The Islanders try to get into the win column tonight as they square off with the Caps tonight in our nation's capital. The Team will look to rebound after falling to the Rangers 5-3 on Thursday night.
Their will be some changes to the lineup tonight. Get used to that line. Mathew Barzal will make his NHL debut tonight and he will replace Anthony Beauvillier. It sure appears that these two kids will alternate games because that is a great way to get into a rhythm.
Remember the lead narrative of the summer? Ryan Strome's return to center. Well that lasted all of sixty minutes. After being called out after the opener against the Rangers by head coach Jack Capuano, Strome returns to wing. This organization just continues to make it up as they go.
Finally J.F. Berube will back up Thomas Griess tonight as Griess will get the start in net. Hey you got three goalies, let's rotate them. I feel like this staff is playing press your luck and they are trying not to hit any whammies.
This could not have been the offseason plan. We have all summer to figure this out and Jason Chimera is suddenly a top line winger and Josh Bailey is STILL in the top six. This is unacceptable and this lies on the shoulders of the general manager.
This team is perfectly capable of winning hockey games but I seriously don't know what to make of this roster. The first and fourth lines are fine, yet again. However just like last season the middle six forwards are hot mess. Let's hope some of these players step up and make this situation less muddied.