I would love to see Wahlstrom come into Leo’s spot and that’s it. I honestly have no problem with Varly playing again. Yes. He let in a poop goal but he kept us in the game to begin with.
- potvin05

I'm going with Sorokin honestly. He is the clear better goalie in these playoffs and team seems to play better with him.

Give your star player Barzal a real chance to shine. Win or lose with your best not your worst.
- ses111

I’ll say it again 10000000000% agreed

I'm going back and forth with b.d on twitter currently. our former blogger 2x I believe
- Upstate_isles

(frank) that douche

It’s not so easy right now due to the chemistry on the 2nd and 3rd line. That’s why I was hoping there was more of an effort to find something before the playoffs instead of just throwing Komarov and occasionally Zajac on there.
- Cptmjl

Regular season was the time to try things. Put Wally on the 1st line and keep the other lines intact.

(frank) that douche
- Cptmjl

I don't get it, is he an isles fan or a troll or the new sheriff in town? Told me I have a fan victim mentality

I don't get it, is he an isles fan or a troll or the new sheriff in town? Told me I have a fan victim mentality
- Upstate_isles

Just another guy that got picked on in high school that has internet muscles.

Just another guy that got picked on in high school that has internet muscles.
- Cptmjl

They outshot the isles for a long stretch there but the isles had opportunities they just tried the extra pass instead of shooting and crashing the net for a rebound

I still think they have a chance in this series let's hope they bring it for game 4

They outshot the isles for a long stretch there but the isles had opportunities they just tried the extra pass instead of shooting and crashing the net for a rebound
- Upstate_isles

Agreed we didn’t take the opportunities when they presented themselves. Too much thinking not enough shooting. It was a great game but that extra effort on one play or a little bit of a weak goal and it’s over. Can’t let up for a second or hesitate against the Bruins. They’re an incredible team.

[quote=Upstate_isles]
Agreed

Agreed we didn’t take the opportunities when they presented themselves. Too much thinking not enough shooting. It was a great game but that extra effort on one play or a little bit of a weak goal and it’s over. Can’t let up for a second or hesitate against the Bruins. They’re an incredible team.
- Cptmjl

Ywa they have the guys that can finish given a chance and we don't

I'm going with Sorokin honestly. He is the clear better goalie in these playoffs and team seems to play better with him.
- ses111

After watching tonights game, I'm hoping Isles go with Sorokin too.

I feel like this series is going 7 games. If Carlo is out for any extended time we have to capitalize on that tomorrow night.

I feel like this series is going 7 games. If Carlo is out for any extended time we have to capitalize on that tomorrow night.
- Cptmjl

I can't imagine he'll be in the way he looked after that hit. I believe Carlo was recently Wilson-ed and if so, that's prob not good getting hit like that this shortly after. Hopefully the guys ok. Nonetheless, as some suggested earlier, might be a good time to swap 26 for 47. Not gonna hold my breath though.

I can't imagine he'll be in the way he looked after that hit. I believe Carlo was recently Wilson-ed and if so, that's prob not good getting hit like that this shortly after. Hopefully the guys ok. Nonetheless, as some suggested earlier, might be a good time to swap 26 for 47. Not gonna hold my breath though.
- TogaIsles

Yeah Carlo got destroyed by Wilson and I’m not wishing any ill will on the guy hopefully he’s ok but if he’s out we have to leverage that. If Wahlstrom is available then yeah I agree. Komarov is out there skating his heart out but that doesn’t amount to a whole helluva lot. There’s not much room out there and with his lack of speed and ineptitude with advantageous positioning (which to me has become pretty freaking evident this series) he’s a huge drag on that line.

He always has been imo but it’s glaring these first three games. It’s a tough lineup decision but hey Zajac came in seamlessly pretty much on to that third line and we have to open up some ice for Barzal imo. We have to live or die by that decision because I don’t think we’re winning this series with Komarov on the first line. Yes I 100% believe that.

Yeah Carlo got destroyed by Wilson and I’m not wishing any ill will on the guy hopefully he’s ok but if he’s out we have to leverage that. If Wahlstrom is available then yeah I agree. Komarov is out there skating his heart out but that doesn’t amount to a whole helluva lot. There’s not much room out there and with his lack of speed and ineptitude with advantageous positioning (which to me has become pretty freaking evident this series) he’s a huge drag on that line.

He always has been imo but it’s glaring these first three games. It’s a tough lineup decision but hey Zajac came in seamlessly pretty much on to that third line and we have to open up some ice for Barzal imo. We have to live or die by that decision because I don’t think we’re winning this series with Komarov on the first line. Yes I 100% believe that.
- Cptmjl

Among other areas of weakness, if you mean getting into scoring positions and at least getting a stick on a loose puck, I have to agree. B's have a good handful of players that get into the soft spots and get quality shots off as a result. Whether on an odd rush or a rebound off a shot. That's one area where wahlstrom excels and I dont think he's a defensive liability. Plus he throws the body.

Again, not holding my breath but I would love to see him in and on top line. Keep the others as is.

Among other areas of weakness, if you mean getting into scoring positions and at least getting a stick on a loose puck, I have to agree. B's have a good handful of players that get into the soft spots and get quality shots off as a result. Whether on an odd rush or a rebound off a shot. That's one area where wahlstrom excels and I dont think he's a defensive liability. Plus he throws the body.

Again, not holding my breath but I would love to see him in and on top line. Keep the others as is.
- TogaIsles

That’s 100% what I mean. If he had just a little more speed and a tiny bit of offensive prowess he would’ve had at least a half dozen grade A scoring chances last night. That’s the game and the difference we needed.

Yeah Carlo got destroyed by Wilson and I’m not wishing any ill will on the guy hopefully he’s ok but if he’s out we have to leverage that. If Wahlstrom is available then yeah I agree. Komarov is out there skating his heart out but that doesn’t amount to a whole helluva lot. There’s not much room out there and with his lack of speed and ineptitude with advantageous positioning (which to me has become pretty freaking evident this series) he’s a huge drag on that line.

He always has been imo but it’s glaring these first three games. It’s a tough lineup decision but hey Zajac came in seamlessly pretty much on to that third line and we have to open up some ice for Barzal imo. We have to live or die by that decision because I don’t think we’re winning this series with Komarov on the first line. Yes I 100% believe that.
- Cptmjl

It was tough enough for the Isles to go on that run last year and they had Lee. It will be so much tougher trying to get it done with Leo on that 1st line.

That’s 100% what I mean. If he had just a little more speed and a tiny bit of offensive prowess he would’ve had at least a half dozen grade A scoring chances last night. That’s the game and the difference we needed.
- Cptmjl

These playoff series are incredibly tight. Any extra offense you can add can make the difference. I get defense is important but so is being able to score timely goals and not wasting goaltending and defensive efforts.

These playoff series are incredibly tight. Any extra offense you can add can make the difference. I get defense is important but so is being able to score timely goals and not wasting goaltending and defensive efforts.
- ses111

Defense is of course important especially in the PO’s but you have to score goals to win. I’m not saying put bellows on the first line (though I wish there were more of an effort to insert him into the lineup earlier before the playoffs for this very reason) I’m saying reconfigure the lineup if Wahlstrom actually is available and sit Leo. Who ever is going to the first line was good enough to play already before somewhere else in the lineup. What’s the (frank)ing difference? If the thought process is we need Leo Komarov to balance the defensive game of our first line then don’t resign Barzal and let Seattle pick up Eberle in the expansion draft. If any “first line players” need Komarov then we don’t need them

I’m sorry this is (frank)ing stupid thinking and the thought process is so god damn stupid I can’t play along anymore

I don't blame Varly at all for the game. Islanders offense is terrible. There is nobody in front of the net and they pass to much. I was at the game and if I had a dollar for every time the fans said shoot i would be rich.

Defense is of course important especially in the PO’s but you have to score goals to win. I’m not saying put bellows on the first line (though I wish there were more of an effort to insert him into the lineup earlier for this very reason) I’m saying reconfigure the lineup if Wahlstrom actually is available and sit Leo. Who ever is going to the first line was good enough to play already before somewhere else in the lineup. What’s the (frank)ing difference? If the thought process is we need Leo Komarov to balance the defensive game of our first line then don’t resign Barzal and let Seattle pick up Eberle in the expansion draft. If any “first line players” need Komarov then we don’t need them

I’m sorry this is (frank)ing stupid thinking and the thought process is so god damn stupid I can’t play along anymore
- Cptmjl

Bellows should have been given a longer look during the regular season before the Palms and Zajac trade. If Bellows cannot be trusted he should have been traded. Unless you have Bossy and Trotts as the other forwards, you cannot have Leo on the 1st line. I understand how important defense is to Barry and his success but he still had a very good offense when he won the Cup. His Preds teams for years were good but their offense held them back. Unless the Isles win the Cup this year, Lou has got to fix this 1st line and get someone better than Eberle to go with Lee and Barzal. Isles cannot bring back this same core forward group next year.

Bellows should have been given a longer look during the regular season before the Palms and Zajac trade. If Bellows cannot be trusted he should have been traded. Unless you have Bossy and Trotts as the other forwards, you cannot have Leo on the 1st line. I understand how important defense is to Barry and his success but he still had a very good offense when he won the Cup. His Preds teams for years were good but their offense held them back. Unless the Isles win the Cup this year, Lou has got to fix this 1st line and get someone better than Eberle to go with Lee and Barzal. Isles cannot bring back this same core forward group next year.
- ses111

I agree with some disagree with some. I think our forward group is fine if anything they’ve demonstrated that in the PO’s. I ragged on Bailey this season but he has been fantastic in the PO’s. Beauvillier as well, Nelson, etc. To me the problem is Trotz’s hesitation or reluctance on biting the bullet and getting kids into the lineup imo. We need depth. Period.

Bellows should have been given a longer look during the regular season before the Palms and Zajac trade. If Bellows cannot be trusted he should have been traded. Unless you have Bossy and Trotts as the other forwards, you cannot have Leo on the 1st line. I understand how important defense is to Barry and his success but he still had a very good offense when he won the Cup. His Preds teams for years were good but their offense held them back. Unless the Isles win the Cup this year, Lou has got to fix this 1st line and get someone better than Eberle to go with Lee and Barzal. Isles cannot bring back this same core forward group next year.
- ses111

I am actually looking forward to the expansion draft this summer. Hopefully we lose a player with a cap hit of 5 million or more. Also losing lee was huge. He was the engine for the top line and to replace him with komarov is a fireable offense

I agree with some disagree with some. I think our forward group is fine if anything they’ve demonstrated that in the PO’s. I ragged on Bailey this season but he has been fantastic in the PO’s. Beauvillier as well, Nelson, etc. To me the problem is Trotz’s hesitation or reluctance on biting the bullet and getting kids into the lineup imo. We need depth. Period.
- Cptmjl

Forward group is fine but so far the last few years they have not been good enough. Takes a little more than fine to win a Cup and it has not been the goaltending and defense that has stopped the Islanders. I have no complaints with the 2nd line but even that 2nd line during big spots has been stopped. I agree the lack of trust in the young players has hurt.