Pierre Engvall is a keeper. I see him playing full-time on the second line with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri next season.
* Pierre Engvall is a keeper. I see him playing full-time on the second line with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri next season.
* I expect large Sam Bolduc to be the third tier D-man in 2023-24. He's gotten good experience in the stretch and certainly hasn't hurt the club.
* With the too-often-dominating Lightning visiting on Thursday, it would seem the time for Lane Lambert to try Semyon Varlamov in goal. At this point, it's a worthwhile gamble.
* It's hard to pick a Cup candidate after studing the game in Tampa Bay and Raleigh. Goaltending will be the deciding factor and that's why I take the Bolts over the Canes.
* Between Jean-Gabriel-Pageau and Bo Horvat, the Isles have two of the best face-off combos in the league.
* Easy to say: ("Finding a way to win.") Hard to do.
* Granted that the Lightning have been a daunting foe, but they certainly can be beaten.
* Fans will be an inspiration on Thursday night and the Law of Averages might help the Isles as well.
* Very top priorities vs. the Bolts: 1. Fix the power play; 2. Play hard-smart-physical hockey. Home ice should be an advantage; 3. There must be a 100% percent effort -- no less -- from the opening face-off; 4. Win this one for Barzy!
* The Ciz-Clutterbuck-Martin trio must galvanize teammates as never before.