New York Islanders Bad Puck Luck Statement is Just a Diverssion

1 of 4

Nov 5, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) attempts to put a shot on goal during overtime against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot (33) at Barclays Center. Edmonton Oilers won in shootout 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Islanders coach Jack Capuano recently blamed “puck luck” for the Isles recent woes. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

After a third loss in a row, New York Islanders head coach Jack Capuano blamed “puck luck” for the Isles current run of form. Masking just about anything else going on with the team.

Eyes on Isles expert Matt O’Leary said it well: “How about blaming it on your penalty kill which has been bad for over a week now? Or on your forwards who are still missing in action? Capuano already threw Garth Snow under the bus how about putting some blame on himself.”

I tend to agree with Matt’s assessment, and I know you do too. Because we aren’t delusional quasi-mulleted NHL coaches scared to lose their jobs.

The Isles aren’t victims of bad bounces. Sure they’ve had some bad bounces, but it’s not like bounces have defined their season so far. Just for the sake of argument, though, does Jack Capuano have a point?

I want to look at a few factors and how the Islanders stack up in each: shooting percentage, faceoff percentages and save percentages

None are direct quantifications of “puck luck”, but all establish a certain puck-luckiness or un-luckiness. Combined they can paint a picture that either proves what Cap was saying or absolutely deny it.