- Cptmjl

Hope the +/- is better
You can’t play run and gun in the NHL imo. Defense wins. I guess we just disagree with that d first philosophy. I mean it worked great when JT’s line was scoring 4 but giving up 5. I’ll go with the no goals against and play a patient game and jump on my opponents mistakes.
Hell you must have like Weights defense optional system but I don’t think that’s the case.
I’m not saying Leo is the answer but Zajac or him give some stability. They definitely are not replacing Lee and won’t pretend or say they are. It just lets the other lines which are playing well stay together.
Great players make other players better and Barzal needs to get his head out of his ass and start playing the way he can instead of the stupid game he’s been playing recently.
- nyisles7

It's the system that keeps it from being a run and gun. By all standards, Leo Komarov is no better than a fourth line player and in most cases an AHLer on a crowded roster. It's not about disagreeing regarding the overall philosophy of the team system, but rather whether putting a D level player on your A line to go up against other team's A level defensive players. If Barzal and Ebs aren't creating opportunities then they completely lose their value. You may as well just stick Zeeker and Bailey with Komarov on that top line, play in your dzone waiting for the once in a blue moon transition. Or perhaps we could just stick a third defensemen out there with them

When the playoffs kick in and these lockdown games happen with regularity, the top players will have to overcome other teams top players playing clamp-down styles. With Leo on that line, they will likely become pedestrian. Space fillers to eat time and hope for a fluke goal rather than creating their own luck. We need to find a better option there.

It's the system that keeps it from being a run and gun. By all standards, Leo Komarov is no better than a fourth line player and in most cases an AHLer on a crowded roster. It's not about disagreeing regarding the overall philosophy of the team system, but rather whether putting a D level player on your A line to go up against other team's A level defensive players. If Barzal and Ebs aren't creating opportunities then they completely lose their value. You may as well just stick Zeeker and Bailey with Komarov on that top line, play in your dzone waiting for the once in a blue moon transition. Or perhaps we could just stick a third defensemen out there with them

When the playoffs kick in and these lockdown games happen with regularity, the top players will have to overcome other teams top players playing clamp-down styles. With Leo on that line, they will likely become pedestrian. Space fillers to eat time and hope for a fluke goal rather than creating their own luck. We need to find a better option there.
- keaner17

Well said and agreed. If Leo comes off that line is there more of a chance of them being scored on? That’s very debatable. They’re spending most of their time in our zone these days defending and not pushing play in the opposing teams zone it seems. Does that lessen the chance of getting scored on? Not in my world. That line has become completely ineffective and to think maybe, just maybe it’s because there’s a borderline NHL player on it is ludicrous is laughable.
I mean if that we’re the case why did we have Lee up there to begin with? He’s far from a defensive juggernaut. Trotz is having a tough time finding consistency in his lines. Maybe Toga is right having all of these same side shooters is causing an issue? Who knows but you have to score goals to win games and yeah sometimes you give some up too. That’s how it works. Last nights game could’ve gone either way with a bounce but stymieing the offense and more importantly your first line will never make sense to me. Your first line has one job. To score goals. Of course they don’t want to give them up along the way but Barzal and Eberle aren’t getting paid to solely defend and that’s exactly what they’ve been doing since that fat turd was put on their line.

Edit; I’ll also add Komarov played well filling for clutterbuck. That’s what he is. The 13th fwd and a fill in for the 4th line. There’s a reason why he was put on waivers twice.

My point as well. Some feel that adding Leo to the top line provides an air of defensive reliability, but the reality is this comes at the expense of the forecheck with your top players. So sure, Leo is high in the offensive zone so he can get back to prevent odd man rushes against, but he's also MIA on offensive plays causing Ebs and Barzy to play at a disadvantage. So now you insert Dal Colle and do the same thing to Brock. This isn't like the Isles were suddenly giving up four goals a game. Meanwhile, subtract the offensive outburst in the Rangers game and the Isles have managed 10 goals in their last 8 games. Somehow removing a guy who could be your leading goal scorer in favor of two grinders, who couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat, strikes me as a bad idea. Certainly forcing your top two lines to drag those players along seems equally bad.
- keaner17

I didn't think saying Dal Colle is a decent hockey player yesterday would turn into a two-day debate

Anyway, the bold part assumes Dal Colle and Komarov are the same. Which they're not. When Dal Colle's effective, which I didn't think he was last night, he's actively contributing to keeping the puck in the zone. He's not on a line purely for defense.

Komarov and Zajac are on the first line because suddenly we all seem to think Lee was a 5x Selke Trophy winner and Barzal and Eberle would be -1,000 without a PK specialist stapled to them. You'll get no argument from me that this experiment's gone on about four games too long now and that should be Palmieri's spot. Or, at the very least, Beau's spot.

You can argue how effective/ineffective Dal Colle and Komarov are at their respective roles, and even that Wahlstrom should be in over both. But it's not the same role and their impact on the players they're with isn't the same.

I will say it again and this will be my last post in here until Trotz is fired or he plays Wahlstrom Bellows or someone that will shoot the damn puck rather than pass it to a covered player. We do have two outstanding goalies in Varly and sorokin. When the Islanders make a mistake they are very capable of making a save. To put a fourth line fill in on the top line is idiotic and stupid. I know defense wins cups but your not winning a round with this inept offense and pp.

Goodbye.

Leo should not be on the first line. I don't mind Zajak on that line b/c he can win face offs when Barzal gets chased or just have him take them immediately like the last few games as "Centre".

MDC is a Fill in guy if players get hurt.. he is not an everyday player. He has zero offensive upside and looks like he is wearing cement shoes if he gets caught out there on a shift for more than 30 seconds. Putting MDC and Leo in a line up while Wahlstrom and Zajac are scratched is nuts. ... I get it that both are responsible defensively... so is Zajac that was why we got him at deadline. Wahlstrom had 1 game where he wasn't perfect on details.. Put him in press box for a game not forever.. nuts.

still had our chances last night.. Barzal could have scored on break aways twice, Bailey missed a golden opportunity, so did Brock in first period.

I will say it again and this will be my last post in here until Trotz is fired or he plays Wahlstrom Bellows or someone that will shoot the damn puck rather than pass it to a covered player. We do have two outstanding goalies in Varly and sorokin. When the Islanders make a mistake they are very capable of making a save. To put a fourth line fill in on the top line is idiotic and stupid. I know defense wins cups but your not winning a round with this inept offense and pp.

Goodbye.
- Hockeyislife

I will say it again and this will be my last post in here until Trotz is fired or he plays Wahlstrom Bellows or someone that will shoot the damn puck rather than pass it to a covered player. We do have two outstanding goalies in Varly and sorokin. When the Islanders make a mistake they are very capable of making a save. To put a fourth line fill in on the top line is idiotic and stupid. I know defense wins cups but your not winning a round with this inept offense and pp.

Goodbye.
- Hockeyislife

Bailey is still maddening on the PP. finally got set up after winning face off and he immediately tried one of his stupid passes through 3 sticks in the middle. torture.

It's the system that keeps it from being a run and gun. By all standards, Leo Komarov is no better than a fourth line player and in most cases an AHLer on a crowded roster. It's not about disagreeing regarding the overall philosophy of the team system, but rather whether putting a D level player on your A line to go up against other team's A level defensive players. If Barzal and Ebs aren't creating opportunities then they completely lose their value. You may as well just stick Zeeker and Bailey with Komarov on that top line, play in your dzone waiting for the once in a blue moon transition. Or perhaps we could just stick a third defensemen out there with them

When the playoffs kick in and these lockdown games happen with regularity, the top players will have to overcome other teams top players playing clamp-down styles. With Leo on that line, they will likely become pedestrian. Space fillers to eat time and hope for a fluke goal rather than creating their own luck. We need to find a better option there.
- keaner17

The clamp down styles have begun. These games are PO games and if the Isles play the way they played last night they will be fine. Barzal needs to stop turning over the puck and make the simple play and he may Just start creating again. Leo or Zajac or who ever else you throw out there isn’t the reason Barzal has played like shat in the last handful of games. He hasn’t scored or created in the PP with all offensive talents on the ice and the other team down a man. Leo’s fault I guess.
That’s my opinion and I guess Barry’s as well.
Even though we know Barry should be fired.

Well said and agreed. If Leo comes off that line is there more of a chance of them being scored on? That’s very debatable. They’re spending most of their time in our zone these days defending and not pushing play in the opposing teams zone it seems. Does that lessen the chance of getting scored on? Not in my world. That line has become completely ineffective and to think maybe, just maybe it’s because there’s a borderline NHL player on it is ludicrous is laughable.
I mean if that we’re the case why did we have Lee up there to begin with? He’s far from a defensive juggernaut. Trotz is having a tough time finding consistency in his lines. Maybe Toga is right having all of these same side shooters is causing an issue? Who knows but you have to score goals to win games and yeah sometimes you give some up too. That’s how it works. Last nights game could’ve gone either way with a bounce but stymieing the offense and more importantly your first line will never make sense to me. Your first line has one job. To score goals. Of course they don’t want to give them up along the way but Barzal and Eberle aren’t getting paid to solely defend and that’s exactly what they’ve been doing since that fat turd was put on their line.

Edit; I’ll also add Komarov played well filling for clutterbuck. That’s what he is. The 13th fwd and a fill in for the 4th line. There’s a reason why he was put on waivers twice.
- Cptmjl

Good morning Cpt Sunshine, my your awfully long winded this morning😘

I will say it again and this will be my last post in here until Trotz is fired or he plays Wahlstrom Bellows or someone that will shoot the damn puck rather than pass it to a covered player. We do have two outstanding goalies in Varly and sorokin. When the Islanders make a mistake they are very capable of making a save. To put a fourth line fill in on the top line is idiotic and stupid. I know defense wins cups but your not winning a round with this inept offense and pp.

Goodbye.
- Hockeyislife

I didn't think saying Dal Colle is a decent hockey player yesterday would turn into a two-day debate

Anyway, the bold part assumes Dal Colle and Komarov are the same. Which they're not. When Dal Colle's effective, which I didn't think he was last night, he's actively contributing to keeping the puck in the zone. He's not on a line purely for defense.

Komarov and Zajac are on the first line because suddenly we all seem to think Lee was a 5x Selke Trophy winner and Barzal and Eberle would be -1,000 without a PK specialist stapled to them. You'll get no argument from me that this experiment's gone on about four games too long now and that should be Palmieri's spot. Or, at the very least, Beau's spot.

You can argue how effective/ineffective Dal Colle and Komarov are at their respective roles, and even that Wahlstrom should be in over both. But it's not the same role and their impact on the players they're with isn't the same.
- UIF

Dal Colle and Komarov are certainly not the same player, agreed. However the approach to using them on scoring lines is very similar. Naturally all players and lines are subject to chemistry based on specific skills or tendencies of their linemates. The comparison is more based on the simplistic approach of adding guys with no offensive skill to lines with skilled players whose jobs are to score. It's certainly far worse having Komarov on the top line than Dal Colle on the second line, but I would say that neither belong in those roles. The highest compliment we can pay to Dal Colle is he 'keeps' the puck in the zone. That's something I want to say about our checking line and fourth line, not a player on our second scoring line.

To me this is most certainly more about Komarov on the top line that MDC on the second, but the point is that you neuter the top line by putting Leo on there. To a lesser degree, you do the same to Brock with MDC there. Now you have two scoring lines that have less skill in the name of taking on a grinder's mentality. That most certainly will catch up to you as your team fails to score a single goal in 65 minutes of hockey.

Wow 7 vs captain and Hockeyislife is almost better than the game was
- Upstate_isles

Key is Komarov and Bailey, without them the thread would have nothing to talk about and hell the Isles wouldn’t loose a game and
Barzal would score every shift.

- JohnScammo

I think Barry is keeping a close eye on the standings. He sees that the Isles can lose every game until the end of the season and still make the playoffs...........as long as they don't lose in regulation. The surest way to get the needed points is his conservative style which means giving up some offense to play better defense. I suspect that, once they clinch their playoff spot, he may loosen things up and get Wally back in the line-up.

I also think he sees a very big, physical team in Washington, and thinks the team's best chance is to play bigger, more physical players like Leo who, dare I say it, plays a heavy game.

The clamp down styles have begun. These games are PO games and if the Isles play the way they played last night they will be fine. Barzal needs to stop turning over the puck and make the simple play and he may Just start creating again. Leo or Zajac or who ever else you throw out there isn’t the reason Barzal has played like shat in the last handful of games. He hasn’t scored or created in the PP with all offensive talents on the ice and the other team down a man. Leo’s fault I guess.
That’s my opinion and I guess Barry’s as well.
Even though we know Barry should be fired.
- nyisles7

I think Barzal is always going to be that high risk guy who makes some good plays and some bad ones. I've said it before and stick by it, if you don't believe he's more prone to making those mistakes with guys like Leo on the line, then you've never played against a superior opponent with inferior line mates. Barzy gets himself into trouble when he tries to do too much. Playing 2 on 3 is a handicap that brings out the worst in him. Just like great players can elevate poor players, poor players can make great players less effective. If he's twisting and turning looking for an option and only Ebs is around, that makes it pretty easy for defenders to pressure him into a bad situation.

Barzy has been bad lately, no doubt. He's pressing way too much. It would certainly be nice if he had someone to relieve the pressure a bit.

Bailey is still maddening on the PP. finally got set up after winning face off and he immediately tried one of his stupid passes through 3 sticks in the middle. torture.
- niteislander

Few patented behind the back drop pass giveaways also

That’s just my imagination and pointing it out on a hockey forum is BAD.

I think Barzal is always going to be that high risk guy who makes some good plays and some bad ones. I've said it before and stick by it, if you don't believe he's more prone to making those mistakes with guys like Leo on the line, then you've never played against a superior opponent with inferior line mates. Barzy gets himself into trouble when he tries to do too much. Playing 2 on 3 is a handicap that brings out the worst in him. Just like great players can elevate poor players, poor players can make great players less effective. If he's twisting and turning looking for an option and only Ebs is around, that makes it pretty easy for defenders to pressure him into a bad situation.

Barzy has been bad lately, no doubt. He's pressing way too much. It would certainly be nice if he had someone to relieve the pressure a bit.
- keaner17

If he wants to be aligned with the true stars of the game he needs to be consistent with his puck management and start driving the net and shooting instead of Richarding around.
He turns the puck over constantly on the Pp and he has the best players on the ice with him. We will agree to disagree on the point that Barzals TO are because of someone else he’s playing with.
I can just hear the conversation on the bench.
Hey Barry, “I’m sorry I turned the puck over there and missed my back check but hey remember Leo’s on my wing now”.
“Oh that’s true Barzy I forgot about that”.
Yeah, that conversation isn’t happening.

I think Barry is keeping a close eye on the standings. He sees that the Isles can lose every game until the end of the season and still make the playoffs...........as long as they don't lose in regulation. The surest way to get the needed points is his conservative style which means giving up some offense to play better defense. I suspect that, once they clinch their playoff spot, he may loosen things up and get Wally back in the line-up.

I also think he sees a very big, physical team in Washington, and thinks the team's best chance is to play bigger, more physical players like Leo who, dare I say it, plays a heavy game.
- JohnScammo

This is also debatable. I wonder if people actually watch Komarov play sometimes? If by heavy you mean his actual weight then yeah I’d agree.

I think Barry is keeping a close eye on the standings. He sees that the Isles can lose every game until the end of the season and still make the playoffs...........as long as they don't lose in regulation. The surest way to get the needed points is his conservative style which means giving up some offense to play better defense. I suspect that, once they clinch their playoff spot, he may loosen things up and get Wally back in the line-up.

I also think he sees a very big, physical team in Washington, and thinks the team's best chance is to play bigger, more physical players like Leo who, dare I say it, plays a heavy game.
- JohnScammo

Few patented behind the back drop pass giveaways also

That’s just my imagination and pointing it out on a hockey forum is BAD.
- Cptmjl

It’a not bad, Just post something else once in a while, PLEASE!

If he wants to be aligned with the true stars of the game he needs to be consistent with his puck management and start driving the net and shooting instead of Richarding around.
He turns the puck over constantly on the Pp and he has the best players on the ice with him. We will agree to disagree on the point that Barzals TO are because of someone else he’s playing with.
I can just hear the conversation on the bench
Hey Barry, “I’m sorry I turned the puck over there and missed my back check but hey remember Leo’s on my wing now”.
“Oh that’s true Barzy I forgot about that”.
Yeah, that conversation isn’t happening.
- nyisles7

In case you haven't noticed, EVERYONE is turning the puck over on the pp. They ran an entire pp without Barzal last night and couldn't even enter the zone. Your boy 12Chainz sprang the Caps on a breakway that fortunately got cut off by Pelech durang the pp. The pp is a whole different problem right now.

As I said, Barzy has definitely been bad. He's skating himself into trouble. That said, it's a helluva lot easier for the Caps to cut him off when all they have to do is figure out where Ebs is, since Leo is caboosing it at center ice.

Dal Colle and Komarov are certainly not the same player, agreed. However the approach to using them on scoring lines is very similar. Naturally all players and lines are subject to chemistry based on specific skills or tendencies of their linemates. The comparison is more based on the simplistic approach of adding guys with no offensive skill to lines with skilled players whose jobs are to score. It's certainly far worse having Komarov on the top line than Dal Colle on the second line, but I would say that neither belong in those roles. The highest compliment we can pay to Dal Colle is he 'keeps' the puck in the zone. That's something I want to say about our checking line and fourth line, not a player on our second scoring line.

To me this is most certainly more about Komarov on the top line that MDC on the second, but the point is that you neuter the top line by putting Leo on there. To a lesser degree, you do the same to Brock with MDC there. Now you have two scoring lines that have less skill in the name of taking on a grinder's mentality. That most certainly will catch up to you as your team fails to score a single goal in 65 minutes of hockey.
- keaner17

But Wahlstrom never even was on the top two lines, even when the team was rattling off win after win. If he was in the lineup, he'd most likely be with Pageau again, and Bailey...who I know isn't a crowd favorite here...would go back to the second line.

I get the point you're making, I just don't see Dal Colle as the offensive anchor you do. It's not like he hasn't played with Nelson before now...he's really only ever been on Nelson's or Pageau's line this season...and neither of those lines looked terrible when he was on them. I'm not saying Dal Colle's been the catalyst, but only that I'm OK with a guy like that filling a middle-six role. Komarov to me, sure, seems more like a possession black hole, a drag on a line's ability to produce offense, and someone who's "warriorishness," or whatever, should be limited to the 4th line.

Like I said yesterday, if you give me only the choice of Wahlstrom or Dal Colle, I'd pick Wahlstrom 9 times out of 10. On that 10th time when I pick Dal Colle, I certainly wouldn't also pick Komarov for the first line. But, just my opinion, the battle should really be between Dal Colle and Zajac for 2nd/3rd line wing; not between Komarov and Zajac for 1st line wing.

It’a not bad, Just post something else once in a while, PLEASE!
- nyisles7

Edited; not worth it

I didn't think saying Dal Colle is a decent hockey player yesterday would turn into a two-day debate

Anyway, the bold part assumes Dal Colle and Komarov are the same. Which they're not. When Dal Colle's effective, which I didn't think he was last night, he's actively contributing to keeping the puck in the zone. He's not on a line purely for defense.

Komarov and Zajac are on the first line because suddenly we all seem to think Lee was a 5x Selke Trophy winner and Barzal and Eberle would be -1,000 without a PK specialist stapled to them. You'll get no argument from me that this experiment's gone on about four games too long now and that should be Palmieri's spot. Or, at the very least, Beau's spot.

You can argue how effective/ineffective Dal Colle and Komarov are at their respective roles, and even that Wahlstrom should be in over both. But it's not the same role and their impact on the players they're with isn't the same.
- UIF

I’ll assume you’re referring to me as far as the debate is concerned

I don’t hate Dal Colle I think he’s a useful player I just think he’s more a depth player then a top 9 regular. I think we see that most games he’ll have a few decent shifts and then becomes less effective as the game goes on. Same can be said for consistency from game to game imo.