The Cizikas Factor and Thursday, 2/28

After a disappointing couple of games against Calgary (2-4) and Edmonton (3-4 OT), our New York Islanders beat the Canucks in Vancouver by a score of 4-0. It's Robin Lehner's 4th shutout of the season. Casey Cizikas scored a huge goal in the 1st to open the scoring. It was his 17th of the Ssn, tied with Matt Barzal for 3rd best on the team behind Anders Lee (21) and Brock Nelson (19). His +2 rating in the game gives him a +24 for the season. "A mark no Islander forward (Benoit Hogue +30/Ray Ferraro +25 in 1991-92) has reached in the last 27 years," per Eric Hornick. He's scored a short-handed goal and contributed 3 game winners, and with 17 & 10 for 27pts in 54 games, Cizikas can close out the regular schedule with career-best numbers.

Casey Cizikas has become an integral part of the team's offensive punch with his linemates. The "4th" line has been one of the Isles best, scoring big goals (Clutterbuck, 18 pts & Martin, 12 pts) and setting an agitation level that can get the most veteran opponents off their game. "Cizikas now has five of the last 18 Isles goals; it's the first time in his professional career he has scored 17 goals in a season [16 between Bridgeport and the Isles in 2012-13]," -Hornick. With a 22-6-3 since December 15, the Isles are 2nd only to the TBL with wins during that span.

I've been a fan of Cizikas since the start. I love his energy, tenacity and his unassuming talent to net the big goal or engineer the perfect pass off a rush he starts from the defensive zone. I see him as a character guy who never takes a shift off and a huge reason why the current incarnation of the Isles machine is working so well under Barry Trotz and Lou Lamoriello. The Islanders are poised to not only make the playoffs but might be one of the most unfavorable teams for an opponent to face, especially at home. The Isles will finish out their home games at the Coliseum and open round one of the playoffs at the old barn as well. "The Isles are 6-1-2 on Coliseum ice; they are averaging 98.1% of capacity on Long Island (including six sellouts)," -Hornick.  Here's to continued balance, discipline, defense and evolution to take the 1st season in the new age of Islanders hockey as far as it can go.

Thursday, February 28th

The Islanders roll into next week with a rematch against CGY on Tuesday, Tavares and TOR on Thursday and the WSH on Friday. All the games remaining are important for momentum, establishing home ice and keeping the team trending upwards, especially after the shortcoming from 2/3rds of the Western Canada road trip. However, to not say the game against the Maple Leafs and the return of Tavares to the Coliseum won't be a media circus is just unrealistic. Also, don't think the hockey world won't be watching the way the organization and fan base reacts. I assume it’s likely for the organization to have a tribute video for Tavares at some point during the game. While I get that some fans would like nothing more than to jeer Tavares or the Maple Leafs, I'd go along with the ideology of being an Islander.

Making the game a celebration of the Islanders and all they have achieved so far this season would be the best way to send a message to the visiting team and all of its players. A "Let's go Islanders" chant or even dead silence during a tribute video would be the way to show the class this fan base has. As much as "Pajama Boy" could be heard around the concourse or arena, Chants for Lee, Barzal, Cizikas, Lehner, Greiss or any one of our guys would send a stronger message. One of loyalty and pride in the organization. One that can celebrate the team meeting or exceeding long established statistics or post-cup records in what has been a fantastic season so far for the same long-suffering, die-hard fan base. I'd recommend listening to the verbal cues of Section 329 or using some discretion from the tailgate to the post-game activities, regardless of the game's outcome. Don't give snarky media outlets or antagonistic fans any ammunition.

Most of all, let's just enjoy the moments to come, and all look forward to what's coming for our team beyond a trade deadline acquisition that may or may not happen next week.

Isles Notes:

Per SiriusXM, “Mathew Barzal hitting new levels. He’s now in the Top 5 for most points as an #Isles before the age of 22. Trottier- 290, Tavares- 202, Lafontaine- 171, Potvin- 147, Barzal- 136.

Per Eric Hornick, “The Isles are 19-5-3 since Devon Toews joined the lineup and are 22-6-3 in their last 31 games; Toews now has an assist in five straight games.”

“Robin Lehner is 15-3-2 (1.68, .943) in his last 20 decisions. He lowered his NHL-leading GAA is 2.07 and his save percentage is .931 (.9307), which is also now the best in the NHL (Vasilevskiy .9305).

Thomas Greiss is 5-1-1 in the last seven games, allowing a total of seven goals on 220 shots (5-1-1, 0.98 GAA, .968 save percentage). On the season, his GAA is 2.26 and his save percentage is .928 (.9277).

Lehner has won 19 games and Greiss 17.  It's only the 2nd time in the last 15 seasons that the Isles have gotten at least 17 wins from two different goalies.  Greiss won 23 games and Jaroslav Halak 18 in 2015-16.”

Per Randi Marshall, “Without Belmont, goodbye Isles.”

Our New York Islanders; Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

What could be better than Matt Barzal being named to the 2019 All-Star game as the representative for our New York Islanders on 1/25-1/26?

How about going 15-3-1 since 12/15 (best in NHL), good enough for 1st in the Metro and 2nd in the east. At 29-15-5 with 63 points (10 points ahead of last ssn), New York has been in every game and always given themselves a chance to win. Don’t get me wrong, they could still be better in the face-off circle (23rd at 48.4%) and the power play (24th at 16.7%), but they have been solid. The PK has come down a bit to 22nd (78.7). Defensively, they are iron-clad with 118 goals (excluding SO goals) against (57 fewer than last ssn), 1st in NHL. They have the top goalie tandem in the NHL. The NHL’s 1st star of the week, Robin Lehner is an impressive 15-7-0 with a 2.02gaa (best in NHL), a .931Sv% and 3 shutouts while Thomas Greiss is 14-8-0 in 26 games with a 2.50gaa, a .920Sv% and 2 shutouts. Lehner’s bounce-back season with New York this season has been a fantastic story to watch unfold. Offensively, they have had some amazing games, outscoring the opposition by a 33-20 margin in January (10 games) and also scoring first in their last 7 games -Hornick. The importance to stick to the game plan was evident on Tuesday. In the 3-2 S.O. loss to the Blackhawks, the Isles allowed Chicago to put 40 prime area shots on net where they limited the last three opponents to less than 20. Consider it another dose of competitive reality for the boys that should leave a bit of a burr in their collective saddle.

The Isles haven’t made the NHL playoffs since 2016, and they need a lot more of what they’ve dished out recently to keep pace in a tight Metro and an ultra-competitive eastern conference. Per Barry Trotz, “We’ve put ourselves in a position to be there,” Trotz said of playoff contention. “But for all the good work you’ve done, it can turn on you on a dime, in milliseconds. We want to get back into the postseason. We have an opportunity. If we take care of our own business, then we’ll be fine.” – Andrew Gross.

How’s that for accountability and culture change? It all comes down from Lamoriello and Trotz (791 career wins, 4th in NHL history) and the team has bought in. They are hard to play against, galvanized as a team and play with an edge that makes anyone watching they expect to win, despite the opponent. They took apart league-best, TBL (76pts) by a 5-1 score and shut down several top lines defensively. The fore and back check has been impressive, and the balance of lines, d-pairs and goaltender performance has made pre-season predictions by the NHL’s “experts” look foolish. The games at the Coliseum have been a blast to watch. Per Eric Hornick, “The Isles are 5-1-1 on Coliseum ice; they are averaging 97.5% of capacity on Long Island (including four sellouts). 14 of their remaining 17 home games will be at the Coliseum.” Their ability to comeback has also given hope to the 2nd half of the season. “The Isles are 5-3-0 when trailing in a game by a 2-0 score, defeating NYR (11/15), CBJ (12/1), DET (12/8), OTT (12/28) and STL (1/5); all five wins have been in regulation. -Hornick.

Lou Lamoriello had this to say to Arthur Staple on goaltending, “Our goaltending has been exceptional, as well. The job that Piero (Greco), Mitch (Korn) and Chris (Terreri) have done is outstanding, on both fronts, NHL and AHL. All of those things, the coaching staff, the commitment to excellence both here and in Bridgeport, that’s tangible. The unknown was how are the players going to receive different voices? Everything team-oriented, a team structure on and off the ice? And every one of them has been receptive.

On the team dynamic, “On any given night, somebody steps up and takes the role. That’s what is so great about this team. You can go right through the whole lineup, and I’ve done it a couple of times, riding in my car. I can’t think of one player that hasn’t at one time been the reason for success that night. And that’s a great feeling.”

On the coach and his staff, “The job he’s done, you can’t express it in words. Outstanding is the best one I can come up with. The whole coaching staff, their commitment to excellence is incredible.”

Looking back on the first 50, you can point to Lee as Captain, Barzal rising to the occasion, Bailey keeping it real, Eberle and Nelson making a case for themselves, Cizikas with Martin and Clutterbuck have been more relevant than ever, Komarov and Filppula making Lou look even more like a genius, The development of Mayfield and Pelech, the return of Leddy in a d-first system, Boychuk as a model defender, Pulock and Toews contributing and rapidly improving with a wholly renewed team defense and goaltending.

Our Isles return after the All-Star break against the TBL at the Coliseum. Per Andrew Gross, “It’s the start of a grueling schedule in February (14 games in 28 days), March (16 games in 31 days) and April (three games in six days).” The NHL trade deadline is February 25th. With how well the team is playing, I imagine messing with chemistry would be a dangerous thing, but that would have to be measured in what the team would get in return. Impending free agents like Jordan Eberle, Brock Nelson? Is Thomas Hickey now expendable? No easy triggers to pull for me, but then again, I’m only a blogger.

In Lou we trust. Under Trotz, we fight. We are all Islanders.

Isles Notes:

Devon Toews and Michael Dal Colle have loaned to the BST. Michael Dal Colle will play in the 2019 #AHLAllStar Classic this Sunday/Monday.

Per David Pagnotta, “As the Islanders enjoy 1st place in the Metro, expect them to be active as deadline approaches. Told team’s looking to add, 1st rounder is in play; exploring rentals and guys with term … Follow-up to previous Isles tweet. Told contract talks ongoing and progressing with Lee. Not sure on timeline. No real talks with Eberle or Nelson camps.”

Per Eric Hornick, “I've been a fan of the #Isles since the beginning and have worked their telecasts since 1-21-82. Not sure I ever heard a chant for a coach like the "Barry Trotz" chant late in the game today. Maybe for Al.”

Per Carey Haber, “Josh Ho-Sang is 0-4-4 in 7 games since being sent down with ONE shot on goal. And he's been held scoreless in 5 of the 7 games.”

Per Cory Wright, “Ilya Sorokin recorded his eighth shutout of the season last week, making 27 saves in a 3-0 win over Metallurg Magnitogorsk on Jan. 15. The shutout was Sorokin's second consecutive clean sheet after recording a 19-save shutout against Traktor on Jan. 11. Overall, CSKA Moscow has recorded four consecutive shutouts between Sorokin and Lars Johansson.

Sorokin, the Islanders' 2014 third-round pick, improved to 23-5-3 this season with a 1.17 goals-against average, a .942 save percentage and eight shutouts. Sorokin's career-high for shutouts is 10.

Sorokin was named to the KHL All-Star Game, which took place this past week, but the goalie pulled out due to an unspecified injury, according to the KHL's official website. He was replaced by Johansson.”

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.

Five Keys to an Islanders Mid-Season Breakout

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.

Mitch Gillam (G) returned on loan to the @RailersHC.

Some Significant Positives for Islanders

After 10 games, our New York Islanders are 5-4-1 with 11 points. That’s good enough for 11th in the eastern conference. While that’s nothing to get excited about, there have been a few nice positives to go along with a modest amount of outward successes. The key to this season story has been and will continue to be opportunity for the players on the roster who hold themselves accountable. Bridgeport is stocked with some quality prospects who are eager to make their case. Maybe a Devon Toews (6 points in 9 games) or even a resurgent Michael Dal Colle (8 points in 7 games) getting a call up if the opportunity presents itself?

Isles have a +5 differential in goals. That’s 7th best in the east. Their goals against was the worst in the league last season is currently the 3rd best in east (4th overall) of the young season. Goaltending was the biggest question mark coming in. The additions of Mitch Korn and Piero Greco to the goaltending staff have paid dividends for the tandem of Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss.  Lehner has been the choice for early starter based on his net gains for the Isles. In 6 games, Lehner is 3-2-0-1 with a 2.36 gaa and a .929Sv% with a shutout. Under his new coaching staff, Lehner has looked calm and positionally sound, using his size and quickness to keep himself in most of the oppositions scoring chances. Thomas Greiss struggled last season in just 27 games due to injury but has also worked hard this year and is improving his game. Greiss just notched his 100th career win (64 with the Islanders) against Carolina last night and has posted a 2-2-0 record in 5 games with 2.20 gaa and a .934Sv% so far.

The play of the netminders has been pretty good behind a defense that has had a few hiccups but seems to be getting better as the time goes on. The team’s goals against under the watch of Barry Trotz has improved to 25. That’s  8 fewer than this time last season. A tie for 2nd best (Montreal) behind the Devils with 20. The PK is 12th in the league and was 6 for 6 this weekend, helping the team earn points in 3 straight games. Scott Mayfield has gone from scratch to a difference maker on defense and has even scored 5 points in 10 games and a +5 rating. Andrew Gross said of Trotz, Mayfield is probably the biggest surprise for him this season. I’m not surprised. Always sung his praises. Thomas Hickey leads the team with a +7 rating on an improving Isles blue line. Ryan Pulock just notched his 1st goal (2 pts) and looks more comfortable with each shift. His presence on the Isles PP seems like a force in the making.

The Isles have had a few struggles offensively. They rank near the bottom in crucial faceoff statistics (30th), less than a percent ahead of the league worst Colorado Avalanche and ranked at a dismal 29th in shots for per game. Their PP is a respectable 13th and they are near the middle of the NHL with 3 goals (12th in east) per game, but they need to offer scoring support throughout the line-up if they want to improve. These are trends that will challenge their ability to win consistently. Erick Hornick has the Isles at 5-0-1 when scoring first and 0-4-0 when they allow the opening goal.

They’ve had a few players step up on offense. 2017-18 Calder winner, Matt Barzal has 10 points in 10 games, but is having a tough time scoring goals. With more focus by the opposition and consistently drawing top d-pairings, Barzal should relish the opportunity to turn the tables back in his favor soon enough. Josh Bailey, Anders Lee (11 pts), Brock Nelson (6) and dare I say, Valtteri Filppula (6) have made some serious noise for the Isles offensively. Per Erick Hornick, “Josh Bailey extended his point streak to five games with his third multi-point game of the season.” Andrew Ladd and Casey Cizikas (+5 rating) have made an impact as well as tallying 5 points in 7 and 9 games while Nelson (5), Filppula and Lee (4) lead the team in goals. Anders Lee has stepped up into the role of Captain to the delight of his coaches and reaffirmed the respect of his team mates. He was already a tough, gritty scorer who did whatever he could do to help the team succeed before and it’s even more noticeable now with 4 pp goals and a +4 rating. According to NHL PR, “Anders Lee (4-7—11) continues his career-best start to the season, becoming the first @NYIslanders player to record at least 11 points in the opening 10 games since John Tavares in 2015-16.”

Another crazy stat is shooting percentage and who leads the team. How about Filppula (I know, right?) at 50%, Brock Nelson at 24% and Casey Cizikas at 24%. Oh, and Lamoriello’s guy Leo Komarov has 4 points in 10 games with a +1 and is tied with Matt Martin for just over an 18% shooting percentage.

Still plenty to prove and much more work to do, but signs are showing the team is improving in problem areas under the new management and coaching staff. Consistency is still the magic word while accountability is the key to opportunity. Let’s see if it continues and what the roster looks and plays like 10 games from now.

Isles Notes:

Islanders and Sound Tigers honor Charles Wang with memorial tribute patch.

Per Eric Hornick, “The Isles have won four of their first seven road games for the first time since 2014-15 and have won four October road games for the first time since 2001-02 (6-0-0)…The Isles have won their last five Metro games (going back to last season) and are 3-0-0 in divisional play to start a season for the first time since 2014-15…With the win, the Isles moved within one point of Columbus/Washington for the final playoff spot.”

Islanders announced the game on February 28, 2019, against the Toronto Maple Leafs has been relocated from Barclays Center in Brooklyn to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Per Brian Compton, “#Isles will honor Bill Torrey later in season as home games shift to Coliseum, I’m told. Still being finalized.”

Per Robert Brodsky, “The 1st phase of a $1.5 billion development of the Nassau Hub -- the county's largest tract of undeveloped land -- is expected to break ground in Dec. 2019. Hearings and legislative votes by years end, developers say.”

Per Allan Walsh, “Center Jan Kovar has signed a PTO with the Providence Bruins (AHL). He’s going to PLAY games and we will evaluate his NHL options in approx 3 weeks.”

Remembering Charles Wang

Philanthropist, Buisnessman and Islanders minority owner, Charles B. Wang passed away today.

Wang, 74, was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. The official cause of his death has not been disclosed at this time. (Lung Cancer)

A Long Island icon, Charles Wang founded CA Technologies and was the former majority owner of our New York Islanders. Wang was the only reason the team still calls New York home from the time he purchased the storied franchise in 2000 through the lease deal in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. Wang made it a point to keep the sacred storied logo, colors of the team and wanted to maintain the identity of the Island and their championship tradition.

“Wang was born in Shanghai, China, on Aug. 19, 1944, and moved to the United States with his family at the age of 8. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and physics. In 2015, he received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Stony Brook University.

He built and donated the Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University to celebrate Asian and American cultures. The $40 million center, which opened in 2002, was at the time the recipient of the largest donation from an individual to the SUNY system.”

The crusade of Charles Wang to develop the Coliseum hub and create a destination for the team is well documented. He maintained ownership while losing money from inheriting a bad partnership with SMG management and always did his best to try and revive a struggling team without knowing much about the world of NHL hockey. He even sponsored teams, tournaments and helped gain greater exposure for the game of hockey in China.

"We want to make the New York Islanders the world-class sports franchise that our community deserves, wants and needs," Wang said in April of 2000. "This is no easy task." - Newsday

In 2016, Wang remained with the organization as minority owner behind new ownership headed by Scott Malkin and John Ledecky. Wang was the champion fans of the team needed at the time he stepped up and became a part of the team’s future in New York.

"He treasured his association with the team and its devoted fans.’ the statement from Wang's family said of his relationship with the Islanders.

Wang is survived by his wife Nancy Li; children Kimberly, Jasmine and Cameron; his mother, Mary; brothers, Anthony and Francis; grandchildren, Charles, Kingsley and Kendall; and his nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth.” -Newsday

The Charles B. Wang International Foundation has directed his philanthropic efforts since 2008. He seemed to always care about children all over the world who didn’t have the means or opportunity for healthcare, surgery and he made it his mission to provide the help he was able to provide.

“He founded the nonprofit Smile Train in 1999, which has provided more than 1 million free cleft surgeries to children in more than 85 developing countries. In 2001, he established the New York Islanders Children's Foundation and supported the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center to expand delivery of affordable health care in New York City.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children named its headquarters for Wang. He also supported the Kenneth Wang School of Law at Suzhou University, named for his father, and other charities.” - Newsday

Thank you Mr. Wang.

R.I.P.

Islanders Name Anders Lee Captain

The New York Islanders are set to meet the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at PNC Arena in Raleigh.

Today, they announced that forward Anders Lee has been named the 15th captain in the organization's 46-year history. Bailey, Clutterbuck and Ladd named Alternates.

Coming off a career season in 2017-18, the Captain broke career records across the board. With 40 goals, 22 assists and 62 points in 82 games, Lee was only one of eight players in the league to hit the 40-goal plateau last season, good enough for seventh in the NHL. His 74 goals since the start of 2016-17 rank 6th in the NHL.

Per Release, “The Edina, MN native was selected by the Islanders in the sixth round (151st overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft. Lee has played in 343 games over the course of his five-year NHL career, scoring 207 points (124 goals and 83 assists).  Lee was the team captain of the University of Notre Dame ice hockey team during the 2012-13 season.”

Per Brian Burke, “As soon as @leeberr09 was done talking to the media about being named captain, Isles PR handed him a phone. On the other end...Denis Potvin.”

The Captain has an opportunity to continue to lead by example with a challenging 2018-19 campaign coming. IMO, his character, intergirity, skill and tenacity all continue to further him in his NHL career.

Per Shannon Hogan, “Trotz spoke with all the players early on and then watched throughout camp. He felt Lee was the right choice. There was no formal vote, he said just from talking to players @leeberr09 was respected and a natural leader.

Lee is in the final year of a four-year, $15 million contract. Are the Islanders giving the nod to the hard-working team player for his loyalty and trying to make a statement heading into the season?

Per Brian Compton, “Lee on captaincy with 1 year left on deal: "To me, I don't think they would have done this if they didn't feel it was right. Things are going to play themselves out. I'm not too worried about that in that regard right now at all. This season is what we're worried about."

You can't spell Islanders without Anders.

Isles Notes:

23-man roster for the Islanders:

Forwards: (14) Josh Bailey, Mathew Barzal, Anthony Beauvillier, Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck, Jordan Eberle, Valtteri Filppula, Tanner Fritz, Ross Johnston, Leo Komarov, Tom Kuhnhackl, Anders Lee, Matt Martin, Brock Nelson.

Defensemen: (7) Johnny Boychuk, Thomas Hickey, Nick Leddy, Scott Mayfield, Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, Luca Sbisa.

Goaltenders: (2) Thomas Greiss, Robin Lehner.

IR: (1) Andrew Ladd.

Per Arthur Staple, “Beau-Barzal-Bailey Lee-Nelson-Eberle Martin-Cizikas-Clutterbuck Komarov-Filppula-Fritz Pelech-Pulock Sbisa-Leddy Hickey-Boychuk Lehner Greiss Extras: Kuhnhackl, Johnston, Mayfield”

Islanders among tops in NHL with 25 AHL graduates on 2018-19 NHL rosters.