Ben Shelley: Previewing New York's playoff lineup: Forwards

I feel like I am much more excited about this team being healthy going into this than most people on these boards. This team can beat anyone when all are healthy are we are rolling all 4 lines. Everyone keeps harping on the lack of scoring but are forgetting about us being one of the best teams in league in GAA for a year and a 1/2 before all these injuries. We now have 3 top notch 2-way centers with Pag centering the 3rd line. We have our top pairing back with Pelech back in the mix. ... We have the best coaches in the NHL.

It's time to get excited for a run....

besides if there was ever a year the Isles would shock the world and go on a long run in the playoffs it would be this year.

I have no idea what Trotz will do to ignite some scoring, but I hope he gets some inspiration from Cassidy and tries for his own stacked scoring line. I would like to see Barzal move back to wing so he can concentrate on scoring rather than running the top line.


IMO, there's no doubt Ladd plays. He's a fearless, gritty player, something needed in playoffs. He's on 2 healthy legs for the first time in almost 2 years, and you can't question his desire after rehabbing the way he has.

I feel like I am much more excited about this team being healthy going into this than most people on these boards. This team can beat anyone when all are healthy are we are rolling all 4 lines. Everyone keeps harping on the lack of scoring but are forgetting about us being one of the best teams in league in GAA for a year and a 1/2 before all these injuries. We now have 3 top notch 2-way centers with Pag centering the 3rd line. We have our top pairing back with Pelech back in the mix. ... We have the best coaches in the NHL.

It's time to get excited for a run....

besides if there was ever a year the Isles would shock the world and go on a long run in the playoffs it would be this year.
- niteislander

Yea and then we'd all hear until the end of time that we only won because of some wonky oddball playoff format.

Whoever wins the Cup is going to have to hear that forever from other Richardwad fans

I have no idea what Trotz will do to ignite some scoring, but I hope he gets some inspiration from Cassidy and tries for his own stacked scoring line. I would like to see Barzal move back to wing so he can concentrate on scoring rather than running the top line.


IMO, there's no doubt Ladd plays. He's a fearless, gritty player, something needed in playoffs. He's on 2 healthy legs for the first time in almost 2 years, and you can't question his desire after rehabbing the way he has.
- Puckin_Island

For me defense wins championships. Just wondering who your going to have play 1C if you move Barzal to the wing( which I don’t agree with) and what would your proposed lines be? I think breaking up or best offensive line won’t help our scoring issues. Just my opinion.
On Ladd, I feel his fearless, gritty days are over.

Yea and then we'd all hear until the end of time that we only won because of some wonky oddball playoff format.

Whoever wins the Cup is going to have to hear that forever from other Richardwad fans
- eichiefs9

100% Chiefs which is why I wished they would just scrap this season and begin with a normal 20-21 season.
That said I do get why they are playing as they need the revenue.

100% Chiefs which is why I wished they would just scrap this season and begin with a normal 20-21 season.
That said I do get why they are playing as they need the revenue.
- nyisles7

Not at all saying that I'm rooting for it at all, but the best thing for the Islanders in the long run might be losing to FLA and getting a 25% shot at LaFreniere

Not at all saying that I'm rooting for it at all, but the best thing for the Islanders in the long run might be losing to FLA and getting a 25% shot at LaFreniere
- eichiefs9

As much as I hate losing, you may be right.

As much as I hate losing, you may be right.
- nyisles7

That would be a hell of a get. Him and Barzal zipping around for the next decade+ would be quite a sight

That would be a hell of a get. Him and Barzal zipping around for the next decade+ would be quite a sight
- eichiefs9

Not at all saying that I'm rooting for it at all, but the best thing for the Islanders in the long run might be losing to FLA and getting a 25% shot at LaFreniere
- eichiefs9

12.5%, bruh. Respect the maths.

12.5%, bruh. Respect the maths.
- Only_A_Ladd

Whatever it was

I haven't been paying much attention since it got shut down

Sign me up for the Cup with an asterisk ... hearing them all complain would be fantastic.

For me defense wins championships. Just wondering who your going to have play 1C if you move Barzal to the wing( which I don’t agree with) and what would your proposed lines be? I think breaking up or best offensive line won’t help our scoring issues. Just my opinion.
On Ladd, I feel his fearless, gritty days are over.
- nyisles7

The Islanders BEST scoring line is pretty weak. That's my point. Shake them up. I don't care what the order is, just find combinations that can score more than 4 goals in a series. Stack 2 lines for scoring, 2 for defense. Do something. Watching that Carolina series last year was painful, and nobody this year will make the mistake the Penguins made.

That would be a hell of a get. Him and Barzal zipping around for the next decade+ would be quite a sight
- eichiefs9

Lafreniere - Barzal - Ladd

Doesn't get any better.

Not at all saying that I'm rooting for it at all, but the best thing for the Islanders in the long run might be losing to FLA and getting a 25% shot at LaFreniere
- eichiefs9

10000000%

I’m not going to be to upset if we bow out.

10000000%

I’m not going to be to upset if we bow out.
- Cptmjl

Me neither.

Losing to the panthers is the best option if they win the lotto, would give them a franchise player and in their cap fell it would be huge. Add to that a new arena and they will be a destination franchise

Losing to the panthers is the best option if they win the lotto, would give them a franchise player and in their cap fell it would be huge. Add to that a new arena and they will be a destination franchise
- Upstate_isles

The “if” in this statement says it all. A 12.5% chance isn’t fantastic but they have just as good a chance as any other team that loses. Not actively rooting (maybe just a small part of me😂) for them to lose but if they do I’ll be able to sleep knowing we have a shot at first overall.

Like others have mentioned already I’m happy to see some hockey but with that said I think they should’ve just cancelled the season and potentially started it normally in the fall. It is pretty cool to have the variable of having a shot at first overall when we initially weren’t drafting until the 3rd round this year.

The Islanders BEST scoring line is pretty weak. That's my point. Shake them up. I don't care what the order is, just find combinations that can score more than 4 goals in a series. Stack 2 lines for scoring, 2 for defense. Do something. Watching that Carolina series last year was painful, and nobody this year will make the mistake the Penguins made.
- Puckin_Island

Ok I respect your thoughts. Line combos you would use or try?

Penguins did make a big mistake they lost

Ok I respect your thoughts, line combos you would use or try?
- nyisles7

I would give this a try as a power line.

Beau-Pags-Barz - All three have quick feet and think quick.

Move Cizikas to center the 3rd, get Komarov out of there. Use Ladd and Johnston more.

The lack of scoring over the last dozen games was troubling. If it isn't corrected, the Isles will be shot out of that bubble and sent home in 4 games.

I would give this a try as a power line.

Beau-Pags-Barz - All three have quick feet and think quick.

Move Cizikas to center the 3rd, get Komarov out of there. Use Ladd and Johnston more.

The lack of scoring over the last dozen games was troubling. If it isn't corrected, the Isles will be shot out of that bubble and sent home in 4 games.
- Puckin_Island

And your other scoring line and 2 shutdown lines?

The “if” in this statement says it all. A 12.5% chance isn’t fantastic but they have just as good a chance as any other team that loses. Not actively rooting (maybe just a small part of me😂) for them to lose but if they do I’ll be able to sleep knowing we have a shot at first overall.

Like others have mentioned already I’m happy to see some hockey but with that said I think they should’ve just cancelled the season and potentially started it normally in the fall. It is pretty cool to have the variable of having a shot at first overall when we initially weren’t drafting until the 3rd round this year.
- Cptmjl

Yea 87.5% chance of not getting him but someone has to win it. If it's the rangers I'll poop myself

I would give this a try as a power line.

Beau-Pags-Barz - All three have quick feet and think quick.

Move Cizikas to center the 3rd, get Komarov out of there. Use Ladd and Johnston more.

The lack of scoring over the last dozen games was troubling. If it isn't corrected, the Isles will be shot out of that bubble and sent home in 4 games.
- Puckin_Island

Well glad you're not the coach lol

And your other scoring line and 2 shutdown lines?
- nyisles7

Tito-JG-Barzal
Lee-Nelson-Eberle
Ladd-Cizikas-Bailey
Johnston-Bardreau-Clutterbuck

Maybe this is sorta what he’s imagining?