New York Islanders Daily: Needing More From Top-Six

While the New York Islanders do need another scorer via trade, they also need to get more out of some of the guys already here.

The New York Islanders managed just one goal in their loss to the Buffalo Sabres last night. While losses are bound to happen, and this isn’t a sky is falling type of reaction, the team’s flaws were put on display last night.

The Islanders have to play a perfect game to win. Most nights, they are very fundamentally sound, they get goalie play and they usually win a low scoring game. Unfortunately, in games like last night, they don’t have the skill to compensate when the fundies are lacking.

It’s obvious that this team needs another scorer, whether it’s Artemi Panarin, Mark Stone, or Matt Duchene is up to Lou Lamoriello of course, but they also need more out of a few guys in the top-six.

I want to focus on the veterans, starting with Brock Nelson. While Brock is on pace for a career-high 53 points, he’s been quiet the past few games. He has just one goal in the last 12 games. Unfortunately, that’s not going to cut it when you’re playing 18 minutes a night.

Brock’s not the only one, Anders Lee has gone cold too. After scoring two goals against the Devils in January, Lee hasn’t scored in the last 10 games. He’s eclipsed 30 goals the past two years, you need your big-time goal scorers to find the net, they can’t go 10+ games without a goal.

While Bailey is on pace for 59 points, which is still okay, you would like that number to finish above 60 when the year is all said and done. Bailey has two goals in the last 12 games and six points over that span. It’s not enough for Bailey who is playing alongside Mathew Barzal.

In addition to landing a scorer, the Isles need these three guys to step their game up as well. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

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