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New York Islanders: Five Key Factors to Meet Expectation in 2016-17

Sep 27, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Malte Stromwall (84) and New York Islanders defenseman David Quenneville (49) come together during the third period during a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Malte Stromwall (84) and New York Islanders defenseman David Quenneville (49) come together during the third period during a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) celebrates after scoring a power play goal against the Florida Panthers during the second period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) celebrates after scoring a power play goal against the Florida Panthers during the second period of game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Power Play

The New York Islanders powerplay last season was in the lower tier of the league. With a 16.3% regular season efficiency, it ranked 17th in the league for 2015-16. Capitalizing on 42 of 229 opportunities.

The Islanders have to do a better job at taking their chances when they have the opportunity. Crafting chances at 5v5 is one story. But when they have the man advantage they need to be more efficient.

Flexibility over rigidity is going to be the key here. Instilling a 1-3-1 powerplay formation might work for a while until teams figure it out. I’m harping on coaching again, but this specific aspect of the game needs to be improved upon.

Developing good habits on the man-advantage in the regular season translates to the post-season.

Marginal differences are what set teams apart in the playoffs. Teams win series by exploiting an advantage over their opposition. And the power play is the single greatest advantage available to all teams.

The Isles are lucky to possess one of the better penalty kill ratings in the league (4th in 2015-16). When the shoe is on the other foot teams have a hard time taking advantage. Teams have to beat the Islanders 5v5

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