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Islanders Preview: Keys to Victory in Ottawa

By Eric Vogel
Feb 3, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (second from right) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (second from right) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) knocks Ottawa Senators defenseman Dion Phaneuf (20) to the ice during the first period at Barclays Center. The Senators won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) knocks Ottawa Senators defenseman Dion Phaneuf (20) to the ice during the first period at Barclays Center. The Senators won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Keys to Victory

Special Teams

The Senators are 22nd (16.9%) in the league on the PP and 10th (83.4%) on the PK. Not great, but better than the Islanders at 26th (15.9%) and 18th (80.8%), but that’s not the whole story.  Since Weight took the helm the Islanders are 24% on the man advantage and have power play goals in 5 of their last 6 games.

Since Weight took the helm the Islanders are 24% on the man advantage and have power play goals in five of their last six games.

Additionally, they are a miserly 86% on the PK over that same span. Whether it’s the coaching change or just a hot streak, it’s clear at least some of the Islanders recent success hinges on special teams play.

Next: Isles Top Prospects

Road Woes

The Islanders are 7-10-4 on the road this season. If they want any chance at making the playoffs they’re going to have to get behind enemy lines for wins. Ottawa is decent at home, but by no means unbeatable at only 15-8-6. This game is a good opportunity to bring home an important road win.

Follow us on twitter @eyesonislesFS and @Number1Vogel to let us know what else you’d like to see in the Pre-Game Coverage.

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