Islanders Fall 3-1 to Sabres New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/new-york-islanders-anders-lee-simon-holmstrom-oliver-wahlstrom] head coach Lane Lambert [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/news/lane-lambert-new-york-islanders-mathew-barzal-bo-horvat-2023-24] isn't wasting any time this season. Things were supposed to work. Although not a sniper, Simon Holmstrom [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/news/islanders-simon-holmstrom-goes-1-on-1-i-have-more-to-give] just needed to increase his shot production, and a first-line gig was his. Hesitancy. Moving Anders Lee [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/new-york-islanders-anders-lee-simon-holmstrom-oliver-wahlstrom] to the third line seemed like a strong decision, as he and Jean-Gabriel Pageau [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/anders-lee-jean-gabriel-pageau-new-york-islanders-lane-lambert] certainly showed off chemistry in training camp and preseason. Alongside Hudson Fasching, that line could still be a shutdown line without Zach Parise [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/zach-parise-new-york-islanders-chris-johnston-report-barzal-lee-lamoriello]. Inconsistently consistent. Running the fourth line back was one that fans knew would likely happen, with the question more so being how long until Cal Clutterbuck [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/cal-clutterbuck-new-york-islanders-stan-fischler-dynasty-teams] got hurt. He's been that line's best player. Julien Gauthier [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/julien-gauthier-new-york-islanders-jean-gabriel-pageau-lane-lambert-2] seemingly earned a starting job out of camp, but starting as a scratch alongside a getting-up-to-speed Oliver Wahlstrom [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/oliver-wahlstrom-new-york-islanders-contract-qualifying-offer-injury-free-agency]. That original game plan lasted three games. Despite a 2-0-0 start, the Islanders were undisciplined against the New Jersey Devils, coughing up an extra point in a 5-4 overtime loss, backed by four Devil power-play goals. Lambert didn't waste any time changing some things up ahead of their Saturday night showing against the Sabres. Fasching was out. Holmstrom was out. Gauthier was in on the third line. Wahlstrom was in on the top line. "Back-to-back games. Two fresh bodies," Lambert answered when asked about the lineup switches. That morning, he had stated that Holmstrom needed to shoot more, and he thinks there's more to Fasching's game than what he's seeing. Fasching did get hurt during training camp, so maybe something is still lingering. That would make quite a lot of sense. Holmstrom did need to shoot more as time and space were his for the taking. There's confidence lacking there that needs to be overcome because he does have a strong shot. After another defeat, Lambert wasted no time moving more pieces around. Lee is now on the top line. Holmstrom and Wahlstrom are now flanking Pageau. Gauthier is back in the press box with Fasching. It's understandable why Lambert isn't wasting any time. The Islanders know how important points are early in the season, especially after needing all 82 games a year ago to qualify for the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It may look like Lambert is changing his lineup too much, too early, but realistically, he is just looking for where Lee fits best. The question is, if Lee doesn't work on the top line, then what? Regardless, you have to give credit when credit is due. Unlike under Barry Trotz, Lambert has never showed hesitancy when it comes to his lineup. If things aren't working, whether it's an in-game adjustment or a pregame adjustment, he makes changes. Having three different lineups in five games shows a certain level of desperation and willingness to get things right. With how tight the Metropolitan Division is and the Eastern Conference, you can't knock Lambert for being aggressive with his lineup changes so early. Depending on how the Islanders perform against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night, don't be shocked if more changes arise.
