The Islanders looked like a team that played last night as they were defeated by the Vancouver Canucks by a score of 4-0. The Isles had moments where they had chances to score and did carry the play but could not solve the Canucks who capitalized on some bad penalties taken by the Isles. The Islanders simply have to figure out how to improve their special teams as it was the difference in the game tonight.
Islanders center Frans Nielsen left the game with an ankle injury after he was knocked into the boards awkwardly. Luckily, Nielsen was able to play the third period but we will have to keep an eye on the status of Frans moving forward as Islanders General Manager Garth Snow may be forced to bring in a forward with all the injuries that are mounting.
Very rarely do the Isles get out played at even strength. Special teams is clearly the Achilles’ heel and it must improve. I simply am out of words to describe the penalty kill. I don’t know why they can’t consistently make the kill. The Isles MUST fix this and fix it in a hurry. On paper, the correct players are on the ice. The coaching staff has to make changes to get this PK to at least average because right now it is downright deplorable.
The power play has to find a way to score goals. They did have some good chances tonight but they either can’t hit the net, or the final pass is off or they can’t win a faceoff. They did have numerous chances to score in this game but could not get anything past the Canucks goalies. Even after Ryan Miller left the game due to injury, Eddie Lack was very solid and the Canucks kept the Islanders to the outside and out of the “dirty areas.…
The Islanders need to put this game behind them and fast. The Isles schedule does let up some this upcoming week and New York will need to jump on some struggling teams. They have a very winnable game Tuesday night against the Arizona Coyotes. I don’t think the Isles are getting out worked, I do believe the effort is there but they have to play smarter and execute more efficiently. It is the attention to details that is lacking right now. They simply need to make better decisions and play smarter hockey. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on titter at @DanDanNoodles78.