Islanders third-pair decision comes into view as Isaiah George doesnt help cause in rough night

It feels like training camp only just started, and yet the clock is ticking for the Islanders to make roster decisions. Such is the reality of what is now a 13-day sprint.Saturday’s preseason finale is expected to feature something close to the opening-night lineup, which meant that Friday’s match at home against the Rangers was crucial for a number of bubble players, perhaps none more so than Isaiah George. The contest for the sixth and seventh defense spots has been perhaps the most open of camp.

George, who entered as the favorite to start next to Tony DeAngelo, slipped with a lackluster rookie camp and start to main camp — and while Pete DeBoer wouldn’t tip his hand when asked about the third pair Friday morning, you could read between the lines and hear what sounded like an endorsement of Scott Mayfield. “I think you’re looking for stability,” DeBoer said.“Just like a young forward trying to make a team or a line, you want to gain the coach’s trust.

The coach wants to feel good about putting those guys out there. “Let’s be honest, we’re starting on the road in Toronto.We don’t control the matchups.

You have to feel OK that [Auston] Matthews’ line is gonna jump over the boards, those guys are gonna be OK.I think that’s what we’re looking for, both with the forwards and defensemen.” George did not do much of anything to help the case that he would be trusted to hop over the boards with Matthews on the other side Friday night as a varsity Rangers squad beat down a mostly JV Islanders team 6-1.

George, who finished minus-1 and was caught puck-watching multiple times, had as bad a night as most of his teammates.  Sign up for Inside the Islanders by Ethan Sears, a weekly Sports+ exclusive.Please provide a valid email.

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