LAS VEGAS — During what amounted to a State of the Islanders Q&A with reporters at the midpoint of the season on Thursday, Lou Lamoriello thought it interesting that questions about the recent struggles of Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri and Noah Dobson came from two former players representing MSG, Butch Goring and Thomas Hickey.
“I love you being the person that’s asking that question because I think you’ve found yourself in a similar situation at different times in your career and you know how quick that can change,” Lamoriello said after Goring asked about the two forwards, who have combined for just two goals in the last 17 games. “And when it changes, it goes the other direction. But they’re working at it. The quality of people they are, I have no doubt they’ll be there at the right time.”
At least for Nelson, it changed pretty quickly as he snapped a 17-game streak without a goal in the Isles’ 4-0 win over the Golden Knights some eight hours later.
“Nice to see one go in for sure,” said Nelson, who whipped in Mathew Barzal’s feed off the rush at 5:30 of the second. “It’s been a while. Thought our line had been good for a couple games so it’s nice to get rewarded. Even better with a big win. That’s a tough team to play against. Big win for us.”
Nelson always has been a streaky scorer, and the Islanders could certainly use him right now.
It is imperative that a second straight win over the Knights gets turned into the season’s first three-game win streak in Utah on Saturday.
If the Isles are going to prove Lamoriello right and go on a run, it’s going to need to happen sooner rather than later.
Nelson, whose scoring pace has dropped off this season — the goal he potted Thursday was just his 11th of the year at the halfway point — figures to be a big part of the renaissance, should it occur.
“Nelly’s been all over it,” Anders Lee said. “He’s been playing great hockey. He’s been setting up guys and his shot, for whatever reason, they haven’t gone in for him. But he’s been playing great hockey throughout this season. Great for him to get one going and a good-looking goal at that. Very happy for him.”
Simon Holmstrom (upper body), Isaiah George (suspected concussion) and Semyon Varlamov (lower body) are all likely to rejoin the Islanders for practice when they return from Salt Lake City, Lamoriello said. Hudson Fasching (upper body) could do so in two weeks, but that is subject to change.
As for Mike Reilly (heart surgery), Lamoriello said he is still hopeful for a return this season, but as of now, Reilly is still not allowed to take contact.