Roster/Rumors/Speculation/Trade Talk - 2023-24: Hotel California

[Mike C]

Don't forget that Trotz used to talk about working the puck for quality shots. He preferred quality over quantity when it came to shooting (and preventing quality shots and allowing quantity of perimeter shots on defense).

So, maybe the positive that you describe with Wahlstrom's shooting was actually a problem for Trotz that resulted in less ice time for him? I'm just speculating, but we'll see what happens this year under Lambert.

guess barry didn't think putting the puck on net could result in positives such as, tip ins, deflections, redirects, crazy bounces, sustained play in O zone and O zone faceoffs

hopefully these guys will be freer to explore their natural skill sets while still being expected to conform to the system in place.

 

[19 in a row]

ahh the dog days of summer when we all (including myself) start nit-picking on our players (ok we do it all year but even more now).. Not sure about anyone else but I am hungry for hockey and more optimistic than most that we will be competitive and a playoff team this year.

thanks for the entertainment boys (and girls), I appreciate you all.

 

[beach]

I would like (I dont expect to see it) to see an opening night lineup similar to this

Beauvillier-Barzal-Palmieri
Lee-Nelson-Wahlstrom
Parise-Pageau-Bailey
Bellows-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

First callup from the minors would be Holmstrom. Give Bellows 11-12 minutes a night on the 4th line and give him some 2nd line PP time.

The problem with Parise-Pageau-Bailey is that none of them shoot the puck.

 

[Skidrow11]

guess barry didn't think putting the puck on net could result in positives such as, tip ins, deflections, redirects, crazy bounces, sustained play in O zone and O zone faceoffs

hopefully these guys will be freer to explore their natural skill sets while still being expected to conform to the system in place.

I only watch like 10 islander games a year and 2 other games, but the difference in the islanders puck control game plan is so obvious, and extreme its impossible to miss. I saw 2 penguin games against the rangers everyone shooting it every chance they got. I'm concerned it's more A Lou thing..its very similar to baseball. I stopped watching maybe 15 years ago. So the 2 games a year I see it's a completely different game essentially just a homerun hitting contest.

 

[MJF]

ahh the dog days of summer when we all (including myself) start nit-picking on our players (ok we do it all year but even more now).. Not sure about anyone else but I am hungry for hockey and more optimistic than most that we will be competitive and a playoff team this year.

thanks for the entertainment boys (and girls), I appreciate you all.

I’m afraid we’ll be hanging on by a thread for a wild card spot.

The problem with Parise-Pageau-Bailey is that none of them shoot the puck.

Parise shoots. We know he shoots because he hit the post 5 times last year.

 

[leeroggy]

i'm in the camp that say that situation occurred last season

not upset though! i try and see most things from everyone's perspective


we allowed to say that now? i got points for uttering that word somewhere last season


hope you're doing good buddy!

Doing fine! Unvaxxed and happy I am not . . .

Hard to believe the summer is over down here. Already the 2nd week of high school football down here.

Stay good!

 

[Mike C]

Doing fine! Unvaxxed and happy I am not . . .

Hard to believe the summer is over down here. Already the 2nd week of high school football down here.

Stay good!

You too brother. Kid is finishing up 1st week of H.S. as we speak. So far so good! Thanks for the encouragement on that.

Temps cooled off until today here. Back near 90 today. Gonna hit neighborhood pool while I still can for an hour or so. Closes Labor Day. Then the summer really will be over. I'm sure the Halloween stuff will be out that day.

ahh the dog days of summer when we all (including myself) start nit-picking on our players (ok we do it all year but even more now).. Not sure about anyone else but I am hungry for hockey and more optimistic than most that we will be competitive and a playoff team this year.

thanks for the entertainment boys (and girls), I appreciate you all.

Back at you buddy. Always enjoy our banter.

Good natured fun as it ought to be!

 

[BrockLobster]

The problem with Parise-Pageau-Bailey is that none of them shoot the puck.

Parise does

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Parise does

And a chief reason he spent basically the last 40 games playing next to Barzal.

Why does anyone think Lambert is going to be breaking up that combo?

I mean he might, but why would you assume that their going kick things off by fixing what ain't broke?

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Thanks for your response. With all due respect, and I do respect your opinion, you are one of the best posters on here.

You are too kind!

I have watched what the Isles and Lou would do. Greene and Chara were part of that equation last year as well, but they are not this year as per Lou.

No doubt their age and the noticeable lack of mobility it entailed hampered this team's transition game considerably. Love both as heart 'n sould guys with surely lots to contribute in the locker room, but it was simply too much to go from Toews and Leddy to Chara and Greene within two seasons.

Barry gave preference to vets but he is gone as well, I expect Wahlstom and Bellows to be given every chance to be regulars, still a defensive stye but a slight easing of the reins on players such as Barzy and Beau, and possibly giving other young players a chance if they warrant it.

I believe it's one of the absolute chief assignments Lambert has. He has to find a role for these guys. They cannot spend this season being what they were last season. It must be determined if they're part of the long-term solution as a contributing piece of a winning puzzle here.

Lambert has that task now.

I do pay attention and attend every home game, a few road games and watch every game that I do not attend.

Wow, that is very impressive! You're quite the diehard.

I mean, I know there are fans this dedicated out there, but you're one of the first I'm encountering personally. Color me envious!

And respect!

...but if you were to ask me which of the 14 forwards is most at risk of not being on the opening day roster barring trade/injury I would say 1) Martin, 2) Johnston and 3) Bellows in that order.

That may be. I'm going to think that Lou and Lambert are, barring trade/injury, going to have the traditional 4th line intact on opening night. Just can't see that going down any other way.

Clutter has worn down the last few years as well but still effective when in, however, I think that 4th lines days as a force are numbered unfortunately.

You're surely not the only one. I just think that if this team is going to make another Cup run this season, then that 4th line is going to have to have another hurrah, particularly when the playoffs roll around. It'll need to be the dicey thorn-in-the-side it was in its best hours.

But in order for that to happen, they'll have to be given plenty of rest along the way - I'd think.

Edit: I see after that you mentioned Martin's potential injury in another post which I had not read. I did mention that as well. If that is the case and he can return to form , I would agree but we will have a better idea over the next month plus. I just want the best team we can ice.

I think a lot of the guys on this team have needed a rest. It's not just the two conference finals taking their toll, but also the incredible tightness of the Pandemic-related schedules along the way.

I'm hoping everyone will come to camp fresher than in years past - and with a chip on their shoulder. When you've done as much winning as these guys have in recent years, a season like last season really nags on you.

Let's hope that's all they needed to get them over the top.

 

[Strummergas]

And a chief reason he spent basically the last 40 games playing next to Barzal.

Why does anyone think Lambert is going to be breaking up that combo?

I mean he might, but why would you assume that their going kick things off by fixing what ain't broke?

I'd like to think he gives other combos a shot first. But if things don't pan out, he'll definitely shuffle and that might result in Parise back on Barzal's wing, much to everyone's chagrin.

 

[PhysicalGraffiti]

Would like to see Panik replace Clutterbuck. I've been saying that since last season. Clutter no longer brings much of a physical aspect to the game and doesn't score much. Panik has had some flashes of brilliance in his career I'd be interested in seeing it give a chance.

 

[Kevin27NYI]

Would like to see Panik replace Clutterbuck. I've been saying that since last season. Clutter no longer brings much of a physical aspect to the game and doesn't score much. Panik has had some flashes of brilliance in his career I'd be interested in seeing it give a chance.

Clutters still an amazing PKer

 

[PhysicalGraffiti]

Clutters still an amazing PKer

I know, and people always say that, but there has to be someone more complete for the roster right? Idk.

 

[danteipp]

One thing that drives me insane about hockey is the outdated and old-school thought process that injured/limited players (at least those without a major injury), just need time to play and work through it.

Now on a shallow team with zero legitimate backup options, that might fly. But the Isles have the ability to replace injured players without missing a beat, given their reasonable depth options, be it getting more ice time for Bellows, Johnston, Panik, etc.

Last year, Martin clearly never recovered properly from off-season surgery. He could have been seamlessly replaced by Johnston (among others) until he healed or had undergone another surgery to clean up the issue.

But instead, Trotz just kept writing him into the lineup. Same with struggling players like Bailey, Clutter, Chara, Greene, etc. Give them more time off, use your depth for maximum benefit, and don't handicap the team.

That drives me insane and is just lazy. Sometimes you have to sit a player down for their own good and, even more importantly, for the good of the team.

With such an important season coming up, I hope Lambert uses the depth provided better and to maximum advantage. There is no shame in giving players time to physically recover, or a break mentally at times, when a healthier or hungrier option is available and can be utilized.

 

[seafoam]

One thing that drives me insane about hockey is the outdated and old-school thought process that injured/limited players (at least those without a major injury), just need time to play and work through it.

Now on a shallow team with zero legitimate backup options, that might fly. But the Isles have the ability to replace injured players without missing a beat, given their reasonable depth options, be it getting more ice time for Bellows, Johnston, Panik, etc.

Last year, Martin clearly never recovered properly from off-season surgery. He could have been seamlessly replaced by Johnston (among others) until he healed or had undergone another surgery to clean up the issue.

But instead, Trotz just kept writing him into the lineup. Same with struggling players like Bailey, Clutter, Chara, Greene, etc. Give them more time off, use your depth for maximum benefit, and don't handicap the team.

That drives me insane and is just lazy. Sometimes you have to sit a player down for their own good and, even more importantly, for the good of the team.

With such an important season coming up, I hope Lambert uses the depth provided better and to maximum advantage. There is no shame in giving players time to physically recover, or a break mentally at times, when a healthier or hungrier option is available and can be utilized.

Trotz was running the team on auto pilot last year with the amount of personal issues he was dealing with. He really just kept running it back night after night with not a whole lot of change.

 

[danteipp]

Trotz was running the team on auto pilot last year with the amount of personal issues he was dealing with. He really just kept running it back night after night with not a whole lot of change.

Totally agree and it is presumably a big reason why he was relieved of his duties. On the flip side, as a rookie coach, the question will be if Lane has the backbone to bench a vet, if needed? I hope he does and I guess we will find out. Because the Isles properly using their depth next season could be make or break for them.

 

[Mike C]

Clutters still an amazing PKer

He also deals out effective checks. I'm ok running him out there until he runs himself into the ground.

I know, and people always say that, but there has to be someone more complete for the roster right? Idk.

Awesome screen name. Underappreciated LP. Trampled Under Foot is one of my favorite all time songs.

 

[Kevin27NYI]

I know, and people always say that, but there has to be someone more complete for the roster right? Idk.

Not for 1.75 million.

I don’t think I’d look at clutterbucks position on the team and point to where an upgrade is needed, especially when you consider his role in special teams and in the room.

 

[seafoam]

Totally agree and it is presumably a big reason why he was relieved of his duties. On the flip side, as a rookie coach, the question will be if Lane has the backbone to bench a vet, if needed? I hope he does and I guess we will find out. Because the Isles properly using their depth next season could be make or break for them.

100% agree, which is why I think/hope we see Martin transition into more of a role player, i.e. someone you dress on the second half of a back-to-back or against a heavy opponent/division rival. If Martin is to remain an everyday player, I truly do not see the purpose of keeping Johnston around as a healthy scratch. I'd rather try and slide him through waivers and have him playing every night in Bridgeport at that point.

 

[Kevin27NYI]

Johnston would get claimed on waivers fast

 

[seafoam]

Clutterbuck was most effective among the fourth line trio last season, so much that he actually got bumped up the lineup for a few games here and there.

Cizikas and Martin were the ones that looked like shells of themselves (and I love them both and acknowledge they bleed blue & orange).

Johnston would get claimed on waivers fast

And? He hasn't really moved the needle for the team since he's been here.

 

[duster19]

The problem with Parise-Pageau-Bailey is that none of them shoot the puck.

I like parise with Barzal and Palms. And Beau with Whalstrom and Pageau.

 

[Kevin27NYI]

Clutterbuck was most effective among the fourth line trio last season, so much that he actually got bumped up the lineup for a few games here and there.

Cizikas and Martin were the ones that looked like shells of themselves (and I love them both and acknowledge they bleed blue & orange).


And? He hasn't really moved the needle for the team since he's been here.

He does his role and the 14th forward position is the least desired in sports. They want him, I want him, as a deterrent and he plays well. If you have someone comfortable in that position it works for everyone.

 

[Mike C]

He does his role and the 14th forward position is the least desired in sports. They want him, I want him, as a deterrent and he plays well. If you have someone comfortable in that position it works for everyone.

Most importantly Lou wants him.....2 more years worth

I like parise with Barzal and Palms. And Beau with Whalstrom and Pageau.

I might keep Beau with Lee and Nelson. That line played really well together