Islanders Lineup Changes Can Help Them Make 2021-22 NHL Playoffs
The 2021-22 season has been nothing but an uphill battle for the New York Islanders. A team that made it to the final four two years in a row was presumed to miss the postseason by a mile this year. But now with less than four weeks remaining in the NHL regular season, the Islanders are 13 points out of a wild card spot and have a chance to make the playoffs thanks to a new and improved lineup.
New Lines
One of the main reasons that the Isles have gained so much momentum recently is because head coach Barry Trotz drastically changed the lineup on March 13. The Islanders’ offensive lines on March 13 were as follows:
- Anders Lee-Brock Nelson-Anthony Beauvillier
- Josh Bailey-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Kyle Palmieri
- Zach Parise-Mathew Barzal-Oliver Wahlstrom
- Ross Johnston-Casey Cizikas-Cal Clutterbuck
These are about the same lines the Isles have been rolling out for the past 14 games. However, there have been a few slight changes to the fourth line. Matt Martin, Kieffer Bellows, and Johnston have all been rotating in as the wings on that line due to Clutterbuck’s season-ending shoulder injury.
Newfound Success
Since changing the lines, the Islanders have a record of 9-4-1. The Isles have also had two four-game point streaks since the new lineup made its debut.
The current offensive lines appear to be maximizing several players’ potentials. In 14 games, the first line has scored 17 goals, the second line 12 goals, the third line eight goals, and the fourth line three goals.
One of the Isles’ biggest problems all season has been the inability to score. But now, with every line producing, the Islanders have given themselves a much better chance to win games and sneak into the Eastern Conference Wild Card spot.
Will It Be Enough?
The Islanders are currently chasing the Washington Capitals for the second wild card spot. While they are 13 points out, the Isles have a game in hand as well as two games left against the Caps. If the Islanders want any chance at making the NHL Playoffs, they need to win just about every game remaining, and their new lineup may help them do just that.
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.
