Brock Nelson’s current scoring drought reached 17 games Sunday, but Roy does not have to approach it the same way with No. 29. Nelson is not one to beat himself up, like Horvat, or get frustrated, like Mat Barzal. At least publicly, he is steady and optimistic, almost without fail.

During what amounted to a State of the Islanders Q&A with reporters at the midpoint of the season on Thursday, Lou Lamoriello thought it interesting that questions about the recent struggles of Brock Nelson,

Brock Nelson's name has been in trade rumors and if he is dealt, Lou Lamoriello won't wait around. He'll make a deal soon enough.

Two months out from the NHL’s trade deadline, selling off assets is “not even a thought” in the mind of Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello. That is in keeping with his history, and the Islanders waking up Thursday morning in 15th place in the 16-team Eastern Conference — with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri both on expiring contracts — is not enough to change things as of now.

The New York Islanders are stuck at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and, in theory, should be sellers at the March 7 trade deadline. General manager Lou Lamoriello, however, is not ready to throw in the towel just yet.