Top Shelf: Islanders Daily 11/30/13

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders are falling into a deep abyss. After a somewhat encouraging effort in the closing minutes of Wednesday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets, it looked like the Islanders had played with the necessary desperation on the ice. The fan in me thought they would change the season around right then and there, and we’d see the Islanders of last season.

However, the Islanders went out yesterday afternoon against the Detroit Red Wings in one of their worst efforts of the season. The Islanders were obliterated by a score a 5-0.

They were completely flat on the ice; the team looked like they lacked any motivation. The goaltending was mediocre. Some goals could not be held against Kevin Poulin, but some goals were on Poulin yesterday. He could be held responsible for possibly the worst goal the Islanders have let up this season (skip to the 1:35 mark).

The game was very frustrating to watch yesterday, as shown by the fans yesterday chanting things like “Fire Cappy” and “Snow Must Go.” However, it’s hard to thrust all the blame on a coach like this. Don’t get me wrong, Jack Capuano is partially responsible, and his job may very well be in jeopardy, but to put all of the Islanders’ faults on a coach who is playing with players who just aren’t giving 100 percent is not fair.

So now, we wait until tonight when the Islanders take on the Washington Capitals on home ice. There’s really not much to say that hasn’t already been said, the team needs to put in a 60 minute effort, play good defense, you all know the drill.

I’ve said it before, this season isn’t getting any younger, and while it’s not panic time yet, there is definitely a fair amount of concern surrounding this team. They know how they need to play in order to win, and hopefully, for us and for Capuano, they re-discover their identity as a team, and finally start winning games.

-Peter (@pjmcentee)