After a tough semi-finals exit to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the New York Islanders started their new season as fresh as ever. After three games, with two wins and one loss, the Islanders were in 4th place in the Eastern Division. In their first game, they looked unbeatable with all four offensive lines producing, but the second game marked one of the worst games fans have seen in a while. And finally, their victory over the Boston Bruins consisted of phenomenal goaltending and defense, and a clutch goal from center Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Within this three-game slate, let’s take a look at the statistics of each offensive line combinations and note any necessary changes. 

Trotz’s top pair consists of Mat Barzal, Anders Lee, and Jordan Eberle. Although superstar Mat Barzal did not record a single shot on goal in the previous two games after netting a goal in the season opener, his Expected Goals For per 60 (xGF/60) ranks second among Islanders. Also, his Expected Goal Against per 60 (xGA/60) ranks first among Islanders, which proves most notable, because he has never been recognized as an elite defensive forward. Anders Lee has been arguably the best Islander so far. Even more than his 2 goals and 13 shots on goal, he ranks first among all Islanders in terms of Expected Goals For per 60 (xGF/60). If Lee can maintain his offensive dominance, the first line will be a force to be reckoned with. 

The second line consists of the 3 B’s in Brock Nelson, Anthony Beauvilier, and Josh Bailey. Although arguably the most dominant Islanders line in the playoffs, there has been minimal production so far. All three players have an Expected Goals For per 60 (xGF/60) around 1.6 to 1.8 which ranks around average compared to other Islanders. Defensively, Josh Bailey has been phenomenal with an xGA/60 at 1.36 where Beauvillier is at 1.83 and Nelson at 2.05. If the Islanders want to make the same push as last year, this critical line will be the difference. 

The third line features Kieffer Bellows, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Ross Johnston. I am very impressed by Bellows’ performance thus far and see future success with him on a line with Pageau at center. However, Ross Johnston seems to be the outlier in the line. With the lowest xGF/60 out of all offensive players and the second-worst xGA/60, he has struggled immensely this year. With Michael Dal Colle coming back from the IR, I do expect Trotz to switch up the third line. 

As far as the fourth line, there is really nothing to comment on besides appreciation. This line has provided an Islanders’ identity of being pesky and mastered the chip and chase game. Although Clutterbuck caused Varlamov’s injury where the Islanders ultimately lost 5-0 to their crosstown rivals in the Rangers, he has been a top-four Islander in terms of xGF/60. One thing to note is Cizikas’s struggles as of late. Although this fourth line will never be changed, Cizikas ranks second to last in terms of xGF/60, but like the past couple of years, he has excelled defensively where he is top three in terms of xGA/60. 

Even within the three-game sample size, some Islander forwards have really shown up, but some, most notably Casey Cizikas and the second line still have some progress to make.

All statistics are from Evolving-Hockey.

John Smark