"Over the last two games, a blowout win over the Detroit Red Wings and an OT loss yesterday to the Philadelphia Flyers, the opposition made sure they were physical with Schaefer early and often. At the conclusion of Thursday's game, Mason Appleton of the Red Wings got into it with Schaefer in the dying moments of the game, resulting in the Islanders' cavalry rushing to his side."
"With Mayfield as the only experienced fighter in the current lineup, sending a defenseman to the box for five minutes isn't exactly ideal. Out in San Jose, the Sharks still have Ryan Reaves in the lineup, protecting their young stars in Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and now Michael Misa. There aren't many out there in today's game, but the Islanders should consider bringing in an enforcer."
The NHL has moved away from traditional enforcers as the game has become faster and fights rarer, yet some teams still find value in a physical protector. The New York Islanders could benefit from adding an enforcer to shield rookie Matthew Schaefer after opponents targeted him in consecutive games. Physical attention from Mason Appleton and Garnett Hathaway led to confrontations and Mayfield fighting. With Mayfield the only experienced fighter, sacrificing a defenseman to the penalty box is not ideal. San Jose uses Ryan Reaves to protect young talent. The Islanders could trade for or sign an enforcer depending on matchups.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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