Mike and Dan run down the Islanders lineup to say something positive about each player and how they’ve contributed to the good overall season they’ve had so far.
We heard some feedback that the last episode came off a little too nervous or negative, so we challenged ourselves to accentuate the plusses of every position player. For some, it was easy. Players like Ilya Sorokin, Matthew Schaefer, Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal have been getting rightfully praised all season, while Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock
and J-G Pageau seem to have regained their former forms. Legacy players like Casey Cizikas and Anders Lee have shown they still have a place on this team, while newer guys like Emil Heineman and Cal Ritchie have only scratched the surface of what they’re capable of.
For others, the task was slightly more difficult. In a few cases, we wonder if the team is just ready to move on despite what skills the player may possess because they’re just not a fit. Regardless, we’re able to isolate their strengths or things we think they can bring in the future, even if it’s not evident this season.
This was a fun exercise to do during the Olympic break. Next week, we’ll look ahead to their first few games back.
REFERENCES
- Yes, it’s true. The New Yorker wrote about a New York Islander.
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