Ben Shelley: Weekly Recap: Islanders Edition (February 14)

The Islanders are built in a similar fashion from top to bottom lines. With the exception of Barzal there are some really good blue collar players. The problem with this composition is that if a few players are cold the team struggles. This team needs to be more diverse.

There are not enough threats. One of the reasons why I want JT to originally stay was to allow Barzal more time to develop in the two slot. I personally think JGP belongs in the two spot over nelson. I believe with more skill on his wing he would be even more productive. Maybe Beau JPG Walhstrom or AB JGP Ebbs.

I do not think is it is a bad idea giving Sorokin Reps in the AHL. Let him get his confidence back. A couples of wins and bring him backup.

Just spit balling...All and all just glad that they are back on the productive side of the puck.

The Islanders are built in a similar fashion from top to bottom lines. With the exception of Barzal there are some really good blue collar players. The problem with this composition is that if a few players are cold the team struggles. This team needs to be more diverse.

There are not enough threats. One of the reasons why I want JT to originally stay was to allow Barzal more time to develop in the two slot. I personally think JGP belongs in the two spot over nelson. I believe with more skill on his wing he would be even more productive. Maybe Beau JPG Walhstrom or AB JGP Ebbs.

I do not think is it is a bad idea giving Sorokin Reps in the AHL. Let him get his confidence back. A couples of wins and bring him backup.

Just spit balling...All and all just glad that they are back on the productive side of the puck.
- Nfdbulldawg

Last night was hopefully a very positive step. This team needs to keep shooting and not overpass. I actually like JGP better than Nelson. JGP brings more to the table. Many posters mentioned wanting to see Wahlstrom with Barzal. It's certainly worth a look. Bailey is not a good fit with Bailey and would be better feeding the puck to JGP. Sorokin would probably benefit from some time in Bridge.

Last night was hopefully a very positive step. This team needs to keep shooting and not overpass. I actually like JGP better than Nelson. JGP brings more to the table. Many posters mentioned wanting to see Wahlstrom with Barzal. It's certainly worth a look. Bailey is not a good fit with Bailey and would be better feeding the puck to JGP. Sorokin would probably benefit from some time in Bridge.
- ses111

JGP has been historically more of a finisher then a set up man. I think JGP is awesome as we all know but he’s perfect right where he is imo. Nelson is struggling but he’ll snap out of it. He’s a more balanced scorer then JGP which I think is something you look for in a 2nd line center imo. Bailey would probably match up pretty well with JGP.

JGP has been historically more of a finisher then a set up man. I think JGP is awesome as we all know but he’s perfect right where he is imo. Nelson is struggling but he’ll snap out of it. He’s a more balanced scorer then JGP which I think is something you look for in a 2nd line center imo. Bailey would probably match up pretty well with JGP.
- Cptmjl

I would also leave JGP as 3C unless Nelson really falls off.

I would also leave JGP as 3C unless Nelson really falls off.
- ses111

I thought you just said you like JGP over Nelson!?

I thought you just said you like JGP over Nelson!?
- TogaIsles

I do. Still would not change them yet. I think Bailey and Wahlstrom should be changed now.

I do. Still would not change them yet. I think Bailey and Wahlstrom should be changed now.
- ses111

I agree, him w Barzal and Lee would be sweet. I think Wahlstrom is in need of a set up man. His shot release is fantastic and he’s not afraid to shoot. Bailey might be good for him too. Bailey Nelson Wahlstrom maybe?

I agree, him w Barzal and Lee would be sweet. I think Wahlstrom is in need of a set up man. His shot release is fantastic and he’s not afraid to shoot. Bailey might be good for him too. Bailey Nelson Wahlstrom maybe?
- TogaIsles

I would give Wahlstrom at least a 3 or 4 game run with Barzal. It's well worth the try. JGP MDC and Bailey could also be a very interesting line.

Andrew Gross
✔
@AGrossNewsday
#Isles Lou Lamoriello on Josh Ho-Sang: Opportunities in Sweden chance for Ho-Sang to prove to other people, and to Isles, that he can still play. "God gave him talent but he just has to actuate it."

Andrew Gross
✔
@AGrossNewsday
#Isles Lou Lamoriello on Josh Ho-Sang: Opportunities in Sweden chance for Ho-Sang to prove to other people, and to Isles, that he can still play. "God gave him talent but he just has to actuate it."
- ses111

Why is this dumbass still news?

Why is this dumbass still news?
- JimmyP

I think he has gotten more coverage then the Islanders got during the entire dynasty.

Last night was hopefully a very positive step. This team needs to keep shooting and not overpass. I actually like JGP better than Nelson. JGP brings more to the table. Many posters mentioned wanting to see Wahlstrom with Barzal. It's certainly worth a look. Bailey is not a good fit with Bailey and would be better feeding the puck to JGP. Sorokin would probably benefit from some time in Bridge.
- ses111

I agree with you on the comparison between JGP and Nelson. I believe JGP checks more of the boxes than Nelson. His energy level for one stands out. Critical faceoff wins, backcheck...to name a few more.

Let Walhstrom get his feet wet on a line that does not draw the number 1 defenders that Barzal would would draw. I know we need a finisher for Barzal but Walhstrom needs a little time to get his confidence going and be productive. After that, yes move him to Barzy line. To me Trotz has Bailey there more for his defensive side than anything else.

JGP has been historically more of a finisher then a set up man. I think JGP is awesome as we all know but he’s perfect right where he is imo. Nelson is struggling but he’ll snap out of it. He’s a more balanced scorer then JGP which I think is something you look for in a 2nd line center imo. Bailey would probably match up pretty well with JGP.
- Cptmjl

My issue with nelson is that he is to streaky. I would drop Nelsons down to the 3 spot and bring JGP up to the 2 spot. See how that sakes out.

My issue with nelson is that he is to streaky. I would drop Nelsons down to the 3 spot and bring JGP up to the 2 spot. See how that sakes out.
- Nfdbulldawg

Nelson has been streaky except for last year where he found some consistency. I would still leave him where he is for the reasons I stated. Once he snaps out of this funk and we regain some scoring depth we’re going to start kicking arse. With that said if trotz moved Nelson down to inspire him a bit it wouldn’t be overly shocking if his current play continues...

I assume varlamov is in tonight to give us the best chance to get at least one out of the two games. Hopefully Sorokin shows some more improvement tomorrow he seems to be getting better each start.

Why is this dumbass still news?
- JimmyP

Because the Isles' weak point is their offense, and Ho Sang has the talent that would be a cure if only he could fill in the space between his ears. And yes, I know it's a pipe dream at this point.

I assume varlamov is in tonight to give us the best chance to get at least one out of the two games. Hopefully Sorokin shows some more improvement tomorrow he seems to be getting better each start.
- Cptmjl

I agree. The Isles need to rack up points against the bottom dwellers like Buffalo--a team that has some decent talent, so it won't be easy.

Because the Isles' weak point is their offense, and Ho Sang has the talent that would be a cure if only he could fill in the space between his ears. And yes, I know it's a pipe dream at this point.
- JohnScammo

I stopped believing a long time ago that Ho Sang is this incredible talent that just needs to mature. His numbers in junior were good but not exactly incredible as compared to other now impactful NHL players. His numbers in the AHL playing top line minutes were crap and we all know his other faults. It’s blasted past pipe dream and gone straight to it ain’t happening and it was time to move on a couple of years ago. The kid just isn’t that good anyway only him and some insane Islander fans are the people that believe he is at this point. Lameriello deserves an award for still humoring this idiot.

I agree. The Isles need to rack up points against the bottom dwellers like Buffalo--a team that has some decent talent, so it won't be easy.
- JohnScammo

If we manage to take both of these games we’ll be in a pretty good spot.

If we manage to take both of these games we’ll be in a pretty good spot.
- Cptmjl

You're gonna have to give me a minute to check your math on this one

You're gonna have to give me a minute to check your math on this one
- eichiefs9

Nelson has been streaky except for last year where he found some consistency. I would still leave him where he is for the reasons I stated. Once he snaps out of this funk and we regain some scoring depth we’re going to start kicking arse. With that said if trotz moved Nelson down to inspire him a bit it wouldn’t be overly shocking if his current play continues...
- Cptmjl

I can understand your points. Maybe a flip flop would get Nelson hopping. We know that for this team to be any kind of threat all wheels must be moving in the same direction.

I can understand your points. Maybe a flip flop would get Nelson hopping. We know that for this team to be any kind of threat all wheels must be moving in the same direction.
- Nfdbulldawg

I don’t think they are there yet but they’ll get there. Hopefully beauvillier gets back soon and snaps out of his funk also. Have to get the Komarov’s and MDC’s (I know he just had a good game but long term he has no business in the top 6 at this point) off the 3rd line(in Komarov’s case off the team) and out of the top 6. I would really like to see Bellows on the third line and Wahlstrom in the top 6 to see how he responds.

Andrew Gross
✔
@AGrossNewsday
Trotz says Anthony Beauvillier is right on the line as far as playing. "We're all healthy."