energy circle
everything I read says he didn't use the ''energy circle"... also, FWIW 4 pilots repeated the scenario in the simulator and turned right away to LGA and all made it.
so I really don't think the energy circle was working...I understand he was in a situation that didn't display this option.
and for the question, use the best one available by radio, or by knowledge of the general pressure situation over the ocean. standard is one way to go without additional knowledge...but if you know you are flying over an area of high pressure...you might want to adjust things
but you would be advised of lowest useable flight levels if pressure was way off.