Our New York Islanders are 9th in the
east (4th in the Metro) with a 15-12-4 record in 31 games at 34 pts. Just 2
behind the Penguins for the final wildcard spot. Since we last spoke, the team
has had some frustrating lows to go along with their growing list of improvements
from last season.
The overall defensive game is still a
strength along with their goalkeeping. The Isles are second in the east with a
91 gaa, but have only scored 89 goals for, ranking them 15th in the conference.
Just Carolina is worse with 84. “The Isles are 13-1-1 when they score at least
three goals (including shootout winners) and are 2-11-3 when they do not.” –
Hornick. The offensive play of Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Valtteri
Filppula and Anthony Beauvillier has led the charge, but the team needs more
snipe to go with their improving D-Zone play.
Thomas Greiss is 11-6-0-1 with a 2.59 gaa
and .916Sv%. Robin Lehner is 4-6-0-3 with a 2.66 gaa and .912Sv%. The
goaltending hasn’t been losing games and at times, has helped the teams mount
impressive comebacks for valuable points. Greiss is 19th in Sv%, Lehner 26th.
Several notable goaltenders rank behind the Isles duo. Names like Braden
Holtby, Marc-Andre Fleury and Connor Hellebuyck just to name a few. So, what does need
to improve at the mid-season mark for the Islanders for them to start making a
serious push in the east? More offense? How about a 26th ranked power play, 27th
ranked face-off percentage and a 21st ranked penalty kill? How much more can
Barzal bring?
The Islanders will not fix their man up
play if they continue to stand still and play defense FOR the opposition. I can’t
figure out why they don’t cycle and move the puck to regularly create space and
force the killers to work hard to preserve the pace of play. It’s been a
frustrating process to watch a team who has good offensive weapons struggle to
score 5 on 5, but even more when they have a man advantage to work with. This
was just as evident in the 4-3 S.O. win against Detroit on Saturday. Per Eric
Hornick, “The Isles' power play converted on their sixth attempt (and 14th
shot) to improve to 6-63 (9.5%) since November 1; the power play is 2-34 in the
last 13 games (with both goals against Detroit) … the power play is 2-34 in the
last 13 games (with both goals against Detroit).” Barzal’s 5 on 4 PP tally was
the first for the Isles in a month. Shooting the puck could also help. Or will
it? New York ranks 29th in the NHL at 28.2 shots per game but faired
statistically better when they are outshot. 2-8-1 when outshooting vs 13-3-3
when outgunned. Strange.
Winning a face-off sets the tone for
your offense, puts pressure on the defense and gives a team the ability to
regularly control play. The Islanders are starting to improve, but there is
still much work to be done. Per Eric Hornick, “The Isles won 7 of 10 face-offs
on the power play and have won 21 of 26 on the power play over the last four
games after winning only 20 of 43 over the prior nine games.” Controlling the
puck and staying out of the box should also help the Isles on the stat sheet. The
Islanders only allowed 21 shots (6 in O.T.) in their last win and 17 in the 3-2
loss against Vegas 3 days prior. The Isles have allowed 30 shots or fewer in
seven consecutive games – Hornick. It’s a start. And keeping the opponents off
the man advantage, especially at crucial times is another element that’s had to
lead to a better overall result. The Isles have allowed a goal 4 times in the
final two minutes of a game. But to their credit and resiliency, they’ve won 3 (CAR,
NJ, DET) out those four (TBL) games.
Matt Barzal is doing well 27 points (leads
team) in 31 games (6 in last 4 games), but only 4 of those points are goals.
Last season’s rookie-of-the-year has to be feeling the pressure of the award
and the expectations on himself and the organization this season at just 21
years of age. But I’m sure he wouldn’t have it any other way. He continually
out works the opposition and is one of the best in the NHL at drawing
penalties. Per Eric Hornick, “Mathew Barzal drew his 16th penalty; moving him
into the top-5 in the NHL in that category. He has drawn 56 penalties
since the start of last year (tied for the most in the NHL.” Barzal wants to
score goals. He has an OT winner, a PP tally and a game winner, but only a 5.8%
shooting percentage. That puts him just 15th out of 22 players (including
Ho-Sang) on the current roster. While he continues to evolve his game,
situational awareness, cut down on mistakes and listen to his coaches, Barzal
should be due for a break out soon. I can only image if the Isles are able to
figure out the face-off, PP or PK challenges or especially Barzal breaks loose,
what that will open for the team as a whole. A new threat level and some good
times for the players, fans and organization. Here’s to positivity and work
ethic.
It was great to see the team return to
Uniondale and it was just as fun to see the fan response to the Isles gritty
play at home. It made an impression on everyone who has watched the action so
far. Per Brian Compton, “Trotz: I haven't been in the NY area very long, but there’s
a distinct separations. This is Islander Country, plain and simple. They're
extremely passionate about their team and where they live and this franchise.
We're eager to bring it back to where we want it to be." Isles are 2-0-1 at
the sold-out Coliseum so far this season.
The Islanders start a 4-game road trip
(COL, ARI, VGK, DAL) tonight before coming back on 12/28 to face Ottawa. They
need to steal some points and get themselves dialed in before visiting Tavares
and his Maple Leafs on the 29th.
And I am still actively looking for a spot to hold Mid-State NY #Isles meet ups around the Westchester-Hudson
Valley area to watch games together. Sorting out possibilities & will post
in next week or two. In meantime, ask around & see who would be up to join
us.
Isles Notes:
Per Arthur Staple, “Isles on there on
their way to Denver. No roster moves so assume Ho-Sang is with them.”
Isles sign D Bode Wilde to three-year,
entry level deal.
Per Eric Hornick, “The Isles have now
won 76 shootouts, tying the Rangers and Penguins for the most in NHL history.
Mathew Barzal is only the second Islander to score in the club's five shootouts
this season. Barzal is now 2/7 all-time in shootouts; both of his goals
are game-deciding goals.”
Per Andy Graziano, “Why I don't trust
Sorokin is the savior fans are thinking he is....Mikko Koskinen, Anders
Nilsson. Per SportsNet, among goalies who played >23 games last year in KHL,
12 had .930 or better. 21 were .925 or better. There are 25 teams in the
league.
Per @Csomichapin, “goaltending prospect
Jakub #Skarek (2018 draft pick on ELC) has been in
goal for 15 #Liiga games this season. 1.90 GAA & .926
SV%. Fantastic for a 19-year old. Looks like a shoe-in for the #CZE #WJC squad. #LikelyStarter?”
NHL Notes:
Per Chris Nichols, “05-6: $39M 06-7:
$44M 07-8: $50.3M 08-9: $56.7M 09-10: $56.8M 10-11: $59.4M 11-12: $64.3M 12-13:
*$60M; pro-rated $70.2M (*lockout-shortened) 13-14: $64.3M 14-15: $69.0M 15-16:
$71.4M 16-17: $73M 17-18: $75M 18-19: $79.5M 19-20: *$83M (*projected).”
Sound Tigers Notes:
The surging and dangerous Bridgeport Sound
Tigers are 2nd in Atlantic and 3rd in AHL east with an impressive 17-8-3-1, 38
pt. record.
