The Islanders could look very different in Game 4.
Barry Trotz is considering a lineup overhaul with the Islanders on the brink, trailing Carolina 3-0 in the second round heading into Friday's do-or-die contest.
And those changes might even including benching Vezina finalist Robin Lehner.
"At all positions," Trotz said when asked about where changes could come.
In case it wasn't clear that goaltender was included, Trotz added, "I said all positions. That's a position."
"Quite frankly, I haven't told them who's playing in goal and I haven't told them their lines."
"You have to man up a little bit here and realize where you are. Tomorrow is a game 7. You want to be calm, but you also want to have that desperation in your game and that total commitment." #Isles pic.twitter.com/U7llDUHkOP
- x - New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) May 2, 2019
Lehner worked as part of a tandem with Thomas Greiss during the regular season, and both played well throughout the year as they shared the Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals in the NHL. But Lehner has started all seven of the Isles' postseason games.
He has a .946 save percentage and 1.69 GAA in those seven games. He allowed three goals on 36 shots in Game 3, one of which was scored after he mishandled a puck behind the net.
Trotz isn't concerned about any possible reaction by the players if he were to make a goalie change.
"We've lost three," Trotz said. "Reaction is, 'Let's go.'"