The Islanders Could Land Their Future Powerplay QB in Round One

Round 1

13. New York Islanders

Ryan Lin — RD

Ryan is a highly intelligent defender. He reacts quickly to loose pucks and developing plays, causing havoc for forwards crossing the blue line. His aggressive stickwork breaks up plays.

His defensive play is excellent, and he does not panic in his own zone. He is also an elite skater with excellent puck-distribution skills. The apples will come with this kid. He has been described as a terrific powerplay quarterback.

Round 4

109. Jakub Frolo — F

He is a big, steady forward who plays the cycle game. Jakub has a heavy shot with a quick release. He is a work in progress, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Round 5

141. Tobias Tvrznik — G

Tobias uses his size, has good composure, and plays his position well. He has the potential, but is a little rough around the edges.

Round 6

173. Aiden O’Donnell — LW

Aiden plays the boards and is a good, hard worker. He has potential as a third/fourth-line disturber. He fights hard, puts it all into the game to change the momentum.

Round 7

205. Rylan Singh — RD

Rylan is a hard-working stay-home dman. He wins his share of puck battles. An old school player with some muscles.

 

You're the GM, Which Star Would You Bet On Now?

Wait a minute, is this the off-season? A trade involving Matthew Barzal and Elias Pettersson?

Sorry, I've never been a person to beat around the bush. I am a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy (except I am a vegetarian). Most people feel that an overhaul is not possible; a shake-up is more plausible.   

Going on that premise, if Elias Pettersson comes on the market and the price involves Matthew Barzal, would you bite? A few facts for you: Pettersson has not been the same player for the last two years. His stats have dropped to 49 and 45 points, respectively. Before that, though, he was nearly a point-per-game player for 6 seasons, topping off at 102 points in the 2022-23 season. Pettersson has been forced to change scenery in years past, a move that could revive his career. He is still in his prime.

Matthew has been a steady player, reliable throughout his career. Although his best year was 83 points, Matthew has been the better player over the last two years. This year, he scored 71 points, and, of course, he only had 30 because of an injury. He is 28 years old. He has had two 80-point seasons.

Each player is an offensive juggernaut. Both can skate and create scoring chances. Both are playmakers and leaders of the dressing rooms who can say they need a change of scenery. If this came up, would you be tempted?

Final Word

When it came down to it, the Islanders ran out of firepower. Will offensive issues be addressed in the summer? Will the Isles have a new backup for Sorokin? Then there are the vets: Who goes and who stays? The off-season will be an interesting one to watch!

Randy 

What Cost Patrick Roy His Job with the Islanders?

As the New York Islanders’ season comes to an end, I thought: What cost Roy the Isles’ job? The following article is purely conjecture; it is not an inside info story.  

Did the Players quit on him?

Is it common knowledge that a coach’s shelf life is usually 2-3 years before the players shut the coach out? When you get a strong-willed coach, it is bound to happen; he will clash with some of the players. When this happens, they usually tune him out completely.

I am referring especially to the epic 8-3 loss to the Pens. The Islanders had total control of the game until the backbreaking shorthanded goal by Rakell, which cut it to 3-2 for the Islanders. From that point on, the Pens took over, scoring 6 straight goals to an 8-3 lead.  

For some reason, the biggest issue is the Islanders’ inability to play a full 60 minutes. Go no further than the Blackhawks game in Long Island. The Hawks landed a 4-1 win over the Isles with a ferocious rally that fell short 4-3 on the 24th of March. If they weren’t so sloppy in the first two periods, they would have blown the Hawks away.

Isles hire Pete Deboer

I must admit I was shocked by the timing of the firing. I asked around, and the consensus was that if they had waited too long to hire Peter DeBoer, they would have had to compete with multiple teams vying for his services. A lot of people believe that Peter will have this team turned around for next season.

Final word

Whether Peter can save this season remains to be seen, but after what they gave up on Roy, can they recover and go 4-0? Even if they can’t, the Flyers are one of the hottest teams in the league, led by a hot goalie, and the Sens have corrected their season of late. Anything is possible; Peter will have to have this team prepared for battle. 

What the New York Islanders Need to Do to Make the Playoffs

Everyone knows how wild the East is. We have the Wings, Habs, Sens, Bruins, and Pens, along with our Isles, all fighting over four spots. I have been telling people the Isles are locked in. My source says, no, they’re not.

I am hoping for the Isles to play to win, not to lose. There is a big difference. They were playing as if it were inevitable they would lose. I’m so tired of the Isles acting like they are afraid of their own shadow.  

What needs to happen for the New York Islanders to make the playoffs?

Ilya Sorokin

Ilya has to be a standout. They need the best from him. Clearly, he will have to steal a couple of games for the Isles to make it to the playoffs. He will have to play most of the games as Big Save Dave, since he hasn’t been Big Save Dave lately. The biggest concern here is wearing Ilya out. The Islanders have to step up and figure out how to lighten the load of shots fired at him on a per-night basis.

Here are a couple of suggestions to keep Sorokin from getting tired.

Defense

The biggest defensive problem is too many giveaways in the defensive zone. The Islanders have to be focused and responsible on defense. This means there has to be more communication and to stop being so fancy with the puck. Stop throwing the puck up the middle. Start using the boards to get it out of the zone.

Penalty Killing

First of all, the most obvious path is not to take the stupid penalties. But when they do take the penalty, the New York Islanders have to improve their penalty kill; they have been sloppy, leaving the man uncovered in the slot. The New York Islanders have to cover that middle zone. Too many teams are playing in the middle, and nobody is covering them, making it easy to score on the New York Islanders’ penalty kill.

The Final Word

I conclude by noting that the Isles need to score more goals. Specifically, the top line needs some support. Luke Schenn has to take the bull by the horns and take over the scoring support. Holmstrom is going to have to take it to another level.

If the Isles can achieve these goals, they will be able to take a run at the playoffs. 

Randy 

The Islanders Are Playing for One Thing Only

Seriously, I love the Islanders fans’ attitude: “It’s all about the cup.” Who can blame them? There seems to be a different hero every night. For example, against the Montréal Canadiens, it was the old, familiar, but young Schaffer.

Most nights, the old reliable goaltender is the star of the team. Ilya Sorokin. The Vezna candidate goalie has been outstanding this season. After his game starts, I’m thinking he can’t get any better than this. Until the next night—how is he even better than the previous night?

Where are all the haters of Lee and Pageau?

That question was quoted word-for-word from my source, Paul Kreischer of Isles Talk. Paul took this question even further. He continues, “Does anybody want to trade Lee and Pageau now?” Would the Islanders be moving up the ladder at this pace without these two players in the lineup? The question is easily answered with a big negative.

There’s no way the New York Islanders are going anywhere without the progress of Lee and Pageau, and both have been enormous of late. You can reach Paul on Twitter @P_Kreischer or, of course, @IslesTalk.  

Do the Islanders need a new backup goalie?

This is a question, not an accusation. I am wondering out loud. Would the New York Islanders look at another backup goalie?

Big Save Dave has struggled in his last two starts. Am I making a mountain out of a molehill? Every goalie goes through a couple of bad starts, so it’s nothing. The biggest name on the market seems to be out of Toronto, but there’s no way the New York Islanders will go after Stolartz. Another team with several goalies is Buffalo. Could the New York Islanders pry one out of them?

Final word

My blogging hat has been taken off. This final word is written as a fan: It’s all about the cup; that’s all that matters. If it means New York will be near the Stanley Cup final. It’s time to go all in.

Randy 

Darche Goes to the Candy Store: Picking the Sweetest Deals for the Isles

Imagine Darche shopping. What kind of shopper would he be?  

I imagine he will be looking for a scorer. If we lived in the ultimate fantasy world, Steve Stammer freaking Stampkos would be in an Islander jersey. We all know he is not waiving for now. But anything can happen. If I were the Islanders, I would inquire.

Players on my List

Bobby McMann, Toronto Maple Leafs LW/RW

Bobby makes a very good second-line forward. It will probably fit perfectly with Barzal and Horvat. He mixes it with rough stuff; he doesn’t go looking for trouble, but he won’t shy away from an altercation either. He is a younger version of Lee.

Claude Giroux Ottawa Senators RW/C

Claude is a terrific all-around player; he may not be a point man like he was in his prime, but I am sure he would fit in nicely. Primarily a right-winger, but in his past, Centre days, he was very good on the draw. He has a great shot and is a great penalty killer. If the Sens put him on the market, the Islanders should be interested.

Evander Kane Canucks LW

Go beyond all the drama and look at the player himself. I know it’s a huge gamble, but he could thrive in a new environment out of the limelight. He could be a hit in New York. He could be a successful project. There is no doubt about his talent, but can he thrive under Roy’s direction?

Blake Coleman (Goleman) Calgary LW/RW/C

The ultimate third-line forward. Coleman can easily shift up to the second line in case of urgency because of injuries. The versatility of Coleman, who can play all three forwards, can be vital to the Islanders. He has a great shot; he will get his nose dirty and get you those dirty goals.

Final word

That is my list! Who is on yours? Would you put an enforcer on the list, or is it all about scoring? Where would you put the Colorado pick the Isles acquired? 

Play-to-the-Opposition Syndrome: Inside the Islanders’ Mental Lapses

I just wrote an article on the Flames not playing for a full sixty minutes. If I just put in “Islanders” instead of “Flames,” it would be good, and I would post the blog. Seriously, if I got a dime for every time I said that, I would probably be a millionaire. I do not know if it is a coaching issue or a lack of concern for the players. For some reason, the Islanders have these mental breakdowns. The team doesn’t have each other’s backs, so when more than one player is involved, it seems that three or four players are forgetting their responsibilities.

Roy needs contingency plans for when things go wrong. If the Islanders can cut down on these mental breakdowns, they would be in first place. The main issue is that, with such good goalies, they do not have to be over the bar in terms of talent. Several good friends of mine said the Islanders are a mediocre team; it’s only because of the goaltending that they shine. I won’t go that far, because I can name a few players who fans would dearly love to keep on their roster.

I beg to differ. I watched the Islanders dismantle the Avs at home. Yet I watched the same team fall to the Flames in Calgary. How do you beat one of the best only to lose to one of the worst? May I give you an easy diagnosis of Play to the Opposition Syndrome? It’s a rather simple cure: not taking the easy road, but the hard one. No matter who you play, work hard. Thinking that one team is an easy win is courting disaster. You cannot divert from the plan. As I said in my last blog, play smart.

Is there a concern with a lack of scoring on the Islanders? The fans’ biggest concern is not a lack of scoring; it is with who is doing the scoring—or not scoring. The bottom six have to be more productive and get more involved. As for the defense, the forwards can help by cleaning up the zone coverage.

Final word

Player of the week - Anthony Duclair

It is awesome to see Anthony playing so well. I really like the idea of Anthony shooting more; he has an underrated wrist shot. He is playing very well; he can be a great asset. 

Don’t Play Stupid: Smart Hockey Beats Cheap Shots Every Time

The New York Islanders have one of the more emotional fan bases. The greatest advice from the Isles fans is “don’t play stupid.” Sounds like some pretty sound advice

Do not be stupid enough to take late minors

When you’re trying to get that tying goal, let’s try not to cause bodily harm to opposing players. When you trip, gouge, punch, hook, or high stick, you put the team down by a man. It is simple math. When you’re behind, it’s not good to be short-handed. Do not play stupid; play to win. Work harder. Take that extra stride to catch a player rather than hooking or tripping. This will go a long way to winning the game instead of losing them.

Do not play stupid. Serokin should not have to face over 40 shots

Try to cover your mistakes. Leaving Serokin out to dry can be hazardous to your health. The Isles have one of the best records in the NHL. Think about how good this team would be without the mental breakdowns in our zone. If we can be responsible on defense, the Isles can finish second in the Metro. (If I said that before the season started, even I would have considered myself a candidate for the funny farm.)

Don’t be stupid. Find a meathead to keep the opposition in check

The one thing the Isles lack is defense. There is only one David and Goliath. We only need one example. It doesn’t even have to be an enforcer, just some player with a beef who is willing to defend Schaefer. Our goal is to keep Schaefer from becoming ground beef.

Final word

The Isles are one of the biggest surprises this season. They are winning because they are playing as a team, showing that they believe in each other. Every team needs to improve. They can’t afford to stand still. The Isles just need to clean up their game. 

Randy