Lamoriello was questioned about the team’s identity. In the past – circa 2020 and 2021 when they reached the NHL semifinals – the Islanders were a very hard team to play against with solid defensive structure and a grinder’s mentality personified by the longstanding fourth line of Casey Cizikas centering Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck.

The New York Islanders suffered their second straight loss, falling 5-3 at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night at UBS Arena.