Run and gun?? WTF are you talking about??

Do you know the difference between shaking up lines to get offense (something Trotz has done in the past) and changing playing philosophy? Do you think line shake-ups makes all the players forget how to play defense?

WTF??
- Puckin_Island

I’ll just go to my original post and ask what your line combos will be. Haven’t seen those yet accept for the first line. Barzal on the wing is a fail I can tell you that if your looking for offensive. I don’t think many would disagree with that.
To answer your question I really don’t know what I’m talking about (wouldn’t know a puck if it hit me in the head)I just like to read how little you know

Key to Isles success is finding their defensive game again. Especially in the POs.

I’ll just go to my original post and ask what your line combos will be. Haven’t seen those yet accept for the first line. Barzal on the wing is a fail I can tell you that if your looking for offensive. I don’t think many would disagree with that.
To answer your question I really don’t know what I’m talking about (wouldn’t know a puck if it hit me in the head)I just like to read how little you know

Key to Isles success is finding their defensive game again.
- nyisles7

I didn't get that either. Barzal is a pass first guy. I would think you'd want him at C, not W, especially if you're trying to get more offense.

I didn't get that either. Barzal is a pass first guy. I would think you'd want him at C, not W, especially if you're trying to get more offense.
- JohnScammo

100%, he transports the puck, possesses it and creates offense better than anyone on the team. His skills scream center ice. His FOs are the weakest Part of his game and Sometimes doesn’t make the smart play. As far as FOs Lee jumps in and takes the draws in certain situations. However again other than FOs he belongs in center ice.

I didn't get that either. Barzal is a pass first guy. I would think you'd want him at C, not W, especially if you're trying to get more offense.
- JohnScammo

Mat Hovers around 40% on faceoffs. Why is he at center when Trotz has said he wants to see him shoot more?

I’ll just go to my original post and ask what your line combos will be. Haven’t seen those yet accept for the first line. Barzal on the wing is a fail I can tell you that if your looking for offensive. I don’t think many would disagree with that.
To answer your question I really don’t know what I’m talking about (wouldn’t know a puck if it hit me in the head)I just like to read how little you know

Key to Isles success is finding their defensive game again. Especially in the POs.
- nyisles7

Fun is watching you misinterpret everything you read.

P.S. I did talk about the other lines...in this very thread. I feel lucky you didn't read it, because you can't misread the answer you failed to read.

No worries, but thanks. Do you think Trotz needs to shake up the lines and inject new talent to get the offense going? Look for more scoring chemistry.
- Puckin_Island

I do think a shakeup is needed, but nothing so drastic as moving Barzal to W.

Instead of:

Lee Barzal Ebs
Tito Nelson Bailey
Ladd JGP Komorov Johnston
MM Casey Cal

Me thinks this is better to start with
- nyisles7

Personally, I prefer:

Tito-Barzal-Eberle
Lee-Nelson-Bellows
Ladd-Pageau-Bailey
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

For some reason I have it in my head that Bellows could play his off wing successfully.

Mat Hovers around 40% on faceoffs. Why is he at center when Trotz has said he wants to see him shoot more?
- Puckin_Island

Which is why I said it’s the weakest part of his game. Trotz does have Lee take some draws and also Bailey on the PP just for that reason. But Barzal to the wing doesn’t make a bit of sense to me. Just my opinion.

I do think a shakeup is needed, but nothing so drastic as moving Barzal to W.
- Wildschwein

The only reason I suggested it is to try and build a packed scoring line. If Pageau is part of the first line, there is no way Barzal should be at center. Being on the wing doesn't prevent Barzal from carrying the puck in.

I guess Beau is Tito? Never heard him called that, but I like the first line.




I have tought Nel and Ebs would be good for Lee's deflections. Both those guys have accurate wristers and could hit Lees blade quite often. Lee has mentioned the lack of guys shooting at his deflection target as a reason for his lower totals.

But the main thing in my opinion is getting a line that is scoring regularly. That pulls defense away from other lines, and that could open things up for lines 2-4. There are plenty of guys to rotate into 3 and 4, younger guys who already have some experience.
- Puckin_Island

Beauvillier is Tito, yes.

And also yes, I think Lee is a better fit with Nelson. Barzal just doesn’t seem able to use Lee’s strengths.

Personally, I prefer:

Tito-Barzal-Eberle
Lee-Nelson-Bellows
Ladd-Pageau-Bailey
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

For some reason I have it in my head that Bellows could play his off wing successfully.
- Wildschwein

I can see these for sure.
I like Lee on the 1st instead of Tito only because when Tito and Barzal are on the same line Tito seems to wait for Barzal instead of engaging and takes a back seat.
That’s just my observation.
Bellows def can play his off wing and would open him up for shots.

I can see these for sure.
I like Lee on the 1st instead of Tito only because when Tito and Barzal are on the same line Tito seems to wait for Barzal instead of engaging and takes a back seat.
That’s just my observation.
Bellows def can play his off wing and would open him up for shots.
- nyisles7

The main reason I put Lee on the 2nd with Nelson, is my belief that Nelson is better able to facilitate the “trash” offensive opportunities that Lee thrives upon.

Barzal seems (to me anyway) to prefer the pretty play. Thus Lee’s magnificence is wasted on him.

Beauvillier is Tito, yes.

And also yes, I think Lee is a better fit with Nelson. Barzal just doesn’t seem able to use Lee’s strengths.
- Wildschwein

Because he doesn't shoot enough. I think Nelson and Ebs would be a perfect pair to raise Lees numbers. The only weakness would be Eberly along the wall, but Lee is great and Nelson is pretty good coming away with the puck.

But Trotz doesn't think offense too well, IMO.

The main reason I put Lee on the 2nd with Nelson, is my belief that Nelson is better able to facilitate the “trash” offensive opportunities that Lee thrives upon.

Barzal seems (to me anyway) to prefer the pretty play. Thus Lee’s magnificence is wasted on him.
- Wildschwein

Nelson and Lee have had success on this team together and also on Team USA for sure. You are correct on Barzal with trying or forcing the pretty play instead of getting the puck to the net with Lee’s Net front presence they both would benefit From that. One of my beefs with Barzy not making the simple play when nothing else is there.

Do they get a chance in the lottery even if they don't have a first round pick?
- PeteM

Yes because of the pandemic the NHL devised a new lottery program. All teams that didn't qualify for the play-in round plus those that lose in the play-in round qualify with an equal chance to win it. 12.5%. The Isles 1st Rounder was lottery protected so if they win it next years 1st goes to Ottawa.

You can also throw Otto or Bellows on that 3rd line. That’s the question mark in the line up in my opinion.
- nyisles7

And has been their Achilles heel all year

Do they get a chance in the lottery even if they don't have a first round pick?
- PeteM

Yea it was lottery protected

Let's hope brock starts this tournament like the regular season

Let's hope brock starts this tournament like the regular season
- Upstate_isles

STFU. New blog.

Let's hope brock starts this tournament like the regular season
- Upstate_isles

That would be a plus. I hope Ebs shows up.