JG Pageau says NY Islanders are operating on same page during five game point streak

The New York Islanders’ five-game point streak has not been accidental, according to forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who pointed to buy-in and structure as the foundation of the run despite Saturday’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Flyers.

“A lot of commitment… a lot of sacrifice,” Pageau said. “We’re on the same page and working extremely hard to climb up the standings. Everyone is buying in and it feels like a good energy right now.”

One driver in that stretch has been the penalty kill, which again produced a key moment with Simon Holmstrom’s short-handed goal in the first period. “It’s something we’ve worked a lot on,” Pageau said. “There are good power plays in this league and penalty kill is extremely important. Everyone takes pride.”

Holmstrom has also impressed at five-on-five since moving up to Pageau’s line. “His hockey IQ is outstanding,” Pageau said. “You see the confidence — protecting pucks, blocking shots, the little details you don’t always see on the scoresheet.”

Pageau credited chemistry and repetition for their success when short-handed. “We talk a lot — a lot of communication where we’re going to be on the ice,” he said. “On those key moments, we’re always ready to go the other way.”

The night also included the NHL debut of Marshall Warren, who posted two assists. Pageau said the reaction inside the room matched the weight of the moment. “It was amazing,” he said. “The little butterflies — it just makes you happy as a teammate. He worked so hard and he deserved that chance, and he took it.” Pageau said the emotion around Warren’s debut was felt. “You could feel the joy in his eyes,” he said. “It was contagious.”