Islanders News: Season opening thoughts

In many ways it was a very quiet summer for the Islanders — certainly in comparison to the whirlwind transformation of 2018 — and that extended to this site a bit, too, where we had less free agent drama and fewer features (sorry) too. All of the summer’s big news had to do with moves to...retain mostly the same roster.

Still, with two outstanding new faces in Devon Toews and Noah Dobson, there are reasons to be excited for the new season beyond that invigoration that a fresh October start annually brings.

No telling what’s to come this season: Statistical analysts and observers of the strengthening Metro put the Islanders down for a big regression-fueled step back; Barry Trotz, naturally, says Year 2 of his program and improved special teams will make them even better. (“That’s crap,” he says of concerns about the Islanders not being offensive enough, noting their 5-on-5 results last year.)

Regardless of where you stand, thank you SO SO much for taking that ride with us once again here for the {counts years...faints} 12th season of Lighthouse Hockey’s existence. We have more podcasts and other new things in the works for this season.

We also still have FIG Picks. Leave your First Islanders Goal picks for tonight’s opener against the Capitals here, but please read the revised rules first.

Officially, things get underway at 7 p.m. at the Coliseum on MSG+ and ESPN radio.

Islanders News

• Joshua Ho-Sang’s rep has requested the Isles “entertain another team” for a trade. Lou Lamoriello said they’ll see what’s out there, so he should stay away in the meantime, and if they find nothing he’ll report to Bridgeport. “He’s done nothing wrong. It is what it is.” [LHH | Newsday | Isles | Athletic]
• Thomas Hickey is full of character and setting the right example down in Bridgeport. And his take on Ho-Sang: “He’s obviously a very skilled, good player,” Hickey said, “a misunderstood, smart young guy. Whether it’s here or somewhere else, I wish him the best, and hopefully it’s here.” [CT Insider]
• But Hickey on Hickey: “Am I angry to be here? The answer is no. I’m disappointed things didn’t work out with the Islanders to this point, but I’m a professional hockey player [Newsday]
• That was part of a day where looooots was happening down in Bridgeport, where captains are announced today and the season opens tomorrow. [Soundin’ Off]
• That’s where Oliver Wahlstrom is looking to make a big impact. [CT Insider]
• Three cheers to Carey for his three-part informative deep dive into the Islanders’ organizational depth and its cap implications. The finale addressed the forwards, where some heavy contracts hurts the team’s outlook. [LHH]
• Here’s the official sunshine look at the current Islanders forwards though. [Isles] And here’s the defense and goalies. [Isles]
• Official lineup to come later (you can predict it though), but know that Casey Cizikas is good to go. [Isles]
• LHH season prediction thread right here. [Fanpost]
• How long has the sweep at the hands of the Hurricanes stung? All summer. The Islanders are ready to put it behind them and start anew. [Newsday]
• The coolest thing we saw all summer was posted just this week: Three minutes on how the Islanders’ ice is laid, cared for, painted, maintained. Sexier than it sounds. [LHH]
• The Best Fourth Line In Hockey(TM) remains “a persistent force” for the Islanders. [SI]
• Noah Dobson’s family is looking forward to seeing him again, even if they don’t see him in the lineup when they visit this weekend. [Journal Pioneer]

Oh that Lou, isn’t he so cute:

One of the better moments in Islanders history?

Elsewhere

Last night’s NHL scores include the #PlayLikeSmurfs leaving their aging goalie to bail them out against the Jets.

• Bargain additions Patrick Maroon and Kevin Shattenkirk each scored in their Lightning debuts for Tampa’s win in the Battle of Florida. [Sports Talk Florida]
• Three-year extension for young Hawks scorer Alex DeBrincat. [NBC Sports]
• Nazem Kadri was bummed to be traded but quickly turned the page. [Sportsnet]
• Projecting division winners throughout the south this year. [TSN]
• Roman Polak had a scary crash into the boards and was taken off on a stretcher but “has full use of extremities.” Yikes. [Sportsnet]