New York Islanders: Scores Settled and The New Identity

Last time we looked at our Islanders, they were 9th in the east and about to start a 4-game road trip, meet Colorado at home and travel to face former Isles captain, John Tavares and his Maple Leafs. The Isles went into the road trip on a 3-game winning streak and were starting to elevate their game again. It turns out, they continued to impress, going 3-1 on the road trip and beat Colorado before their anticipated “reunion” with Tavares on 12/28. Head Coach, Barry Trotz imparted his usual master-crafted commentary to set the tone of play early, “They need to have some hurt.” Also said that he wants his guys to recognize that Tavares made the decision to be their teammate no longer, in the summer.” - Taub

Tavares admitted it was a strange feeling and seemed a bit uncomfortable at his Toronto press conference prior to the game. That was nothing compared to how uncomfortable he would be after a 4-0 route by his old team. The Islanders were led by a natural Hat trick from that ‘kid that won the Calder’ and a solid performance by Robin Lehner in the Isles net for his 2nd shutout of the season. We all knew the Isles were starting to win with Barzal contributing in the assist column, but we also know how much better the Islanders will be as Barzal continues to add goals the way he knows how. With the evolution of his complete multi-zone game, Barzal has really helped the organization move on from the last 9 years without a second thought. Per Andrew Gross, Barzal - “Anytime you're coming to Toronto, Hockey Night in Canada, playing in the so-called Hockey mecca, you're trying to play a good game. You've got to be on your game against a team like that. You could tell before the game everyone was dialed in." Barry Trotz tied (782 wins) Islanders’ legend, Al Arbour for 4th place on the NHL all-time coaching wins list, with the team’s 4-0 win, per Eric Hornick.

While the Isles game on New Year’s Eve wasn’t quite at the same level of emotion for many, it was a nervous time for Isles starting goaltender, Robin Lehner. Lehner was open to returning to Buffalo after last season but the Sabres chose not to exercise an option to extend the 6’4” goaltender. Lehner has taken charge of the personal challenges in his private and professional life, overcame several obstacles and has now refocused to better himself as a person and an NHL goaltender. And for that, he deserves a lot of credit.

Unlike Tavares, Lehner played a major part in the result of a game against his former team and backstopped the Islanders in another well-played effort to get his 5th straight win and helped the Isles extend their winning streak (4 in a row and 7 of their last 8) with a 3-1 win against Buffalo. Lehner had an active shutout streak of 1:77:36 before allowing a Kyle Okposo power-play goal against in the Sabres game. Lehner is 9-6-0-3 with a 2.14gaa and a .930Sv%. He is the NHL leader in goals against average and Sv%.

The Islanders are 2 points better than they were at this point last season. Although their goal scoring totals are down, but still at a +12 goals differential, the more defensively responsible Islanders have allowed an impressive 31 fewer goals against. A credit to Lou Lamoreillo, Barry Trotz, Mitch Korn and Pierro Greco for sure. With the win against Buffalo, The Isles helped Trotz pass Al Arbour on the all-time wins list (783) for an NHL coach.

Injuries dictated that Devon Toews, Josh Ho-Sang and Michael Dal Colle would suit up to help the evolving Islanders meet the challenge of an 82-game season and have a shot to impress. They have looked very good and have helped solidify team depth for New York. The Isles are 6-1-0 with Ho-Sang (now getting time on top line) and 3-0-0 with Toews in the lineup. Dal Colle has been awesome in Bridgeport and has really evolved his pro game in his 4 games with the Islanders. Don’t forget, prospects like Koivula, Aho & Vande Sompel continue to evolve in the Isles system under Brent Thompson.

Ryan Pulock and Scott Mayfield continue to be a major part of the Isles improving defense. Johnny Boychuk, Leo Komarov, Brock Nelson, Casey Cizikas and Anthony Beauvillier have stood out to me from the veteran core over the last few weeks. Here’s hoping that Valtteri Filppula returns to the line up soon after leaving the game due to injury in last night. He could possibly be the Isles signing of the season.

The Islanders enter 2019 in the final wildcard spot with a 21-13-4 record and 46 points. At 38 games, they have a game or two at hand against all the teams above them in the conference except for Washington. In the coming days, they face CHI (1/3), STL (1/5), CAR (1/8) before a home-at-home against the Rangers on the 10^th and 12^th of January.

This is seriously getting good.

Happy New Year, Isles Fans. Here’s to a better 2019.

Isles Notes:

Matt Barzal was named NHL 2^nd star of the week.