Sunday, June 1, 2014

Islanders Offseason: Top 5 Keys For A Successful '14-'15 Isles Season



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:

 
Hear from #Isles GM Garth Snow on the Jaroslav Halak signing and more from his interview with @SiriusXMNHL. 



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