New York Islanders: Finish What You Start

Coming off of their 5 day NHL “Bye” period, our New York Islanders fell to the 2 worst teams in the Western Conference on their latest road trip. They dropped a 2-1 contest in O.T. to Colorado and an offensively starved, 2-1 shootout loss to the Coyotes after giving up the tying goal in the final few minutes of regulation. Eric Hornick mentions, “The Isles lost on back-to-back nights in either overtime or a shootout for the first time in club history.” New York is last in the East (15-15-8) with 38 points and are still struggling to close teams out. They have been strong at scoring first, but have 8 loses in the extra session and faltering where they, at one time, showed a strength. Those missed 8 points (O.T. or Shootout loses) could have played a big part on changing around the fortunes of the season thus far. The inconsistent scoring punch has played a role in their situation, especially in overtime and the shootout. The departure of Frans Nielsen from their shootout roster, has impaired their ability to finish those kinds of games out even more.

Eric Hornick illustrated a few disturbing patterns in the Isles end-game:

“The Isles have allowed the final goal of regulation in nine of their 11 games that have gone to overtime this season, including three in the final minute.”

“Isles have been tied in the third period in ten of their 15 regulation losses (and 18 of their 23 overall losses) but have allowed the lead goal in the final 3 minutes of regulation five times.”

“Isles are 1-3 in shootouts this season, scoring on 5 of 22 attempts. The Isles have not scored a goal in any of their three losing shootouts (0-8).”

On the positive side, they have up to 4 games at hand against some teams in front of them.  Ground can be made if they can ever get things going and are still within 9 points of a wildcard spot in the playoff race. If they continue to steal points, they should remain in the running for a post season push. However, if they don’t figure out a way to shake off these shortcomings, they may not ever, truly take that next step.

I feel they can, but it will take more than building on the positives and I think it finishes with a change in the coaching style and in the front office. Garth Snow believes in Jack Capuano, but as I wrote about in previous articles, perhaps a newly installed President to share control and infuse change in team ideology would trickle down to every part of the organization. Real consistency on special teams, checking game and a solid 60-minute game plan needs to be instituted by the coaching staff and enforced by the players to realistically contend as an elite team.

That will take an organization belief that the talent is actually there and organizational culture has changed.

Here’s to believing in what’s important.

The Islanders have a home at home against Florida, including a night to honor NHL and Islanders broadcasting legend, Jiggs McDonald at home on Wednesday, January 11th.

Isles Notes:

Adam Pelech has been activated off IR and been called up to the Islanders from Bridgeport.

Per Michael Fornabaio, “Halak (who will ultimately wear 41; Cullity to 39) declined to comment on the past week. "It's past." Looking forward to playing.”

With Jaro going with the BST, Eamon McAdam (G) has been reassigned to the @MissouriMavs by the @NYIslanders.

Per Eric Hornick, “Jaroslav Halak earned his first AHL victory since February 24, 2008 but left the game late in the 2^nd period with an injury.” Halak went to the locker room after taking a high shot.

Per Michael Fornabaio, “Brent Thompson wouldn't be specific about where Halak got hit but said "he'll be fine."

Per Stephen Valiquette, “(Michael) Grabner is Tied with Ovechkin with 18 goals. 2 more than Malkin. 4 more than Seguin and McDavid. 6 more than Kane. 7 more than Tavares.”

WJC2017:

Islanders prospect, Keiffer Bellows (2016, 1^st round, 19^th overall) had 2 goals in the gold medal game and helped Team USA to a 5-4 shootout win against fellow prospect, Matthew Barzal and Team Canada.  The Americans were an impressive 7-0 in the tournament and Bellows spoke highly of his squad and their dynamic relationship and team culture. "Champions walk together forever," Bellows said.

Per Rob Taub, “Bracco, McAvoy, Fox, Thompson bringing home the gold to Long Island, outstanding #USAWJC.”