Head coach Barry Trotz of the Islanders looks on during the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Barclays Center on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Barry Trotz constructed new forward lines trying to find the Islanders’ old form.
There were three new combinations to start Thursday night’s game against Vegas at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum. And the changes were more radical than the subtle tinkering Trotz had done in the previous three games.
That included having burly Ross Johnston, usually a fourth-line physical presence, starting with top-line center Mathew Barzal.
“I think we’re getting away from what we do,” the coach said.