Evaluating the NY Islanders' lineup changes

The third line is finally whole.

The Isles' top line eventually found an imperfect fit at left wing that could work well with Barzal and Horvat in Lee. However, the third line never found a left-wing solution with the new chemistry built between Holmstrom and Pageau. Since Gauthier was waived and Wahlstrom was placed in the press box, Roy finally moved Pierre Engvall down to the bottom six in search of a solution. In terms of characteristics, Engvall is similar to Holmstrom in terms of their passing, speed, and ability to create turnovers.

The interesting pairing for this line was Roy's decision to have Casey Cizikas center the new trio. Playing on the Identity Line for nearly a decade does not require much offensive output as Cizikas was asked to be an agitator. However, the new third line has oddly been the most unexpectedly productive. Each of them has had great scoring opportunities with Cizikas and Engvall netting a goal a piece.

Furthermore, they mirror each other in terms of speed and passing ability, which has made their offensive zone entrees and ability to clear the defensive zone more precise. While Cizikas' hits have been nonexistent since changing roles, his untapped offensive potential has finally been given a long-deserving opportunity.