What the Islanders lack in top-end talent, they are trying to make up for in depth. Every lineup spot is earned, and nothing is guaranteed — for veterans and rookies alike.
This is the no-nonsense philosophy established by team president Lou Lamoriello and enforced by head coach Barry Trotz. It has created an internal competition the likes of which this franchise has not seen in a long time, forcing players out of complacency and making them raise their levels of play if they want to stay in the lineup or get the requisite ice time.
So, Thursday night in Ottawa, there was Michael Dal Colle, 22 years old and on the verge of being thought of as a first-round mistake at No.