Thursday night’s home opener to kick off the Islanders’ 50th-anniversary season was a bit of a dud in highlights and outcome. But it wasn’t a humiliation (nor a dreaded shutout), and the game was up for grabs throughout.
The most significant change this season, the Islanders blueline (in: Alex Romanov and Robin Salo; out: Zdeno Chara and Andy Greene), was part of the focus — and each newcomer had his difficulties, particularly Salo.
Up front, many are expecting Mathew Barzal to be unleashed, and he definitely generated opportunities and held on to the puck longer than he would when following Peak Trotz instructions.