Ben Shelley: Can the Islanders take a step forward this season?

press X to doubt

Their roster as it stands is better this year than last. PP will be improved and their PK can only go up.

This made me laugh

While I don’t think the Islanders are world-beaters by any means, they should be a much safer playoff bet than the odds suggest, especially relative to Detroit whose total is somehow only one point lower. There’s a lot more to like in Long Island, especially with the Anthony Duclair addition and a few other additions by subtraction. There’s also a new-ish coach behind the bench in Patrick Roy, who is notably not Lane Lambert

Holmstrom-Nelson-Palmieri
Lee-Pageau-Engvall
Tsyplakov-Karlstrom-Gauthier
Foudy-Thiesing-Gatcomb

Pelech-Pulock
Reilly-Mayfield
Odelius-Hutton
Warren

Hogberg
Skarek



They’re giving Holmstrom a real look with Nelson and Palms. I’d like to see Tysolakov with Nelson and Palmieri

Holmstrom-Nelson-Palmieri
Lee-Pageau-Engvall
Tsyplakov-Karlstrom-Gauthier
Foudy-Thiesing-Gatcomb

Pelech-Pulock
Reilly-Mayfield
Odelius-Hutton
Warren

Hogberg
Skarek



They’re giving Holmstrom a real look with Nelson and Palms. I’d like to see Tysolakov with Nelson and Palmieri
- kindlyrick

Young wingers: Simon Holmström has gotten the first shot at grabbing the second-line left-wing spot alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Holmström was solid in his one preseason game so far, a game in which two other under-27-year-old forwards, Julien Gauthier and newcomer Maxim Tsyplakov, shined. Tsyplakov, to my eyes, looks to be the best option for the Nelson-Palmieri wing, but perhaps Roy wants to see how Tsyplakov handles the pace and physicality of the NHL for a bit before elevating him over Holmström, whose two-way game and above-average shot are a bit better known in the organization.

No

Young wingers: Simon Holmström has gotten the first shot at grabbing the second-line left-wing spot alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Holmström was solid in his one preseason game so far, a game in which two other under-27-year-old forwards, Julien Gauthier and newcomer Maxim Tsyplakov, shined. Tsyplakov, to my eyes, looks to be the best option for the Nelson-Palmieri wing, but perhaps Roy wants to see how Tsyplakov handles the pace and physicality of the NHL for a bit before elevating him over Holmström, whose two-way game and above-average shot are a bit better known in the organization.
- Upstate_isles

I thought tsyplakov came as he was guaranteed a top 6 spot

No
- Glak18

Yes.

Young wingers: Simon Holmström has gotten the first shot at grabbing the second-line left-wing spot alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri. Holmström was solid in his one preseason game so far, a game in which two other under-27-year-old forwards, Julien Gauthier and newcomer Maxim Tsyplakov, shined. Tsyplakov, to my eyes, looks to be the best option for the Nelson-Palmieri wing, but perhaps Roy wants to see how Tsyplakov handles the pace and physicality of the NHL for a bit before elevating him over Holmström, whose two-way game and above-average shot are a bit better known in the organization.
- Upstate_isles

Holmstrom is having a strong camp. He’s noticeable to me

I thought tsyplakov came as he was guaranteed a top 6 spot
- Upstate_isles

Not sure about guaranteed, but they still have a few games to see who’s gelling. I think their top 6 is going to produce more pts than the last few years.

Holmstrom is having a strong camp. He’s noticeable to me
- kindlyrick

There's not a spot for Martin i mean how can he make it over fasching or holmstrom ? Hogberg has the 3 spot i think cause this game would be 10 0 if Tikenen was in net

There's not a spot for Martin i mean how can he make it over fasching or holmstrom ? Hogberg has the 3 spot i think cause this game would be 10 0 if Tikenen was in net
- Upstate_isles

I don’t really see a spot for Martin, but maybe they keep him as a 13th forward for league min. I could see a benefit having him travel with the team as the 13th guy, ready to dress if needed.

I don’t really see a spot for Martin, but maybe they keep him as a 13th forward for league min. I could see a benefit having him travel with the team as the 13th guy, ready to dress if needed.
- kindlyrick

Was just talking with vukota about this but man there are better options just no one that will fight if need be but how often did we see that last year?

THANK YOU BENNY

Was just talking with vukota about this but man there are better options just no one that will fight if need be but how often did we see that last year?
- Upstate_isles

Yeah the game is changing and the enforcer is being phased out. That said the two things that make fans jump outta their seats are breakaways and tilts. It’s still a show…