New York Islanders Power Play On Track vs. Nashville

The New York Islanders hammered the Nashville Predators 6-2 with a great road win. But the real winner was the man advantage. And maybe Jordan Eberle.

Coming into the game the New York Islanders power play was ranked dead last in the NHL. With three power-play goals in 33 opportunities, the Isles 9% power play was a straight tire fire.

Until Ryan Pulock was given the reigns. Or at least that’s how it seems.

Pulock has played three games so far this season. And in those three games, he has three power-play points. A single goal and two primary assists now. The Isles only have five power-play points now. Meaning Pulock has a hand in 60% of the Isles power-play production.

Makes you think about last season, right? You know, that season where the New York Islanders power play was equally awful and where they missed out on the playoffs by a single point?

We all cried out for Pulock then. To no avail. I know hindsight is 20-20. But it didn’t have to be. It’s not like we had no idea Pulock was good on the power-play.

The Captain Is Taking Over

John Tavares is killing it early in the season. In eleven games Tavares has 13 points. He put up his second hat-trick in three games and eight of his career against the Predators.

It wasn’t a joke that Tavares could challenge for the Art Ross trophy. It’s still a stretch because we have a hard time seeing Tavares as a 100 point player. And that’s fair. He’s come close, with 86 points in 82 games back in 2014-15.

But at the moment Tavares is on pace for 97 points. That’s Art Ross territory right there.

We missed his production at the start of the NHL season last year, and it seems like he’s making up for this year.

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Jordan Eberle, 2nd Line?

For the games against the Predators, Jordan Eberle was “demoted” to the second line. He’s been a good player for the Isles since coming over for Ryan Strome. But it doesn’t seem to have been exactly what everyone was hoping for, yet.

He still had six points in ten games before tonight. And then he put up three points. Not just assists either. He put up two goals. One on the power play!

After the two goals, it seems that Weight had more faith in his new winger. Putting him back with Tavares and Lee. And it worked! Getting a point on Tavares’ second of three third period goals.

Next: How Is Garth Snow Outlasting New York Legends?

That’s another two points in the back early in the season. And gets the New York Islanders back to winning ways, with a functioning power play, a super-star on super-star form, and depth top-notch scoring. It feels pretty good. (Oh. And the Rangers lost….again.)