The Islanders close out 2014 in Winnipeg as they take on the Jets. If we look at where this team was only 12 months ago they certainly have come a long way. If you told me 12 months ago that this team would be tied for the Metro Division lead today I would have fallen off my chair laughing. With all this being said there are still some issues that need to be addressed with this team moving forward if they are going to move from playoff team to contenders.

Despite winning, we painfully watched the Isles blow another 3 goal lead on Monday, I tried to look at these collapses in a larger scope. It isn’t nerves, or pressure or subjective reasons like not “going for the kill.” These collapses fall on execution. Some of the blame falls on the coaching staff for sure. When the Isles get these leads the “system” needs amending. On each occasion when the isles have lost a three goal lead one of the goals has been because of a bad pinch or a bad line change. Those types of goals can be blamed on the system and this staff has to remind its players to play smart or “wicked SMHHART” when playing with the lead. This is a results league and everyone can jump up and down but with the record the Isles have the coaching staff is going nowhere.

Another reason they have blown leads is shaky goaltending. I thought Halak was fine on Monday but during some of the collapses, Chad Johnson and Kevin Poulin have been unable to make the key save. Another problem has been special teams, however both the penalty kill and power play have shown signs of improvement.

The big issue though that has to be improved is the inability for this team to win face-offs. It may sound trivial but face-offs are so important to puck possession and it is so much easier to play with a lead if you actually have the puck and don’t spend shift after shift chasing it. The game tying goal was a direct reflection of this. Not only are these centers losing the face-off, they are losing them cleanly which leads to so many problems.

As I look at this team big picture, there is a lot to like, but it is the attention to details and the ability to execute with the lead that need to be tweaked for this team. For the most part everything I have talked about is fixable. Chad Johnson needs to show he belongs on this roster or a backup goalie needs to be acquired at the deadline. But if we look at where we have been over the past 12 months and where we are now there is so much to love and be hopeful for in 2015.

I would expect that Michael Grabner is not ready to play yet as he has not been activated from Injured Reserves and no roster spot has been cleared for his return to the team. If there are any changes to the lineup I will update this thread but I would expect the same lineup that played on Monday. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.

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