Islanders forward lines: 3 suggestions as fans wait for a trade

The New York Islanders have iced some odd lineups since Anders Lee was shut down for the season, here are a few options for Barry Trotz to try out.

With the loss of Anders Lee for the season and no replacement yet acquired by Lou Lamoriello, Barry Trotz is having to do some line tinkering to get the best out of his New York Islanders squad. And well, it hasn’t exactly gone well.

In Monday’s 2-1 loss to the Pens, Barry had Leo Komarov on line one, Ross Johnston on line three, and Matt Martin in his usual spot on the fourth line. While all three players have their particular set of skills that got them to the NHL, Barry isn’t using them in those roles any longer. And the results are borderline disastrous.

Here are a few lineup suggestions for Barry Trotz while he waits for Lou Lamoriello to bring in that top-six forward he needs.

1. He’s Ready

Bailey-Barzal-Wahlstrom
Beauvillier-Nelson-Eberle
Bellows-Pageau-Komarov
Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck

And by ‘he’ I’m clearly referring to Oliver Wahlstrom. With Bailey on the left side, the top line has its veteran leader and set-up man. Mathew Barzal can do his thing to open up lanes and space on the ice, while Wahlstrom just uses his God-given talent to get pucks on/in the net.

Line two continues to be a solid veteran line and a good secondary scoring line.

With Wahlstrom being effectively promoted to the top-six, Jean-Gabriel Pageau is given a new rookie to mold. Kieffer Bellows clearly hasn’t earned Trotz’s trust, but having him play with Pageau (as Wahlstrom did) could get him there pretty quickly.

The fourth line stays the same, of course.