Barry Trotz shuffles Islanders lineup, looking for production
New York Islanders Barry Trotz looks on in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks at UBS Arena on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
DETROIT — Typically, Barry Trotz keeps his Islanders’ lineup intact after a strong game.
But the coach, both by choice and by necessity, reconfigured his forward lines for Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss to the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena following Saturday night’s 4-2 victory over the Devils that marked the Islanders’ first-ever win at UBS Arena.
Trotz needed to replace Mathew Barzil, who was placed in COVID-19 protocol on Tuesday.
That led to Anthony Beauvillier being re-inserted after the struggling left wing was a healthy scratch against the Devils. Beauvillier has gone 14 games without a point and his lackadaisical defensive play in Thursday night’s 4-3 loss to the visiting Predators became a tipping point for Trotz.
But Beauvillier’s strong stick backcheck on Pius Suter late in the first period prevented the Red Wings from a two-on-one opportunity.
"I liked his desperation," Trotz said. "He made a great play on that. I thought he was more noticeable tonight than he has been in quite some time, which is a positive for us if we’re going to do anything."
Trotz also chose to reform his longstanding identity line by putting Matt Martin back with Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck after burly Ross Johnston had dressed the last four games.
"I’m interested to see how everybody plays," Trotz said. "If they get an opportunity to get back in, I want them to make a statement. Tell me I’m wrong."
Bailey needs to produce
Josh Bailey had just one shot in 20:12 of ice time, giving him 15 for the season in 19 games. He had four on Saturday against the Devils and Trotz wants him to shoot more.
"He’s been working on shooting pucks before and after practice a lot more," Trotz said. "We need a guy like him to find the back of the net."
DETROIT — Typically, Barry Trotz keeps his Islanders’ lineup intact after a strong game.
But the coach, both by choice and by necessity, reconfigured his forward lines for Tuesday night’s match against the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena following Saturday night’s 4-2 victory over the Devils that marked the Islanders’ first-ever win at UBS Arena.
Trotz needed to replace Mathew Barzil, who was placed in COVID-19 protocol on Tuesday.
That led to Anthony Beauvillier being reinserted after the struggling left wing was a healthy scratch against the Devils. Beauvillier went without a point in 13 straight games and his lackadaisical defensive play in Thursday night’s 4-3 loss to the visiting Predators became a tipping point for Trotz.
But Trotz also chose to re-form his longstanding identity line by putting Matt Martin back with Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck after burly Ross Johnston had dressed the last four games.
"I’m interested to see how everybody plays," Trotz said before the game. "If they get an opportunity to get back in, I want them to make a statement. Tell me I’m wrong."
Goals wanted
Top-six right wings Josh Bailey and Kyle Palmieri each had just one goal entering Tuesday and Bailey had taken just 14 shots in 18 games. But he did have four against the Devils.
"You talk to Bails about, ‘You get an opportunity, let’s put it in play,’" Trotz said. "He’s been working on shooting pucks before and after practice a lot more. We need a guy like him and a guy like Palms to find the back of the net. They’ve done a lot of good things in other areas of the game. But that one area where they can help us out, it’s on them to shoot the puck and find the back of the net."
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
