New York Islanders: Josh Ho-Sang Gets Another Chance

The New York Islanders recalled Josh Ho-Sang and Michael Dal Colle on an emergency basis. Ho-Sang gets another chance after being written off.

The last time Josh Ho-Sang was sent down many predicted it would be the end of Ho-Sang with the New York Islanders. Due to injuries and illness, Josh Ho-Sang, along with Michael Dal Colle, is getting a shot with the big club once again.

Both have been recalled on the terms of emergency basis and might have a shot in the lineup. Let’s be real, the Isles are better off with Ho-Sang or Dal Colle in the lineup than a Tom Kuhnhackl or even Ross Johnston.

With injuries, one or possibly both of them will see action tonight. My hope is that Ho-Sang gets a crack at the lineup tonight. If Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas are out tonight, a lineup like this could make sense:

Lee – Nelson – Eberle

Beauvillier – Barzal – Bailey

Ladd – Filppula – Ho-Sang

Kuhnhackl – Komarov – Clutterbuck

Ho-Sang has shown to work well with Val Filppula and Andrew Ladd. According to Natural Stat Trick, with Filppula, the two on a line together produce a 59.26 CF percentage. Without Josh Ho-Sang, Filppula is a 44.03 CF percentage. Then, as far as shots for percentage goes the Isles are also better off when Ho-Sang is with Filppula.

Together they have a 55.56 SF percentage while Filppula without Ho-Sang has a measly 45.40 SF percentage. Ho-Sang is a clear playmaker, and he makes Filppula much better offensively, which the Islanders could use help with.

Ho-Sang and Ladd’s advanced numbers are marginally better than Ladd without Ho-Sang, but if you look at their recent success in Bridgeport together it might make sense to put them on a line.

Of the two between Ho-Sang and Dal Colle, Ho-Sang is the more dynamic offensive piece which the Isles can desperately use. The issue is Ho-Sang hasn’t proved it enough this year, in 2016-2017 he was a difference maker for the Isles down the stretch, he has a chance to do that again this year if he succeeds in his opportunity.

This time around, Ho-Sang needs to prove to Barry Trotz that he can play a well-rounded game. Them and only then will JHS have a shot at sticking around long-term.