Patrick Roy said just a few days ago that he is not considering revamping the power play unit despite its struggles.
Clearly, something has changed.
The Islanders deployed a new 5-on-4 style on Tuesday, and it immediately paid off. Matt Barzal fed Bo Horvat from the back of the net to set up the goal on the first power play chance that ultimately made it 2-1. Beat the Blackhawks.
“I think it’s important to have two different looks,” Roy said. “And on any given night, if the opposing team does a good job of shutting us down, we have another unit that can score goals. That gives us belief that he brings two very good weapons. I am.”
The top unit still featured Barzal and Horvat, with Noah Dobson serving as the running point. However, Casey Cizikas was in front of the goal and Jean-Gabriel Pageau was on target.
The second unit also had Mike Riley at the top, Ryan Purok on one of the half walls, and Anders Lee at the front of the net.
However, Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri moved down from the top unit to create a little more balance.
“I think it was a little different having Brock and Palms joining this unit,” Roy said. “But I thought they would feel more comfortable if we could practice a little bit.”
As always, the chemistry between Barzal and Horvat was clear. They also started the night on the same line for the first time since mid-Mach.
“I can’t believe he chose to go with a backhand there,” Horvat said of the assist. “I was hoping he would give it to me sooner, but then he outran everyone and thankfully I stayed in the right position. It was just a matter of getting it in from there.”
Simon Holmstrom joined Hudson Fassing in the lineup, which had been intact for four of the last five games, and scored the winning goal at 9:25 of the third game.
“I want him to earn it,” Roy said. “And that’s what he did. He scored a big goal for us and I thought he had a solid game. [Pageau] And Anders [Lee]”
Robert Bortuzzo also replaced Sebastian Aho after playing six consecutive games, and Roy said the Islanders wanted to give Bortuzzo a day of rest since he recently returned from injury.
Ilya Sorokin made 18 saves and earned his first win after starting six games.
