The New York Islanders closed out their preseason with a 3-0 home loss to the New Jersey Devils. But what did we learn from the six preseason games? We have our key takeaways from the chemistry between Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal to the surprise play of Julien Guathier and the disappointing performances of Samuel Bolduc and Oliver Wahlstrom.
Plus, we discuss the battle for the final roster spot between Simon Holmstrom and Ross Johnston and break down the play of the Isles prospects in preseason. We also discuss Josh Bailey’s future and look at what Brock Nelson needs to do to have a successful season for the Isles.
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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20 Comments
We learned that we are glad the preseason is over! 🙁
Really learned nothing because meaningless pre-season is over for isles. A couple of typical LANE ass efforts forgotten now. And we learned once again scorers need not apply to isles as dufour, maggio, and ishkatov all back to ahl as lou's overpaid garbage can feel nice and secure knowing their jobs are safe as long as you know who remains. No top notch prospects will be given a chance or threats whatsoever from young guys in system that could push these old slugs. Most successful nhl rosters have a good mix of vets and youth through drafting and development-the key to nhl success. Youth that can push vets. Youth with enthusiasm that can rub off on vets. Isles lack that ingredient. I just can't figure out this back asswards way you know who does rosterbation. Just makes no sense. And now dufour, maggio, and ishkatov are off to ahl to play with subpar ahl talent. That will boost their offensive numbers. Maybe that's what you know who wants. An excuse to keep them off of nhl roster so the lee's and palmieri's can continue to steal $12 mil. from isles secure in knowing their roster spots are safe and secure. And holmstrom on opening roster-YEAH!!! And as far as wahlstrom goes-don't cross your fingers for that big goal year. It just aint gonna happen. And put on 13, 14 line not gonna do it. 26, 10 prove why isles should just trade firsts away under you know who. Wahlstrom will be back playing in Switzerland in near future. btw former isle first k. bellows was released from canes camp. Another testament to isle first round pick busts up front last 12 years.
Wearing every Islanders jersey, this season, inside out. Randy Quade style: A la, Major League 2. Let's go Isles, shrug emoji?
I don't understand why anyone is surprised what we looked like against the devils. Its the same lame duck team that wasn't any good from last year. Walstrum was never going to pan out to be what they thought. This was a kid that was an internet trick shot sensation. Lamebert never put him out for a shoot out! Ever! So they dont coach him properly and think hes the next thing???? Bulduc is awful was awful last year. Another scub. Stupidity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results!!!!!
ever since we made those trades after we made it to the finals the team has been terrible
Louzers
John Maclean will be headcoach by Thanksgiving…🦃
I Remember a time only a few seasons ago the devils, NYR’s we’re in the islanders rear view mirror. Now the devils, rangers, Carolina, buffalo, and soon Ottawa and others are passing or will be passing the islanders by, while Oldman Lou believes in this roster.
Nothing like constantly using bandaids to fix a roster
I was surprised to see the Senators let Bailey after getting 6 points in 6 games. A reporter did say it was evident he had slowed down quite a bit. He's 34, but perhaps his dedication to fitness was lacking? I never was a Bailey fan, but I wish him the best.
Preseason or not, we should've seen A LOT more from our starters in the last NJ game! Period!
Ross was useless and Holstrom continued to show he is good on the puck and defensively dependable. Any sane GM would let Holmstrom develop his offense with the help of NHL coaches and waive Ross and keep Holmstrom on the practice squad. But we have Lou, so…….he'll probably trade Holmstrom for Bailey. I know that's impossible, but genius Lou will find a way. 😉
I wonder if Lane will try a speed line (Islander version) with Nelson, Gauthier and Engvall on LW. Gauthier has the speed and would add physicality and screening to that line.
It's a few days before Hockey returns. How about line predictions/suggestions to start the season?
could use more active forecheck before team defense back in own zone?
passer to set up Barzal and Horvath?
persistent cough could be bronchitis, just got antibiotic prescribed for acute bronchitis
Isle fans are so pessimistic. The team is basically a consistent playoff team under lou, and fans still complain. Would fans rather have snow or maloney as gm? People need to relax.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expect different results. Unfortunately I think insanity wins here
Hi Gil!! Hope you’re well! Our biggest inside issue I feel is 1st line winger—-gotta aloe Whally to have a shot with Bo n Barzie. Once and for all we have to see what this young man can offer. He does have a lethal shot and if he positions himself properly—he will score a bunch with those two! Under no circumstances should Holmstrom have that position. Take care Gil!!
Brock Nelson I really thought Knights should have claimed in Expansion Draft as would have Won Cup in 2018 or sooner than 2023 :). Berube is back on the Kings who I Won Calder with Manchester in AHL for the only Championship in their history. I was fan of them from Doogie Hauser or Brickhouse Goalie dude days or longer ;). So I'm glad I have Closure heh. Dobson is probably my favorite Defenseman on the team. I'm not big on Pelech or Poloch or how spell those guys names heh. Cizakas is another favorite. Metro is tough to pick as Rangers along with Penguins both I can see Winning Division or Missing Playoffs. Carolina I think is team Isles can't win over :). Devils tough but I think they will make it again. Tyler Toffoli even managed to get Montreal far hehe. I'm not big on BArzal or Bo even if NEphew named his French Bulldog that :).