Eh, Trotz will do what Trotz will do and, as a few have said already, I think the team effort matters a hell of a lot more tonight than one guy in or out of the lineup. That said, I wouldn't mind seeing Wahlstrom draw in, mostly because he didn't play himself out of a spot...he just got hurt, and was playing well before that...and he's probably champing at the bit to get back on the ice so I'd bet he'd be a ball of fire if he got the nod.

Zajac came in and did a real solid job in the Boston series, so I get why he's taken over that spot. But, honestly, he hasn't been anything special against TB. Not bad enough to demand he sit in the press box, but certainly not good enough where you'd be shocked if he took a seat.
- UIF

I'm just looking for any edge against this Tampa team and any way to beat this team. The 3rd line has gone cold and maybe Wally can help? Nothing more than this. It's not loving young players and hating vets. Just do not want to lose to this Tampa team again and I think Wally can help.

I'm just looking for any edge against this Tampa team and any way to beat this team. The 3rd line has gone cold and maybe Wally can help? Nothing more than this. It's not loving young players and hating vets. Just do not want to lose to this Tampa team again and I think Wally can help.
- ses111

Pageau is definitely nursing some kind of injury he has been pretty ineffective since somewhere around game 4 against Boston till now. With that said I was hoping trotz would throw Wahlstrom back in to bring some life to that line. Zajac has been pretty invisible for a while now. With that said I understand the thought of going with the the vets for this one though I would’ve preferred to see Wahlstrom in there. Like you said it’s not like he hasn’t proved his worth in the playoffs.

Hopefully the vets come out and make Trotz’s “gut” look right tonight.

I never thought I would be looking forward to what espn has to offer being I despise it’s very existence but NBC has been so (frank)ing god awful I am. Not looking forward to hearing Tappen and the gang tonight. Hopefully none of them transition to espn. (frank) them all.

Pageau is definitely nursing some kind of injury he has been pretty ineffective since somewhere around game 4 against Boston till now. With that said I was hoping trotz would throw Wahlstrom back in to bring some life to that line. Zajac has been pretty invisible for a while now. With that said I understand the thought of going with the the vets for this one though I would’ve preferred to see Wahlstrom in there. Like you said it’s not like he hasn’t proved his worth in the playoffs.

Hopefully the vets come out and make Trotz’s “gut” look right tonight.
- Cptmjl

Hopefully it all works out Cpt. Cannot argue the success the last few years. It's all about being able to get past this Tampa team now though.

I never thought I would be looking forward to what espn has to offer being I despise it’s very existence but NBC has been so (frank)ing god awful I am. Not looking forward to hearing Tappen and the gang tonight. Hopefully none of them transition to espn. (frank) them all.
- Cptmjl

ESPN is looking good in comparison to NBC. They have been brutal.

Huh? Varlamov didn’t win a game against Pittsburgh. Not sure you can call that brief

Edit; whoops realized you meant against Boston
- Cptmjl

Yes against B’s.

I never thought I would be looking forward to what espn has to offer being I despise it’s very existence but NBC has been so (frank)ing god awful I am. Not looking forward to hearing Tappen and the gang tonight. Hopefully none of them transition to espn. (frank) them all.
- Cptmjl

You would have thought Barzal beheaded Ruuta the way they were talking about it.

Hopefully it all works out Cpt. Cannot argue the success the last few years. It's all about being able to get past this Tampa team now though.
- ses111

100%. Odds are stacked against us obviously but this team is capable. Montreal came back from a 3-1 deficit against the Leafs. Have to get through the adversity all cup winning teams have been in this spot for the most part. Hopefully the boys can tonight to push it to a game 7.

100%. Odds are stacked against us obviously but this team is capable. Montreal came back from a 3-1 deficit against the Leafs. Have to get through the adversity all cup winning teams have been in this spot for the most part. Hopefully the boys can tonight to push it to a game 7.
- Cptmjl

You call getting past the Leafs even down 3-1 adversity?

They did not look good. I can’t wait until Loew is gone. Flick will be such an improvement. This back 3 is poop, should be a back 4 with Sule playing and Goretzka needs to start. Werner shouldn’t even be on the team. Sane played with his head up his ass most of the match.
- potvin05

Agree with all. Just not the heads up smart football you’re accustomed to from the German National Team.

Doesn't matter who's playing tonight for the Isles, Chris Lee is 1 of the Ref's & Tampa is 7-1 when he screws the other team

- Sharks77

Yeah I saw that and tried not to let it get me down, thx

I never thought I would be looking forward to what espn has to offer being I despise it’s very existence but NBC has been so (frank)ing god awful I am. Not looking forward to hearing Tappen and the gang tonight. Hopefully none of them transition to espn. (frank) them all.
- Cptmjl

It's even worse when you get NBC's B-team. I used to hate John Forslund on principle because of his "Hey, hey what do you say!" catchphrase when he calls Canes games. But after having this crew for the TB series, I'd take Forslund back in a heartbeat. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd take Micheletti and Pierre over Olczyk and Boucher, too

You would have thought Barzal beheaded Ruuta the way they were talking about it.
- potvin05

Olczyk will bring it up tonight. Bank on it.

Eh, Trotz will do what Trotz will do and, as a few have said already, I think the team effort matters a hell of a lot more tonight than one guy in or out of the lineup. That said, I wouldn't mind seeing Wahlstrom draw in, mostly because he didn't play himself out of a spot...he just got hurt, and was playing well before that...and he's probably champing at the bit to get back on the ice so I'd bet he'd be a ball of fire if he got the nod.

Zajac came in and did a real solid job in the Boston series, so I get why he's taken over that spot. But, honestly, he hasn't been anything special against TB. Not bad enough to demand he sit in the press box, but certainly not good enough where you'd be shocked if he took a seat.
- UIF

All good points UIF. Bottom line is this lineup has beat Tampa twice so I get his hesitation to change things up. Last game was an absolute disaster and as we’ve said they need to play their game to a man and get the job done.

LET’S GO ISLANDERS!

Agree with all. Just not the heads up smart football you’re accustomed to from the German National Team.
- nyisles7

Yeah we’re pretty spoiled.

It's even worse when you get NBC's B-team. I used to hate John Forslund on principle because of his "Hey, hey what do you say!" catchphrase when he calls Canes games. But after having this crew for the TB series, I'd take Forslund back in a heartbeat. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd take Micheletti and Pierre over Olczyk and Boucher, too
- UIF

I think I actually agree with you on that last point which feels dirty just typing it.

You would have thought Barzal beheaded Ruuta the way they were talking about it.
- potvin05

Speaking of 13. He needs to come out on a mission tonight. Fight through the BS and play his game, smartly.

Yeah we’re pretty spoiled.
- potvin05

All good points UIF. Bottom line is this lineup has beat Tampa twice so I get his hesitation to change things up. Last game was an absolute disaster and as we’ve said they need to play their game to a man and get the job done.

LET’S GO ISLANDERS!
- nyisles7

Gotta get through the first five minutes without giving up a goal! It's crazy how many times they've gone down early in the playoffs this year. Someone needs to step up and make a really solid play in the opening minutes to set the tone...a solid forecheck, or a big save, or a monster hit. Obviously a goal would be great!

I think I actually agree with you on that last point which feels dirty just typing it.
- potvin05

Gotta get through the first five minutes without giving up a goal! It's crazy how many times they've gone down early in the playoffs this year. Someone needs to step up and make a really solid play in the opening minutes to set the tone...a solid forecheck, or a big save, or a monster hit. Obviously a goal would be great!
- UIF

Totally agree, the CCM line coming out and getting a couple big hits to set the tone would be awesome. Nothing would be bigger than getting an opening goal.

I’m so amped up for this game. I was supposed to go but gave the ticket up to the wife to go with the kids tonight.

Speaking of 13. He needs to come out on a mission tonight. Fight through the BS and play his game, smartly.
- nyisles7

David Lazar
@davidlazar100
·
7h
Mathew Barzal is screaming — a lot — this morning, getting the vocal cords warmed up for tonight.

Sounds like he's either going to be dialed in, or just straight up murder someone in a berserker rage

David Lazar
@davidlazar100
·
7h
Mathew Barzal is screaming — a lot — this morning, getting the vocal cords warmed up for tonight.

Sounds like he's either going to be dialed in, or just straight up murder someone in a berserker rage
- UIF

Put me down for dialed in

David Lazar
@davidlazar100
·
7h
Mathew Barzal is screaming — a lot — this morning, getting the vocal cords warmed up for tonight.

Sounds like he's either going to be dialed in, or just straight up murder someone in a berserker rage
- UIF

Maybe he just pissed that he has to play a possible elimination game with Leo.

David Lazar
@davidlazar100
·
7h
Mathew Barzal is screaming — a lot — this morning, getting the vocal cords warmed up for tonight.

Sounds like he's either going to be dialed in, or just straight up murder someone in a berserker rage
- UIF

I doubt he’ll be a target Tampa is way to smart of a vet team but if he is hopefully he can keep himself in check and we can capitalize on it.