Preaching a team concept means making sure every player on the 23-man roster feels a part of the team.
So, Barry Trotz’s lineup changes when his Islanders face the Sharks on Monday afternoon at Barclays Center are partly based on a physical opponent that features two Norris Trophy-winning defensemen in Brent Burns and newly acquired Erik Karlsson and partly based on making sure some players don’t sit out too long.
“We’re in the winning business, so you don’t want to do it just to make people feel good,” Trotz said after Sunday’s crisp practice. “But you try to incorporate as many people as you can early so they can be a part of your overall plan.