As we celebrate Festivus today, it is customary to partake in the airing of the grievances. In the case, the airing of the Islander grievances.
Crashing the net During the last 15 games, well pretty much all season, there's been something missing in front of the opposing net, an Islander!! The team basically has two players who can take up residency there, John Tavares and Anders Lee. I want to focus on Lee. What made him successful during his 25-goal performance last season was the fact that he planted his 6'3", 228 pound body in front of the net and made it difficult for the opposing team to move him. This season he has been spending most of his time along the boards. He hasn't scored in 14 games and has just four this season. Head coach Jack Capuano scratched Lee for Games 6 and 7 vs the Capitals last season. Cappy keeps playing him during his struggles this season.
Wrong side, right side When the Islanders started the season without Thomas Hickey they were able to carry 2013 first round pick Ryan Pulock. Instead of playing him, they chose to start Brian Strait and Marek Zidlicky. Strait, a left-handed shot and Zidlicky, a right-handed shot. Pulock spent a week without playing before being sent back to Bridgeport. Hickey played four games before missing a month. Left-handed shot Adam Pelech was recalled and played two games during his stint. When Hickey returned, Strait and Zidlicky would alternate playing with Hickey. Strait played Monday on his off side. I'm not sure why the 38-year-old Zidlicky could not play on his off side. Now that Hickey is healthy and playing consistently it is time to give Pulock that chance he deserves.
More scoring from defensemen What made the Islanders successful last season was the offensive output from the defensemen. Through 35 games this season, the Isles dmen scored 11 goals, with Nick Leddy not contributing to any of them. Through 35 games last season, the dmen scored 15 goals, with Leddy contributing 6 of them. While the team is getting stronger play from the defensemen in their own zone, it is important for the defensemen to contribute offensively.
Cappy Enough said!
A Festivus for the rest of us!!