Patrick Roy not yet altering Islanders’ fourth line despite struggles

ST. LOUIS — There is really only one lineup spot in which it would be justified for the Islanders to consider a change after a 1-0 overtime loss to St. Louis ended the season’s first road trip in frustrating fashion. 

But it sounds as though Patrick Roy will exercise patience with his fourth line after an underwhelming start from the trio. 

“Very happy with them,” Roy said before the Islanders faced St. Louis. “I love their energy. I love the way they play. And you know what, doesn’t matter which line [they’re against], I’m very comfortable with them on the ice.” 

The trio of Casey Cizikas, Kyle MacLean and Oliver Wahlstrom has been the only Islanders line with a negative goal differential thus far, though that is also with the lowest percentage of faceoffs coming in the offensive zone. 

Roy was happy with how they played against the Blues, as well, noting a particular shift late in the second period as an example of the poise he wants the Islanders to show in the offensive zone. 

Swapping out Wahlstrom for Julien Gauthier, whose speed could make sense alongside Cizikas and MacLean, might make sense if Roy wanted to shake things up.

There have been a few moments during the first few games, including Cal Ritchie’s opening goal for the Avalanche on Monday night, where Wahlstrom has been caught out of place.

Roy, though, is happy with how No. 26 has acquitted himself so far. 

“He’s playing with two guys that play with so much energy, so I think it helps him a lot in a way that, OK, you don’t need to be perfect because you got guys who are playing very well offensively and defensively and play with that intensity,” Roy said Wednesday. “So I think it’s good for him and I feel like defensively, he’s been doing a lot of good things. 

“A lot of times he was coming back as a low forward and covering in for them, so I love it. And on the wall, he’s been doing a really good job. Better and better every game. So the more he plays better, I think his confidence will grow and I think we’ll see great things from him.” 

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The Blues were missing a number of regulars Thursday, including former Islander Nick Leddy (lower body), Alexandre Texier (upper body), Oskar Sundqvist (knee) and Torey Krug (ankle).

Pierre-Olivier Joseph replaced Leddy in the lineup after the Leddy got hurt Tuesday night in a loss to the Wild. 

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Ilya Sorokin started his second straight game in net for the Islanders.

Joel Hofer was in the crease for St. Louis.