Andrew Gross
✔
@AGrossNewsday
Trotz on 3-2 loss to Pens: "Life isn't fair sometimes." #Isles did everything they wanted to, played physical, bodies to the crease, outhit Pens, limited Pittsburgh to 18 shots.

That's hockey.

We didn't see the mental lapses with them the last two years or as much anyways. To me the biggest issue is they don't bury the chances they get on offense and that forces them to play a perfect game on d.
- Upstate_isles

Yep. When they do get some pucks at the net it’s over when one of them makes a boneheaded play. They’re not fully there yet which is good because there’s more to their game they just have to get there. I thought they played a good game tonight but the pens played maybe their most complete two games I’ve seen them play the last few seasons.

Andrew Gross
✔
@AGrossNewsday
Trotz on 3-2 loss to Pens: "Life isn't fair sometimes." #Isles did everything they wanted to, played physical, bodies to the crease, outhit Pens, limited Pittsburgh to 18 shots.

That's hockey.
- ses111

Translation: their goalie outplayed our goalie. .943 save% vs. .833 save%

Translation: their goalie outplayed our goalie. .943 save% vs. .833 save%
- JohnScammo

I posted Sorokin should have played.

Yep. When they do get some pucks at the net it’s over when one of them makes a boneheaded play. They’re not fully there yet which is good because there’s more to their game they just have to get there. I thought they played a good game tonight but the pens played maybe their most complete two games I’ve seen them play the last few seasons.
- Cptmjl

Also their high end skill comes through and allows them to capitalize on the chances they do get a lot of times

Also their high end skill comes through and allows them to capitalize on the chances they do get a lot of times
- Upstate_isles

Like the Tampa series.

Like the Tampa series.
- ses111

Yea but tampa is a much better team than the pens, that series was the closest the isles may come in our lifetimes

Yea but tampa is a much better team than the pens, that series was the closest the isles may come in our lifetimes
- Upstate_isles

No question Upstate. Just an example of another team with high end talent. It's going to be very difficult for the Isles with this current roster to get past these teams. Not impossible but very difficult.

Good 2 games, you guys are a tough game no matter what. Disciplined, well-coached, and Barzal is a stud. pains me that he was taken with the Penguins 1st round pick few years ago.

seems like us, Washington, and you guys will be fighting for the last two playoff spots.

Translation: their goalie outplayed our goalie. .943 save% vs. .833 save%
- JohnScammo

I definitely thought both Letang goals were very stoppable. I'm okay with them playing Varly again tonight, but perhaps Sorokin should be in next.

I definitely thought both Letang goals were very stoppable. I'm okay with them playing Varly again tonight, but perhaps Sorokin should be in next.
- keaner17

Yeah those two were mirror images of each other. I’m still recovering from that game they deserved to win. Between the bad call on Beuvillier that led to the first goal and Letangs two after playing the way they did it’s a real kick in the 🥜.

I definitely thought both Letang goals were very stoppable. I'm okay with them playing Varly again tonight, but perhaps Sorokin should be in next.
- keaner17

I thought Varly may have been partially screened on the 2nd Letang goal, but the 1st appeared to be sort of a knuckler that he misread.

Everyone is looking at the goaltending and defense as problems. The issue is that so much focus is placed on the goaltending and defense that everyone forgets that the forwards are INCONSISTENT.
If there was more consistency out of the forward lineup besides Barzal and maybe Ebbs...This team would be 3 to 4 wins better. Instead they are struggling and if the defense and goaltending fail...it is a lose.
There are too many of the same forward style of play. Lee, Ebbs, Bailey, Nelson, AB, Walhstrom, DalCole, Bellows, CC, Clutter, Marts. Not enough balanced scoring. NO ENOUGH CONSISTENCY.

Everyone is looking at the goaltending and defense as problems. The issue is that so much focus is placed on the goaltending and defense that everyone forgets that the forwards are INCONSISTENT.
If there was more consistency out of the forward lineup besides Barzal and maybe Ebbs...This team would be 3 to 4 wins better. Instead they are struggling and if the defense and goaltending fail...it is a lose.
There are too many of the same forward style of play. Lee, Ebbs, Bailey, Nelson, AB, Walhstrom, DalCole, Bellows, CC, Clutter, Marts. Not enough balanced scoring. NO ENOUGH CONSISTENCY.
- Nfdbulldawg

Everyone? Not true.

Everyone is looking at the goaltending and defense as problems. The issue is that so much focus is placed on the goaltending and defense that everyone forgets that the forwards are INCONSISTENT.
If there was more consistency out of the forward lineup besides Barzal and maybe Ebbs...This team would be 3 to 4 wins better. Instead they are struggling and if the defense and goaltending fail...it is a lose.
There are too many of the same forward style of play. Lee, Ebbs, Bailey, Nelson, AB, Walhstrom, DalCole, Bellows, CC, Clutter, Marts. Not enough balanced scoring. NO ENOUGH CONSISTENCY.
- Nfdbulldawg

I've said for the longest time the offense will sink the Islanders and not the goalies or D. Just look at the Canes and Tampa series. It was not the defense or goalies who lost those series. Those teams could really shut you down and it gave the Islanders fits. Islanders have to somehow find the 2nd big offensive star with Barzal. I would at least try Wahlstrom and Barzal together for a few games.

Everyone? Not true.
- Cptmjl

I believe I said this above and a few agreed with me but he's still correct that aside. This team just doesn't finish and idc if you lose a guy or two if Laine is available you get him lacknof d or not. Sadly hoffman could have been had for around a million too

I believe I said this above and a few agreed with me but he's still correct that aside. This team just doesn't finish and idc if you lose a guy or two if Laine is available you get him lacknof d or not. Sadly hoffman could have been had for around a million too
- Upstate_isles

100% this is something that I know “everyone” is aware of that’s why I pointed it out. Not a fan of blanket declarations painting the entire thread with a certain opinion. Also, pointing out that the defense may have faltered at a moment doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not aware of the obvious and there’s too much pressure on the goaltending and defense to always perform at an elite level. The world knows we’re offensively challenged it’s not a big secret pointing out that it pressures our defense and goaltending is elementary imo. Just my two cents.

I believe I said this above and a few agreed with me but he's still correct that aside. This team just doesn't finish and idc if you lose a guy or two if Laine is available you get him lacknof d or not. Sadly hoffman could have been had for around a million too
- Upstate_isles

It's bad if the Isles had interest in Hoffman and he turned them down especially when they have a Hall of Fame GM and coach and had success the last two years. Lou and Barry have done a great job but they need to figure out a way to add to the offense and especially since the Isles are not in rebuild mode. Maybe the Isles should not be the #1 destination for FA's but they should not be missing like they did in the past either.

Its time to take out the trash. Beauvillier Mayfield leddy komarov ladd bailey clutterbuck and actually acquire player or players that crash the net and can score. Jarry had terrible rebound control yesterday and nobody was in front to take advantage. He saw most of the shots thrown at him. Bring up Bolduc and give him a game or two in place of mayfield. Season is slowly ending quicker than expected.

It's bad if the Isles had interest in Hoffman and he turned them down especially when they have a Hall of Fame GM and coach and had success the last two years. Lou and Barry have done a great job but they need to figure out a way to add to the offense and especially since the Isles are not in rebuild mode. Maybe the Isles should not be the #1 destination for FA's but they should not be missing like they did in the past either.
- ses111

Yeah when we missed out on Hoffman it was another kick in the nuts but like Upstate pointed out if there’s ANY way to improve our offensive output I would hope Lou doesn’t split hairs over whether to do it or not because of a players perceived defensive prowess too much. Of course it’s a factor but to me should be less of a factor with this team and it’s current situation. Defense can be taught. I assume at least one of the problems with getting Hoffman signed was us needing to get our own players signed and our cap issues.

That’s why I look and always looked at the Hickey, Komarov, Johnston, and now the new Martin contracts as incredibly stupid. It all adds up and ultimately restricts us from making moves like that and to also handcuff the team with the term on these deals is mind blowing to me.

Yeah when we missed out on Hoffman it was another kick in the nuts but like Upstate pointed out if there’s ANY way to improve our offensive output I would hope Lou doesn’t split hairs over whether to do it or not because of a players perceived defensive prowess too much. Of course it’s a factor but to me should be less of a factor with this team and it’s current situation. Defense can be taught. I assume at least one of the problems with getting Hoffman signed was us needing to get our own players signed and our cap issues.

That’s why I look and always looked at the Hickey, Komarov, Johnston, and now the new Martin contracts as incredibly stupid. It all adds up and ultimately restricts us from making moves like that and to also handcuff the team with the term on these deals is mind blowing to me.
- Cptmjl

I thought the Isles had room to sign Hoffman and reports indicated they were interested? I think Lou and Barry were 1000% right in focusing on defense with this team because it was a huge problem. Offense is also a huge problem and especially against elite teams. Lou and Barry cannot pick apart every player and especially players that can add much needed offense. Not every player will be awesome on both offense and defense.

The Hickey, Komarov, Johnston, Martin contracts are bad contract Covid or not. Just cannot give out those contracts in a Cap world. It's not an excuse you did not know the Cap was not going up.

Islanders should get what they can for beauvillier in draft pics and play MDC when he is healthy. Lou has failed this team. Summer is all about getting Ovi to play here.

I thought the Isles had room to sign Hoffman and reports indicated they were interested? I think Lou and Barry were 1000% right in focusing on defense with this team because it was a huge problem. Offense is also a huge problem and especially against elite teams. Lou and Barry cannot pick apart every player and especially players that can add much needed offense. Not every player will be awesome on both offense and defense.

The Hickey, Komarov, Johnston, Martin contracts are bad contract Covid or not. Just cannot give out those contracts in a Cap world. It's not an excuse you did not know the Cap was not going up.
- ses111

Maybe I’m not sure? As for the second bold I’m not saying they are picking apart players obviously I have no idea what they’re actually doing and their methods for deciding who fits and is worth signing/trading for? I’ll also say I understand part of signing and trading for players is doing so with players you think will mesh with your group for different reasons. My point is/was offensive production for this group is such a priority right now that it should almost supersede any other attribute imo. Shortened season but teach the defense and structure along the way...

I thought Varly may have been partially screened on the 2nd Letang goal, but the 1st appeared to be sort of a knuckler that he misread.
- JohnScammo

Yes, Bailey made a 'meh' effort to block the shot, which in effect partially screened him however the shot wasn't exactly a burner from the blue line. I was a bit surprised Varlomov didn't manage to track it

Islanders should get what they can for beauvillier in draft pics and play MDC when he is healthy. Lou has failed this team. Summer is all about getting Ovi to play here.
- Hockeyislife

Isles couldn’t get panarin to play for them even though they offered more money what makes you think ovi would EVER sign with the isles!