Islanders coach Barry Trotz struggles with line combinations

The New York Islanders offense has been an issue for quite some time. Last year, the Islanders were one goal short of making it to the Stanley Cup Final. This year, you see them struggling with the same issues.

So far this season, the Isles have experienced ongoing issues like positive COVID-19 tests and injuries which forced a change on the lines. The Isles seem to be picking up their game but the concern of weak offensive skill stays the same.

Isles fans tend to argue if we have that goal-scoring talent on the roster or if Lou Lamoriello needs to start seeking options. If the Islanders fixed a few offensive lines the team could make it work. 

New York Islanders fixing offensive lines

Lee - Barzal - Wahlstrom

For the first line, I would have Anders Lee, Mat Barzal and Oliver Wahlstrom play together. Each player brings a quality that will skyrocket scoring chances. Lee is a big body that can screen the goalie really well, Barzal makes entering the zone flawless, and Wahlstrom has a laser of a shot.

I can definitely see Barzal and Wahlstrom easily beating any goalie if they were to be paired with each other. Both of them can hustle and Wahlstrom proves he can make it to the net.

Beauvillier - Nelson - Bellows

Anthony Beauvillier was benched earlier in the season to "send a message". Since then, there has been more hustle and grit presented in his game. He works well with Brock Nelson who can get to the net. Nelson currently leads the team in goals at 14.

Kieffer Bellows would be a great addition to the second line because he can develop plays easily. He has an eye for setting up plays and he could feed Nelson with passes to get the Isles on the board.

Parise - Pageau - Czarnik

Zach Parise might not put up a lot of points, but he proves he has a high hockey IQ. He puts in work 100% of the time and hustles to every puck insight. Keeping him on a line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau allows Parise to hustle to the puck and look for Pageau to feed him a pass.

Austin Czarnik would be a great addition to the lineup. His play can develop greatly with mentors like Pageau and Parise. Currently, Czarnik played 11 games in the NHL and recorded five points. His willingness to grind and hustle makes this right-wing position perfect for him.

Martin/Johnston - Cizikas - Clutterbuck/Koivula

As much as I hate to break up our wonderful fourth line, we need to start cycling in some younger names. Matt Martin and Ross Johnston have the same style of play. They both have the enforcer role and the hustle is there 100% of the time. Having both of them in the lineup at the same time would not be ideal for the Isles.

Casey Cizikas can act as "the glue" for this line. He plays well with whoever he is paired with and continuously hustles. Martin and Johnston's presence on the ice can assist in opening a route to the net for Cizikas or the right-winger.

Rotating both Cal Clutterbuck and Otto Koivula can give Koivula the time needed to develop. In the AHL this year he's played a total of 34 games and has 30 points. If he can get comfortable at an NHL level, he could be a vital option for goal scoring.

Barry Trotz continues to shake up the lines but is it enough? Some big changes have to be made if the Islanders plan on making a cup run for the third year straight.