There are several things that Garth Snow &
the New York Islanders organization need to focus on this summer to avoid
another failed campaign next season.
Signing Jaro Halak was big need that can be crossed off the list. We all know that key goaltending, Defense
and Forward need to be bolstered before next season. But I want to reiterate a few things I feel are absolute
fundamental necessities for the organization in order to take the next step
& start to create a winning culture on the Island (and Brooklyn.)
1.
Accountability:
This point is huge. From the coaching staff right down to a fourth line player,
accountability has to be enforced for things to change with this team. We all know that players like John Tavares
can change the course of a game and that he has a tireless work ethic and hates
losing. Actually, several players share
qualities like these throughout the current line up and show their mettle with
how hard they can play. But this sort
of thing needs to be a constant and evident by example in every member of the
coaching staff and the entire team.
Failure to play up to the expected standard should result in
consequences. Too often, we have heard
about "passengers" and seen their play falter to the point of
complete disarray and fail to adjust.
There should be no one that gets a pass if the current members of the
team really want to win, continue to gain respect and change the image of the
organization. If anyone can not live up
to what is needed, they should not be allowed to represent the crest.
2.
Consistency:
It has been the Achilles heel of the team since
they started to show improvement over the last couple of years. We have all seen the "Never say Dielanders"
battle hard and fight their way back into a game or galvanize and rebuke each
and every assault by the opposition to get back into the game. Sadly, we have also seen many third period
meltdowns and the team falter when they have a win within their grasp. The power play & penalty kill needs to
find a rhythm to be an asset or reliable defensive element of the Isles game to
be a playoff team. The coaching staff
needs to manage the on ice product and give them the tools they need to
succeed. And as the players gain
experience and the roster improves, we should see improvements in this area.
3. Game
Plan:
To the credit of the coaching staff, the
Islanders have looked like "world-beaters" when they were able to
execute the game plan and play to their strengths. A speedy, aggressively physical game with a strong back &
fore check is key when playing more talented teams. While a balanced attack with all four lines, defense joining the
rush and confidence in the defense is the other half of what the team has done
well when they have played their best hockey.
All to often, the team didn't seem to be able to adjust to unexpected
events or a couple of quick goals by the opposition. Instead of following a formula that had brought them success,
they seemed to unravel and fail to gain their composure. The coaches need to perform their due
diligence with film work, effective team practice and proper motivation. They also need to be able to regroup when
things fall apart and re-engage their players as individuals and as a team when
necessary. The players need to follow
their leaders on the ice and execute their game plan, even when things get
dicey. Strong leadership from both
sides of the bench can keep the Isles on point.
4.
Depth:
Last season, while the Isles could score, the
glaring failures of the off season proved too great to overcome. The thin defensive core and ineffective
goalie carousel made it difficult to stay in and win games. Although there was a measure of depth that
proved itself late in the season, especially when the Isles fell from playoff
contention with several call ups from Bridgeport, the Isles were undermanned
with an experienced reserve. A few key
players like de Haan, Strome and Lee have the benefit of last year and should make
a play to improve the Isles this upcoming season. The buzz around the team is that the draft and free agency period
will be busy for New York due to lessons learned last season. We should see trades and an aggressive push
on July 1st to add the pieces where they are needed most.
5. Back
End
Snow has addressed the biggest defensive hole in
the form of a starting goaltender with the signing of Jaro Halak on May
22nd. Even though a change in Halak's
off season regiment has improved his ability to stay healthy, a quality back up
or 1A signing must be made to complete the rebuild of the Isles in net. A retooled line up on defense is also
necessary to give more stability on the blue line. Although a solid player, Visnovsky's health is a question mark
for the Isles and should be a concern for management. Hamonic, de Haan and Hickey are a great base for the Isles moving
forward and even though some promising rookies look to make their mark in camp,
more work must be done to add the final pieces on D. Making these improvements could make the teams biggest weakness
into one of their most reliable strengths.
Once complete, the balanced defense backed by veteran goaltending can
bring the Isles back on the attack and set their offensive weapons to bear on the
opposition. Back end confidence will
help a young team develop properly and win games.
Isles Notes:
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