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The New York Islanders have had issues scoring goals for several years now.
Over the last four seasons between 2018-19 and 2021-22, the Islanders ranked 24th in the NHL in goals for, averaging just 2.75 goals per game. Despite no offseason additions to their forward group though, the Islanders’ offense looks much healthier than expected.
Through nine games this season, New York ranks fourth in the NHL, at 3.67 goals per game. While that's unlikely to be sustainable, it’s also not necessarily a fluke. The Islanders look a lot more dangerous offensively and and even down to shots on goal, they've averaged 33.3 shots per game (11th in the league), after averaging just 28.9 shots per game last season (30th overall). There have still been a few games where they're unable to generate quality chances or bury their opportunities, but it's much less of a consistent than it has been in the past.
In their nine games, the Islanders have scored at least three goals in six of those games and at least five goals in four games. It’s obviously a small sample size, but so far, New York’s offense hasn’t necessarily been a major issue.
Just look at their comeback against the Colorado Avalanche. Last year, getting down a goal or two, let alone three, left the Islanders with little hope for a win. It’s an example of the team’s improved scoring, showing they’re able to generate enough offense to recover.
Some credit has to go to Lane Lambert, as the Islanders look more free to try to create chances off the rush. He hasn't been afraid to shake up the lines as well and while controlling the puck deep in the offensive zone and wearing down the other team remains key to the team's offense, it's not the only way the Islanders are attacking.
Another change has been increased offense from New York’s blue line, with defenders not afraid to get involved in the offensive zone. While Noah Dobson’s production is expected, the Islanders have also benefited from three goals courtesy of Scott Mayfield, while Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock, as well as Mayfield himself each have four points overall.
We’re still only nine games into the year, but it’s a really promising start. There were (and still are) reasonable concerns about whether the Islanders can get back to the playoffs with the current group. However, even though the Islanders didn’t actually make any upgrades to their forward group, their offense is still looking much-improved so far this season.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM OCTOBER
Islanders sign Mathew Barzal to eight-year contract extension Islanders announce opening night roster Andy Greene announces retirement Islanders fall short against Panthers in season opener Islanders blow out Ducks, Lane Lambert picks up first win as NHL head coach Islanders earn another home win, defeat Sharks 5-2 Islanders fall flat in loss to Devils Islanders lose to Lightning in first road game of season Islanders come up short against Panthers for third straight loss Islanders shut out Rangers, Kieffer Bellows claimed by Flyers Islanders get back to .500 with key road win over Hurricanes Islanders battle back to erase three-goal deficit, beat Avalanche 5-4