He should be bag skating them right now
- PeteM

Here’s hoping he does so after every game in which they don’t fire 25+ shots.

The Islanders are simply an easy team to defend against.
- keaner17

Not much defending required. They seldom fire the (frank)ing puck.

They need to watch a few Kings games. Those buggers fire the puck every chance they get. Then capitalize on the havoc.

Trotz should toss the lines in the blender over the break.
- Wildschwein

You know Schwein, these lines should work and have worked in the past. These guys just didn’t bust their asses and or hit like the Islanders we are used to. Something is not right. They are just not on the right side of the puck or in the oppositions face like we know them to be. It’s disappointing really.

You know Schwein, these lines should work and have worked in the past. These guys just didn’t bust their asses and or hit like the Islanders we are used to. Something is not right. They are just not on the right side of the puck or in the oppositions face like we know them to be. It’s disappointing really.
- nyisles7

True enough. But other than making a trade, it’s about the only thing he can do to shake up the boys.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing Pageau get some time with Lee and Wahlstrom.

True enough. But other than making a trade, it’s about the only thing he can do to shake up the boys.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing Pageau get some time with Lee and Wahlstrom.
- Wildschwein

I generally agree with the statement “it it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, it’s broke. I like your line suggestion.

Randomly calling players out:
Kyle Palmieri 28gp 1g 7A. $5m
Josh Bailey 33gp 3g 17a $3.1m
Anthony Beauvillier 35gp 7g 8a $4.15m
JGP 35gp 5g 7a $5m
Casey Cizikas 32gp 3g 1a $2.5m

$20m in salary has bought us 19 goals in 163gp.

True enough. But other than making a trade, it’s about the only thing he can do to shake up the boys.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing Pageau get some time with Lee and Wahlstrom.
- Wildschwein

Listen at this point I’ll do anything to make things work. Barzal who I understand is the golden boy to this fan base has for me just been mediocre at best and hasn’t taken that next step to be the complete player on both sides of the puck I ( and the team)want him be. Let me preference I’m not blaming the season on Barzal. I just want him to take that next step, because of how talented he is. A trade to just make a trade doesn’t work for me. A trade that makes this team better I’m all for it and Lou is definitely thinking about it.

Randomly calling players out:
Kyle Palmieri 28gp 1g 7A. $5m
Josh Bailey 33gp 3g 17a $3.1m
Anthony Beauvillier 35gp 7g 8a $4.15m
JGP 35gp 5g 7a $5m
Casey Cizikas 32gp 3g 1a $2.5m

$20m in salary has bought us 19 goals in 163gp.
- keaner17

Maybe it’s just my fan boy glasses, but I’ve nothing bad to say about Pageau’s effort thus far. Seems like he puts a glorious scoring chance on Parise’s stick almost every game.

Listen at this point I’ll do anything to make things work. Barzal who I understand is the golden boy to this fan base has for me just been mediocre at best and hasn’t taken that next step to be the complete player on both sides of the puck I ( and the team)want him be. Let me preference I’m not blaming the season on Barzal. I just want him to take that next step, because of how talented he is.
- nyisles7

We’re in the same boat, 7.

Maybe it’s just my fan boy glasses, but I’ve nothing bad to say about Pageau’s effort thus far. Seems like he puts a glorious scoring chance on Parise’s stick almost every game.
- Wildschwein

Anybody who has an issue with Casey at 2.5 I don’t understand.
Honestly there isn’t a player on this team that has matched his previous seasons number and that’s because the TEAM is off.

Anybody who has an issue with Casey at 2.5 I don’t understand.
- nyisles7

No issue with his game either. Does what a 4C should do, and does it well.

No issue with his effort either.
- Wildschwein

Don’t know how anyone can honestly. There were teams offering double to get him for a year or two.

Anybody who has an issue with Casey at 2.5 I don’t understand.
Honestly there isn’t a player on this team that has matched his previous seasons number and that’s because the TEAM is off.
- nyisles7

The problem is that our “4th line” players aren’t paid like most teams 4th lines and as such there is a higher expectation from them. Granted they aren’t expected to be the game changers, however, they have a role and are paid to produce more than they have done thus far. Not just them, the entire team but they are far behind their typical production pace.

The problem is that our “4th line” players aren’t paid like most teams 4th lines and as such there is a higher expectation from them. Granted they aren’t expected to be the game changers, however, they have a role and are paid to produce more than they have done thus far. Not just them, the entire team but they are far behind their typical production pace.
- streaks

Ok so if your picking on the 4th line. Has the first three lines been anywhere near the level they need to be?
When we are picking on the 4th line then there in itself lies the problem. Honestly they have done their job better than the others imho.

Ok so if your picking on the 4th line. Has the first three lines been anywhere near the level they need to be?
When we are picking on the 4th line then there in itself lies the problem. Honestly they have done their job better than the others imho.
- nyisles7

Read my last line 7. I’ll edit the 4th line has a far more important role than most teams expect and they aren’t producing on their. Oal pace. Nor is the top six but they have been the most consistent line for a number of years and I think it has an impact on the other lines.

Read my last line 7. I’ll edit the 4th line has a far more important role than most teams expect and they aren’t producing on their. Oal pace. Nor is the top six but they have been the most consistent line for a number of years and I think it has an impact on the other lines.
- streaks

Streaks, imho there is something off about the whole chemistry of the team. At the end of the day you and I and most of the fan base are feeling it.

Streaks, imho there is something off about the whole chemistry of the team. At the end of the day you and I and most of the fan base are feeling it.
- nyisles7

A lot of adversity with the start of the season on the road, then covid loss of players and injuries. Even with all that they’ve had a chance to win games but have failed to regain composure. Maybe it’s the two deep playoff runs taking it’s toll. Maybe it’s chemistry. Maybe something else. I know we all believe in Lou to make the right moves to better the team for next year. We all break chops, but everyone on this site has the same belief.

A lot of adversity with the start of the season on the road, then covid loss of players and injuries. Even with all that they’ve had a chance to win games but have failed to regain composure. Maybe it’s the two deep playoff runs taking it’s toll. Maybe it’s chemistry. Maybe something else. I know we all believe in Lou to make the right moves to better the team for next year. We all break chops, but everyone on this site has the same belief.
- streaks

Totally played a lot of hockey the last 3 years and this season was difficult with the long road trip from hell, even without Covid and the injuries for sure. poop HAPPENS!

Maybe it’s just my fan boy glasses, but I’ve nothing bad to say about Pageau’s effort thus far. Seems like he puts a glorious scoring chance on Parise’s stick almost every game.
- Wildschwein

And Beauvillier puts in good efforts game in and game out, but the overall point is neither are registering enough goals.
Beau on pace for 15g
Pageau for just over 10
I think everyone I mentioned are underachieving where it counts most. Ultimately no one is giing to care if the 'really tried', when they're playing golf during round one.

No issue with his game either. Does what a 4C should do, and does it well.
- Wildschwein

This isn't a condemnation of the salary they were given, but rather highlighting places where production was expected and didn't happen. Casey is definitely to a lesser degree to the others listed. There's also plenty of other areas to point out fails, but these are all players who have underperformed from their expected output

This isn't a condemnation of the salary they were given, but rather highlighting places where production was expected and didn't happen. Casey is definitely to a lesser degree to the others listed. There's also plenty of other areas to point out fails, but these are all players who have underperformed from their expected output
- keaner17

Has Barzal produced as expected? Taken the next step? I think compared to other 1st line centers he’s been sub par. Would you agree? I think the whole team has under performed.

Has Barzal produced as expected? Taken the next step? I think compared to other 1st line centers he’s been sub par. Would you agree? I think the whole team has under performed.
- nyisles7

I would agree with that assessment.

Ok so if your picking on the 4th line. Has the first three lines been anywhere near the level they need to be?
When we are picking on the 4th line then there in itself lies the problem. Honestly they have done their job better than the others imho.
- nyisles7

Agreed with the 4th line pulling their weight but look at the TOI for all lines. Trots is running all 4 lines at about the same TOI. That makes no sense shake it up, for the guys that show up that night they should get the extra minutes especially if your the goal scorers or higher paid, earn it.

Once again look at our shots last night, a total of 19 that doesn’t work.


John Tonelli for HOF

Has Barzal produced as expected? Taken the next step? I think compared to other 1st line centers he’s been sub par. Would you agree? I think the whole team has under performed.
- nyisles7

I think Barzal's story is a lot more complicated than the players I mentioned. No he has most certainly not become the player I think we all had hoped he would be after his Calder year and the majority of that is on him. I also think Barry/Lou has done a terrible job in terms of providing him with a linemate that suits his skillset. (I know you'll love that one).
If we toss Barzal's rookie season out, he is averaging .80 ppg. This season he is .78ppg. So he's actually right on track with his average. During that stretch he has averaged 22 goals per season. With 10 goals in 36 games, he's right on path for exactly that. So overall, Barzal is having an average Barzal season. Would we prefer to see that chart trend up? Of course.
I think a big problem for folks with Barzal is they see his stickhandling ability and speed and immediately think he's automatic to be an elite top 10 player in the league where the reality is he will likely never be that. He may be near elite in terms of playmaking skill but that's it. He will never be a 40 goal 80 assist guy. That's just not him. I've heard someone on here say players like Crosby and Gretzky made people around them better, why doesn't Barzal. I'm not sure on what planet they would be on to think Matt Barzal will be within the zip code of either one of those players but maybe that's an example of where the problem for us lies just as much in the lofty expectations for him. For Barzal to be his best self, he needs a linemate that can help create space and defensive accountability with their ability to cash in on their own opportunities.
The Islanders design much of the breakouts on Barzal being the guy to take the puck up ice and gain entry before finding someone to dish to. Inevitably he's going to skate himself into some bad situations as defenses converge on him. So when trying to force pucks through, sometimes he'll look brilliant, other times he'll make ugly turnovers.
Sorry but when you're a guy whose best skillset is that of a speedy playmaker, it would make sense to pair him with a guy who is a good finisher. Not another playmaker (ie. Bailey) or a defensive stalwart. Barzy is always going to frustrate because of his style of play, but he'll never see his full potential if we keep sticking him with guys that belong on third lines or not in the NHL at all.

I guess I've just lowered my expectations on him.

Forget everything I said on page 1 in the comment section. We stink!!