Stefen Rosner On State Of Islanders ELMONT, NY -- While the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/]' top dogs have led the way offensively over the last two games, it's the bottom-six's game that's starting to impact games. It's no surprise that the increase in effectiveness correlates with Simon Holmstrom's return to the lineup. Having Holmstrom on the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Casey Cizikas is one of those lines that has impacted the flow of the game in the Islanders' favor. In 19:22 together, they haven't been on the ice for a goal against. They've out-chanced their opponents 5-3 and have done a fantastic job on the forecheck. While they haven't scored, Pageau and Holmstrom connected for a shorthanded goal to give the Islanders a 2-1 lead at 2:57 of the second, the eventual game-winner: The fourth line of Pierre Engvall, Kyle MacLean, and Marc Gatcomb has followed suit. In three games, 16:19 minutes, they have held opponents to just six total shots, with nine scoring chances to the opponents' three. They haven't allowed a high-danger chance against, despite being on the ice for one goal against. The last two games they've really been dynamic. Head coach Patrick Roy went to his fourth line after the Columbus Blue Jackets scored a power-play goal to open the scoring just 4:52 into the game. "When they scored that goal in the first period, I asked them, give us some momentum, bring the puck deep, work deep, and I think that will give something to our guys," Roy said. "And that's exactly what they did, and they did a really nice job." Over the last two games, the Islanders have racked up 77 hits. The bottom six players have combined for 41 of the 77. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyMjc0NTkyMjE4MDk3Mjgw/usatsi_25223862.jpg] To win consistently in today's NHL, a team has to be able to run all four lines. Roy made it clear that he doesn't enjoy paying attention to matchups and prefers just to let the game flow. He can have that mindset when all four lines are going, and when his top-six forwards are scoring the way it's scoring, and the bottom-six is shutting down the opponents, that's a recipe for success. And if the Islanders want to surprise people, go on a run, and get close to a wild-card spot by the 4 Nations Face-Off, they have to continue to have entire team efforts. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyMTYyOTcwODQ5OTEyODA4/google-news.svg] 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.
