The New York Islanders Drive For Five Is now Alive.
The New York Islanders Drive For Five Is now Alive.
So are coach Patrick Roy's line combinations that spurred the fourth straight win over the Blues last night at UBS Arena.
Kyle Palmieri and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, rallied their club from an 0-2 second period deficit while Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal completed the surge in the third.
"It's so important for us to stay in games," said Palmieri, "and to find ways and means to keep going (in the right direction.) Plus, we have Ilya Solorkin to help us do that."
When Roy placed Brock Nelson alongside Horvat and Barzal, it was an iffy move, no question. But it produced a positive chain reaction that energized the second, third, and fourth units.
While Horvat admittedly erred on a giveaway leading to a St. Louis goal, he compensated by coming right back with the game-winner.
"We didn't break (when down 2-0), and what we have to do moving forward is to play the same way," Horvat enthused. "Looking at the game, there's no question that we were the better team."
With wins over Dallas, Detroit, Boston, and now St.Louis, the Islanders have made a statement. But they cannot waver; the foot must remain on the gas pedal.
What's so marvelous about the Orange and Blue is that the Islanders seem as fresh as a showroom automobile.
The lines are working like perfectly meshed gears; the defense seems revitalized, and Sorokin provides the extra pound of confidence.
Special kudos to the Palmieri-Pageau-Anders Lee line, which has marvelously jelled in the last two games.
"They have been terrific," said Roy. "I'd say that Palmieri has been our best forward. The two goals they scored (to bring us back into the game) were so important."
What matters now is whether this surge can be maintained on the four-game road trip starting tomorrow in San Jose AND whether The Boss, Lou Lamoriello, chooses to. make a move or two before Friday's Trade Deadline.
"The team is playing where it's capable right now," Lou concluded. "Am I thinking of subtracting? No!"