The Islanders are going to do the whole lot they'll to squeeze some form of success out of this season. However there are solely so many must-win video games a workforce can lose earlier than actuality turns into simple.
“If this retains taking place,” Anders Lee mentioned following the Islanders’ 6-3 loss Tuesday evening at Buffalo, “we’re gonna be on the flawed facet.”
The Islanders have misplaced 4 of their previous 5, with losses in opposition to the lowly Kraken and Sabres bookending the stretch, so the “if” a part of Lee’s proposition possible is not crucial. The Islanders wanted to beat the Kraken earlier than the All-Star break; they misplaced 3-0 and coach Barry Trotz ripped the workforce’s effort. They wanted to go to Western Canada final week and take factors; they misplaced two of three video games.
Forward of the sport Tuesday in Buffalo, Matt Martin mentioned: “We have to win this one.”
The Islanders proceeded to surrender a shorthanded objective, one other objective with 0.6 seconds left within the second interval, then the game-winner. They misplaced, once more.
Now, their focus can flip to March 21 and the commerce deadline.
It’s a wierd place to be in. Earlier than the season, it was anticipated the Islanders could be consumers on the commerce deadline. Coming off a second straight NHL semifinal look, they constructed their roster to contend for a Stanley Cup.
Barring a whole teardown, which might be each unexpected and weird given the sum of money and years the Islanders have dedicated to their core gamers, there’s solely a lot they'll do that may assist them be ready to win subsequent yr.
Restocking the farm system, although, could be useful. The Islanders presently have one of many weakest prospect teams within the league — with second-round decide Aatu Raty, who’s presently enjoying within the Finnish League, and Robin Salo, who had an prolonged NHL stint this season, because the headliners. And so they do have not less than a few gamers who would possibly draw curiosity on the deadline.
Cal Clutterbuck, whose contract will expire after this season, could be the obvious candidate to be dealt. The 34-year-old has slowed down a bit, however stays a participant who can contribute high-level minutes from the fourth line and convey a component of toughness to any workforce. Buying and selling him would formally imply the tip of the Identification Line, however that’s a prospect the Islanders should face over the summer time, when Clutterbuck going into unrestricted free company.
Semyon Varlamov, who has two years left at $5 million per season, is the opposite participant who might garner curiosity. There’s no scarcity of contending groups that might use a goaltender — Edmonton and Colorado, the place Varlamov performed earlier than coming to the Islanders, each come to thoughts. And on the Islanders’ finish, goalie Ilya Sorokin has been one of many few vivid spots this season, proving himself reliable.
It’s notable, although, that Sorokin hit a tough patch after Varlamov examined optimistic for COVID-19 in Calgary. That pressured Sorokin to play all 4 video games on the street journey.
“I believe he’s a superb athlete and we’re making an attempt to handle his workload, so I believe he’s gonna be superb,” Trotz mentioned following the loss Tuesday. “I believe this time it’s most likely extra psychological than it's bodily for everyone, trigger we simply don’t catch a break it appears.”
The Islanders have used Cory Schneider as their backup since Varlamov’s optimistic check, however Jakub Skarek, a 22-year-old who has began 26 video games with a .911 save share for AHL Bridgeport, may be a extra lifelike possibility in the event that they have been to commerce Varlamov with out getting a goaltender in return.
From there, the record of gamers the Islanders might deal dwindles. Zach Parise, Zdeno Chara and Andy Greene are all on expiring offers, however it’s questionable how a lot assist any of them could be to a contender.
The Islanders might want to lengthen Noah Dobson, who will hit restricted free company after this season, however buying and selling away a 22-year-old defenseman who has developed right into a clear-cut top-four participant this yr wouldn’t appear to make sense with out an excellent return.
After Trotz talked about that Sebastian Aho could possibly be within the lineup extra, it’s honest to surprise if the workforce is making an attempt to showcase him, however he’ll must do extra in the event that they’re to get something of worth in return.
Finally, the Islanders dedicated throughout the offseason to the core that’s in place. With that in thoughts, it’s onerous to see drastic adjustments coming.
“We love the group that we've,” Brock Nelson mentioned when requested in regards to the commerce deadline. “Everyone believes in each other, and we’ve gained and been shut. With out having to say it, everybody needs to stay collectively in right here and doesn’t wish to see change.”
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