Reading preseason lineups is a dangerous task at the best of times.
But the Islanders offered a reason for the conspiracy on Monday.
Maxim Tsyplakov made his debut in the top six.
Julien Gauthier was keeping an eye on the fourth row.
And Pierre Envall's absence was conspicuous.
All of this added up to a sloppy 4-3 win over the Flyers that featured a full lineup of NHLers, which may be exactly how things were going to be on opening night, Oct. 10.
Simon Holmstrom played most of the time on Nelson's left side in camp, and Engvall also made brief appearances, but this was Tsyplakov's chance to prove himself.
“I think this is a line that can be very successful,” Kyle Palmieri said. “We were a little sloppy overall tonight. We weren't as crisp in the neutral zone.”
But Tsyplakov made his presence known with his 16:07 on the ice, contributing a screen assist (if there is such a thing in hockey) on Matthew Barzal's power-play goal.
“I think the more comfortable he gets and the more speed he gets, the better he gets,” Palmieri said. “Obviously there's not much of a language barrier, but he's still learning the system and things go a little faster in camp sometimes. As he gets more comfortable, he'll get even better.”
Engvall's omission from the match group during pre-season, after not performing particularly well, raised some eyebrows.
“I think his camp went well,” Roy said of Engvall. “Obviously, he's -5 degrees.” [in games]. So I'm not saying his play is bad. I think he's tried to do what we've asked him to do. But I have nothing negative to say about his play. ”
There's no need to read too much between the lines.
It would be surprising if Engvall, who signed a seven-year contract with the Islanders in July 2023, doesn't make the Opening Day roster.
That seems unlikely, but as Mr. Engvall watches from the press box, it looks like that's exactly what's happening.
“I think everyone is fighting hard to get into the lineup,” Engvall said. “I think there are some players who are more confident. For me, I tried to do my best from day one and skated hard and well. Unfortunately, some of the games I played were negative. We had some points, but we just have to keep trying our best.”
As for Gauthier, his chances of making the Opening Day roster suddenly look better after the former Ranger spent the second half of last season with AHL Bridgeport.
Asked if he thought he could earn a spot in the lineup, Gauthier said, “I do.” “They gave me some confidence tonight just by showing that I can be in the lineup. I've got to make the most of it. Of course, if it continues to go well like this. , I don't know why it doesn't work.
Gauthier's opening day status could depend on Hudson Fassing, who is dealing with a lower-body injury and was skating alone on Monday.
The Islanders have a math problem to solve before training camp ends. Unless Ilya Sorokin (back surgery) starts the season on long-term injured reserve, the team will likely only have 22 players on the roster due to salary cap constraints.
As a result, only two of Fasching, Oliver Wahlstrom, Samuel Bolduc, Gauthier, Matt Martin, and Engvall, who were previously not considered at risk, will be able to be on the active roster. .
That's more interesting to the islanders than this time of year can bring.
And with only one preseason game left, it could still be shaken out in any way.
