Sansided
Eyes On Isles
Home/Editorials

New York Islanders: 5 Biggest Questions Heading Into 2018-2019

By Matt O'Leary
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Washington Capitals speaks to the media after his team's 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Two of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Washington Capitals speaks to the media after his team's 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Two of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
new york islanders
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 27: Head Coach Barry Trotz of the Washington Capitals addresses media during Media Day for the 2018 NHL All-Star at Grand Hyatt Hotel on January 27, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Were the defensive problems just scheme issues?

Last year the Islanders had legitimately the worst defense in the league. 296 times the opposing team found the back of the net. All year long fans debated whether it was the defensemen or the goalie that was at fault, similar to the famous chicken or the egg debate.

Regardless, the defense wasn’t very good. Especially with Calvin de Haan injured, Travis Hamonic traded away and Johnny Boychuk injured again. The Isles didn’t necessarily address the issues though.

They head into this year with essentially the same defense, just no de Haan, but this time there’s a new coach. Barry Trotz will man the bench for the Islanders this year and it may just be enough to fix things.

The defensive plan last year was nonexistent. Doug Weight ran an offense heavy system. That won’t fly with Barry Trotz.

Next. Anders Lee over - under 34.5 goals

Trotz will implement a defensive first system. The Capitals allowed just 239 goals last year. Will the Islanders be able to reduce the numbers of goals allowed by just a coaching change with essentially the same players? We’ll have to wait and see in 2018-2019 but that’s the plan the Islanders are going with.

facebooktwitterreddit