Here's Why the Islanders Third Line Has Taken Strides

NEWARK, NJ -- The New York Islanders third line struggled mightily out of the gate. 

Anders Lee failed to work up and down the lineup. Oliver Wahlstrom, working his way back from his ACL injury, left much to be desired. 

Jean-Gabriel Pageau's defensive prowess was the only constant, but his lack of offense, along with his linemates, wasn't helping the cause. 

Lane Lambert adjusted Pageau's wingers often, but over the last week-plus, it's been Lee-Pageau-Wahlstrom, and it's worked.

In 24:46 at five-on-five play over the last three games, that line has outscored their opponents 3-0 and has outshot them 18-12.

"We've talked a lot which helps. Played with Wahlstrom, played with Lee...played with a bunch of guys," Pageau said. "It doesn't really matter. I think we've had good communication off the ice. When you finish your shift, [we talk]. Where could I have been or where am I going to be the next shift? When we have that same situation? I think it helps a lot, and I thought we have a good connection at that point."

After just one goal in his first 15 games, Lee has scored two goals over the last three games. 

For him, nothing's changed. He's just getting rewarded. 

"I liked a lot of the chances I had earlier in the year, and they just weren't going in, so frustration can build on that side, absolutely," Lee said. "But now, opportunities have come kind of in the same situations, but I've been able to put it in the net and just feel better about all that stuff. 

Here's what Lambert's seen from Lee.

"Anders' game is certainly trending upwards. Not that he's played poorly. He's been he's been working, he's been battling he's been doing things that he needs to do," Lambert said. "That's been helpful for the line itself."

Lee has four goals and one assist in 20 games this season. 

If you think Pageau has done nothing to help the Islanders because his stat line has a goose egg in the goal department, then you aren't watching the games.

"He's just so solid up and down the ice. He's such a good 200-foot player," Lee said on Pageau. "We rely on him heavily on draws in the D zone, getting the pucks out, so he's just a smart player and easy to read off of, which makes playing with him very, very great."

Pageau leads the Islanders with a 59.8 face-off percentage and has won 57.41 percent of his defensive-zone draws, which has been critical. 

While Pageau isn't a 50-goal scorer, the Islanders need him to find the back of the net, and the good news is he's getting the chances. 

"I'm not a 50-goal scorer. If I score 15 in a row now maybe I'll think about 50, but obviously, you want that first one to go in and to have that that confidence back, that feeling," Pageau said. "Right now, I'm trying to focus on what can I do to help the team. I know it's a question of time. I'm having chances lately. If I didn't have chances, then I'd start to worry a little more about what could I do more, what kind of work can I do better to have those chances. 

"So I just try to keep pushing on what I do good, winning draws, helping the team on the penalty kill, and try to do -- bring a little physical presence -- just try to do as much as I can right now and stay focus, and I know [the goals] will come."

Pageau has one assist in his last five games, with six assists on the season. 

There's no question Wahlstrom is still trying to figure out the NHL game. He wants to be a sniper and a power forward in this league, but the most challenging thing for him has been understanding the 200-foot game.

The offensive confidence has certainly been there, even if shootout goals don't count, but Lambert is still looking to see improvements with Wahlstrom regarding his play away from the puck.

"There's some things that I like what I'm seeing, and then there are some other things where I think he's gets focused a little bit too much on the puck," Lambert said. "He's got to look around, away from the puck, but for the most part, not too bad.

"And certainly, I love his battle level. And I love his willingness to grind it out, so to speak, when he has to in the corners."

For what that third line is trying to do, board play is integral, and Wahlstrom's certainly done a fine job thus far. He's finding space in the offensive zone, which was a major issue a year ago, and if he can shore up his defensive play, he'll earn more minutes and, who knows, maybe get another crack with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal.

But until he does that, he will be stuck in a bottom-six role and be at risk of being a scratch, given how many depth forwards the Islanders have. 

Wahlstrom has two goals and three assists in 14 games. 

You can listen to Rosner talk Islanders hockey on Hockey Night in New York with co-host Sean Cuthbert on Sunday nights at 8 PM ET during the season.