New York Islanders Three Stars in 3-1 Loss To Washington Capitals

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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Thomas Greiss #1 of the New York Islanders makes a save against the Washington Capitals during their game at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum on March 01, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Thomas Greiss

The New York Islanders don’t have a backup goalie. They have two starter. Even calling it a 1A-1B situation isn’t fair. Both of the Isles goalies are on the same level.

With a 0.974SV% against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Robin Lehner continued his league leading pace in terms of save percentage. That meant Thomas Greiss would get the crease a day later against the Washington Capitals.

With a 0.929SV% (ranked third in NHL) and 2.26 GAA (ranked fourth in the NHL) it wasn’t going to be a let down to put Greiss in the crease.

And boy did Greiss not disappoint.

When the Capitals were pressing late in the first and through most of the second period, Thomas Greiss stood in their way and shut the door.

I’m not sure why the Islanders tried to contain the Capitals with a 1-0 lead. But Greiss got a number of pucks tossed his way because of it.

Sure, he let in two goals. But lets be clear he finished the night with a 0.928SV% after stopping 26 of 28 shots against. If anyone was responsible for keeping the Islanders in the game it was Greiss.

On any given night the New York Islanders can put either of their goalies between the pipes and expect a good result. Because that’s what both of them have done all season long.

It continues to be an incredible logic defying situation when you consider how poor Greiss was in nets last season. Remember, he held a 3.82GAA and a 0.892SV%.

Those are awful numbers. But to see where Greiss is now, its clear his quality wasn’t the issue last season, but the system in front of him.