Islanders seeing an added dimension in Simon Holmstroms game

ST.LOUIS — Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau were watching tape a few days ago and noticed a clip of Simon Holmstrom on the forecheck. The winger, who plays with Lee and Pageau on the third line, was getting in on the forecheck and playing physical hockey, the sort that isn’t generally considered part of his game.

It’s not the first time his linemates have noticed a little more oomph in Holmstrom to start the season. “That’s an aspect of the game he’s continued to grow with,” Lee told The Post.“One he doesn’t have to rely on, but when he adds it in there, we get pucks back, his ability — even if it is just get in [the opposing player’s] way and poke the puck, that helped turn our goal in the other night [against Colorado] with him just getting in the way there.

His game’s just continuing to grow, he’s getting stronger and I think his confidence is doing well.” Holmstrom picked up the primary assist on Lee’s goal Monday night in Denver, his second of the season.The Swede is starting his third year in the NHL and it’s still a little bit of an open question what sort of player he’ll be. The Islanders have mostly used Holmstrom in the bottom six, but given him the occasional chance higher up the lineup and emphasized the 23-year-old’s offensive potential.

It was, though, his defensive awareness that first allowed him to stick in an NHL lineup.So far this season, it’s been the physical, defensive side of his game that’s stuck out most to those who watch him every day. “Physicality can be seen, not only with a big hit but using his body way more,” Pageau told The Post before the Islanders faced the Blues on Thursday.

“Protecting the puck or if there’s a battle, putting his body in front first.He’s a big kid, big ass, he’s gotta use those big legs and I think he’s using those more to his advantage now.

I don’t know if it’s with experience or confidence, but I feel like he’s winning a lot of battles like...