Islanders News: Major decisions await

Folks, I hadn’t realized it, but Pajama Boy’s celebration after his first NHL goal was still my avi for LHH/SB Nation. I have promptly corrected the error, and I apologize for not having discovered this discrepancy sooner. My new avi is now the Calder Kid’s first NHL goal celebration.

Anyway, the Islanders’ preseason schedule is winding down here, with only two games remaining: Wednesday evening at Madison Square Garden, and Friday night at Barclays Center against the Sabres. More importantly, it means actual NHL hockey is around the corner.

Islanders News

• Bridgeport’s Webster Bank Arena played host to a nice showing by the Islanders, where they defeated the Rangers 5-2. Anthony Beauvillier had two goals, Josh Bailey had three points, and Mathew Barzal, Jordan Eberle, and Parker Wotherspoon each had two assists. [Islanders | Soundin’ Off]
• Before the game, the Islanders made their first cuts, without any real surprises. They had already started treating two groups as NHL guys and the third group as the AHL squad, and that third group is either Bridgeport- or junior-bound. [Islanders]
• But now the hard work begins, says Andrew Gross. In the next two weeks, Barry Trotz will have to make his final roster decisions and implement his system with that roster. [Newsday]
• Devon Toews and Kieffer Bellows, who both had varying levels of success last night, are making it difficult to keep them off the opening night roster. [Newsday]
• Toews, especially. If the team doesn’t see him as one of the top six defensemen in the organization, they’re full o’ turds. He’s recovered quite nicely from his shoulder injury. [CT Post]
• Arthur Staple delved a bit deeper into this idea, all but stating that Toews should be the seventh defenseman over Luca Sbisa - which, I suppose, means we’ll be stuck with both Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield as starting defensemen, but Toews will almost assuredly leapfrog one or both of them. Staple also touches on the combination of Anders Lee and Brock Nelson, and Bellows as a lock. [The Athletic]
• Barzal led the NHL in offensive time of possession per game last season and in carry-outs from the defensive zone per game last season, and finished top five in carry-ins to the offensive zone. [The Point]
• Michael Fornabaio’s observations from Thursday/Friday include his hip pain. Sorry, dude. [Soundin’ Off]
• The Maven’s Memories segment continues, with Stan Fischler remembering the Islanders first playoff qualification. [Islanders]

A Couple Non-Isles Items

• Carey Haber digs into Josh Morrissey’s bridge deal with the Winnipeg Jets and what it means to have signed it later in the offseason. [The Cap Space]
• Anders Lee’s opinion is heavily cited in this Craig Custance piece examining the ideal time to pull the goalie. [The Athletic]
• The Flyers will almost certainly have a mascot this season, and it will likely be orange. You’re welcome, earth. [BSH]