Islanders Notebook: What’s Changed? Wahlstrom’s Big Chance, Goalie Relationship

On this beautiful Sunday, there’s hockey to be played at UBS Arena. The New York Islanders have won two straight games and have shown the life and consistency expected following the back-to-back postseason runs. For the first time in his career, Oliver Wahlstrom starts a game alongside Mathew Barzal. How vital is Ilya Sorokin’s relationship with Semyon Varlamov?

As we get set for Islanders vs. Ducks, let’s dive into these topics in the latest Islanders Notebook.

What’s Changed?

The New York Islanders have never really been in the fight in 2021-22. Outside factors have derailed a season full of expectations and it’s impacted the majority of players in the lineup. Even with all that’s gone wrong and their position in the standings, the Islanders have showed life since their west coast trip despite the lack of points.

These last two games against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Winnipeg Jets have shown what could have been had there been any consistency in 2021-22.

The most significant change has been the ability to play hockey and get into a rhythm. The Islanders are getting set for their 12th game in 22 days, a stretch of 23 games in 41 days before the month of March comes to an end. The power play has been on fire as of late, with goals in four straight contests.

The defense, with Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock reunited, has brought back a structure that has been missing.

The transition game has taken a step forward and the Islanders offense has been more effective because of it. That’s in large part to head coach Barry Trotz reuniting Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech. In the three games since the duo has been reunited, the Islanders have outscored their opponents 15-7.

The Islanders offense has outshot their opponents 110-107 over that span as well, the last two games 71-54. Both Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov have been consistent in goal and now are being given more support.

The one outlier was the Avalanche game where the Islanders did not get off to a strong start and the best team in the league took it to them.

“We’re getting goaltending. Our power play for the most part is contributing each night, our penalty kill has been good. Our overall game has been pretty good, you know defensively and we’re scoring some goals” Trotz said following Friday’s 5-2 win over Columbus.”That’s that has to feel good” Let’s call it what it is,  it has been a rotten year for us, you know, in terms of where we wanted to be and all that. And we’re just going day-to-day…”

Wahlstrom To Get Chance With Barzal

Are Oliver Wahlstrom and Mathew Barzal ready to play with one another?

New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz is giving these two players a chance Sunday night.

You know, just like anything, just by putting it on paper doesn’t make it work,” Trotz said about Barzal and Wahlstrom. “He’s (Barzal) got a guy who can really shoot the pocket in Wally and he’s had that with Kieffer, they both do that. And I think Zach’s been a really good complement with Barzy all year when he’s played with him. So hoping it works.”

“So we’ll see if Wally is ready for that, if Barzy is ready…If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, then we’ll just move on.”

Mathew Barzal missed six games before returning against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night with a lower-body injury.

He was dynamic in his return, as he skated alongside Zach Parise and Kieffer Bellows, Bellows who maybe did not make the post of his second opportunity with Barzal this season.

Now it’s Wahlstrom’s turn, a major opportunity for the young forward.

Worth Keeping Varlamov Around?

The New York Islanders have decisions to make ahead of the trade deadline on March 21. One of the biggest decisions, if it is a decision (I’m not Lou) is what to do with goaltender Semyon Varlamov. The 33-year old netminder has one year remaining with a $5 million cap hit and moving him would shed that money and allow Ilya Sorokin to be the true no. 1 netminder for this team.

But the return needs to be right, as the Islanders don’t need to take any offer for Varlamov’s talents.

How much value is there in the relationship that Semyon Varlamov has built with Ilya Sorokin over their two years together?

Trotz told the media a few days ago that besides being tandems, the two are best friends.

“He’s Ilya’s biggest fan when Ilya’s in the net, and Ilya’s Varly’s biggest fan when he’s in net,” Trotz said.”They go everywhere together.”