New York Islanders: How To Get Back In Win Column

The New York Islanders have lost three games in a row. Here’s how they can turn their fortunes around against the Capitals tonight.

Losing three games in a row really hurt the New York Islanders. They went from second place in the Metro, to fourth in the Metro just this past week. That’s the unfortunate part about playing in a competitive division where the race is so tight.

Here’s what the Islanders can do tonight to stop their losing ways and get back in the win column:

Jaroslav Halak Can’t Allow A Soft Goal

Jaroslav Halak has actually looked much better recently. In his last six starts, he’s had a save percentage over .900 in five of those starts. In his most recent start against Boston, he saved 30 0f 32 shots, which looks good on paper, but one of those was a softie along the way.

Although the Isles are third in the league in Goals For with 103, it still isn’t fair to the offense to make them put up four goals on a nightly basis.

The fact of the matter is they need better play in net. For starters, minimizing the number of soft goals allowed would be a big help.

Contain Alex Ovechkin (LOL)

That’s easier said than done. He’s got 21 goals in 30 games, which is preposterous. Plus it doesn’t help that he’s a career Islander killer. In 47 career games, he’s got 50 points (34 goals 16 assists).

It’s not like the Capitals don’t have a plethora of other forwards who can score but containing Ovechkin would be a start towards getting a w today.

Depth Scoring

We know how dominant the Islanders top two lines are, but their third line has been inconsistent at times this year. Brock Nelson is in and out of hibernation periodically throughout the season. He has two goals in the last four games so he might be getting ready to heat up for a couple games.

Ho-Sang has been rather quiet as well. He’s been held without a point for the last three games. Anthony Beauvillier has two points since Halloween, so it’s not like your expecting much out of him.

Overall, the third line needs to be a better scoring line. The talent is there, they just aren’t reaching their potential.

Next: Thomas Hickey Placed On IR

The Islanders really can’t afford to lose their fourth game in a row. Tonight, the Islanders are back at home where they play their best hockey. They only have one regulation loss at home, hopefully, they keep it that way.