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 2nd 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, 1st round, 19th 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.”
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