New York Islanders Roundtable: Back to the Future

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Dec 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Islanders left wing Andrew Ladd (16) checks Washington Capitals center Marcus Johansson (90) in the second period at Verizon Center. The Islanders won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt O’Leary

The Islanders are clearly struggling with what they’re currently doing. They can become marginally better if they just change the style of play that they use.

Jack Capuano loves to dump and chase but if the Islanders instead carried it into their own zone that should help. Think about it, does it make sense to give up possession to fire the puck into the corner than beat an opposing player to it, or would you rather just retain possession and carry it in?

The Islanders actually have a better personnel to use this style opposed to the dump and chase old school hockey way.

Jason Chimera currently has just 1 goal and 5 assists. He was brought in to replace Matt Martin, but also provide more offense which he hasn’t done. What if the Islanders used his speed to their advantage, at 37 he’s probably not out-muscling someone in the corner but turning on the jets to make a nice play that’s still on the table.

Chimera’s not the only one who could benefit from this; Ryan Strome is more of a skills forward than a grind it out style. Although it seems like Capuano has a personal agenda against Strome, maybe a change of style could help propel him as well.

Next: Canada Has an Opinion on the Islanders

Additionally, the Islanders have to put Andrew Ladd back on the top line. If he continues to play fourth line minutes he won’t produce anyway. Put him next to John Tavares where at least he has a chance of putting up numbers.