Totally get your logic
I think Holmstrom is there because he’s better on the d side of the puck.
I’m just thrilled that Bo and Barzal are playing they way we hoped they would.
If Wally gets a shot so be it. Hope he does well because I think it shat or get off the pot time for him.
- nyisles7

Ultimately I'm going to assume they revert to the safe option and play Lee there (they did that last night) and Holmstrom makes the team as a 3LW and plays with Pageau and Fasching.

Don't love that for Wahlstrom's development, but they're probably approaching a point where they're going to have to make a decision on his future with the team. He's going to have to string together some kind of consistency this year.

Devils dominated the 2nd period, the Hughes line was unstoppable last night and tore the isles up. That wasn't great to see and the hischer line wasn't even dressed. Martin looks cooked but it is preseason so hoping he plays well like last season. Also wally doesn't look like a fit on the top line so will be interesting to see who plays there
- Upstate_isles

Thanks Bud.
For me Lee makes the most sense because of the game he brings. Barzal and Bo can do the puck transporting. Lee only needs to be effective on the boards, play physical and of course bring the net front presence he's known for. There are opportunities and competition on the team this year which gives the vets a nice push.

Ultimately I'm going to assume they revert to the safe option and play Lee there (they did that last night) and Holmstrom makes the team as a 3LW and plays with Pageau and Fasching.

Don't love that for Wahlstrom's development, but they're probably approaching a point where they're going to have to make a decision on his future with the team. He's going to have to string together some kind of consistency this year.
- eichiefs9

Didn't know they played Lee on L1 last night as I didn't watch. I like him up there until he doesn't make sense anymore.
Totally agree with Wally. It's time to show he belongs.

Didn't know they played Lee on L1 last night as I didn't watch. I like him up there until he doesn't make sense anymore.
Totally agree with Wally. It's time to show he belongs.
- nyisles7

I'd like to see Wahlstrom get some 1st unit PP time to start, at least. If he can utilize that shot he could still be a real useful PP guy.

First unit last night was:

Aho
Barzal-Horvat-Nelson
Wahlstrom

I'd like to see Wahlstrom get some 1st unit PP time to start, at least. If he can utilize that shot he could still be a real useful PP guy.

First unit last night was:

Aho
Barzal-Horvat-Nelson
Wahlstrom
- eichiefs9

Wahlstrom had a couple of real good looks last night. One in particular which Schmid made a great save on(one of his few he was pretty putrid). I didn’t watch the entire game but other then a few chances Wahlstrom was fairly invisible. I did notice he missed a couple of big hits which took him out of position. I guess the positive is he had some looks and got some shots to the net which to me is pretty significant for this team. Problem is, like you said, he’s going to have to show a lot more to secure a spot in the lineup.

Thanks Bud.
For me Lee makes the most sense because of the game he brings. Barzal and Bo can do the puck transporting. Lee only needs to be effective on the boards, play physical and of course bring the net front presence he's known for. There are opportunities and competition on the team this year which gives the vets a nice push.
- nyisles7

Lee was there last night so I assume you're correct. This team was built around d and while it was preseason they gave up a lot of high danger chances. Still not sure how this team will be this year perhaps a wildcard

I didn’t get to watch last night.
That is certainly good news. The opposition will need to focus on them and give the Nelson and JGP lines better opportunities.
- nyisles7

Barzal and Horvat being successful should definitely help Nelson get more time and space.

Lee was there last night so I assume you're correct. This team was built around d and while it was preseason they gave up a lot of high danger chances. Still not sure how this team will be this year perhaps a wildcard
- Upstate_isles

If this team can stay healthy and fire on all cylinders. I see a six seed

Carolina.
Toronto.
Devils
Rags

Fighting for 6,7,8
Tampa, Islanders, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Detroit, Washington, Boston, Ottawa

No Chance
Montreal
Columbus

If this team can stay healthy and fire on all cylinders. I see a six seed

Carolina.
Toronto.
Devils
Rags

Fighting for 6,7,8
Tampa, Islanders, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Detroit, Washington, Boston, Ottawa

No Chance
Montreal
Columbus
- Nfdbulldawg

Devils and canes are the cream of the crop for sure and the rangers should be good with lavy, he burns out in a few years but he will get that team to compete

I'd like to see Wahlstrom get some 1st unit PP time to start, at least. If he can utilize that shot he could still be a real useful PP guy.

First unit last night was:

Aho
Barzal-Horvat-Nelson
Wahlstrom
- eichiefs9

I have no problem with giving him PP1 time.
How did they look on the PP?

Devils and canes are the cream of the crop for sure and the rangers should be good with lavy, he burns out in a few years but he will get that team to compete
- Upstate_isles

I agree, after the Devils, Canes and Rags the rest are a crap shoot. That said you never know with injuries, trades etc.

Devils and canes are the cream of the crop for sure and the rangers should be good with lavy, he burns out in a few years but he will get that team to compete
- Upstate_isles

I agree I think lavy will give the rangers a boost but I don’t think the team itself is half as good as it’s fanbase does. Question to me is does Laviollette make them that much better?

I agree I think lavy will give the rangers a boost but I don’t think the team itself is half as good as it’s fanbase does. Question to me is does Laviollette make them that much better?
- Cptmjl

I agree. I do not see the Rangers as a top-level team. They are similar to the Islanders in that they really rely on their goalie.

Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
7m
Kyle Palmieri, who had been skating on his own since suffering a pre-training camp undisclosed injury during workouts, going full out in today's first group, his first time on his with #Isles teammates.

Well that's a plus. Not for Wahlstrom, but for most other people.

Palms back makes things even tigther for spots. After Ross and Kuhlman who else goes???
Or maybe that leaves 23 assuming 7D.

Palms back makes things even tigther for spots. After Ross and Kuhlman who else goes???
- chazpet

I mean they get a 23 man roster and 20 of those players play every night. I assume, with a fully-healthy roster, that the three scratches could be (to start, anyway): Wahlstrom/Gauthier/Bolduc or Hutton

They're going to want to carry a defenseman, so that leaves two forward slots. Holmstrom could be there but he's got the advantage of being a LW on a team that has a shortage there. Unless they decide to bench Clutterbuck, that leaves Barzal/Palmieri/Fasching/Clutterbuck down the right side which pushes Wahlstrom/Gauthier out of starting spots.

I mean they get a 23 man roster and 20 of those players play every night. I assume, with a fully-healthy roster, that the three scratches could be (to start, anyway): Wahlstrom/Gauthier/Bolduc or Hutton

They're going to want to carry a defenseman, so that leaves two forward slots. Holmstrom could be there but he's got the advantage of being a LW on a team that has a shortage there. Unless they decide to bench Clutterbuck, that leaves Barzal/Palmieri/Fasching/Clutterbuck down the right side which pushes Wahlstrom/Gauthier out of starting spots.
- eichiefs9

I don't see them benching Clutterbuck. I would be socked if he could stay healthy for more than 60 games.

I don't see them benching Clutterbuck. I would be socked if he could stay healthy for more than 60 games.
- JimmyP

I don't either. But it's also possible they give him a night off somewhat regularly to manage his health. Barring an unexpected trade, they're going to have two fully-capable NHL players sitting in the press box.

Andrew Gross
@AGrossNewsday
7m
Kyle Palmieri, who had been skating on his own since suffering a pre-training camp undisclosed injury during workouts, going full out in today's first group, his first time on his with #Isles teammates.

Well that's a plus. Not for Wahlstrom, but for most other people.
- eichiefs9

I think it gives the Nelson line a huge boost.

I don't see them benching Clutterbuck. I would be socked if he could stay healthy for more than 60 games.
- JimmyP

Have to think there will be opportunities for some of the young forward this year. Whether that is because of injury or poor play. I cannot see the team being very patient this year with struggles.

Hutton? He was in all the devils highlights for the wrong reasons. If he makes roster it's to take Wotherspoon spot. Be there for a last minute scratch. Aho or Bulduc would be in Bpt for ice time and be up the next game.

One positive from pre season is the PP looked to be more structured. Tic tac toe passes with positioning, rather than a free for all passing around the perimeter.

Hutton? He was in all the devils highlights for the wrong reasons. If he makes roster it's to take Wotherspoon spot. Be there for a last minute scratch. Aho or Bulduc would be in Bpt for ice time and be up the next game.
- chazpet

I don't disagree, but Hutton will require waivers and they may not want to risk losing him for nothing. I'm not endorsing his play, just trying to think what they might do. Personally, he doesn't move the needle for me.

If lane is going to roll out the 4th line he better have a quick hook if they aren't producing. Gauthier and fasching may start out in the press box I like clutter but his body is breaking down, Martin had a good year last year

If lane is going to roll out the 4th line he better have a quick hook if they aren't producing. Gauthier and fasching may start out in the press box I like clutter but his body is breaking down, Martin had a good year last year
- Upstate_isles

I think everyone on that line is healthy and you will see them together game 1.
Spoke with Casey and he said they are ready and excited to play this year.
Hope they can play their game, we need it.