This team’s version of a “Core Four” hasn’t won anything yet, obviously. The Islanders aren’t even safely into the postseason yet. But one of the many things Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz have been evaluating all season long is whether the younger defensemen could handle Trotz’s system, one that requires defensemen to be vigilant with their bodies and their sticks at all times.



So far, so good: Ryan Pulock, after a few fits and starts under the previous regime, is emerging as a legitimate top-pair defenseman; Adam Pelech, with a few extra fits and starts (including this season), has smoothed out the rougher parts of his game; Scott Mayfield, a healthy scratch on opening night, counts as perhaps Trotz’s most improved player over the course of the season; and Devon Toews, a deserving starter on opening night, has arrived as advertised, a brilliant skater with solid instincts at both ends of the ice.



Pulock doesn’t turn 25...