albeit occasionally he still knows the system and expectations. Teams with less depth defensively have recovered I feel we can as well especially with the systems we play in. I think it’s a big loss but I’m positive. I’m still more worried about our top 9 than our defense until one of these kids crap the bed. If that happens well we’re (frank)ed. Acquiring some bottom 6 defenseman I don’t feel is going to alleviate all that much.
- Cptmjl

Yeah I'm not really sure the options out there via trade are really going to be an improvement over what's available here. Maybe Dobson and Aho completely poop the bed in increased roles and they have to bring in some outside help, but who knows.

Good teams deal with injuries by being able to have players come up and step into the roles they're needed for somewhat seamlessly. I think Trotz's system makes that more amenable for these guys due to its structure and reliance on consistency, so hopefully they can put it all together.

I don't disagree that adding some scoring up front should still be the priority. I think Pageau has to be the #1 target. I still like the idea of just bolstering the third line with Pageau and someone like Toffoli, who both have quite a bit of playoff experience.

Yeah I'm not really sure the options out there via trade are really going to be an improvement over what's available here. Maybe Dobson and Aho completely poop the bed in increased roles and they have to bring in some outside help, but who knows.

Good teams deal with injuries by being able to have players come up and step into the roles they're needed for somewhat seamlessly. I think Trotz's system makes that more amenable for these guys due to its structure and reliance on consistency, so hopefully they can put it all together.

I don't disagree that adding some scoring up front should still be the priority. I think Pageau has to be the #1 target. I still like the idea of just bolstering the third line with Pageau and someone like Toffoli, who both have quite a bit of playoff experience.
- eichiefs9

Agree. I think turning our attention to defense and getting that done and potentially not adding to our offense to me would be a huge misstep. Pelech has been great but losing him doesn’t mean it’s time to fold up the tents and call it a season. Like you said and I said in an earlier post I’m not sure how hard of a transition it’ll be for these kids to step into their role within Trotz’s system? I don’t think it’s going to be as monumental as some are thinking. I think Dobson can do it and if not Aho is supposedly playing within the same system so it shouldn’t be like reinventing the wheel.

Agree. I think turning our attention to defense and getting that done and potentially not adding to our offense to me would be a huge misstep. Pelech has been great but losing him doesn’t mean it’s time to fold up the tents and call it a season. Like you said and I said in an earlier post I’m not sure how hard of a transition it’ll be for these kids to step into their role within Trotz’s system? I don’t think it’s going to be as monumental as some are thinking. I think Dobson can do it and if not Aho is supposedly playing within the same system so it shouldn’t be like reinventing the wheel.
- Cptmjl

I'm just not willing to write Dobson off as "not an option" because he really hasn't been given any consistency whatsoever so far and, as understandable as that is, isn't really putting him in a position to succeed. And, despite all of that, he's still played pretty well for the most part.

That's why I'd really love to see him get in 4-5-6 consecutive games to see how he can handle it when he's playing every night. He's, of course, going to make rookie mistakes and get out-muscled now and again because he's so young...but he seems mature enough and talented enough to be able to handle that.

I don’t disagree but I just don’t see how impactful trading for some bottom 6/7 player from a bottom dweller is going to be? I’m optimistic we have the depth to handle this I’m more worried about our offense. We’ll see like I said if these kids don’t step up we’re screwed either way imo.
- Cptmjl

This is where we disagree. What if (and Im biting my tongue) Boychuk or any other d man gets an injury? Our depth is far from solid. Now if Hickey is skating and close to coming back then we are in better shape but he's a hit away from the quiet room.
I think a 6 or 7 D man with experience and PO experience does make a difference.

Hopefully Aho and our Dobson are ready or I think you will see the d depth addressed.

I'm just not willing to write Dobson off as "not an option" because he really hasn't been given any consistency whatsoever so far and, as understandable as that is, isn't really putting him in a position to succeed. And, despite all of that, he's still played pretty well for the most part.

That's why I'd really love to see him get in 4-5-6 consecutive games to see how he can handle it when he's playing every night. He's, of course, going to make rookie mistakes and get out-muscled now and again because he's so young...but he seems mature enough and talented enough to be able to handle that.
- eichiefs9

Agree on all counts. That’s why the argument of getting him in more games earlier on was a legit one. He would’ve been more prepared for this at this point of course. Dobson should and most likely will get an opportunity here and I assume we’ll probably carry seven D and be short a forward until this straightens itself out one way or the other...

New York Islanders @NYIslanders
now
#Isles transaction: Dennis Seidenberg has agreed to a 1 year deal.

This is where we disagree. What if (and Im biting my tongue) Boychuk or any other d man gets an injury? Our depth is far from solid. Now if Hickey is skating and close to coming back then we are in better shape but he's a hit away from the quiet room.
I think a 6 or 7 D man with experience and PO experience does make a difference.

Hopefully Aho and our Dobson are ready or I think you will see the d depth addressed.
- nyisles7

There’s always a chance any one player can get injured as we’re seeing now. You can only prepare so much. Personally I would like to see how well Aho and Dobson play before we waste assets on some borderline NHL’er. It’s not like even decent depth defenseman are readily available. The Pens lost Letang for almost half the season and were/are without Dumoulin. Unfortunately it happens have to see what we have in these kids at some point so let’s see. We haven’t been able to add to our third line so far which is an obvious, glaring, need. Sure if Lameriello can make both happen IF these kids don’t work out than so be it. That’s why he gets paid the big bucks.

New York Islanders @NYIslanders
now
#Isles transaction: Dennis Seidenberg has agreed to a 1 year deal.
- nyisles7

😂

There’s always a chance any one player can get injured as we’re seeing now. You can only prepare so much. Personally I would like to see how well Aho and Dobson play before we waste assets on some borderline NHL’er. It’s not like even decent depth defenseman are readily available. The Pens lost Letang for almost half the season and were/are without Dumoulin. Unfortunately it happens have to see what we have in these kids at some point so let’s see. We haven’t been able to add to our third line so far which is an obvious, glaring, need. Sure if Lameriello can make both happen IF these kids don’t work out than so be it. That’s why he gets paid the big bucks.
- Cptmjl

I think they will, there's time, and I hope one or both take the opportunity and run with it.

The Pens are/were an offensive powerhouse typically so their structure game plan is not built on that solid defensive foundation that the Islanders success has been built on in my opinion.
I think it hurts us a heck of a lot more than them.

Lou has to come into work I guess.

😂
- Cptmjl

Problem solved

I think they will, there's time, and I hope one or both take the opportunity and run with it.

The Pens are/were an offensive powerhouse typically so their structure game plan is not built on that solid defensive foundation that the Islanders success has been built on in my opinion.
I think it hurts us a heck of a lot more than them.

Lou has to come into work I guess.
- nyisles7

Pens are playing a much more structured game now than they were in seasons past imo. They made adjustments due to their injuries all season. It only hurts us if these kids can’t handle it. A lot of uncertainty right now because we don’t know what these kids have to offer so yeah. You could be right we can nose dive or continue to do so I should say because of it but I actually think there’s a chance Trotz’s system may actually help us absorb losing Pelech. The entire team bought into this system(or they at least did before the last 12 games or so😂)not just one player so everyone will have to play a role in keeping up. Shelter Aho and Dobson as much as we can until they get their feet under them and hope for the best.

Problem solved
- nyisles7

😂
That’s just a problem in itself and unnecessary at this point. The guy was terrible three seasons ago I highly doubt he’s gotten any better not playing😂

Pens are playing a much more structured game now than they were in seasons past imo. They made adjustments due to their injuries all season. It only hurts us if these kids can’t handle it. A lot of uncertainty right now because we don’t know what these kids have to offer so yeah. You could be right we can nose dive or continue to do so I should say because of it but I actually think there’s a chance Trotz’s system may actually help us absorb losing Pelech. The entire team bought into this system(or they at least did before the last 12 games or so😂)not just one player so everyone will have to play a role in keeping up. Shelter Aho and Dobson as much as we can until they get their feet under them.
- Cptmjl

I don't think we nose dive if the kids don't work out but it will effect our D and PK for sure. 1 guy doesn't make a team but if another top 4 D man goes down it will be hard to maintain what we have been doing on the d side of the puck.
Trotz is an incredible coach so I believe he will handle it as you said, and Lou and him will decide whether the team can move forward effectively with the kids and it will obviously dictate what they do moving forward.

Time for Lou to go to work.

One issue with loosing Pelech is his physical game around the net and in corners which Aho and Hickey don't play due to their size.

I don't think we nose dive if the kids don't work out but it will effect our D and PK for sure. 1 guy doesn't make a team but if another top 4 D man goes down it will be hard to maintain what we have been doing on the d side of the puck.
Trotz is an incredible coach so I believe he will handle it and lou and him will decide whether the team can move forward effectively with the kids and it will obviously dictate what they do moving forward.

Time for Lou to go to work.
- nyisles7

Yeah that’ll break our back without a doubt. Acquire a 6/7 and Pageau. Any decent depth defenseman we can grab from Ottawa when we trade for Pageau? Kill two birds with one stone😂

One issue with loosing Pelech is his physical game around the net and in corners which Aho and Hickey don't play due to their size.
- ziggy_skalica

Hickey is injured so he’s a non factor at this point. Trotz is going to have to adjust his defense with different pairings and see where it goes.

https://nypost.com/2020/0...ens-to-wreak-this-season/

100% agree with this. We’ve been saying we have so much defensive depth. Well let’s see how much we really have and focus on helping our top 9.
- Cptmjl

If dobson or aho show they can handle the load you get a 3c but are also one injury away from a real bad situation. Maybe they give bellows a shot on barzals wing and land a vet on d. Lou likes to say if you have time you use it but they need to stay in the race too. Tough call either way but hopefully they dont stand pat

Actually when Hickey was injured in the beginning of the year the D depth took a hit.
Dobson for me isn't the answer and I don't think Aho is either. I could be wrong, I hope I am.
- nyisles7

Hickey being hurt is huge as he could step right in

If dobson or aho show they can handle the load you get a 3c but are also one injury away from a real bad situation. Maybe they give bellows a shot on barzals wing and land a vet on d. Lou likes to say if you have time you use it but they need to stay in the race too. Tough call either way but hopefully they dont stand pat
- Upstate_isles

I’m still bearish on Bellows being ready. Lou needs to make a move or perhaps moves at this point. You don’t have to give up the teams future to get what we need.

I’m still bearish on Bellows being ready. Lou needs to make a move or perhaps moves at this point. You don’t have to give up the teams future to get what we need.
- Cptmjl

Going to devils sound tigers tonight hoping to see bellows jhs and ladd looking good down there. We all hate ladd but he wasnt awful in his one game up, kept it simple and hit more than normal. Perhaps he steps in on third line or even jhs because they need more talent in the lineup and dont have much to move in trades for a 3c and depth d man