New York Islanders Take Their Hot Streak To Detroit

The New York Islanders have come a long way since their loss to Detroit in early December.  Here are a few key elements that the game will hinge on.

1 – The Greiss Man Cometh

Thomas Greiss has been nothing short of stellar since taking over the crease full time.  His 2 GAA and .935 Save % over the 12 games since Halak was sent to the AHL are a step up from his numbers when he was sharing time.  If you take out the aberration that was the game against Carolina, his numbers are 1.55 GAA and .948 Save %.  Those numbers are ridiculous to the point of invalidating the boldness of my Vezina Prediction.

To carry tonight’s game, one of the only things the Islanders need is for Thomas Greiss to just keep being the brick wall that he’s been this season.  With the much more mobile (when compared to Scott Mayfield) Thomas Hickey back in the lineup that should be easier.

2 – Oh Captain My Captain

It has never been a secret that as John Tavares goes, so go the New York Islanders.  The Captain has 14 points in the last  9 games and 9 points in the 6 games since the coaching change.  Of the 5 games the Islanders lost in January, Tavares failed to register a point in 4 of them.  Its almost like this team’s management needs to go out and get another marquee talent to play on his wing or something…

Next: Dumping Halak

3 – Maximum Effort

In the words of the blatant Oscar-snubbed Deadpool we need “Maximum Effort”.  The team has looked considerably more motivated playing, for the most part, all 60 minutes under new coach Doug Weight.  The Maximum Effort is especially in danger in games like tonight’s that screams “Play down to the level of your competition”.  It was a hallmark of the Capuano Era, but so far hasn’t been a problem for Doug Weight.  Let’s hope that trend continues.