The spur-of-the-moment decision to try Casey Cizikas on the top line with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal last week in Philadelphia, like Patrick Roy’s reaction on Saturday, will have a lasting impact on the Islanders’ season ending. I might end up giving it. When asked about the trio at night.
“I’ve been here for two months and a few days, 31 games, 32 games, and I’ve gotten to know them more and more. I think I should have done it earlier,” Roy said. “That’s my reaction. I should have put him with Beau and Virgie earlier.”
The emergence of Kyle MacLean as a capable fourth-line center allows the Islanders to move Cizikas around the lineup where his energy can be best used.
But even with those conditions, the move was counterintuitive.
Cizikas is not considered a top-line winger by anyone, including perhaps himself.
This has paid off so far, with the trio accounting for 56.82 percent of scoring chances, as Cizikas’ skill set complements that of his linemates, but 50 percent on high-danger plays. It’s below %.
“They found open ice. The way they carry plays through the neutral zone and the ozone is unbelievable,” Cizikas told the Post after Monday’s practice at Northwell Health Ice Center. Told. “My job is very simple. I’m just trying to pick up the pace and bring them back. [defensemen] Turn it off so you have more space to go through there. If there’s a loose puck in the O-zone, I’m trying to chase it down and get it back into their hands.
“It’s been a lot of fun. It’s about keeping my game simple. I know I’m not that type of player. I know I don’t have the skill level that they have. I keep it simple. I try to work hard and get to the forefront of the internet. Let them do the rest.”
In Monday’s practice, Simon Holmstrom moved up to the second line and skated with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, while Pierre Engvall replaced Holmstrom with Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau on the right side of the third line. Placed.
“I thought he’s been playing good hockey since we hurt him,” Roy said. “Sometimes you feel like you have to try different things. I love the way he handles the puck, the way he moves the puck, the way he plays. With Nelson and Palmieri, there’s a little bit more on that line. I was hoping I could ignite a spark.”
According to Roy, Semyon Varlamov is scheduled to start in goal against the Rangers on Tuesday.
