Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Select an Image [https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfcabXuIz8POyNB_1Rk9GFjEbrE34_oMcbvuCESZqy5rhLvAHvyRfsEzb5spDRGxlpx6vQEEIQptxhBcTgsoHwRf78tB1SuJzPzo25IjrrYU_vViXYNQBHUIbNGOy9lmDYJRKOzOw?key=Fvk68D4HQjUJMZcetVGg0jUF] Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Select an Image New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/] forward Simon Holmstrom has been a man on a mission this season. Known for his defensive game, he's emerged as an offensive threat. He's proving to the organization that, while he may have the shutdown ability to be a key contributor on the third line, he can likely play on a second line and provide the offense needed for that role. How does Holmstrom feel about his game at this very moment? Stefen Rosner: Where is your confidence level right now? Simon Holmstrom: “It's been a big step up this year compared to last year. You just have to keep playing the same way and not get away from things. And I’m just keeping that mindset.” Rosner: When you first got recalled, you got your opportunity because of your defense. This year, you’ve shown the offense. What’s allowed for success on the offensive side of the puck this season? Holmstrom: “I think I really took a big step after, I don't know how many games, 10 games, especially when a couple of guys were hurt. So I just got to keep building off that. I know what I can do, and I know I can do even better. So, I just gotta keep building off of my game.” Rosner: How much did you learn from your time playing alongside Zach Parise and Jean-Gabriel Pageau in your first year, and how has Pageau played a role in your continued success? Holmstrom: “I learned a lot from Zach, especially my first year, just how to play every night. I don't know how many years Parise played in the league; I saw what it took to win every night and how to be a professional off the ice as well. Same thing with Pageau. He's a great friend of mine outside of the rink as well. I’m super happy to have him.” Rosner: Pager tells me that you’ve become a pretty big prankster in the room. Is there any that you can share? Holmstrom: “No, not really. I’m just taking a lot of blame for a lot of stuff. Pager is the top prankster here, and he’s just blaming me.” Rosner: It’s been over a year since Patrick Roy was named your head coach. What do you remember from that first skate? Holmstrom: “Time is flying. What I remember from that first skate is just a lot of energy. I think there are a lot of differences in the way we play now and the way we practice. So it's been a big change, but I think it's been a good change as well. So super happy to have him here.” Rosner: How cool has it been to have Roy as a coach? Holmstrom: “It's been pretty cool. You just hear stories about him and how good he actually was. I’m a little too young to have seen him play. But it's been a pretty cool time.” Rosner: It took a little bit for you guys to play to Roy’s system. But, even when there were struggles, did it help the confidence knowing that the underlying 5-on-5 numbers were strong even if the goals weren’t coming? Holmstrom: “Yeah, for sure. I mean, I think we've all seen it in a lot of the games, even if you lose. So sometimes, we know we have more than enough chances to win the games and just that little, little last thing to put the puck in the net, which, at the end of the day, is what matters. So, I think we just gotta stick with it and keep, keep playing with grit and connectivity.” Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwpuDfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
