Islanders Backcheck: From Lineup Decisions to Preseason Conclusion

There's less than a week before the New York Islanders kick off their regular season schedule, as they host the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night at 7 PM. 

Here's a look back at our stories from the last week:

Skip the analytics gobbledegook. Put three two-fisted sluggers out there, and you'll scare the beehozis out of the opposition. That's what Conn Smythe's Leafs did with Wild Bill Ezinicki, Bashin' Bill Barilko, and Iron Vic Lynn. All they did was win three straight (1947, 48, 49) Stanley Cups.

Islanders forward Simon Holmstrom has shown off his strong defensive play, solid playmaking ability, and strong skating ability. But he's still missing one key area to his game:

The Islanders fell to the New Jersey Devils 6-5 as they fell apart in the second period. Here's the postgame chatter:

Mathew Barzal was able to make some key plays in Monday's loss as his attention to detail on the wing makes him a more dynamic player:

This summer, Islanders forward Oliver Wahlstrom signed his qualifying offer. He told us what went into that decision and why a multi-year deal wasn't on the table: 

In the latest Rue de Rumeur, Fischler and Rosner dive into the latest words from around the NHL, honing in on the New York Rangers:

There was a time when NHL players didn't wear helmets. Fischler looks back at five former helmet-less Islanders and how they compare to a few players on today's Islander roster:

With Kyle Palmieri rejoining the Islanders after battling an offseason injury, how does his return impact lineup decisions?

The plan was for Islanders prospect Calle Odelius to head back to Europe for one more season. But things have changed: 

Cal Clutterbuck is a player who just goes about his business, and that's something Fischler loves about him:

With the NHL salary cap expected to rise exponentially in 2024-25, how doe that affect the Islanders?

After falling 5-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers with a mixed lineup, Lambert sets the bar:

Before the Islanders preseason finale, they sent nine players to Bridgeport, waiving 10:

After a 3-0 loss against the Devils' AHL-ish squad, Stefen answers all your questions and comments as we look ahead to the regular season:

After hearing what Lambert had to say regarding Wahlstrom, has the young forward run out of time to be game-ready for the regular season?

Late last week, Lambert shared what he wants from his top-line winger, as he continues to look for the missing piece alongside Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal. Here's why Kyle Palmieri is the best fit: