Guys on roster have produced, Ho-Sang had an opportunity to take care of his business and get a roster spot instead he chose to rebell and play the black sheep role. Now he has to live with consequences of his actions. He will get another shot and he’s going to have to learn to be a man and take care of his business.
With Trotz having a system in place its nice to see the SOG against have been cut down dramatically. Last season it seemed every game they gave up 50-60 shots against which is beyond pathetic. Got to be honest though we have to many 3rd and 4th lines players on this team. With Mr. Pajama boy leaving to go play for his precious Leafs I think this will be a tough year but hopefully Lou and Barry can build a winner over time.
Top two lines are full of youth and offensively skilled players. Role players are the most important piece of an NHL team. Just ask Ovechkin how important Smith Pelley was to him winning a cup last year. Those veteran players are going to help young guys transition into seasoned veterans. Isles were one of the highest scoring teams in the league last year. They were also first in shots allowed. Even if they win 10 additional games because of their ability to hang on to leads it puts them in playoff picture. I’m so pumped up about Trotz and this team I might have to spend money on team t shirt.
Looks like Trotz can see Scotty Mayfield is not good enough to be a starter at the NHL level. He made the team but is relegated to being extra defensive skater. Thank you Trotz. I’m not too happy with some of these contracts to old players but it’s something we have to live with for now. Islanders’ opening night roster is close to being set. But there are still a couple of spots to be determined before the regular-season opener on Thursday night at Carolina. “We’re going to go right to the end, see how waivers plays out,” coach Barry Trotz said after Sunday’s practice at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow, adding president and general manager Lou Lamoriello was still exploring potential trades or waiver claims. “I know Lou is working hard on it, he’s spent a lot of time on the phone the last couple of days.” The Islanders must submit their initial 23-man roster 48 hours before facing off against the Hurricanes. Trotz acknowledged he has three forward lines set: Mathew Barzal centering a top line with left wing Anthony Beauvillier and Josh Bailey and center Brock Nelson on the second line with left wing Anders Lee and Jordan Eberle. Trotz will also open the season with the reunited line of re-acquired Matt Martin with center Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck. That leaves offseason acquisitions Leo Komarov, Valtteri Filppula and Tom Kuhnhackl as well as returners Tanner Fritz and Ross Johnston battling for fourth-line ice time. But Trotz said Komarov, 31, the ex-Maple Leaf wing who signed a four-year, $12-million deal, has secured a regular role as well. Both Fritz, 27, who had three goals and four assists in 34 games for the Islanders last season, and Filppula, 31, can play wing or center. Fritz has cleared waivers but remained with the team and Trotz has repeatedly praised his training camp performance. “Going through waivers was just part of the process for me,” Fritz said. “I’m trying to take advantage of every opportunity I get to be in the NHL.” Defensively, Trotz has settled on four pairs: Adam Pelech with Ryan Pulock, Thomas Hickey and Johnny Boychuk, Luca Sbisa and Nick Leddy and rookie Devon Toews with Scott Mayfield as the likely extra pair. “It doesn’t mean Toews can’t go in for someone, or Mayfield can’t go in for someone,” Trotz said. Trotz said it has yet to be determined whether the Islanders will carry seven or eight blue-liners.
No shots on goal in 5 minutes? Ok! It is going to be a long season.... Ho-Sang and Bellows will be called up before mid season when Trotz sees how bad Bailey is.
Me Menace,,,,,canes hit 2 posts ( maybe this is good luck ) ----I know you are rooting for this guy but watching Nelson makes me ILL---lets see how the rest of the night goes LETS GO ISLANDERS !
LOL!!! Trotz wishing he had taken less money and stayed with the Caps after seeing these guys on the ice up close!
