Ben Shelley: Islanders on three-game skid following loss to Bruins

I do not see Lambert scratching Lee. That would just add fuel to the fire with the teams current direction. The unfortunate part is that Lee is the square peg in the round hole on this team right now. There is no clean or easy way to deal with this.

Nothing like a must win game in early November.

I do not see Lambert scratching Lee. That would just add fuel to the fire with the teams current direction. The unfortunate part is that Lee is the square peg in the round hole on this team right now. There is no clean or easy way to deal with this.
- Nfdbulldawg

Lane may need to go, but the Lee situation is another example this is not an easy team to coach at all with all the problems with the roster.

I do not see Lambert scratching Lee. That would just add fuel to the fire with the teams current direction. The unfortunate part is that Lee is the square peg in the round hole on this team right now. There is no clean or easy way to deal with this.
- Nfdbulldawg

I think any coach would have a hard time sitting the team's captain.

Nothing like a must win game in early November.
- chazpet

You could say that. It is a 4 point swing early on.

I think any coach would have a hard time sitting the team's captain.
- JimmyP

Agreed. Plus, Lee is still somewhat useful parking his big old self in front of the crease and screening the goalie. But overall, it's a problem if he's an anchor on whatever line they put him on. And sitting him isn't going to motivate him to play harder. I think Lee is giving it his all. He just hasn't had the wheels (not that he was ever fast) since his injury.

So do they take the "C" from him and give it someone else? That would seem to be the step to take prior to benching him. And if so, who gets it?

Agreed. Plus, Lee is still somewhat useful parking his big old self in front of the crease and screening the goalie. But overall, it's a problem if he's an anchor on whatever line they put him on. And sitting him isn't going to motivate him to play harder. I think Lee is giving it his all. He just hasn't had the wheels (not that he was ever fast) since his injury.

So do they take the "C" from him and give it someone else? That would seem to be the step to take prior to benching him. And if so, who gets it?
- JohnScammo

I cannot see taking the "C" off Lee. There is not a lot to do with Lee in terms of the lineup. Lee's best spot is probably 4th line and Martin is an issue as well.

For me, I don’t give a shat if a player has a “C” or “A” on their jersey. The only thing that matters is the crest on that sweater and that team winning. If a player should sit for the good of the team’s performance (frank)ing sit them.
They are all pros and know what to expect when they don’t or can’t perform up to expectations.

I think the reason they sat Engvall at Boston was because he was the easiest to scratch. Bo was coming back and someone needed to come out. Wally just scored so it was either break up the 4th line, sit 20 or 18 or sit the captain. Since 18 just made a terrible turn over he was the easy choice. Tonight Wally comes out cuz 18 has to go back in and god forbid Lane breaks up the identity line or sits the Captain.

I think the reason they sat Engvall at Boston was because he was the easiest to scratch. Bo was coming back and someone needed to come out. Wally just scored so it was either break up the 4th line, sit 20 or 18 or sit the captain. Since 18 just made a terrible turn over he was the easy choice. Tonight Wally comes out cuz 18 has to go back in and god forbid Lane breaks up the identity line or sits the Captain.
- chazpet

Wally coming out would be lousy. Tough to sit the captain, but if it has to be done so be it.

For me, I don’t give a shat if a player has a “C” or “A” on their jersey. The only thing that matters is the crest on that sweater and that team winning. If a player should sit for the good of the team’s performance (frank)ing sit them.
They are all pros and know what to expect when they don’t or can’t perform up to expectations.
- nyisles7

Yeah, it's not the end of the world, if the captain is benched. The job is more ceremonial and honorary than a practical necessity. I just think the honor should go to an every day player, and I don't think Lee should fit that description any more.

Agreed. Plus, Lee is still somewhat useful parking his big old self in front of the crease and screening the goalie. But overall, it's a problem if he's an anchor on whatever line they put him on. And sitting him isn't going to motivate him to play harder. I think Lee is giving it his all. He just hasn't had the wheels (not that he was ever fast) since his injury.

So do they take the "C" from him and give it someone else? That would seem to be the step to take prior to benching him. And if so, who gets it?
- JohnScammo

You give it to...dare I say, Nelson...Give Horvat the A

I cannot see taking the "C" off Lee. There is not a lot to do with Lee in terms of the lineup. Lee's best spot is probably 4th line and Martin is an issue as well.
- ses111

Martin has just as many points as Lee and he is on the fourth line.

For me, I don’t give a shat if a player has a “C” or “A” on their jersey. The only thing that matters is the crest on that sweater and that team winning. If a player should sit for the good of the team’s performance (frank)ing sit them.
They are all pros and know what to expect when they don’t or can’t perform up to expectations.
- nyisles7

Herb Brooks has spoken....(''). I joke but, you are correct.

I think the reason they sat Engvall at Boston was because he was the easiest to scratch. Bo was coming back and someone needed to come out. Wally just scored so it was either break up the 4th line, sit 20 or 18 or sit the captain. Since 18 just made a terrible turn over he was the easy choice. Tonight Wally comes out cuz 18 has to go back in and god forbid Lane breaks up the identity line or sits the Captain.
- chazpet

The reasoning behind it is...say the team wins with out Lee in the lineup...Then what do you do the next game??? Say you decide to scratch him again...They win again...
Now it really points to Lee being a problem.

Lee back on 3rd line and Wally out.

Herb Brooks has spoken....(''). I joke but, you are correct.
- Nfdbulldawg

Nice to see Holmy getting a deserved assignment with Bo and Barzal.

Ovie with a laser.

The reasoning behind it is...say the team wins with out Lee in the lineup...Then what do you do the next game??? Say you decide to scratch him again...They win again...
Now it really points to Lee being a problem.
- Nfdbulldawg

Scratch him or whoever until you lise or another player gives you a reason to change it up. Winning games is the bottom line for a coach not making friends.

Ovie with a laser.
- JohnScammo

Right off the FO ( overrated )

Lee making himself known out there that shift. Good puck retrievals, board play and a nice tip in front of the net. He’s gotta keep that up.

Romy

Romanov!

Romanov!
- JohnScammo

Holmstrom involved again. Man he has really
Elevated his game.

Holmstrom involved again. Man he has really
Elevated his game.
- nyisles7

I'm liking him more and more.