The recent play of the New York Islanders had been disturbing, to say the least.
After battling the Rangers and the Devils for the Atlantic Division lead, the recent five-game losing streak has suddenly taken them out of the running and could find them in fourth place if Pittsburgh wins their game against Buffalo tonight.
With the Atlantic being a tight division as it is, the losing streak -- especially against division opponents -- is NOT what the Islanders need if they want to contend for the division lead or a playoff spot.
In the last five games -- which, by the way, presents an argument for anyone who believes in the "Ranger's curse," the boys from Nassau have scored a meager six goals, while they have given up 14.
The power play has been non-existent, though the penalty killing has been ok.
In last night's game against New Jersey, the Islanders were trailing 4-2 before they scored a goal late in the third, when there was little or no chance at tying the game.
New York started the season well, and I thought they they were going to sruggle when Alexei Yashin got hurt, but the team played well through the injury.
Jason Blake began the season on fire, scoring goals at a rapid pace, but has tailed off as of late.
Miro Satan has not been producing in the scoring column like he should, either.
Ted Nolan has to figure something out to get this team on track while there's still time, because in a tight division it will be very difficult to jump three or four teams to make the playoffs.
If the Islanders want to not to just make the playoffs, but have an impact, then either Garth Snow is going to have to bring in another scorer, or the men that are already wearing the orange and blue are going to have to step things up. Because 1.2 goals per game is simply not going to get it done.
After battling the Rangers and the Devils for the Atlantic Division lead, the recent five-game losing streak has suddenly taken them out of the running and could find them in fourth place if Pittsburgh wins their game against Buffalo tonight.
With the Atlantic being a tight division as it is, the losing streak -- especially against division opponents -- is NOT what the Islanders need if they want to contend for the division lead or a playoff spot.
In the last five games -- which, by the way, presents an argument for anyone who believes in the "Ranger's curse," the boys from Nassau have scored a meager six goals, while they have given up 14.
The power play has been non-existent, though the penalty killing has been ok.
In last night's game against New Jersey, the Islanders were trailing 4-2 before they scored a goal late in the third, when there was little or no chance at tying the game.
New York started the season well, and I thought they they were going to sruggle when Alexei Yashin got hurt, but the team played well through the injury.
Jason Blake began the season on fire, scoring goals at a rapid pace, but has tailed off as of late.
Miro Satan has not been producing in the scoring column like he should, either.
Ted Nolan has to figure something out to get this team on track while there's still time, because in a tight division it will be very difficult to jump three or four teams to make the playoffs.
If the Islanders want to not to just make the playoffs, but have an impact, then either Garth Snow is going to have to bring in another scorer, or the men that are already wearing the orange and blue are going to have to step things up. Because 1.2 goals per game is simply not going to get it done.
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