Ben Shelley: Islanders pick up overtime win against Blue Jackets

I guess we’ll see if Lane’s approach works with Wahlstrom. If it doesn’t he’ll more then likely be on his way out after this season…

https://nyihockeynow.com/...TcetmhWuRWLlIrMFVauxsk8UU

I guess we’ll see if Lane’s approach works with Wahlstrom. If it doesn’t he’ll more then likely be on his way out after this season…

https://nyihockeynow.com/...TcetmhWuRWLlIrMFVauxsk8UU
- Cptmjl

Trade him and Varly at the deadline or sooner.

Trade him and Varly at the deadline or sooner.
- HolyDiver83

- eichiefs9

I’m happy with the record but I feel it obvious they need more speed and offense.

If somehow they could add that they be a very solid hockey team but I’m afraid their goaltending and defense can only carry them to being competitive right now.

- eichiefs9

Wally has been just as bad this year as last year. Lane has used him just as sparingly as Trotz. Wally has had less than 10 minutes of ice time being on Barzal’s line. I don’t see the difference at all. Only difference is Lane doesn’t have Bellows ( or other options really)here to experiment with and put them in for Wally.
This reminds me of the “no one understands JHS argument”. NHL coaches want the players on the ice that give them the best chance to win with. The whole Barry hated him BS doesn’t hold water. If the kid plays the game the way he’s supposed to at this level he will get ice time. If he doesn’t he won’t no matter who the (frank)ing coach is or whether they like him or not. Hopefully he gets his shat together. Because he’s been hard to watch lately.
NYIHOCKEYNOW

I’m happy with the record but I feel it obvious they need more speed and offense.

If somehow they could add that they be a very solid hockey team but I’m afraid their goaltending and defense can only carry them to being competitive right now.
- maximumcarnage

Honestly I think they need to play to their ability. We eeked out some wins where we probably shouldn’t have which had more to do with our goaltending then anything else. They need to start playing better. Period. Finish out the month on a high note…

Wally has been just as bad this year as last year. Lane has used him just as sparingly as Trotz. Wally has had less than 10 minutes of ice time being on Barzal’s line. I don’t see the difference at all. Only difference is Lane doesn’t have Bellows ( or other options really)here to experiment with and put them in for Wally.
This reminds me of the “no one understands JHS argument”. NHL coaches want the players on the ice that give them the best chance to win with. The whole Barry hated him BS doesn’t hold water. If the kid plays the game the way he’s supposed to at this level he will get ice time. If he doesn’t he won’t no matter who the (frank)ing coach is or whether they like him or not. Hopefully he gets his shat together. Because he’s been hard to watch lately.
NYIHOCKEYNOW
- nyisles7

The bottom line is the islanders don't have a legitimate first line. Barzal appears to be snake bitten, but @ 9 million per to not have a single goal is unacceptable. You expect your best player to score......and he's not doing that for whatever the reason. Perhaps its the revolving door of linemates.....none of which are elite talent.

What’s with todays start time?

Oh forget it, I see why.

The bottom line is the islanders don't have a legitimate first line. Barzal appears to be snake bitten, but @ 9 million per to not have a single goal is unacceptable. You expect your best player to score......and he's not doing that for whatever the reason. Perhaps its the revolving door of linemates.....none of which are elite talent.
- kindlyrick

I mean, he's posting a PPG. Yes, he hasn't scored a goal yet but he's not exactly the kind of guy you'd expect to be potting 30-40 consistently. He's scored 20 once (and would have certainly cleared 20 in the two Covid-shortened seasons). He's a career 10.6% shooter so it's almost guaranteed that he will not to continue to have a 0% shooting percentage.

I mean, he's posting a PPG. Yes, he hasn't scored a goal yet but he's not exactly the kind of guy you'd expect to be potting 30-40 consistently. He's scored 20 once (and would have certainly cleared 20 in the two Covid-shortened seasons). He's a career 10.6% shooter so it's almost guaranteed that he will not to continue to have a 0% shooting percentage.
- eichiefs9

I hear what you’re saying, but the PPG stat in this case is skewed, because he gets PP1 ice and any goal scored might be touched by him. I think he’s done some good things and I’m not blasting the guy overall. But, if you’re spending 9 million on your 1C, you expect a GWG at some point.

I hear what you’re saying, but the PPG stat in this case is skewed, because he gets PP1 ice and any goal scored might be touched by him. I think he’s done some good things and I’m not blasting the guy overall. But, if you’re spending 9 million on your 1C, you expect a GWG at some point.
- kindlyrick

Can't you say that about every other 1C in the league? Granted he hasn't scored yet but I honestly think this is the best Barzal has looked since his rookie year. He'll start finding the back of the net soon enough.

I hear what you’re saying, but the PPG stat in this case is skewed, because he gets PP1 ice and any goal scored might be touched by him. I think he’s done some good things and I’m not blasting the guy overall. But, if you’re spending 9 million on your 1C, you expect a GWG at some point.
- kindlyrick

But that's....any team's top player.

I get you're not blasting him but he's been one of the best players on the team all year. The goals will come as his sh% regresses to the mean. He has some stuff to work on but he's been largely one of their biggest strengths this year.

Fair to want to see the goals, but given everything else he's done I think they can make do for the time being.

Can't you say that about every other 1C in the league? Granted he hasn't scored yet but I honestly think this is the best Barzal has looked since his rookie year. He'll start finding the back of the net soon enough.
- Vukota

Absolutely, I’m just saying the isles have gotten scoring from everyone except their best player. You wanna see your highest paid player take a game or two. That’s literally what he’s paid to do.

But that's....any team's top player.

I get you're not blasting him but he's been one of the best players on the team all year. The goals will come as his sh% regresses to the mean. He has some stuff to work on but he's been largely one of their biggest strengths this year.

Fair to want to see the goals, but given everything else he's done I think they can make do for the time being.
- eichiefs9

Yeah I mean I’m not saying limit his ice, I’m saying Lou needs to give Barzal a proven talent in the league to compliment his speed. I just don’t think Wahlstrom is that guy (nor is Bailey).

Can't you say that about every other 1C in the league? Granted he hasn't scored yet but I honestly think this is the best Barzal has looked since his rookie year. He'll start finding the back of the net soon enough.
- Vukota

Barzal is the least of my concerns. He’s far from a perfect player but it’s kind of what you see is what you get with him. He’ll score some goals eventually I’m not worried about it and like you said he has for the most part been playing well. I’m more worried about our bottom six scoring right now but I believe that will correct itself eventually.

Absolutely, I’m just saying the isles have gotten scoring from everyone except their best player. You wanna see your highest paid player take a game or two. That’s literally what he’s paid to do.
- kindlyrick

As far as elite talent once Parise and Palms were taken off Barzals line they seemed to start playing much better with JGP. Sometimes I think bottom line is Barzal is hard to play with. He’s had opportunities to score and didn’t. Which didn’t have anything to do with his line mates. He’s snake bit right now. It happens to every player.
I think Chiefs nailed it when he said they don’t expect him to score 30 or 40 goals however he does drive the offense and is an assist machine which is just as important as a goal for me. In some instances the assist is tougher than the tap in goal it creates. That said he needs to find consistency in not TO the puck and not trying to do too much. I think that’s the obvious fault in his game.
I’m not concerned with him scoring goals they will come. Especially after he gets the first one.
As far as taking a game or two he’s had bad games his last two however before that he was a beast on the ice and was playing some of his best hockey (on both sides of the puck) he has played. Yes without scoring a single goal.
Just my opinion of course.

Wally has been just as bad this year as last year. Lane has used him just as sparingly as Trotz. Wally has had less than 10 minutes of ice time being on Barzal’s line. I don’t see the difference at all. Only difference is Lane doesn’t have Bellows ( or other options really)here to experiment with and put them in for Wally.
This reminds me of the “no one understands JHS argument”. NHL coaches want the players on the ice that give them the best chance to win with. The whole Barry hated him BS doesn’t hold water. If the kid plays the game the way he’s supposed to at this level he will get ice time. If he doesn’t he won’t no matter who the (frank)ing coach is or whether they like him or not. Hopefully he gets his shat together. Because he’s been hard to watch lately.
NYIHOCKEYNOW
- nyisles7

The bold is spot on. Barry had alternatives. Lane does not, unless you count Soshnikov, or whatever his name is.

The bold is spot on. Barry had alternatives. Lane does not, unless you count Soshnikov, or whatever his name is.
- JohnScammo

Yeah I’m not sure the Ruskie cuts it on this smaller more physical surface.
BTW it’s all spot on

Yeah I’m not sure the Ruskie cuts it on this smaller more physical surface.
BTW it’s all spot on
- nyisles7

- Wildschwein

Hey get your own gifs

Hard to choose the mvp but Sorokin in goal, Brock at forward but admire the way the d has played. Mayfield is definitely making a difference but the other five or six are playing a usual solid game.

Hard to choose the mvp but Sorokin in goal, Brock at forward but admire the way the d has played. Mayfield is definitely making a difference but the other five or six are playing a usual solid game.
- Fan101

Mayfield is looking to get paid.