With 32 games remaining in the 2021-22 season, the Islanders have a record of 20-22-8 and are the 24th best team in the NHL. The team is 17 points out of a wild card spot and many fans are doubtful that the Isles will make it into the postseason.

While missing the playoffs would be huge failure for the Islanders, there is some silver lining to the situation — and no, I am not talking about getting a better draft pick. With there being little to no chance of the Islanders making the playoffs, now would be the perfect time to experiment with different lineup combinations that head coach Barry Trotz would not usually use.

Robin Salo 

Robin Salo, a 23-year-old defenseman, came into the lineup when the team was dealing with COVID-19 and injuries. In only 18 games, he scored one goal and recorded three assists. Salo looked like an everyday NHL player in the lineup, but was sent back down to Bridgeport when Ryan Pulock returned from his injury. 

Salo plays a strong offensive game, but he could use some improvement defensively — he finished with a -4. The best way for Salo to develop as a defenseman would be for him to play in NHL games and gain experience at the highest level. Nearly all the Islanders’ defensemen are veteran players who could be great mentors for Salo just like they were for Noah Dobson.

First-Line Wahlstrom 

Since the start of the 2021-22 season, Trotz has been looking for someone to fill Jordan Eberle’s role as Mathew Barzal’s right-wing. Nearly every forward has been given a shot to see if they can fill the void — except for Oliver Wahlstrom. 

Wahlstrom has been one of the Islanders’ best forwards this year and deserves the opportunity to be on the first line. In 45 games, Wahlstrom has registered 10 goals and 10 assists. He also has recorded 108 shots on goal — third on the team behind only Dobson and Barzal. 

If Wahlstrom is able to succeed as the top line right-wing, it would benefit the Isles financially. Putting someone who is already an Islander — on an entry-level contract, no less — as Barzal’s wing is much cheaper than having to trade or sign for a player during the offseason. But of course, the only way to know if Wahlstrom is the missing piece to the puzzle is for him to get a crack at playing on the first line. 

Breaking up the Fourth Line

The Islanders’ notorious fourth line of Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck is not what it used to be. Martin has been dealing with a nagging injury since the offseason and it is significantly affecting his performance. Martin’s lack of production has led to him being a healthy scratch and Ross Johnston taking his place for the past two games. 

Since taking Martin’s spot, Johnston has certainly made a case for himself to stay in the lineup. In just two games, Johnston has recorded two assists — the same amount that Martin had in 40 games. The fourth line has also looked much better since Johnston was added. Cizikas registered three points (2-1—3) and Clutterbuck registered two points (0-2—2) in the past two games. 

This is the most effective Cizikas and Clutterbuck have been all year. While Trotz doesn’t like to take veterans out of the lineup, putting Johnston in over Martin has created the best fourth line Islanders fans have seen all season. 

Pelech-Dobson 

One of the many lineup changes Islanders fans have been requesting to see this season is Adam Pelech and Dobson playing together. Pelech and Dobson are arguably the Islanders’ best defensemen, but they have two different styles of play. Pelech is a shutdown defenseman while Dobson is an offensive minded d-man. 

As far as defensive statistics go, Pelech leads the team as a +14 and leads the defensemen with 25 takeaways. Dobson, on the other hand, leads the defensemen in goals (9), assists (17) and points (26). These two d-men could complement each other very well with their different skillsets. Pelech is also an experienced NHL player who would be a great mentor to the 22-year-old.

No Harm in Trying

Realistically, it will take a miracle for the Islanders to make the 2021-22 NHL Playoffs. But instead of dwelling on their underwhelming record this season, the Islanders should look to take advantage of their situation and try out line combinations they wouldn’t otherwise try.

There’s really no harm in trying new things if the Stanley Cup is out of the picture. 

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.