Islanders Preseason News: Auditions continue in Devils blitz
Well, it’s preseason. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Anders Lee was back on the top line, Aho got a good run of minutes. The Islanders fielded what looked a lot like two-thirds opening-night, one-third audition kind of lineup last night, but their preseason meeting with the Devils in Newark turned into a bit of a track meet.
Of the 6-5 loss, Lane Lambert said it’s “not the way we want to play that team” — loose on structure in defensive coverage and the neutral zone.
Can’t argue that goals are fun though, especially in preseason.
Islanders News
Highlights from last night [Isles]
Three takeaways: Need to tighten up, appreciate the on-going chemistry of Horvat-Barzal, and Nelson-Engvall. [Isles]
A bad second period, and the full lines/pairings from the night. [THN]
The Islanders opening roster, which was never too much in doubt barring injuries, is close to taking shape. [Newsday]
But in what combination? Last night, Anders Lee was back on the top scoring line with Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal. And the battle for the final/extra forward spots continues. [Post]
Simon Holmstrom got a long look in that spot next to Horvat-Barzal. Lambert liked his IQ, but the finishing is still wanting. [THN]
Where does Oliver Wahlstrom fit within it? [Newsday]
With Josh Bailey {sniff, sniff} gone, surely Brock Nelson gets the open A? [Post]
Pre-game notes on that topic, and finding the optimal lineup. [THN]
Filling in with double-duty for the moment after the Athletic’s sometimes-there Isles beatwriter scooted back to Philly, Staple shares some mid-camp plots. [Athletic]
#Isles Lane Lambert after 6-5 L to speedy #NJDevils : "That's not the way we want to play that team...I just didn't think we had enough structure tonight. Certain areas through the neutral zone and in our defensive zone...We have to be better."— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 3, 2023
Here’s one pretty setup from Bo Horvat to Mat Barzal:
Horvat to Barzal pic.twitter.com/XshoTZGYWt— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) October 3, 2023
Barzal scored twice, continuing his preseason (including scrimmages) that seems to reflect a renewed emphasis on getting shots on.
#Isles Horvat on Barzal: "I think he's just actually shooting it. I think that was everybody's knock on him before, he doesn't shoot the puck enough. He's proven what kind of shot he has this preseason. He's just got to continue to keep shooting [...] He's got a lethal shot."— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) October 3, 2023
Sebastian Aho (over 17 minutes, +3) also got a goal to bring it to 6-5. From Sunday (before Monday’s game):
"Taking a lot of pride in the defensive work and trying to get that under control before thinking about the offense. Before I was guessing a little bit and trying to get ahead of the play.”Sebastian Aho, Samuel Bolduc and the #Isles sixth D spothttps://t.co/v5ayhDay5N— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 3, 2023
Elsewhere
The Shane Pinto stalemate continues in Ottawa, where they have a lot of dead money tied up in guys like Matt Murray and Bobby Ryan, plus a curiously short-sighted (and now costly) buyout of Michael Dal Zotto. “If the Senators turn around and sign Josh Bailey to a one-year contract at the end of this week — before they handle the Pinto situation — it will be yet another slap in the face...” [Athletic]
The Ducks finally reached a deal, for three years, $5.75 million AAV, with Trevor Zegras. Their official statement had a lot of “confident to see him work on his all-around game” type of language. [NHL | TSN]
More waiver movement with some “Who?” guys: The Penguins claimed forward Jansen Harkins from the Winnipeg Jets; Trotz’s Nashville Predators claimed forward Samuel Fagemo from the Los Angeles Kings. Makes you wonder if the isles might lose a guy? [TSN]
The NHL’s elite athleticism forces bittersweet retirements from veterans hanging on via PTOs. [THN]
The Flames are trying to see if they have something substantial in Adam Ruzicka. [Sportsnet]
The Leafs are raving about Max Domi’s speed. Just wait till they meet the rest of his game! [Sportsnet]
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