Oct 3, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders right wing Simon Holmstrom (92) plays the puck against New Jersey Devils right wing Arseny Gritsyuk (81) during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
EAST MEADOW, NY — Simon Holmstrom’s game has taken a noticeable downturn since taking a puck off the face, which broke his nose, in last week’s loss at MSG to the crosstown-rival Rangers.
Over his last three games, the New York Islanders’ veteran winger has gone pointless with a minus-4 rating and just one shot on goal.
While he said his broken nose is not causing any issues other than some initial trouble breathing through it, there has been an issue getting into the flow of the game.
“I’m just not as involved in games to the point where I wanted to be the last couple of games,” Holmstrom said. “So I just have to reset and do it again.”
A short talk with head coach Pete DeBoer before practice on Monday morning helped readjust. It had become increasingly clear that Holmstrom was more focused on the stat sheet rather than the process of getting himself in good positions for potential goal contributions.
“He’s an honest player,” DeBoer said. “I think sometimes expectations get in the way. Sometimes, you’re thinking more about the end result: the goals, the assists, the points, the production. Sometimes the process gets lost a little bit in that. So just a reset for him.”
That reset begins with what Holmstrom describes as winning “a couple puck battles,” being stronger in possession, and being more engaged when the puck is not on his stick.
DeBoer is hoping that a demotion to the fourth line from the second can help do that. Holmstrom will play next to veteran center Casey Cizikas, who has made a career of grinding down the opposition to open things up for his teammates. It has already worked this season with Ondrej Palat, who swapped roles with Holmstrom and skated on the second line Monday morning, and Matias Maccelli.
Holmstrom is considered by many to be one of the Islanders’ x-factors this season if they are to exceed expectations and compete for a playoff spot. The 25-year-old is expected to take the next step this season after potting 20 and 19 goals in his previous two campaigns.
“He’s put a lot of pressure on himself to score early in the season,” DeBoer said. “It’s been no secret that we’ve talked about needing more scoring out of everyone. We need everybody to take a step. So that’s a lot of pressure to deal with. So just a mental reset to put the process ahead of the result. “
For more on Simon Holmstrom and the Islanders, visit AMNY.com
