New York Islanders Have No Power on Power Play

A power play is supposed to be an advantage for team, but tonight against the Boston Bruins it was a clear disadvantage. Going 0/6 for the 2-1 loss.

Did I mention that this was a game with massive playoff implications for the New York Islanders? Two points tonight would have kept the Isles in a playoff spot. Instead. They lose 2-1.

If there’s one thing to take from tonight’s game, it’s the power play stinks. With six, that’s right six, opportunities, the Islanders notched zero goals. Sure they got eight power play shots on goal. But none went in, and that’s what matters.

Things started off well for the Isles. John Tavares notched his seventh point in six games and extended his five-game point streak to six with this highlight reel goal.

Then they got a fair decision go their way when David Backes was all over Thomas Greiss for the Bruins “first” goal of the night. Tell me that isn’t goaltender interference without wearing your Boston jersey.

But from there it was all downhill.

Decline a Power Play

Is there a way for the Islanders to decline the penalty like they do in football? Becuase that would have been quite handy tonight.

On six separate occasions, the Islanders had the advantage to take to either take the lead, consolidate a lead, or tie the game up. They did neither.

Maybe 5-on-5 would have been a better option for the Islanders. (Checks Isles 5-on-5 Corsi graph) Nope. That wouldn’t have been any better in hindsight.

The Weak Call

The last talking point from the game is how David Pasternak got away with a two minute penalty for this hit to Stephen Gionta‘s face.

The hit was dirty (though Gionta wasn’t too clean on his), deliberate, to the head, a vicious. Obviously, two minutes is all that hit merits.

Next: Head Shots Aren't That Bad, Right?

The Islanders had one job tonight, well two if you count their responsibility to keep Marchand from an Art Ross, it was to get two points. They got none. Yeah, the refs did them wrong on the Pasternak hit, but the Isles didn’t do themselves any favors.

Nineteen shots-on-goal for the Isles? Are you kidding me? That’s embarrassing for a game that could have consolidated their wild-card status.