Top Shelf: Islanders Daily 1/24/14

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders, after what’s been a very impressive two weeks, came back down to earth last night losing 6-4 to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Islanders gift-wrapped goals for Pittsburgh at times last night, and it ultimately led to their demise, as they missed out on what would have been two important points in the standings.

The first line of Thomas Vanek, John Tavares, and Kyle Okposo was very quiet last night, as they failed to produce offense, something that is expected of that dynamic first line.

However, the offense wasn’t the major problem of last night’s contest, as the defensive play struggled mightily against a powerful Penguins team. The Penguins had a few chances and goals in which they just walked right in on net and scored. That is preventable, and it needs to be handled in order to win games.

Kevin Poulin had an off night, as his goaltending wasn’t very good, but the defense in front of him was the major flaw, and Poulin really didn’t have much to work with in front of him the entire game.

The Islanders now prepare themselves for what will be a tough contest Saturday Night against a brilliant St. Louis Blues team. St. Louis is one of just five teams in the league currently with 70 points, and the Islanders will need to be very good in all aspects if they want to walk out of Saturday with a win.

-Peter (@PJMcEntee)

Presser Points

Rich Dias-Rodrigues amplified upon Scott Charles  question, mainly why John Tavares couldn’t take the face-off on the 5-on-3:

John Tavares with his post-game take from the team locker room:

In Case You Missed It

Encouraging News Surrounding Thomas Vanek (CBS)

Islanders Get Zero Respect After Beating Rangers (Eyes on Isles)

Can the Islanders Continue Their Solid Play? (Eyes on Isles)

Islanders Expected To Remain In Nassau Next Season (Eyes on Isles)

Around the NHL

• Carolina Hurricanes 5, Buffalo Sabres 3
• St. Louis Blues 2, New York Rangers 1
• Columbus Blue Jackets 5, Philadelphia Flyers 2
• Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Ottawa Senators 3 (SO)
• Pittsburgh Penguins 6, New York Islanders 4
• Minnesota Wild 2, Chicago Blackhawks 1
• Dallas Stars 7, Toronto Maple Leafs 1
• Nashville Predators 2, Vancouver Canucks 1
• Anaheim Ducks 2, Los Angeles Kings 1
• San Jose Sharks 1, Winnipeg Jets 0

Across the Sound