Post-Game Talk: #18| Buffalo Sabres @ New York Islanders | February 22nd | 7:00 PM | F/W 3-2

[The Winter Soldier]

Brock Nelson has been bad this year, got to wonder why? He's not hurt I think? He is coming off a year as the Isles leading goalscorer, 2nd in points, and at a 65 point over 82 game pace. Was big in the playoffs. At 29, he doesn't look like his skating is declining. If you give me a 65 pts center at 6M that plays in a D first team philosophy I would be happy. He has got to up his performance. I would also attribute this to his teammates also, MDC, Beauvillier, and Bailey have 1 goal this year. I think blaming him solely is a little unfair, and I do think he should get some blame here, I would give him a little more leash given he has been pretty good since Trotz came in for this team. His linemates also need to start playing better.

 

[PK Cronin]

I’d probably move Pulock over to the qb on PP 1 and put wahlstrom in the circle. Don’t think it would hurt Dobson too much to ride PP2 this season

I think Pulock is too slow and not quick enough to be the PP QB. He can't carry the puck through the neutral zone and there has to be a second option to do it, right now that is Dobson.

 

[PWJunior]

It looks like Trotz still has kept the training wheels on Dobson, but we need to reduce Mayfield's ice time and role for the betterment of the whole group. He is killing Leddy and taxing the other pairs as a result. Like I said last night, I am getting flashbacks of the negative impact that Brian Strait had on the rest of the defense when Capuano rode him like Secretariat.

 

[BrockLobster]

It looks like Trotz still has kept the training wheels on Dobson, but we need to reduce Mayfield's ice time and role for the betterment of the whole group. He is killing Leddy and taxing the other pairs as a result. Like I said last night, I am getting flashbacks of the negative impact that Brian Strait had on the rest of the defense when Capuano rode him like Secretariat.

Mayfield has been shakey for sure. But not brian strait level shakey!

 

[MJF]

Mayfield has been shakey for sure. But not brian strair level shakey!

Scott Mayfield does some things that irritate the shit out of me. Mostly it's that he's weak on the puck with clearing passes and they result in turnovers. But he's strong enough to keep the opposition from setting up on the doorstep-he keeps them off to the side and results in more low-danger scoring chances against. He might not be a good pairing with Nick Leddy. I agree with that part.

If Scott Mayfield is our weakest link on defense the chain is still pretty strong.

 

[notDatsyuk]

Beau and Komarov has both playd 9 games and are 0+2 , remember when they start last year Beau score his first 3 games with Komarov as assist maybe they have to play Leo with Beau to get him start scoring.

You may have an idea. Two years ago Beau really got going when put on a line with Leo and Flip.

 

[12Dog]

It looks like Trotz still has kept the training wheels on Dobson, but we need to reduce Mayfield's ice time and role for the betterment of the whole group. He is killing Leddy and taxing the other pairs as a result. Like I said last night, I am getting flashbacks of the negative impact that Brian Strait had on the rest of the defense when Capuano rode him like Secretariat.

Thanks
You first you brought up Brian Strait, then compounded it with Capuano and I threw up in my mouth

 

[Mr Misunderstood]

It looks like Trotz still has kept the training wheels on Dobson, but we need to reduce Mayfield's ice time and role for the betterment of the whole group. He is killing Leddy and taxing the other pairs as a result. Like I said last night, I am getting flashbacks of the negative impact that Brian Strait had on the rest of the defense when Capuano rode him like Secretariat.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Mayfield has been shakey for sure. But not brian strair level shakey!

I hate to think Trotz would consider bringing in Thomas Hickey? Is he even an option? Aho is not looking like he is coming in anytime soon.

 

[BelovedIsles]

Toews’ departure has weakened the 2nd pairing. Leddy cannot adequately handle top- 4 responsibilities; Mayfield cannot cover for him, nor himself.

 

[BrockLobster]

Scott Mayfield does some things that irritate the shit out of me. Mostly it's that he's weak on the puck with clearing passes and they result in turnovers. But he's strong enough to keep the opposition from setting up on the doorstep-he keeps them off to the side and results in more low-danger scoring chances against. He might not be a good pairing with Nick Leddy. I agree with that part.

If Scott Mayfield is our weakest link on defense the chain is still pretty strong.

Agree on your points..He is a solid NHL #6. Nothing more nothing less.

 

[BrockLobster]

I hate to think Trotz would consider bringing in Thomas Hickey? Is he even an option? Aho is not looking like he is coming in anytime soon.

I dont really follow Bridgeport so i dont know how aho has looked. Those guys would be injury replacements only

 

[BrockLobster]

One of the all time best GIFs

 

[Strait2thecup]

I think Pulock is too slow and not quick enough to be the PP QB. He can't carry the puck through the neutral zone and there has to be a second option to do it, right now that is Dobson.

I hear ya, we just know there’s not a shot Barry is confident enough in the kids to run the points which is probably smart right now. Won’t argue that wahly-dobber might lead to some shorties against

 

[islesnyc]

I’d probably move Pulock over to the qb on PP 1 and put wahlstrom in the circle. Don’t think it would hurt Dobson too much to ride PP2 this season

I was thinking the same thing last night. Love Dobson as a prospect but he’s not quite there to qb pp1 at the moment.

Our typical pp1 right now is Dobber to Barzy to Dobber to Barzy to Dobber to forced pass to Pulock leading to turnover or blocked shot. Wash, rinse, repeat for 70 seconds and pp2 comes on.

 

[Tahoeblue]

I know Beau is streaky, but his cold spell worries me. He also may be costing himself some $$$$. Lou will be a tough negotiator.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

I dont really follow Bridgeport so i dont know how aho has looked. Those guys would be injury replacements only

I don't think he is even playing in Bridgeport, he's on the taxi squad. Lou has him halfway to Robidas Island where they don't return.

 

[WangMustGo]

Toews’ departure has weakened the 2nd pairing. Leddy cannot adequately handle top- 4 responsibilities; Mayfield cannot cover for him, nor himself.

I just think its a pairing that doesnt mesh well and they both commit their fair share of boneheaded plays.

The answer to our problem is Dobson, but he needs more time. It may not happen tomorrow, but come playoff time i think he swaps spots with Mayfield in the top 4.

 

[13th Floor]

Hey the thread's live now. Sweet!

 

[DuklaNation]

Watching the game last night, Wahlstrom needs more than 4th line minutes. Looks good out there.

 

[PK Cronin]

I was thinking the same thing last night. Love Dobson as a prospect but he’s not quite there to qb pp1 at the moment.

Our typical pp1 right now is Dobber to Barzy to Dobber to Barzy to Dobber to forced pass to Pulock leading to turnover or blocked shot. Wash, rinse, repeat for 70 seconds and pp2 comes on.

I don't think he forces that pass at all, that's part of why I like him there. He'll actually shoot the puck or skate to create a little more space.

 

[Richie Daggers Crime]

I know Beau is streaky, but his cold spell worries me. He also may be costing himself some $$$$. Lou will be a tough negotiator.

Yeah, I'm super concerned about that too.

 

[islesnyc]

I don't think he forces that pass at all, that's part of why I like him there. He'll actually shoot the puck or skate to create a little more space.

Fair. Forced was not a great term in that I didn’t mean the pass is covered and he’s making it anyway. However, it seems opposing teams know pp1 is trying to get the puck to Pulock for the one timer and so they either cover it which leads to the ping pong between Dobson and Barzal or they play off but get a bit of a jump on the play when it’s made knowing that’s where it’s going and either get a chip clear or are right on top of Pulock when he receives the puck.

 

[Uncle Duke]

Fair. Forced was not a great term in that I didn’t mean the pass is covered and he’s making it anyway. However, it seems opposing teams know pp1 is trying to get the puck to Pulock for the one timer and so they either cover it which leads to the ping pong between Dobson and Barzal or they play off but get a bit of a jump on the play when it’s made knowing that’s where it’s going and either get a chip clear or are right on top of Pulock when he receives the puck.

Hopefully it will be Wahly slotting in over there on PP1. He put the puck right on net for JGP's rebound tap in and once he gets comfortable there, he'll start picking corners. Pulock shoots it over the net or wide more than half the time. As for Dobber, he's getting there. IMO the thing he has to work on, and will, is telegraphing his passes and dusting them off before he makes them. One touch, quick movement is lacking. It'll come.

 

[MattMartin]

Pulocks bomb has become Farnsworth 100 mph fastball. This means, everyone knows it's coming and they sit on it because it had no movement. I think they should starting setting up Pulock with slap/back door passes to keep the goaltenders honest. Basically when he is winding up the goalie knows the shot is coming and they are squared up to him. Also, it doesn't help with rebounds since he misses the net a bunch.