New York Islanders Took Notice And Listened (Highlights)

In our pregame coverage, we listed three items that the New York Islanders needed to achieve in order to record a third straight win. They did all three.

It’s always flattering to feel like you’re being heard. Today against the Los Angeles Kings, the New York Islanders listened and won a big win to make it three in a row.

Before the game we set out three goals for the New York Islanders:

1. Power play has to click. But good luck against the 9th best PK in the league
2. Score first: The Isles are a tied-worst for wins when scored on first
3. Get puck on net: Kings thrive on possession, counter it with possession of their own

Power Play Efficiency

The Islanders were 3/5 or 60% on the man advantage with two goals from Anders Lee and an empty netter from John Tavares to close out the game.

That was the first time this season the Isles scored more than a single power play goal in a single game. It was also the first time they scored a power play goal in their last two games. Going 0/11 against the Bruins and the Stars.

via GIPHY

Before tonight the Islanders power play was clipping at a 12.8% efficiency. After tonight they jump to 14.6%. The Islanders showed they can run a competent if even potent power play. Now to make it consistent.

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Score First

The Islanders have a .211 win percentage when they are scored on first. Getting that first goal was, and will continue to be imperative for the Islanders attempts to get out of the Eastern Conference basement and make an attempt at a playoff push.

Thanks to a brand new Jason Chimera, who scored his fourth goal in five games, the Isles got on the board first. Peter Budaj will want that goal back for the rest of his life. It doesn’t matter how pretty they are, so long as they count.

via GIPHY

Get Pucks On Net

The Islanders didn’t win the shots on goal stat for the night, both teams tied at 36. But the Isles weren’t buried in Los Angeles Kings pressure either. That’s important to state.

The Kings are a dominant possession team with three players in the top 10 in terms of 5on5 Corsi for percentage; Brayden McNabb (60.6%), Marian Gaborik (58.9%), and Anze Kopitar (58.2%). The first Islander is at #304 with Adam Pelech‘s 50.3%

The Islanders, while not holding an advantage in the shots-on-goal, enjoyed a higher Corsi rating during the game according to Corsica.Hockey. With the Orange and Blue edging the Kings 56-50.

Next: Isles Need To Stay Away From Gallant

The New York Islanders did everything right tonight. Anders Lee continues to make a push for next best Isles player with two goals tonight. And John Tavares continued his outstanding pace in the second half of the season, scoring his eighth goal in five games. Everything is coming up Isles right now. Long may it last.