Simon Holmstrom Needs To Take Advantage Of Newest Opportunity
Holmstrom is getting promoted.
One of the best stories of the New York Islanders wishy washy season has been the exponential growth of Simon Holmstrom.
The 23-year-old has brought more offense than ever before, with 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points in 58 games after 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points in 75 games last season.
He’s primarily played on the third line, getting tasked with shutting down the best the opponents have to offer.
However, with all the injuries and inconsistencies from others, head coach Patrick Roy has awarded him top-six minutes lately.
On Sunday night against the Florida Panthers, Holmstrom is getting a promotion. He finds himself in a new spot, on the top line alongside Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri with Anthony Duclair dropping to the second line.
“We score one goal in every game, so we are trying to create some offense, and hopefully that will create the little spark that could give us some scoring,” Roy said.
With Brock Nelson no longer on Long Island, the team misses their best finisher.
They’ve been outscored 10-3 over their last three games, and Holmstrom is one of those players who must step up.
Holmstrom has failed to score in each of his last 11 games, with four total assists, averaging 1.63 shots per game. On the top line, with the way Horvat has been skating — No. 14 scored last game — Holmstrom has to get pucks on net more.
With Nelson gone, Holmstrom is also getting more of an opportunity on the power play, a special teams unit that is last in the NHL and 2-for-18 (11.1%) without No. 29.
Yes, the Islanders will need him to contribute offensively if they are going to go on a magical run over these last 17 games to find a way to sneak into the playoffs.
Holmstrom, a pending restricted free agent, is also a player fighting for a more prominent role in 2025-26, so these games certainly matter a lot with the expectation that Roy will be back.
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