New York Islanders Three Standout Players from 2019 Preseason Game 4
The New York Islanders continue their preseason schedule with their second date against the Detroit Red Wings. With a 3-2 OT win, who stood out for the Islanders?
The New York Islanders hadn’t played since Saturday, for the Red Wings, they played just on Sunday. The Isles iced an NHL heavy team including their full top line while the Red Wings iced an AHL heavy team.
There’s no guarantee in hockey, but the Islanders were heavily advantaged on the night. It started off well with Jordan Eberle getting two goals within the first half of the first period. But from there, the Red Wings were able to power their way back into the game and force overtime.
The Islanders had a total of seven shots on net in overtime. Seven. In four minutes. Mathew Barzal, Jordan Eberle, and Noah Dobson ran circles around the Red Wings. If not for Jimmy Howard the game wouldn’t have made it to OT let along four minutes into the extra period.
But Howard couldn’t stop em all. The seventh shot, from Anders Lee off a feed from OT hero Mason Jobst ended the game.
With the win, the New York Islanders are 4-1 in the 2019 preseason. Great. But who stood out for the Isles? That’s what preseason hockey is all about.
Jordan Eberle
With two goals on the night, it’s hard not to say Jordan Eberle stood out. Yes, his spot on the roster is guaranteed. His spot on the New York Islanders top line is even guaranteed. But after a tough year in 2018-19, were all hoping to see that 60-70 point Eberle in 2019-20.
Seeing the top line and specifically Jordan Eberle working out as we’d expect in the preseason is a great sign for the Islanders this season.
Noah Dobson
He’s making an easy case to be an NHL player in 2019-20. He’s calm, poised, comfortable. He’s been good defensively and just as good offensively.
He played a total of 22:54 tonight and looked every bit an NHL as the rest of the Islanders blue line. And he’s only 19. There’s a number of tough decisions left for the Islanders blue line, but Dobson looks like he’ll make the cut.
Mason Jobst
He probably won’t make the cut for the NHL this season. But Mason Jobst is looking like one heck of a pick up by the Islanders. Coming in from Ohio State University as a free agent, Jobst put up his second OT point in the Islanders preseason.
This time Jobst isn’t the one scoring, but the one teeing it up for Lee. Again, Jobst connects with captain Anders Lee to close out the game in the extra frame with some incredible work to create space for Lee and to connect with the pass.
He’s got an engine that doesn’t quit and he’s making an impact on the Islanders coaching and management staff. I’d be amazed if he doesn’t make the NHL roster in 2020-21.
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The Islanders next preseason game is against the New York Rangers. Puck drop is at 7 PM. The game can be seen on MSG and MSG+.