Islanders News: Devon Toews’ big step, Anders Lee’s big decision

Last night the NHL saw a third Game 7 overtime in the same postseason for the first time in its history.

So, hockey is fun.

Islanders Reading

• Raised expectations: Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz don’t want their team to be a one-year wonder, but key players may leave via free agency. [Newsday]
• One of those guys is captain Anders Lee, who’d really be a shame to lose. [Newsday]
• Here are all their interviews from clean out day. [Isles video]
• Despite the playoff exit, the Isles are optimistic about their future. [AP]
• One reason? Rookie defenseman Devon Toews was a revelation (though safe to say many of us expected it) who now gives the Islanders some roster flexibility. [Athletic]
• But how optimistic should they be? The history of teams that surprise as much as they did is littered with crashes back to earth. [Athletic]
• They are coming to terms with their offseason truth, a very un-Post yet somehow very Post headline. No, those terms do not involve a guru or cult. [Post]
• What did Butch Goring think of the Islanders’ season? [MSG]
• “Lucky” for Rick DiPietro, he found radio. [Sports radio pod]
• Brendan Burke isn’t busy enough so this summer he’s going to do NBC Sports calls of the Premier Lacrosse League. [NBC]

Elsewhere

It took double overtime in Game 7 of the Western semifinals, but the Blues finally knocked off the Stars to earn one birth in the conference final.

The other Western Game 7 is tonight with the Avalanche in San Jose. Both teams claim they’re fine, why do you ask, no pressure at all we swear. [NHL]

• Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will miss Game 1 of the Eastern final with a one-game suspension for his headshot on Josh Anderson. [NHL Discipline video]
• Now that they’re done and filled with high-profile free agents, the Blue Jackets are in a “you never know” state of mind. [ESPN]
• Meanwhile, the Oilers did the thing: They named deposed Red Wings GM Ken Holland their new GM, with “full autonomy.” [Copper & Blue] What does he need to get done in Year 1? [Lowetide @ Athletic] A new coach is one of ‘em, since he won’t bring back Ken Hitchcock. [NHL]
• Reclusive owner Daryl Katz says yes, many are to blame for the Oilers’ endless struggles, but “it starts with me.” [Edmonton Journal]
• Some Red Wings fans? Not too sorry to see Holland gone. “This man destroyed my team for a decade.” [Edmonton Journal]
• Edmonton media are ready to buy in though: The ol’ “IF YOU HAD MET KEN HOLLAND YOU’D KNOW NOT TO DOUBT THIS VERY NICE MAN.” [Sportsnet]
• Will the Penguins’ offseason moves be even more drastic/knee-jerk now that the team that swept them got swept by another Metro team? [Pensburgh]
• Mullets, flow and more: A deep dive into hockey’s love affair with hair. [ESPN]