Islanders Trade Would Show Faith In Potential 2020 Stanley Cup Run

The New York Islanders are in the midst of a horrid stretch. Their offensive futility has been on full display.

The Islanders are coming off of a 2-1 loss to the Arizona Coyotes. Sadly, that one goal has been their only goal scored in the first three games on their current road trip.

After being shutout in back to back games in Nashville and Las Vegas, it took until the third period before an Anthony Beauvillier deflection finally got the Isles on the board. The Isles went over 166 minutes without a goal.

The Islanders were scoreless for eight periods, but could very easily have been scoreless for ten. After scoring three goals in the first period against the Flyers, the Isles went cold until Ryan Pulock‘s rocket found the back of the net with around 35 seconds to go.

Trade Also Boosts Locker Room

When Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz took over, many figured it would take about 3-5 years for the Islanders to become true contenders. However, last year to the surprise of many, they found themselves in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This season’s 17 game point streak made it look as though the Islanders could coast to the playoffs and look to improve upon last year’s success. Now it feels as though the team has plateaued.

Rick Dipietro has said on his radio show (Humpty & Canty with Rothenberg) how a trade can affect the morale in the locker room. He has made the point that if the General Manager “buys” at the deadline, it shows the team that the front office believes in their chances.

Conversely, he said that if the GM stands pat, players may start to think they’re not as close as they think they are. The trade for Andy Greene was a good pickup for Lou Lamoriello, but we have to hope that’s not the only trade he will make.

Though the Islanders are slumping, they are still in good playoff position. With the Trade Deadline just a week away (with three games in between) it would behoove the Isles to have Lou strike soon.