New York Islanders Three Answered Questions During This Offseason

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders (r) celebrates his powerplay goal at 13:17 of the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes and is joined by Cal Clutterbuck #15, Anders Lee #27 and Josh Bailey #12 in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Barclays Center on April 28, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Question: Are They Worry About Their Offense?

You’d think that Barry Trotz would be worried about having the 22nd ranked offense in the NHL last season. At the end of the 2018-19 season, he indicated the Isles would need more pop upfront in 2019-20.

But as the offseason turned into the preseason the Islanders didn’t get that “pop” the coach was looking for. So is Barry Trotz at all worried that he might not be able to get more offense out of a team that ranked – at best – in the middle of the pack?

Not at all it seems.

Answer: No.

The Islanders coach actually recently defended the Islanders five-on-five offense. The coach said that the Islanders even-strength offense was good enough last season. A 16th ranked 5on5 offense says otherwise though.

"“[…] to say that [the Islanders] aren’t a good offensive team is a bunch of crap”. -Barry Trotz"

I love the coaches fire here as he defends his team. But the Islanders didn’t have a great offense. At best it was average.

Of course, Barry Trotz and the Islanders are hoping that those numbers don’t stick again this season. The hope is that players like Anthony Beauvillier or Jordan Eberle have better seasons in 2019-20 than they did last season.