Top Shelf – Islanders Daily 12/3/13

Nov 29, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Kevin Poulin (60) reacts during the third period of a game against the Detroit Red Wings at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Red Wings defeated the Islanders 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

In the midst of a six game losing streak (0-5-1), the Islanders continue their home stand tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins before heading out West for a road trip that will put the depleted squad to one of their toughest tests of the season.

The Islanders look to start with a clean slate as they enter December, a month in which they also haven’t fared well in over the past few seasons. As we’ve seen several times this season, the Isles seem to need a rival to get the wheels turning again. With play that most would generously call flat over the past two weeks, the team needs to find the offensive power they’ve shown earlier in the season.

With the defense being in the spotlight for their poor performance and multiple injuries, the offense hasn’t stepped up when needed. The Islanders have not won a game this season when scoring two or fewer goals. Unfortunately, leads have been blown a couple of times this season, and with no insurance or goal support, the offense is digging a hole for the defense which every time, the team can’t find their way out of.

The Isles will need to comeback strong in December if they want to begin their crawl back in the standings, especially as guys begin returning to the lineup.

In Case You Missed It

Making the Case for Ryan Strome (Eyes on Isles)

Islanders OHL Prospect Watch : Jesse Graham (Eyes on Isles)

NHL TV Schedule : Week Of Dec 2 (Eyes on Isles)

What’s to Blame for Islanders Current (and Past) November Slump? (Eyes on Isles)

Playing Armchair GM (Eyes on Isles)

Around the NHL

• Winnipeg Jets 5
• New York Rangers 2

• Montreal Canadiens 3
• New Jersey Devils 2

• Minnesota Wild 2
• Philadelphia Flyers 0

• Los Angeles Kings 3
• St. Louis Blues 2

Across the Sound

On Monday, Ryan Strome was named the CCM/AHL Rookie of the Month for his 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points in just 12 games. Strome currently leads all rookies in the American Hockey League with 18 assists and 25 points. The Sound Tigers currently sit in 5th place in the Northeast Division (6-10-1) and take on the Adirondack Phantoms on Wednesday at 7:00PM.