Besides the other stuff, having Martin and Johnston both in the lineup hurt the team in the third. Also fighting the refs didn't help.
How can Nelson look so great one game and inept the next?
Having Martin in the lineup is a "MUST"..anyone thinking otherwise does not understand the game ..were you not around the last 2 years watching?...having Johnson in the lineup was "required" Just like Trots said postgame.....we told MARTY "we want him on the ice" ....Knowing Marts will answer all calls you need a second Player with some grit who can stand in from time 2 time....Losing Marts 5 mins at a time is exactly what the rags needed...they only accomplished it once..but no Way even Marts who knows when to "GO" would allow Ciz getting hit like that. Momentum is everything and Marts got the momentum going shorty later Isles take the lead.
Consistency is everything..the bottom six have been most consistent....when the top 6 become more consistent you have a consistant winner.
Johnson once he learns to be more like Matty Marts will pick his times...not taking the lone penalty...Marts always takes someone to the box with him if rough stuff is required..."NHL PRO" see the difference...Johnson will be fine in time and is required when rough stuff starts since the Isles only have a few that can play rough. But you cannot have The biggest hitter in the league(Martin) going off for fisticuffs constantly. Johnson in the lineup was a perfect call by Trots.
Johnson is not nor never will be the hitter Marts is..he may never learn to control the opposition with on ice presence like Marts either...but he will be required if the team wants to go deep..otherwise every team will just send a fighter after Martin to get him off the ice.(not good for the Islanders)
Johnson definitely has a place ..who else can do the job on this squad.....don't say Komarov because he is not of the ilk.
One more youthful player learning to be an NHL'er when the team needs points is not required.
Great group here some are not required constantly ..but you must recognize who is required constantly and why..thats if you want to win....Nice mix of players but easy on trying to sell we need more scoring....Trots system has shown otherwise.