Stingy defensive play has become the identity of the New York Islanders, a team who is looking to make it to at least the third round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season. But as their season-opening 13-game road trip ends, the defense is the problem.
In their final season at Nassau Coliseum, well, the second final season at the Coliseum, the Islanders went a game further than they did against the year prior. Unfortunately, it was just from game six of the third round to game seven of the same round against the same team, the Lightning.
The New York Islanders qualified for the playoffs for the third straight season in 2020-2021. Sneaking in after finishing in fourth place in the East Division, the team won 32 games during the NHL’s shortened 56 game season.
One long withstanding complaint from hockey fans of all communities is how the Norris Trophy voting is handled. Generally, the defenseman with the most points ends up winning the award for defenseman, and actual defense is not factored in.
Theirs no question the New York Islanders exceeded all expectations, with the loss of cornerstone forward John Tavares. A good reason for that surprise success can be attributed to the direction of both Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz. Trotz 48 wins were the most he has achieved, in his first season with any one team. Helping lead the Islanders to a first-round home-ice berth, they’re first since 1988. They would have a terrific opening round where they knocked off the Pittsburgh Penguins in four, before bowing out to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Stingy defensive play has become the identity of the New York Islanders, a team who is looking to make it to at least the third round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season. But as their season-opening 13-game road trip ends, the defense is the problem.
In their final season at Nassau Coliseum, well, the second final season at the Coliseum, the Islanders went a game further than they did against the year prior. Unfortunately, it was just from game six of the third round to game seven of the same round against the same team, the Lightning.
The New York Islanders qualified for the playoffs for the third straight season in 2020-2021. Sneaking in after finishing in fourth place in the East Division, the team won 32 games during the NHL’s shortened 56 game season.
One long withstanding complaint from hockey fans of all communities is how the Norris Trophy voting is handled. Generally, the defenseman with the most points ends up winning the award for defenseman, and actual defense is not factored in.
Theirs no question the New York Islanders exceeded all expectations, with the loss of cornerstone forward John Tavares. A good reason for that surprise success can be attributed to the direction of both Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz. Trotz 48 wins were the most he has achieved, in his first season with any one team. Helping lead the Islanders to a first-round home-ice berth, they’re first since 1988. They would have a terrific opening round where they knocked off the Pittsburgh Penguins in four, before bowing out to the Carolina Hurricanes.
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