Islanders stars’ struggles not worrying Lou Lamoriello

LAS VEGAS — During what amounted to a State of the Islanders Q&A with reporters Thursday at the midpoint of the season, Lou Lamoriello thought it interesting that questions about the recent struggles of Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri and Noah Dobson came from two former players now with 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 inquired 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.”

Regardless of subject, the Islanders’ president of hockey operations and general manager conveyed a lack of worry about the direction his team is headed and confidence that things will turn around in time for a playoff push.

That extended to Dobson, who is on pace for his lowest point total as an everyday NHLer just one year after a breakout, 70-point campaign that put him on Norris Trophy ballots and, seemingly, in line for a big-money contract extension.

“Sometimes, you try too hard, and sometimes, you don’t stay within the realm of who you are and just allow the end result to take care of itself,” Lamoriello said of Dobson. “And sometimes, expectations are built too high and they get in the way. I think right now, what we have to do is [have] each individual take a step back, look in the mirror.

“Who are you as a player? What is your role? Just make the most of it and collectively, together, go out and do it. Sometimes, we get out of that role and it gets in the way.”

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.

Anders Lee played his 800th game Thursday, becoming the 10th Islander to play 800 games in the uniform. Three of the others on the list (Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin, Nelson) are active.