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Islanders Miss Andy Greene And Steady Presence On Blue Line

By Matt O'Leary

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Andy Greene #4 of the New York Islanders in action during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on February 17, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Islanders 2-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: Andy Greene #4 of the New York Islanders in action during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on February 17, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Islanders 2-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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When the New York Islanders traded for Andy Greene they knew they were getting a steady defenseman who can play on the top pair.

This team has looked completely different once Adam Pelech went down for the season. He was Ryan Pulock’s running mate and could be the stay at home defenseman while Pulock could be a little more offensive.

When Pulock had to play that role with Nick Leddy, the defense took a step back in productiveness. Lou Lamoriello saw this and traded for familiar face Andy Greene.

Greene was playing 19 minutes a night before getting hurt in the overtime loss to the Rangers on Tuesday. After limping to the finish with just five defensemen, the Islanders went back to Noah Dobson on Thursday.

I like Dobson’s potential but it’s abundantly clear that the Islanders don’t trust him. Dobson played just 9:41 last night. For a defenseman, that’s nothing. To go along with that, Johnny Boychuk only played 14:22.

Essentially, the Islanders played just two pairs as Ryan Pulock, Nick Leddy, Scott Mayfield, and Devon Toews played more than 23 minutes apiece.

Yes, the Islanders got nothing from the offense. The reason they lost is because they got five shots after the first period, not defense but rolling out two pairings isn’t in the least bit sustainable.

The Isles need Greene healthy and sooner rather than later.

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