New York Islanders: Even with Barry Trotz, things are going to take time

The New York Islanders are just a few games into the 82 game season. But, one thing that has stood out more than others is something we have known for quite some time. It is going to take time to get there.

The New York Islanders have now played their first games this season. As they prepare to head out west for a long-trip, one thing remains clear with them. Things are going to take time.

Since taking over Barry Trotz is already doing some great things with the Isles. There are even things he is already better at with these players than the old regime ever was in way more time.

The Isles penalty kill is already better. They didn’t give up a power play goal until Saturday night’s game in Nashville. That is all Trotz’s scheme.

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The goaltending is moving in the upward direction. Trotz’s brought in Mitch Korn to be the director of goaltending. Thomas Greiss looked sharp and an updated style of play from Robin Lehner has allowed the Isles to have four points in the bank as they head West.

One thing that has carried over from the old regime that Trotz has done too is the ability to score goals.

The Isles still have scored at least two goals in all of their games and are getting different contributions from many different players once again.

Josh Bailey is coming on strong and he is playing his game the right way and proving he does not need John Tavares.

Mathew Barzal continues to be a wizard in open space and is learning how to be the best player on the ice.

Even newly acquired Valtteri Filppula is scoring goals and contributing.

So, if Trotz is fixing so many things and the Isles are carrying the things they did well last year into this one, then what is the problem?

The problem is still that the Isles do not have enough talent.

The Isles lost to the Nashville Predators twice so far. Their wins were in Carolina and vs the Sharks.

Essentially, the Isles have played two teams who are more talented than them, but got away by playing a perfect game in their win vs San Jose on Columbus day.

The New York Islanders still do not have the talent, from the top down to keep up with a team like the Preds. They aren’t losing these games because they are playing poorly, they just are not the better team.

The Isles still need time to let their system produce the talent they have coming up. Lou Lomoriello still needs time to learn what he is working with to make trades to get better.

Barry Trotz has a proven formula on how to be a great team, but needs time for his players to learn it and find the right pieces.

The Isles still have no defense and they are still not finished messing with their lines. Trotz knows that which is why they haven’t been the most consistent this year so far.

Now, Casey Cizikas is out and Andrew Ladd is back in so things are going to be happening all year that Trotz will have to adjust to.

The Isles just signed Stephen Gionta to be a replacement and fill a role. That is never an encouraging sign for a team to need him.

So, at the end of the day, no matter how amazing and brilliant Barry Trotz is, he still needs time. He is fixing the Isles already and the team has actually fought this year and is fun to watch so far.

But talent always wins championships and sustainability.

The Islanders are close but just do not have the talent right now. Another solid center needs to be a plan. The Isles defense is weak with just aging veterans or unproven rookies.

So, as aggravating as things will get for the short-term, and as painful as it might be to see this team start dropping left and right, just know this.

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The Isles are not here to try to win now. Trotz is going to do a great job with almost nothing. Just wait until he has significant upgrades with his talent. They are close to having that.

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