Warning Post: Lou’s Deadline Decision
I’m going to start by saying that I believe Lou should trade both Nelson and Palmieri. However, this post is focused on what Lou
will most likely do and why.
Playoffs: The Islanders’ Primary Goal
Making the playoffs is a major goal for the organization. Whether right or wrong, they believe that if they can just get into the dance,
anything can happen.
Culture Over Transactions
Lou is a culture guy. He’s not the type of GM who views players purely as assets or chess pieces. His decisions are largely influenced by how they align with a winning culture—one built on
resilience, unity, and never giving up.
If the team is within striking distance, he won’t sell.
PLAYOFF RACE is a STEEP CLIMB!
Metropolitan Division Standings
- Hurricanes: 62 GP, 74 PTS
- Devils: 62 GP, 72 PTS
- Blue Jackets: 60 GP, 68 PTS
- Rangers: 60 GP, 64 PTS
- Flyers: 61 GP, 62 PTS
- Islanders: 59 GP, 61 PTS
Wild Card Race
- Blue Jackets: 60 GP, 68 PTS
- Red Wings: 60 GP, 66 PTS
- Senators: 59 GP, 64 PTS
- Rangers: 60 GP, 64 PTS
- Bruins: 62 GP, 64 PTS
- Canadiens: 60 GP, 63 PTS
- Flyers: 61 GP, 62 PTS
There are
a lot of teams to leapfrog, and time is running out. Every game is critical. The big question:
Can this team sustain a major run, like last season?
A FUN what if scenario!
Let’s say the Islanders take
two of their next three games, while the Blue Jackets, Rangers, and Flyers
lose their next two.
The standings would look like this:
- Hurricanes: 62 GP, 74 PTS
- Devils: 62 GP, 72 PTS
- Blue Jackets: 62 GP, 68 PTS
- Islanders: 62 GP, 65 PTS
- Rangers: 62 GP, 64 PTS
- Flyers: 63 GP, 62 PTS
That would put the Isles
three points behind a playoff spot with 20 games to go—and they still play Columbus twice. Not to mention Ottawa, Detroit, and Montreal seem to be stumbling as of late.
Tonight's game is a DEFINING MOMENT!
IMO,
tonight’s game at MSG is the final test in Lou’s eyes. If the Isles walk into hostile territory, make a statement, and
win, Lou will likely go
all in. In fact, we could see him make a move to bolster the lineup.
It may be as simple as trading a
third-round pick for Trent Frederic or a
B-level prospect for Michael McCarron to strengthen the bottom six. Or it could be a
bolder move that adds firepower to the top six.
Whatever happens, tonight’s game will tell us a lot about where the Isles are headed—and what Lou will do next.
As much as I want to see this team move in another direction - it will be very difficult for me to root against them tonight. Also, Nelson's 900 the game as an Islander.