Islanders Training Camp: Maccelli and Power Play Show Promise
As the Islanders began their training camp, two major uncertainties lingered. First, it was unclear what version of Matias Maccelli they would get. Could he step up as a top-six forward, possibly taking on a role similar to Anders Lee’s? Also, would the team be able to revitalize their power play?
In their second preseason matchup, against a lineup featuring numerous NHL regulars, both questions showed some promise. Maccelli, who played on the left side of the Islanders’ second line during their 4-3 victory over the Rangers, scored two of their three power-play goals. Last season, he started on the Maple Leafs’ top line with Auston Matthews, though he also spent time as a healthy scratch, wrapping up the season with only 14 goals and 39 points.
“Of course, the goal is to secure that role,” Maccelli shared, reflecting on his aspirations. “Tuesday was a solid start for me. I’m trying not to overthink it, just focusing on doing my job and performing well.”
Maccelli’s first goal came about through a bit of luck. He aimed a shot at the net that deflected off Rangers defenseman Sean Durzi and into the goal. His second goal was more straightforward; he took advantage of a rebound from Spencer Martin after a shot by Matthew Schaefer and found the back of the net.
While Maccelli acknowledged the preseason context, he still felt optimistic. Those goals might just indicate that his one-year deal with the Islanders could turn out well.
“You need to score a certain number of goals to make the playoffs, no matter how well you play defense,” said Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer. “We need to add goals to our lineup, and Maccelli seems to fit that requirement.”
“He did what he needed to do on Tuesday to establish his place on this team,” DeBoer added.
This development could align with the need to improve a power-play unit that struggled last season, finishing with the third-worst success rate in the NHL at 16.5 percent. DeBoer noted that the unit appeared “dangerous” during their power-play opportunities—Schaefer had the other goal—but he preferred to keep expectations in check.
“It’s just one game,” he reiterated. “We’re working on things. If we happen to go 0-for-4 in our next game, we’re not going to panic.”
Postgame, DeBoer commented on Schaefer, calling him a potential future captain for the team. “He’s one of those players I’ll look back on fondly at the end of my coaching career. I feel lucky to have had a front-row seat to his talent,” DeBoer said.
In other news, defenseman Ethan Bear and goaltender Henrik Tikkanen were waived with the intent of sending them to AHL Hamilton. Additionally, multiple players, including Cameron Berg, Cam Thiesing, and Jesse Pulkkinen, were assigned to the Hammers. Kyle MacLean netted the first goal for the Islanders during the preseason.
