New York Islanders Need To Get Back On Track

The New York Islanders haven’t started on a good track this season. The Islanders team that took last season by storm isn’t the same team that took this ice in 2016-17. Lately, the Isles have been hitting some misfortune that landed them seventh in the division so far.

The New York Islanders haven’t had the best track record so far this season. New York currently has a record of 5-7-2 so far this season, compared to last season’s 7-5-2. Between shuffling goalies, losing players to injuries and struggling to find the right fit, the Islanders have had a rough start.

It’s still early in the season and the Islanders have a lot of time to get it together but the sooner they can get back on track, the faster they’ll gain confidence.

Goalie Troubles and Roster Inconsistencies

The Islanders have still been shuffling goalies this season, sacrificing consistent practice time and time in the game. Having Jaroslav Halak, Thomas Greiss and Jean-Francois Berube are all on the roster because of a nasty predicament for the Isles.

The goaltenders aren’t getting a fair share of practice and game time and now trade rumors have begun to surround Halak. Goaltending performance hasn’t been a huge problem for the Isles, but the situation isn’t one they need right now.

Mar 8, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) and New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic (3) battle for position during the third period at Barclays Center. The Islanders defeated the Penguins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders have also been without defenseman Travis Hamonic since placing him on injured reserve on Nov. 7. Hamonic will be sidelined for four to six weeks as he recovers from a thumb injury.

Hamonic had two goals and three assists this season prior to his injury. The absence of Hamonic has left a hole in the Isles’ defense and the younger defensemen have had to step up to fill the hole.

Isles coach Jack Capuano has also been searching for the best linemates for captain John Tavares. Therefore the lines have had some shuffling since the season started as the team looks for the best chemistry.

The roster inconsistencies have been one of a few struggles that have held back the Isles this season. Their other struggles come from some of their on-ice play that hasn’t been doing them many favors.

Penalties All Over

One of the Islanders‘ biggest in-game flaws has been the amount of penalties the team has racked up so far this season. The team has had 54 power play opportunities against them this season with a penalty kill of 77 percent.

In the team’s last match-up on Nov. 10 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Islanders handed Tampa six power play opportunities and let them score on two. New York would later lose this game 4-1. This is a similar outcome to the team’s last match-up with Tampa on Nov. 1 where Tampa made the most of 2/7 power plays in a 6-1 win.

The Islanders need to refrain from giving a team too many power play opportunities by taking unnecessary penalties. Too many opposing power plays and an ineffective penalty kill is enough to set back even the best team. New York would find more success, and closer games, if they can keep the penalties to a minimum.

The Islanders need to have more control over their game. They need to get the puck to the net, carry out their plays, get some more shots on net and keep their penalties down. Regaining composure and control can turn a game around and the Islanders need to keep confidence and stay solid.

Keeping these penalties to a minimum will keep the game closer and give the Isles the chance to get ahead. Keeping control over their game and increasing their discipline can turn their in-game play around. Right now, this control and discipline is exactly the kind of improvement they need to turn their play around.

Moving Forward

It’s still early in the season and the Islanders have time to get their game together but the sooner the better. The Metropolitan Division is winning this season and it is anticipated that the teams will be just as close in the standings as they were last season.

The earlier the Islanders can find their footing, the faster they can regain their confidence and win some more games. New York needs to start fresh and go into their next game with a new mindset. The right small changes can change the team’s entire game.

If the Islanders can increase their discipline when it comes to penalties, get re-focused and confident and find their consistency they can get on the right track. This type of play isn’t the usual for the Isles, but if they get it together and focus, they’ll overcome their slump quickly.

The Islanders’ face the Tampa Bay Lightning again on Nov.14 at 7 p.m. on home ice.