Barry Trotz knows third-line mates Valtteri Filppula and Leo Komarov don’t have good advanced analytics numbers. But the Islanders coach also knows what he sees on the ice and how the Finnish forwards interact with their teammates.
Trotz trusts his eyes to confirm the Islanders were right to bring in both as free agents despite the outside derision the signings brought.
The Islanders were off on Friday in advance of Sunday afternoon’s game against the Stars to conclude a three-game homestand at Barclays Center. Filppula, 34, had three assists, including the 300th of his career, in Thursday night’s 7-5 win over the rival Rangers, Komarov, 31, added a goal and an assist and, together, they formed instant chemistry with struggling Anthony Beauvillier, 21, who notched his first career hat trick along with an assist.