The New York Islanders’ playoff run recently ended after a heartbreaking loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Semifinals. The Isles were only five wins away from winning the Stanley Cup, the closest they have been since the early 1980s. The team finished with a record of 11-8 in the playoffs. The Islanders could have been more successful in the playoffs if it weren’t for some poor lineup decisions by Barry Trotz.

Playing Leo Komarov on the First Line

Whenever Leo Komarov stepped onto the ice, it was evident that he was putting in 110% effort. However, Komarov is not a first-line player. He plays a very physical game that fits the style of the Islanders’ fourth line. In 19 games, he recorded only three points, the same amount as Oliver Wahlstrom who only played in five games.

Komarov also registered 13 shots on goal. Meanwhile, his linemates Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle recorded 44 and 46 shots on goal (the second and third most shots on the team). They also found the back of the net, recording shooting percentages of 13.6 and 8.7, respectively. Despite all his efforts, Komarov was visibly the weakest link on the Isles’ first line.

Keeping Kyle Palmieri on the Third Line

Even though the Islanders’ first line was not as strong as it should have been, Trotz was reluctant to change the lineup. He was asked about putting Kyle Palmieri on the first line in Komarov’s spot in a postgame interview.

“People can play fantasy hockey all they want,” he said. “Leo’s good with Barzy.”

This quote bothered fans because they felt they were not playing “fantasy hockey”. Komarov wasn’t scoring while Palmieri was one of the Isles’ best forwards in the playoffs. He tied Brock Nelson for the most goals in the playoffs with seven. Palmieri and Nelson also had shooting percentages of 20 which was the best on the team.

It is also important to note that many of Barzal and Palmieri’s points were earned when they were playing together. Even though Trotz was set on having Komarov on the first line, there were a few times where he would throw Palmieri on the line instead. And when he did, good things happened.

Sitting Oliver Wahlstrom

Oliver Wahlstrom was out of the lineup with a lower-body injury sustained in Game 5 of the First Round. Nearly three weeks later, Wahlstrom was healthy enough to play just in time for Game 2 of the semifinals. However, Trotz decided to sit him for Travis Zajac. Trotz said that he preferred Zajac’s skills in the faceoff circle as well as his veteran presence.

While Zajac did step his game up for the playoffs, he had nowhere near the same offensive skills as sniper Oliver Wahlstrom. The main problem that the Islanders had when playing the Lightning was scoring on Andrei Vasilevskiy. The team would’ve benefitted greatly from Wahlstrom’s amazing shot.

In 14 games, Zajac recorded only two points (1-1–2) while Wahlstrom recorded three points (1-2–3) in five games.

Zajac may not have been one of the best offensive players, however, he did play good defense. Trotz could’ve moved Palmieri from the third line to the first line and sat Komarov. Then, it would have been possible to have Wahlstrom and Zajac on the third line.

Islanders’ Playoff Run

All in all, the Islanders were very successful in the playoffs and came so close to winning the Stanley Cup. They shouldn’t be disappointed about their loss in Game 7 of the semifinals because it was very difficult to get there. However, some lineup changes by Barry Trotz most likely would have been the difference maker between the Islanders making the Stanley Cup Finals or getting eliminated in the Third Round of the playoffs.

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Maisy Healy

I am a huge Islanders fan and love spreading my passion for the team here at Drive4Five.  Along with writing, I also co-manage the Drive4Five TikTok and Facebook accounts.