Maybe it's by accident, or maybe it's a case of accidentally on purpose when it comes to a strategic change in the New York Islanders' attacking force.
Maybe it's by accident, or maybe it's a case of accidentally on purpose when it comes to a strategic change in the New York Islanders' attacking force.
But no matter how you shake it, the top unit with Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, and newcomer-to-the-unit Brock Nelson has "scoring chance" written all over it every time it takes a turn on the rink.
Of course one must take into consideration what this means to the second trio including Kyle Palmieri alongside Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
Then again, it can be argued that coach Patrick Roy has concluded that Pierre Engvall simply is not meant for either first or second line work and, -- d'ya know what? -- he's right.
Moving Casey Cizikas up to Line Three seems to The Maven a good idea because Double C's underrated scoring touch is more inclined to work with Engvall and Simon Holmstrom rather than the former Identity Line.
Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Martin -- and surprisingly adept rookie Kyle MacLean -- gives the Two-Thirds Identity unit a new kind of pizzazz and, frankly, I like that.
This is strictly a gut feeling, but my vibes tell me that Palmieri and Lee will squeeze better two-way hockey out of Monsieur Pageau than we've seen all season.
With a competitive St. Louis Blues team at UBS tonight, the Isles drive for four straight wins will be mightily tested.
This is more on point, with a playoff berth more visible than a week ago.
Last Tuesday, making the postseason appear to be as distant as the Island of Pago Pago. (And don't tell me, "I heard you the first time!")
The Flyers are catchable, and The Red Wings are as well. However, that's contingent on one -- and only one -- thing.
ISLES WINS!