For the entirety of the 2021-22 NHL season, New York Islanders fans have wanted head coach Barry Trotz to put Mathew Barzal and Oliver Wahlstrom on the same line. Nearly every other forward had a chance to play on Barzal’s wing except for Wahlstrom. Then finally on March 13, Trotz made Barzal and Wahlstrom linemates.  

The Islanders’ new line combination of Zach Parise, Barzal, and Wahlstrom has been very effective and should remain intact for the remainder of the season. 

Giving It a Go

Leading the team with 28 assists, Barzal has been rendered the Islanders’ best passer and playmaker. Wahlstrom on the other hand has been deemed the team’s best shooter having 132 shots—the second most on the team. 

 To fans, it just made sense to put the best playmaker with the best shooter. But Trotz wasn’t in support of the idea. Trotz had said in multiple interviews that he did not think Wahlstrom was ready to play with Barzal for multiple reasons such as his lack of awareness, his inability to play a strong 200-foot game, and the fact that Barzal can be a “wild card” and hard to read. 

However, on March 13, the stars aligned in the fans’ favor. Wahlstrom was coming back into the lineup after being scratched for the previous game on March 11. Barzal was also returning to the lineup after missing a few games with an injury. While Wahlstrom usually plays on the third line, Barzal is typically on the first line. However, Barzal was dropped down to the third line to play less minutes so he could nurse his injury. And just like that, the Islanders’ new third line of Parise, Barzal, and Wahlstrom was born.

Aiding Wahlstrom’s Development

The last game Wahlstrom played in before being scratched was on March 10 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He did not record a single shot on goal and had only one hit. But in his first game playing with Barzal and Parise, he registered five shots, had two hits and was a +1—with only 7:35 of ice time. 

A main reason why Wahlstrom’s playing time is much lower than his linemates is because both Barzal and Parise are part of the special teams. However, Wahlstrom only plays when it is even strength. 

“If you ask me how did he play on his five on five, I was happy with [Wahlstrom’s] game,” Trotz said after Wahlstrom’s first game playing with Barzal . 

One of Trotz’s common concerns with Wahlstrom was his defense. But since the new third line has been together, Wahlstrom has not been on the ice for any goals against. 

Worth the Wait

The Parise-Barzal-Wahlstrom line has looked great, and it will look even better once the three develop strong on-ice chemistry. Parise brings the physicality, Barzal brings the technique, and Wahlstrom brings the powerful shot. In six games, the three have combined for two goals, three assists, 33 shots, and a +3 rating. The Islanders also have a 4-1-1 record since the new third line was formed. 

All in all, the Parise-Barzal-Wahlstrom line has been very effective for the Isles and beneficial for the three individual players. The line has yet to reach its fullest potential but when it does, it could be a difference maker for the Islanders. 

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.