New York Islanders Daily: Special Teams Have Been A Huge Issue

There are many causes to the New York Islanders Struggles but their inept special teams is something that stand out particularly.

What’s the old expression? Numbers never lie? That certainly comes into play when it comes to the New York Islanders and their special teams. Both the penalty kill and the power play have been a disaster.

The power play was expected. The Islanders have struggled on the power play for years now, but 12.8 percent is crazy bad. They’re the all-around worst power play in the entire league.

The penalty kill is the odd one. They started off the year hot, then went cold, then got hot again, until ultimately falling apart once more. They’re ranked 26th in the league at 78.1 percent.

More from NY Islanders News

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• Islanders vs Jets: Isles significant underdog in Winnipeg (lines, odds, +)
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So, both are clearly nothing to write home about. It’s hard to pinpoint one specific thing as the Islanders seem to be struggling in all areas on the ice. The perplexing issue is the penalty kill.

Last year the Islanders had a very good penalty kill unit. Is the loss of Frans Nielsen that much of a burden?

It must be because he’s the only one really missing off that penalty kill unit. The other departures, Matt Martin and Kyle Okposo weren’t penalty killers. To me the solution is a new system, meaning a new staff. We can yell and scream all we want but it seems like Jack Capuano and company isn’t going anywhere no matter how loud the call for their heads are.

Isles Tweet Of The Day

This tweet of the day segment is an important one. Usually it doesn’t yield any commentary but today’s does. Give Shannon Hogan a break, seriously, she’s done a great job since coming here. IslesTwitter can get crazy at times, and I obviously understand the anger but lets not take our frustrations out on someone just trying to do their job (rant over).

Our Stuff

Options in the minors (Eyes On Isles)

The Islanders have some young guns in the wings. Here’s who they should call up.

What’s going right (Eyes On Isles)

Ultimately there’s a lot of negativity and rightfully so, but here’s what has worked for the Isles so far.

Next: Islanders Are Not A Possession Team

Other Stuff

J.F. Berube gets his first start (MSG)

Shannon Hogan talks about Berube’s patience as he waited nearly 30 games for his first start of the season.

A lot of questions with no answers (SNY)

The Islanders are spiraling out of control and they’re still making questionable decisions. That’s why they are a bottom feeder I suppose.