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New York Islanders Winner and Losers from Opening Week

Oct 16, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing Josh Bailey (12) celebrates scoring the game winning goal in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Barclays Center. New York Islanders won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing Josh Bailey (12) celebrates scoring the game winning goal in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Barclays Center. New York Islanders won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) makes a save on Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) in the third period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) makes a save on Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) in the third period at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Thomas Greiss

Sure, he was in net for the Isles second loss in a row, but Thomas Griess looked fantastic between the pipes against the Washington Capitals. He stopped 26 of 28 shots and earned himself a third start for his efforts.

He might be the number two right now for the Islanders, but he’s showing what we all saw at the tail end of last year wasn’t necessarily a fluke. Coming out of the World Cup Halak was the defacto number one. Backstopping an unheralded Team Europe into the finals of the NHLs cash grab tourney ensured him that much.

After all of Griess’ hard work in 2015-16, he was going to have to start all over again and prove that he’s more than a backup. Against the Capitals, he proved just that.  His .928 SV% on the night kept the score a lot closer than in could have been.

The New York Islanders goaltending setup right now is very much starter/backup…and extra backup. But Greiss is again forcing the Isles to consider changing that setup to a 1(a)/1(b)…and extra backup. Honestly, what do you call JF Berube? Injury coverage? Press Box shot stopper?

Jaroslav Halak might not like having to share the crease with Greiss, but for Isles fans it’s fantastic. To be fair Halak has been in this situation almost his entire career. First battling with Carey Price for starts and then with Brian Elliot in St. Louis.

But this goaltending dual should keep both competitive. They know, a bad performance might mean the other guys going to get the start.

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