Sansided
Eyes On Isles
Home/Editorials

New York Islanders Stay In Bottom of Metro Power Rankings

Apr 2, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Conor Sheary (43) carries along the boards during the third period against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Pittsburgh Penguins won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Conor Sheary (43) carries along the boards during the third period against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Pittsburgh Penguins won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 9
Next
Oct 26, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates a third period gaol against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates a third period gaol against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. 19. . 3-2-1. Previous: 1 (-1)st. Washington capitals

The Capitals are still the whole package. They have stellar attacking talents. One of the better defensive cores in the league and the defending Vezina trophy winner. The regular season is almost a foregone conclusion for the Caps. 

Holtby is still the same elite goaltender as last season. Posting a 2.38 GAA and a .910 SV% over his five starts this season. Alex Ovechkin and Marcus Johansson are still leading the offensive line for the Caps, as we wait for Kuznetsov and Backstrom to return to form.

Barry Trotz has already resorted to shuffling his top two lines in the hopes of generating further offense, but that’s the strength for this Caps team. Juggling the lines isn’t an inherent risk like other teams. Take out one piece of the top six and insert another doesn’t represent a drop in quality. 

They might not dominate in the regular season, but they will make the playoffs. Their start to the season confirms that.

They don’t have the same number of points as the Pens or Rangers, but they’ve also played fewer games. So while you might see the Caps fourth in the division at the moment their two games in hand on the division leading Pens could change that picture entirely.

facebooktwitterreddit