Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) celebrates his goal during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, in Buffalo. Credit: AP/Jeffrey T. Barnes
Jean-Gabriel Pageau is on a goal streak. The Islanders are on a winning streak.
That’s not coincidental.
The third-line center’s relentless skating and physical presence despite his 5-10, 180-pound frame, plus his work on both the power play and penalty kill, deepens the Islanders’ lineup. Coach Barry Trotz craves four-line balance and Pageau’s recent scoring has certainly helped achieve that.
"Sometimes, it’s just about confidence," Pageau said. "To get that confidence back, you need a full team to do that.