The New York Islanders 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Round 1 Review.

Isles fans probably entered the night thinking about fantasy-type trades, a Lee or Lehner signing and maybe even moving up for a stud target in this year’s draft. The truth is, the Isles are in win-now mode, and Lou Lamoriello knows this more than anyone. Barry Trotz took the reins and never looked back last season. He squeezed every ounce of heart out of every player on the roster, and the team bought into his system. The result was a close-knit, hardworking squad that pushed through to the second round of the NHL playoffs. Next season will different by way of expectations and probably the look of the roster.

Many speculate that means trading for a key piece or two to address the scoring and power play concerns. In last year’s draft, the Isles made some solid picks and bolstered their stable of prospects. Some of which could be used as assets or currency to shape the 2019-20 roster along with the farm in Bridgeport. I asked fans on Twitter if they wanted the Islanders to focus on Drafting or trading. 58% wanted trading to be the focus and 42% on the draft. Let’s move ahead to this year’s draft, round 1.

At the start of the evening, the Islanders hold:

Round 1: #23 overall.

#23      Simon Holmstrom, RW, 6’1, 198#, HV71 Jonkoping

Isles go off the board a bit and select Simon Holmstrom. The 18-year-old Holmstrom is known as an offensively skilled player who skates very well, can beat defenders cleanly and has good hands. Called a competitor who uses deception to make plays and has an underrated two-way game. Explosive passer and sly puck mover with a strong wrist shot. Called a character player who puts the team first. Needs to stay healthy (hip surgery, broken thumb, concussion) and have more development to play in the NHL. It has been noted that without his recent injury history, Holmstrom would probably have been a mid to high-level first round pick.

Per Barry Trotz, "What our scouts are saying is he's got a great release, lots of quickness, real good hockey IQ … hopefully he'll be a good match ... when you're watching him and (Mathew) Barzal walking together. Hopefully they'll play together someday."

Holmstrom played 21 games with HV71 J20 with 7 goals and 21 pts with a +7 rating. In the postseason, he scored 1 & 3 for 4 points. In J18, had 1 & 3 for 4  pts in 5 playoff games. Holmstrom played one game with SHL’s HV71. He helped Team Sweden win a gold medal in the U18 World Championship this past season.

Per Andrew Gross, “Isles first round pick Simon Holmstrom said he tries to pattern his game after Peter Forsberg and Mathew Barzal. Said he was excited to meet Barzal tonight.”

Day 2:

Round 2, #57 overall (via CGY).

Round 5, #147 overall.

Round 6, #178 overall.

Round 7, #209 overall.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, “Lamoriello says #Isles have qualified all their RFAs except John Stevens.”

Per Andrew Gross, “For the Islanders, going into their second season of splitting games between the Coliseum and Barclays Center, it will mark their first home opener in Uniondale since a 4-3 win over the Hurricanes on Oct. 11, 2014.”

Per Andrew Gross, “Lou says Isles hired Jim Hiller as an assistant because they believed they would lose Lane Lambert, who did not get Ducks job. Lou says no other coaching personnel moves at this time. But sounds like still being evaluated.”

NHL announces rule changes for 2019-20 season

Islanders Represent at 2019 NHL Awards: Lehner Wins Masterton and Trotz Wins Adams

Tonight, our New York Islanders were represented by their Head Coach, Barry Trotz, and their goaltenders, Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas. Barry Trotz enjoyed a successful first campaign behind the Islanders bench, leading New York to a 48-27-0-7 record and 103 points, the highest total since the 1983-84 season. The Isles netminders had something to do with that as well. Lehner and Greiss were winners of the William M. Jennings Trophy for the NHL's top goaltending tandem, allowing the fewest goals in the NHL at 196. The last time the Islanders won the Jennings Trophy was 1983 (Billy Smith and Roland Melanson.)

Robin Lehner won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy given annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey. Lehner overcame his battles with addiction and mental illness with his professional and personal life, admittedly at an all-time low. He acknowledged he had a problem and got help with the support of friends, family and, hockey family and overcame his most significant obstacle. "I’m not ashamed to admit I’m mentally ill. But that doesn’t mean I’m mentally weak.” Such a fantastic story and I was thrilled to see him play a significant role in writing the story of our Islanders this season.

He was also nominated for the Vezina trophy, awarded to the top goaltender in the NHL. Per NHL PR, "Robin Lehner established a franchise record in save percentage (.930), aided by an eight-game win streak. He helped the Islanders become the second team in NHL history (and first since 1918-19) to go from worst to first in team goals against." Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning won the award.

Lehner finished the 2018-19 campaign with a 25-13-0-5 record with a .930Sv% and a 2.13GAA and 5 shut outs. Congrats to Robin Lehner on his Vezina Trophy nomination for helping to backstop the Isles in a most memorable season. We are so appreciative for your work in our net this year.

There is no doubt the guidance of Mitch Korn and Piero Greco helped the Isles goalies elevate their game, and the coaching staff provided the X's and O's that enabled the Islanders to reach the second round of the playoffs.

Barry Trotz won the Jack Adams Trophy given annually to the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success in his first season with New York. It's his second Jack Adams (WSH in 2016.) The great Al Arbour won the award in 1978-79. Trotz's Islanders were ranked 5th in the NHL, and he helped turn the team from worst to first, defensively behind a restructured defense and improved goalkeeping and a 23 point improvement over 2017-18. His approach was a human first mindset, and with the aid of his coaching staff, they helped the Islanders have a fantastic season.

In other big News, the Islanders, announced today that Jim Hiller was added to Trotz's staff as an Assistant Coach. Hiller is a Power play specialist. Something the Islanders have sorely missed in their game. Hiller was an Assistant with Toronto for four seasons where he was under the eye of Isles General Manager, Lou Lamoriello.

Let's once again salute our New York Islanders Ownership on John Ledecky and Scott D. Malkin for giving the Organization the tools and freedom to repurpose itself front the front office on out.

I can't wait until next season. I love cheering for these guys.

Isles Notes:

The 2019 NHL Entry Draft is this weekend on Friday 6/21 and Saturday 6/22.

Islanders Preseason Schedule: 9/16 at Philadelphia 9/17 vs. Flyers at Barclays 9/20 at Detroit 9/21 at New Jersey 9/23 vs. Red Wings at Coliseum 9/24 at Rangers 9:28 vs. Rangers at Bridgeport.

Per Dan Rosen, "Islanders goalie Robin Lehner said he does not want to become a UFA, that he wants to re-sign with the Islanders, and he remains hopeful of that happening. "I like the people there. I love my teammates. I love the organization. So obviously, I want to be back."

"Lehner said he doesn't care if it's a short-term deal or a long-term deal, he wants to return to the Islanders. "I know the team knows where I stand, and I just hope something works out."

Per Andrew Gross, “#Isles Lou Lamoriello finished fifth in GM of the year voting. Had the same eight first-place votes as winner Don Sweeney of Bruins. Third-place finisher Don Waddell of Hurricanes had most first-place votes with nine. Lamoriello also had four second-place votes and four thirds.”

Per Eric Hornick, “How much did Barry Trotz change Mat Barzal's game? The Kid Who Won the Calder was the highest-rated #isles in the Selke voting (ironically tied with John Tavares). Casey Cizikas was just behind them. #NHLAwards”

Islanders Extend Jordan Eberle

Our New York Islanders came to terms with Forward, Jordan Eberle on a five-year contract at $27.5M ($5.5M AAV.) According to cap friendly, Eberle's contract includes a full no-trade clause in the first two years with a modified NTC (no trade to 16 teams) for years 3-5. Eberle was acquired from the Oilers for F, Ryan Strome in 2017. His prior contract with Edmonton had a $6M cap hit, so what made him take less (6yr/$36M) to play for the Isles? Per Brian Compton, Eberle wanted to stay with New York, and he mentioned the "camaraderie" of the Islanders and said "He (Eberle) owes a lot to Barry Trotz for developing more of a two-way game. Is also looking forward to having stability in a coach after the numerous changes during his time in Edmonton." It's also an indication that the top Isles players are signing contracts that leave meat on the bone for their GM to gain more for the organization.

Jordan Eberle, 29, has scored 96 points (44 & 52) in 159 games. He netted four goals, including the GWG in Game 2 of the Isles 1st round win against the Penguins. Eberle also had 5 assists and 9 pts in eight games this postseason along with 4 pts on the PP. Eberle said it was going to be nice coming back to a team with some stability and familiarity, and he felt winning was a priority per Andrew Gross. Eberle's contract is good news for the Isles who want to parlay their remaining cap space ($22+M) into quality-fit, free agent signings, trades, and qualifying offers to improve the squad. And don't forget about Valtteri Filppula. Anthony Beauvillier and Michael Dal Colle are RFAs and can be contacted on 6/27.

Of the Isles main unsigned assets, Team Captain Anders Lee and Goaltender Robin Lehner remain unsigned with the July 1st deadline looming, just over two weeks away. The buzz around the beat is that at least one will sign and talks between the team and their top UFA's are ongoing. Andy Graziano of WFAN said, "People I've spoken with believe Lee/Lehner will be signed by #Isles prior to draft. Panarin major FA target, but consensus sticking with Rangers as destination. Leddy/Hickey highly involved in trade discussions, as Pagnotta noted. Feeling is at least one is surely going." Robin Lehner will be attending the NHL Awards next Wednesday (Masterton-Perseverance and Vezina-Top Goaltender) along with Head Coach, Barry Trotz (Adams-Top Coach) to represent the Islanders and be recognized for their outstanding performances this past season.

With the NHL Entry Draft on 6/21 and 6/22, General Manager, Lou Lamoriello will have an opportunity to deal picks, prospects and players to improve the team prior to the open of free agency. After July 1st, the summer agenda will be even more apparent. New York will need to get better by free agent signings or trades. No one knows that more than Isles management. Both Lamoriello and Trotz had a productive year with the personnel they went into the season with and understood where they fell short over the season and in the NHL postseason. Free agents can be contacted on 6/24.

Jordan Eberle seemed like a rental to some, but it's good to have a player of his ability back with the Isles. One who wants to play for them alone. Especially entering a summer with limited prime free agent scoring punch available.

Two big ones down, two to go?

Isles Notes:

Per Brian Compton, "Eberle on Lee: "Anders is on his own path. No one can really blame him for taking his time or going to free agency. He's earned the right to that. I know in his mind he loves Long Island."

Isles sign Tanner Fritz at $700,000 in 2019-20 and 2020-21 is a two-way deal, $700,000 NHL and $250,000 AHL with $275,000 guaranteed. – Andrew Gross.

Isles QMJHL prospect, Arnaud Durandeau signs a 3-year ELC. Durandeau had a career-high 38 goals and 35 assists in 68 games for Halifax last season and seems to be a steal for New York, selected in the 6th round in 2017.

Casey Cizikas awarded Bob Nystrom Award for the 2018-19 season.

Per Andrew Gross, "Per Isles: Cal Clutterbuck (back) and Andrew Ladd (knee) both had surgery. Doctors expect Clutterbuck to be able to play this upcoming season. He should be ready to start training camp. Ladd's timeline a little less clear at this point.

Tickets are on sale for fans to come and watch the Isles top prospects compete in a rookie scrimmage and skills competition on June 27th at @NHIceCenter.

Islanders Lock Up Brock Nelson

Isles sign pending UFA Brock Nelson to a 6 year, $36M, $6M AAV contract per Arthur Staple. Nelson has flourished under Barry Trotz, and despite the criticism, he gets from some, the Isles feel they know what they have in Nelson. They wouldn't necessarily "know" what some of the other UFA's truly bring who will become available on July 1st. That's a good value for New York IMO. And it's still all about culture.

Nelson clearly made the most out of his last-minute deal last summer and showed what he could do as a significant player in the Islanders forward core without missing a game in the 2018-19 campaign. As a big part of the team heading into next season, Nelson will be expected to carry more of the load and hopefully, improve and become an even more consistent player for the Isles up-front on a more evolved and experienced Isles squad.

The 27-year-old Nelson had a career-high 53 points (25 & 28) last season. He was a playmaker, scored big goals, and looked much more comfortable in the Isles new system. Nelson helped New York finish 2nd in the Metro and fourth in the East to finish with 103 points, 48-27-7 record, and a +32-goal differential. The Islanders advanced to the 2nd round and were swept by Carolina after sweeping the Penguins in round 1. Brock Nelson finished with four goals in eight playoff games.

Nelson was the Islanders 1st round selection (30th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Per NHL.com, "Nelson played all 82 regular-season games for the second consecutive season and third time in his NHL career … (Nelson) has 241 points (124 goals, 117 assists) in 480 NHL games, all with the Islanders. He also has 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in 26 playoff games.” Tony Stabile says, "The 3 players with the closest match to the Nelson contract are Mikael Backlund, Adam Henrique and Kyle Turris. I'd take Nelson over all 3 of them." I agree. Your thoughts?

Brock Nelson told Brian Compton, “You could wait it out, but this is the only place I’ve ever been. It’s a great place to live, especially now with kids. We love it here and were very happy to be here another six years.”

@NHLRumorsDaily says the "Isles are currently working on a very similar deal with Captain Anders Lee in the $40-42 million dollar range." @CapFriendly says, "The Isles now have a projected $29M in cap space with a current roster of 17 (9F 7D 1G)."

It's on Isles fans.

Hurricane Warning: KoC New York Islanders 2018-19 Round Two Recap vs. Carolina

Our New York Islanders swept their way past Pittsburgh into round 2 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs only to be swept themselves by the similarly modeled stingy, floor checking play of the Carolina Hurricanes. New York was failed by their resurgent lack of scoring depth (4-0 when scoring at least 3 goals, 0-4 without) and struggles to add to or recapture a lead. The game one goaltender interference call against Anders Lee and 'distinct kicking motion' of Devon Toews disallowed goals in games 1 and 2 were close to giving the Isles a good shot at being up 2 games to none after two instead of down by 2. Even with the late postseason surge, the power play was the most significant deficit in New York's game all season, and I would argue it cost them an advance or two in the postseason. Per Eric Hornick, The Isles scored power-play goals in each of the last three games of the series; they did that only once in the regular season (4-game streak in October)." Goaltending was great, and the defense was good while the team's energy and snarl was always present. It just wasn't enough to overcome bad puck-luck and the previously discussed failures in the system. "It's the only time all season that the Isles have lost four straight games, the first time that they have been swept in a playoff series since 1994 (Rangers), and the first time they have been swept in a series that they opened at home." – Hornick

Stat wise, Brock Nelson, Jordan Eberle, and Josh Bailey lead the Isles in playoff scoring. Eberle and Mathew Barzal led the team in playoff assists with 5. Jordan Eberle had the best postseason of his career for New York. He had a team-leading 9 points and scored at least one point in every playoff game in which the Isles scored in. Robin Lehner finished the post season 4-4 (0-3 vs. Canes) with a .936 Sv% and a 2.00 GAA. Thomas Greiss made eight saves in relief of Lehner in game 4. Carolina advanced to the conference finals to face the Boston Bruins, who they now trail 1-0.

With all that said, it was a fantastic season for a team that needed an emotional lift. It was a great model for Lou Lamoriello and Adams nominee, Barry Trotz to really evaluate their squad going into a huge free agent summer. Anders Lee and Robin Lehner stepped into their prospective roles and were a fantastic part of the team's success this season. Lee led the team like a seasoned captain with his on and off-ice actions. Per Andrew Gross, "Agent, Neil Sheehy, and Lou Lamoriello had a 'lot of conversations' all season. 'People know how I feel about this place. Right now, Lou and Neil are going to figure that out, and that side of things will take when they come." Robin Lehner rose from the ashes into an elite goaltender this season and immediately inserted himself into Isles goaltending history. "I can't state enough I love everything about this team" -Lehner. His Masterton and Vezina nominations say others agree. Lehner was once again my Grail Knight of round 2 and overall for the Isles 2019 playoff run.

Jordan Eberle, Brock Nelson, Valtteri Filppula, and Devon Toews are all UFA's as well. All players who played well and would be a welcome signing for most fans. "We'd like to have them back without question. They have to make decisions, and we have to make decisions, but they are all quality human beings and players, and they've been an integral part of this organization." – Lamerillo on Isles free agent class. Tom Kuhnhackl is also a UFA who played hard and showed his mettle to everyone watching. D, Luca Sbisa or insurance player, Dennis Seidenberg are UFA's who are unlikely to be resigned. Tanner Fritz was a valuable minor league asset who ended the season on the IR and is also eligible to enter July 1st as a UFA. RFA's Anthony Beauvillier and Michael Dal Colle proved their value to management. But the summer is wide open, especially if ground for Belmont is broken as the team rumors suggest. Per Arthur Staple, "Lamoriello is extremely confident that Belmont is on target. "I wouldn't have come here if there weren't going to be a new building... Unless you know something I don't, it's still on the right path." The Islanders have to be an attractive trade target and free agent destination for top tier players this summer.

The team has room for improvement. They need to make adjustments that address the holes in their game that showed in round 2 of the playoffs and should investigate all avenues of team depth. The pride was there, and the culture has changed for the better. This team is relevant, and they understand that enough not to be full of themselves or think they are better than they are.

I'm sure they will even be looking into all attractive international and prospect players that might fit into the master plan.



But that's another article. Or three.




Isles Notes:



Per Arthur Staple, "Mayfield had an ankle issue — fluid kept filling up, could barely get his skate on during the final month."


Brett Cyrgalis on Cal Clutterbuck, "Stress fracture, rotated vertebrae, two slipped discs, pinched nerve," is how Clutterbuck rambled off the things that are wrong during Monday's breakup day on Long Island. "A couple things that need to be addressed in there, so I'll go see a couple specialists and go from there."


Per Eric Hornick, "The Isles finished 2nd in the Metro Division, 4th in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the NHL. The Isles have not finished that high since the conference was created. They last finished that high in a conference in 87-88, when they were 3rd in the Wales Conference. It's the first time since 1985-86 that the Isles have finished in the top five overall."

"In the regular season, the Isles were 35-16-6 when Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck all play and are 13-11-1 when one or more miss a game.  They are 4-3 when all three play in the playoffs and 0-1 when one (Clutterbuck) misses a game."


The NHL Awards will be held in Las Vegas on June 19th while the 2019 NHL Entry Draft will be held in Vancouver on June 21st-22nd.

The Isles will pick 22nd in the first round of the draft if Columbus beats Boston and will pick 23rd if the Bruins win that series.  The Isles own Calgary's 2nd round pick (but not their own). – Hornick

New York Islanders 2018-19 Playoff Primer vs. Hurricanes

Our New York Islanders will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Carolina is coming off a double O.T., game 7 win against the defending Cup Champion Capitals last night. New York will have home-ice advantage against their wildcard opponent and look to take another step towards the Cup finals.

Friday, April 26   7:00 p.m. Barclays Center (NBCSN)

Sunday, April 28   3:00 p.m. Barclays Center (NBC)

Wednesday, May 1   7:00 p.m. PNC Arena (NBCSN)

Friday, May 3   7:00 p.m. PNC Arena (NBCSN)

* Sunday, May 5   TBD Barclays Center

* Tues.   May 7   TBD PNC Arena

* Wed.   May 8   TBD Barclays Center

Post-game coverage on MSG Networks

(All games listed in EST)

Per NHL.com, "I know they're sitting there probably licking their chops; we all would be the way this series went, seven games, overtime, the grind that this series was ...," Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour said. "I haven't had time to think about it. I know they're a great team and that's why they're playing, and they had a pretty easy round. They know how to win, and they know how to do it right."

The Isles will be off for 10 days by the time the puck drops tomorrow night at the Barclays Center. Ten days they used to heal (Clutterbuck & Mayfield) and refocus from a storybook first-round sweep against the Penguins. Barry Trotz admitted he didn’t have much of a late book on Carolina, but with the layoff, the staff should have had ample time to dissect their playoff performance against Washington and probably has a much better idea of how to match up then they did at the end of their round one series. Let’s hope they are ready to hit the ice flying in game one and start the series off the right way, rust free.

"We've tried to do our best to stay in game shape and game situations in practice," New York forward Jordan Eberle said. "I know it's tough, especially when you watch all this hockey being played. But at the end of the day, it should be an advantage. We'll be rested and ready to go."

It’s no secret the Isles were good at home and on the road last season. And at home, they were very even when Playing at both the Coliseum and Barclays Center this season. While they were 12-7-2 at the NVMC, they went 12-6-2 in Brooklyn are 78-48-18 overall at the Barclays Center. The Low roof and passionate crowd should spell another intimidating atmosphere for the opposition. The Isles were 3-1-0 against the Hurricanes last season (even winning 7 of last 10) despite being outshot 112-59. They will need more of the same from their #1 ranked defense and relentless checking game if they want to nullify the speedy and feisty Canes. They will need to pressure the Canes in all 3 zones, dictate play and overcome their aggressive checking game.

The 4th line of Clutterbuck-Cizikas-Martin and Pulock-Pelech line need to factor into the end-game results and Robin Lehner 4-0-0 with his layoff leading 1.47 GAA & .956Sv% will need to carry the anchor again. Lehner stopped 130 of 136 shots and played a calm, cool series for the Isles against Pittsburgh. Keep in mind that Thomas Greiss figured prominently (3-1-0) in the Isles recent success against Carolina and should do the same if called upon. Both goaltenders have been good and the intensity in the postseason should only enhance that. The defense will be the story. If New York can maintain their defensive play, they should control the game and force Carolina to take chances while staying out of the box.

The Power Play needs to improve (2/13 at 15.4%) and their FOW percentage (51.7%) needs to continue. The Hurricanes are similar in both categories with a 3/25 (12%) PP and 51.1% FOW percentage. The Isles PK remains stable at 90.9% while Carolina ranks near the bottom at 75%. Amongst active playoff teams, only SJ is worse with a 72.4% FOW. Jordan Eberle, Matt Barzal, Josh Bailey, Valtteri Filppula, and Brock Nelson have a chance to lead the team again offensively along with speedy defender, Devon Toews, especially on the man advantage. Thomas Hickey should be replacing the minutes formerly taken by the injured (out 3-4 weeks) veteran, Johnny Boychuk. Hickey is used to playing a significant role in big games for the Isles.

The Carolina Hurricanes are motivated, relentless and resilient. Sound familiar? The New York Islanders will need to contain opposing players like Jaccob Slavin (9pts and 3 assists in game 7 vs Caps), Warren Foegele (4 goals, 6 pts), Jordan Staal (6pts), Dougie Hamilton (6pts), Sebastian Aho (5 pts) and Brock McGinn (5pts) who scored the game 7, 2nd O.T. winning goal. New York will also need to breach a much-improved Carolina defense game and create traffic in front of Mrazek. Goaltender, Petr Mrazek has gotten hot at the right time along with his squad. Mrazek had a 2.54 GAA and an .899Sv% with 1 shut out for Carolina in the postseason. He is an athletic goaltender but is susceptible to shots going to the glove side, especially if traffic. The leadership of Justin Williams can’t be discounted. His 3 Cup wins (‘06-CAR and ’12 & ’14 LAK) give him some keen on-ice and in the room insight for his team. 

Don’t forget the motivation of former Islander 2010 5th overall selection, F, Nino Niederreiter or Isles 2009 12th overall selection, D, Calvin de Haan to stick it to their former team. While de Haan was well received back in New York for leaving as a free agent, Niederreiter was traded away for Cal Clutterbuck (and NJ’s 3rd rounder – Eamon McAdam) in 2013 after controversial rumors about wanting to be traded and taking exception to management's lack of urgency to put him in the Isles lineup.

That was then, and this is now. The Isles have a team that plays for each other and plays in a system that relies on each man holding themselves and others accountable. I’ll take those odds any day. It should be another exciting series. I’m sure everyone is ready to go.

"Trust me, we're fresh," Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. "We'll get the rust off. It may take a little bit, but we haven't had game action for a bit. That will come. That's not an issue. We're going to be enthused."

#Isles Notes

Per @Demerti_S42, “John Tavares met with 5 teams last summer as a free agent. 4 of those teams (NYI, BOS, SJ, DAL) are still playing hockey. The one he chose is not.”

Per Eric Hornick, “#JT91 goes 2-3-5 (including an ENG) and -4 in #Leafs playoff “run”, which ran out before the Isles lost a playoff game.”

Per Rob Taub, “#Isles legend Bob Nystrom on WFAN: "I think that the fans are so charged up that they're going to bring that energy to Barclays Center. I expect them to be just as loud as they were at the Coliseum."

Per @TwoTurtleDuffs, “@RobinLehner has been dominant on the ice this season, but his biggest impact has come away from hockey. Lehner's openness about his struggles with addiction and mental health has inspired countless fans. Here are some stories of the lives he's touched.”   

Sweeping Pittsburgh: KoC New York Islanders 2018-19 Round One Recap vs. Penguins

Behind Barry Trotz and his staff, our New York Islanders eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 4-game sweep with a 3-1 victory at PPG Paints Arena 6 days ago. It's the Isles first sweep since 1983 and their 7th best-of-7 sweep in franchise history. It’s also the first time the modern-age Pens have been swept since 2013. The Isles came back three times after giving up the opening goal and countered, despite being outshot 136 to 129 in the series.

New York outscored the Penguins by a 14-6 margin over four games (Game 1 in O.T.) as they frustrated them and kept them playing from behind from almost the entire series. Pittsburgh managed to maintain a lead in only 4 minutes and 51 seconds of the entire series. Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin helped the stingy Isles keep top scorers, Evgeni Malkin to 3 points, Sidney Crosby (1 assist) and Jake Guentzel (1 goal) and a combined -7 rating over the four games. Pens netminder and 2-time Stanley Cup winner, Matt Murray had a .306 GAA and a .906Sv% in the series.

Isles Jordan Eberle (4 & 2 with a game-winner) had a career playoff run and led the Islanders in points with 6 and a +6 rating. Per Eric Hornick, “Eberle is the first Islander to open a playoff run by scoring in four straight games since Ray Ferraro (1993 vs. Washington) and also joins Ferraro as the only players in Isles history to score in their first four playoff games with the team.” Matt Barzal was 2nd on the team in scoring, contributing five assists with a +6 rating and made some plays for New York. Forward and former Penguin, Tom Kuhnhackl deserves mention for bringing 2-time Cup winning experience and tenacity during the series, even with limited action during the regular season. Per NHL.com, “It's great that we won the first round and everything, but there's plenty more to come of where we want to go," Kuhnhackl said. "If you sleep [during] the first period or the first game if you're not ready from the get-go, it's always hard to get back in it. That's why we've got to get ready for the [next round]." Eberle was my runner-up for round one's Grail Knight of the series. Winner revealed below.

Josh Bailey (3 & 1 with a game-winner) and Valtteri Filppula (4 assists) had great playoff performances for the Isles. Brock Nelson scored three goals (2 game winners) and was amongst the team leaders (3rd with a 44.6% percentage behind Barzal, 55.5% and Lee, 54.5%) in the faceoff circle. A considerable deficit for New York entering the playoffs, while Isles defenseman, Devon Toews (2 PPP and a +2 rating) continued his active play into the postseason along with other surgical blue line performances from Adam Pelech (2 assists) Nick Leddy (1 goal) and Ryan Pulock (1 assist) and +3 ratings.

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Per Eric Hornick, “Robin Lehner made 32 saves; he stopped 130 of 136 Pittsburgh shots in the series as he became the first NHL goalie since Michael Leighton (2010 with Philadelphia) to win his first four career playoff starts. Only 12 other goalies in NHL history have done so.” Robin Lehner was the MVP among MVPs for New York. He guarded the Isles net behind a relentless checking game and dogged defense. He gave up just six goals in 4 games while posting a stingy 1.47 GAA and a .956Sv%. While providing a reliable backstopping performance, the resurgent Lehner always gave credit to the Isles organization as a whole and the fans that have supported him and his squad all season long. Lehner heralded his teammates, coaches, and even loyal fans after each win in his own humble and genuine way.

When I said, “Lehner should be a serious consideration for the Vezina along with his Masterton considerations. He’s certainly overcome every other challenge presented in the darkest year of his life this season,” I had no idea Robin Lehner would indeed receive the nominations for those prestigious trophies. Per Cory Wright, “I'm honored. It's something I believed in going into the season, but a year ago I didn't,’ Lehner said. ‘There's so many that deserve credit. It starts with [my] teammates and the organization. A lot of credit goes to [Director of Goaltending] Mitch Korn and [Goaltending Coach] Piero Greco too for helping me adjust some things in my game. It's been a lot of hard work. It's truly an honor." Robin Lehner was 25-13-0-5 with a .930Sv% and a 2.13 GAA during the regular season. Lehner established a career high in shutouts with 6 and wins. Performances by Lehner (25) and Greiss (23) in 2018-19 are the only other Islanders goalkeeper tandem other than Resch (26) Smith (25) in 1978-79 to have 23 wins in a season.

During a post-nomination interview, Lehner recalled how 8 or 9 teams were interested in him during free agency last summer, but also spoke of how that number dropped to two when he disclosed his time in rehab, news of his struggles with addition and a bipolar diagnosis.

On his Masterton nomination, Lehner told Wright, "It's for people out there having a bad day that don't see any light at the end of the tunnel, that don't really want to take up tomorrow or whatever the case may be," Lehner said. "You just need to get a plan, you have to help yourself first and get the right help and when you get that you can start your journey towards whatever you want in life. You can't do it in reverse, you have to take care of your recover first or it's not going to work. If you can do that, what's good about this is it shows it can be done with the right people."

Aside from helping his Islanders continue to fight for a Stanley Cup win, Lehner wants to help end the stigma around mental health. His recent hashtag caught my attention — # SickNotWeak. Wow, I thought What a great way to keep yourself accountable, work towards bettering your life and not offering an excuse for your life. Lehner truly is a role model to so many people out there who feel alone and without hope. Here’s to hoping they can all see how hard he’s fought to restore himself, his family and his pro hockey career. Not just as a participant, but as a man, a father and husband, and a teammate. Not just 1 of only 60 men to hold a place on a pro hockey roster as an NHL goaltender, but as a legitimate, elite goaltender on a surging playoff team.

Both team leader, Cal Clutterbuck and physical D-Man, Scott Mayfield (1 point) have been using the layoff to heal up and have resumed practice with the team. Unfortunately, Johnny Boychuk (2 points) is slated to be out 3-4 weeks with a lower-body injury. Per Brian Compton, “Coach Barry Trotz said he was pleased with how the Islanders practiced "with a little bit more of a pop" and did not seem too concerned about the long layoff. In fact, he's hoping the Capitals and Hurricanes go the distance.”

The Islanders’ 2nd round opponent will be the winner of the Capitals-Hurricanes series. The Isles 2nd round series will open in Washington DC if it’s against the Capitals or back in Brooklyn if the Hurricanes win the series and dethrone the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

The games will be shown on NBC or NBCSN with postgame coverage on the MSG stations.

Isles Notes:

Per Eric Hornick, “Isles goalie or coach had ever won their first two playoff games; both Robin Lehner and Barry Trotz have now won their first four.”

Cory Wright on top Isles goaltending prospect, “Ilya Sorokin won the Gagarin Cup - the KHL championship - on Friday, as CSKA Moscow swept Avangard four games to none. Sorokin was also named the KHL playoff MVP in the process.

Sorokin had a marvelous playoffs, going 16-4-0 with a 1.20 GAA, a .956 SV% and five shutouts for CSKA. The Islanders' 2014 third-round pick (78th overall) recorded a pair of shutouts in the Gagarin Cup Final, the first goalie in KHL history to do so.

The Gagarin Cup and MVP honors cap another stellar season for Sorokin, who went 28-6-4 during the regular season with a 1.16 GAA, a .940 SV% and a career-high 11 shutouts.

Sorokin has one more year left on his deal with CSKA.”