The Islanders take to home ice tonight in Brooklyn as they host the Boston Bruins. The last time Boston was in town they manhandled the Islanders by a score of 5-3. That result has caused this New York team to simply be in a funk. Something is not right with them. The special teams have been fine, especially the penalty kill. Defensively they have been fine. Yes there have been some mistakes that have led to goals but this team has only given up 14 goals in its past seven games. The goaltending tandem of Jaro Halak and Thomas Griess have been outstanding.
There are still reason for concern as this team looks lost offensively. When Noel and I were recording our podcast this past Wednesday I said I could see Ryan Strome being sent to Bridgeport. While I do not like it at all, a few games to clear his head and regain his confidence and I fully expect that Strome will respond.
Today Josh Bailey is scratched in favor of Taylor Beck. Bailey has gone into his natural hibernation for the winter but you could argue that this team could have scratched Brock Nelson or Anders Lee and nobody would blink an eye.
This team is a mess up front and they never possess the puck. That is part of the problem and that starts with their own blueline. I have seen enough of Brian Strait and Marek Zidlicky treat a piece of vulcanized rubber like a live hand grenade to miss Thomas Hickey and beg this damn organization to give Ryan Pulock a serious look.
The Islanders are also making a mess of things throughout the neutral zone. When they finally get the puck in an attacking position, nobody is driving the net and there is zero traffic in the crease. Quite frankly this team is really boring and really easy to play against. The Isles also look like they are sleepwalking through games. I don’t want to say they aren’t trying but the team lacks desire, effort and desperation. I said before the season that this roster is too soft in its top nine and I stand by that. Something needs to change and change quickly.
It is quite possible that this team has tuned out its coaching staff. Whatever the problem is, these roster moves better light a fire under this lineup and staff. There should be zero excuses, and if the coaching staff is going to demand accountability then the general manger has to demand it from Jack Capuano as well. Enough is enough, this team has more than enough talent to make the playoffs and it is time for everyone associated with the Islanders to take a long look in the mirror and show some passion. I can take losing games. I can’t take this flat, passionless hole that this team has dug itself into.