Holmstrom is getting a good opportunity to increase his shot on goal total with Duclair hurt.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- With New York Islanders forward Anthony Duclair out long-term with a lower-body injury, third-line right winger Simon Holmstrom is getting the first chance to skate with Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat on the top line.
"Holmstrom finished Saturday's game there. I was curious to see him on that line, and I liked the way he was playing," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. "I thought he had a good game against Montreal, so I was open to giving him a try."
For the 23-year-old, it was a major confidence boost when Roy gave him the news.
"It helps a lot. And it's got to be because of something that you've been playing well," Holmstrom said. "I played with Barzal and Bo [Horvat] a little last year as well, which definitely helps."
Last year, the trio played 130 minutes together, scoring four goals while allowing four, per MoneyPuck.com.
"I haven't had a shot on goal the last three games, which is not acceptable," Holmstrom said. "Last game, I think, I had two or three shots that didn't hit the net or released shot attempts. So just got to find those open lanes and get the shot off, and find the open area as well to get the pass and get the shot off."
"When you go three or four games without a shot, you definitely want to get a shot on net. Everyone knows you can't score without taking a shot or hitting the net, so I definitely got to work on that."
Holmstrom doesn't have a shot over his last three games.
Here's his season shot attempt breakdown:
Vs. MTL: 1 shot attempt (blocked)
Vs. STL: 1 shot attempt (blocked)
Vs. COL: 1 shot attempt (blocked)
Vs. DAL: 1 shot on 4 attempts (1 block, 2 misses)
Vs. UTAH: 1 shot on 3 attempts (2 blocked)
We know Holmstrom's game. He is strong defensively, can get up the ice, and has a wicked release, which he clearly has to use a lot more to be successful in a top-six role.
Outside of shooting more, his game doesn't change a whole lot despite the depth chart elevation.
"Every player has their different approach. Barzal has his approach where he wants me. Pageau has his where he wants me," Holmstrom said. "So, there's different areas that you got to change up a little bit, but I think the just, you got just to skate, you just got to play the game. I think that's the most important thing. And I think everyone here is smart enough to find those open areas as well and to help each other."