Ben Shelley: ECF Game 5 Preview: Islanders vs. Lightning

Honestly Ben, The JGP line was the 3rd line as they played more than the KBJ line last game.
I agree with you and think Trotz will shorten the bench if the situation calls for it tonight.
Let's hope that isn't necessary.
They need to play their game, manage the puck and keep the TO's to a minimum.
1Shift, 1 Period, 1 Game at a time.

Let Go Islanders !

Put Otto with Martin and Cal. Time for the young talent.

Put Otto with Martin and Cal. Time for the young talent.
- ses111

Not sure the kid with zero points in 12 regular season NHL games is the kind of young talent you're referring to here

Not sure the kid with zero points in 12 regular season NHL games is the kind of young talent you're referring to here
- eichiefs9

Have to go with what you have chief. It would be 4th lines minutes and not looking for big offense from Otto. Cannot keep relying on the Leo and Moose type players forever.

Have to go with what you have chief. It would be 4th lines minutes and not looking for big offense from Otto. Cannot keep relying on the Leo and Moose type players forever.
- ses111

I'm pretty much the biggest Komarov hater out there and I still think he's a better option than a kid with 12 games of NHL experience and no points in those games. Experience matters the playoffs. Putting Otto out there isn't fair to him or the rest of the team.

Put Otto with Martin and Cal. Time for the young talent.
- ses111

I'm pretty much the biggest Komarov hater out there and I still think he's a better option than a kid with 12 games of NHL experience and no points in those games. Experience matters the playoffs. Putting Otto out there isn't fair to him or the rest of the team.
- eichiefs9

This is where the Isles need to do a better job working the young players in during the regular season so they'll be more prepared if you need them during the playoffs. It is a very tough spot having to play Otto down 3-1 and having 12 NHL games. Even before the Greene trade, through out Aho for a couple of games to see what he has.

- nyisles7

I'm just not afraid of playing young talent.

- Cptmjl

Leo is already playing.

This is where the Isles need to do a better job working the young players in during the regular season so they'll be more prepared if you need them during the playoffs. It is a very tough spot having to play Otto down 3-1 and having 12 NHL games. Even before the Greene trade, through out Aho for a couple of games to see what he has.
- ses111

They did see Otto and Aho play. That exactly the reason why they went out and got Greene and JGP. If either were NHL ready and or capable don't you think they would be playing VS giving up Assets to go out and get help ? Not to mention giving JGP a 5 year deal because they don't see Otto stepping up and being able to do what JGP does at this point. Just my opinion of course.

I'm just not afraid of playing young talent.
- ses111

Listen I like them young too. Not as young as Cpt. but yes, I agree the young ones are good.

They did see Otto and Aho play. That exactly the reason why they went out and got Greene and JGP. If either were NHL ready and or capable don't you think they would be playing VS giving up Assets to go out and get help ? Not to mention giving JGP a 5 year deal because they don't see Otto stepping up and being able to do what JGP does at this point. Just my opinion of course.
- nyisles7

I remember Aho getting called up but I do not remember him playing. Otto would not be expected to give what JGP does. If Otto cannot handle 4th line type minutes after 2 years in Bridge that's a problem and Isles need a better coach in Bridge. Down 3-1 I'm willing to try some out of the box things.

Listen I like them young too. Not as young as Cpt. but yes, I agree the young ones are good.
- nyisles7

This is where the Isles need to do a better job working the young players in during the regular season so they'll be more prepared if you need them during the playoffs. It is a very tough spot having to play Otto down 3-1 and having 12 NHL games. Even before the Greene trade, through out Aho for a couple of games to see what he has.
- ses111

Koivula was only in his second pro season in North America, I don't think it's some sort of travesty that he wasn't shoe-horned into the lineup. He got some time and he played like a rookie. Nothing wrong with that, but there would be a lot wrong with forcing him into the lineup for a game like tonight.

Also -- is Koivula even in the bubble with them? I don't honestly remember but I don't think he'd even be eligible to play if they wanted to play him.

Tampa is a better hockey team than the Islanders, they have to figure out a way to contain them with the personnel they have available or they'll be heading home sometime between now and Saturday.

- ses111

Koivula was only in his second pro season in North America, I don't think it's some sort of travesty that he wasn't shoe-horned into the lineup. He got some time and he played like a rookie. Nothing wrong with that, but there would be a lot wrong with forcing him into the lineup for a game like tonight.

Also -- is Koivula even in the bubble with them? I don't honestly remember but I don't think he'd even be eligible to play if they wanted to play him.

Tampa is a better hockey team than the Islanders, they have to figure out a way to contain them with the personnel they have available or they'll be heading home sometime between now and Saturday.
- eichiefs9

With Casey being hurt all the time, I think there was more of a chance for him to play or someone else in Bridge? I thought Otto was in the bubble and Bellows is not. I'm not sure why Bellows is not either? It's just frustrating other teams seem to be able to pull useful players from their farm system and the Isles never seem to be able to. This has to change going forward. I know Barry is coaching now but I hate we might be eliminated by Tampa again.

Koivula was only in his second pro season in North America, I don't think it's some sort of travesty that he wasn't shoe-horned into the lineup. He got some time and he played like a rookie. Nothing wrong with that, but there would be a lot wrong with forcing him into the lineup for a game like tonight.

Also -- is Koivula even in the bubble with them? I don't honestly remember but I don't think he'd even be eligible to play if they wanted to play him.

Tampa is a better hockey team than the Islanders, they have to figure out a way to contain them with the personnel they have available or they'll be heading home sometime between now and Saturday.
- eichiefs9

I believe Otto was on The PO ( bubble) Roster

I believe Otto was on The PO ( bubble) Roster
- nyisles7

This is my understanding and Bellows is not included.

Sorry ses, I completely disagree. Koivula is not coming out and being effective in an elimination game out of nowhere.

Change the lines, play a Dal Colle maybe. You’re not bringing in some kid for this situation. We made it this far, let’s stick with who we brought to the dance and see what kind of cajones they got.

@AGrossNewsday
More from #Isles Barry Trotz: "I think coming into this bubble, we were pretty gassed, I'll be straight up with you. We didn’t have much of a chance in Game 1. As the series as gone on, we've caught up in that area."

I believe Otto was on The PO ( bubble) Roster
- nyisles7

Correct.

Sorry ses, I completely disagree. Koivula is not coming out and being effective in an elimination game out of nowhere.

Change the lines, play a Dal Colle maybe. You’re not bringing in some kid for this situation. We made it this far, let’s stick with who we brought to the dance and see what kind of cajones they got.
- potvin05

I can understand this potvin. I'm just more willing to try things down 3-1 even if it's a long shot. I'm just frustrated these Bridge players do not seem to be able to help and other teams have better options from their farm team. We better get some of these young players up to speed if the Cap is not going up for a few years.

I don’t want to sound defeatist here but I’ve made my peace with this already. We had a great playoffs no matter if we lose tonight or if we can somehow shock the world and beat this team three times in a row.

If you don’t believe they have the better forwards, the more complete blue line and the better goalie than you’re just fooling yourself. Yes, I know the “better team” doesn’t always win a series in the NHL but they came into this series completely rested. I hate to say it, but going to 7 against Philly is what’s probably gonna end up biting us in the ass.