LAS VEGAS — During Thursday's Q&A, the equivalent of a State of the Islanders Q&A with reporters midseason, Lou Lamoriello talked about the recent progress of Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri and Noah Dobson. I thought it was interesting that the question about his struggles came from two former national team players. MSG, Butch Goring, Thomas Hickey.
“I love that you ask that question because I think you've been in similar situations at different times in your career and you know how quickly it can change,” Lamoriello said Goering after he asked about the two forwards. He has only scored two goals in his last 17 games. “And when that changes, it goes in a different direction. But they're working on it. With their quality, I'm sure they'll be there at the right time.”
That quickly changed, at least for Nelson, as the Isles won 4-0 against the Golden Knights about eight hours later, ending his shutout streak at 17 games.
“It’s nice to see him definitely get in the net,” Nelson said. Nelson knocked in a Mathew Barzal feed off the rush 5:30 into the second half. “It's been a while. I thought our line was good for a few games, so it's nice to get rewarded. A big win would be even better. They're a tough team to play against. It's a big win for us.”
Nelson has always been a consistent scorer, and the Islanders could definitely use him now.
It is imperative that they win their second straight game against the Knights in Utah on Saturday to become their first three-game winning streak this season.
If the Isles are going to prove Lamoriello right and take a loss, they're going to have to do it sooner rather than later.
Nelson's scoring pace has slowed this season, and Thursday's goal was only his 11th of the season at the halfway point, but if a resurgence occurs, it could play a big role.
“Nellie was tough,” Anders Lee said. “He's been playing great hockey. He's been setting up his shots with guys and for some reason they haven't gone for him. But he's played great hockey all season. He continues. It's great for him to progress and score some nice goals. I'm very happy for him.”
Simon Holmstrom (upper body), Isaiah George (suspected concussion) and Semyon Varlamov Lamoriello said the entire (lower body) team will likely return to the Islanders for practice once they return from Salt Lake City. hudson fassing (upper body) could be completed within two weeks, but is subject to change.
As for Mike Riley (heart surgery), Lamoriello said he expects him to return sometime this season, but he is not allowed contact with Riley yet.
