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New York Islanders Winners and Losers: A Call For Sustainability

Nov 25, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; New York Islanders left wing Brock Nelson (29) controls the puck in the first period of the game against San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. The San Jose Sharks defeated the New York Islanders with a score of 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; New York Islanders left wing Brock Nelson (29) controls the puck in the first period of the game against San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. The San Jose Sharks defeated the New York Islanders with a score of 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 17, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders assistant coach Doug Weight talks to forward John Tavares (91) during a time out against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Islanders defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders assistant coach Doug Weight talks to forward John Tavares (91) during a time out against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Islanders defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Power Play

It’s no secret the power play is awful. The Islanders had a miserable time on the power play against the Blue Jackets on Saturday night.

The numbers don’t lie; the Islanders have the worst power play in the league. They’ve drawn the second-fewest penalties in the league with 77, they have just 10 power play goals which is a whopping 13%.

It’s not the only reason they’re struggling. The defensive performance from Saturday night was embarrassing. The Isles gave up four goals in the third period alone.

Although the power play is the most glaring issue in my opinion. The Islanders clearly need to shake things up. In order to do so a coaching change would have to take place, because it has to be strategy that’s the problem.

The power play has been a problem for a lifetime it feels like. Fixing the power play won’t necessarily fix all the Islanders problems, but even if they were at something like 18% they would be much more competitive.

Next: What Are Season Ticket Holders to Do?

Hopefully next week we can get something a bit more 50/50. No need to win every game, but four points from a possible six would be fantastic. You know some good some bad, something that can be sustained. Cause that 5-0-1 record from last week just wasn’t going to last.

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