Islanders Have Been Dominant At 5-on-5 In Playoffs

In five playoff games over two series, the New York Islanders have been downright dominant at even strength.

It’s no secret what the Islanders plan is in the playoffs. They want to limit the number of quality chances that their opponent receives in a game. Yesterday was the perfect example of that for Barry Trotz’s team.

The Islanders found themselves down 2-0 early but it was because the team gave the Capitals seven power play opportunities. The teams played just 8:33 of 5-on-5 in the first period to give you an idea of how many penalties there were.

While the Islanders struggled on the PK, they were flat out dominant (even when down 2-0) at 5-on-5. Through two periods of play, the Capitals had two shots at even strength according to Natural Stat Trick.

For the game, the Caps finished with 11 shots for out of their 26 for the game. For the entirety of the game, Washington had just three high danger chances at 5v5 that’s unbelievable from the Islanders.

This wasn’t a new theme, they did the exact same thing to the Panthers. In four games, the Islanders allowed three 5v5 goals for the series. One of those goals came four seconds after a power play as well.

We’re talking about essentially two goals at 5v5 in the playoffs so far. I mean take a bow Barry Trotz that’s unbelievable.

The issue is that when they are on the PK, they’ve struggled immensely. They allowed four goals on the power play (and that one four seconds after the power play). Essentially five goals in four games against the Panthers on the PK.

Add two from Washington and that’s essentially seven power play goals allowed for the Islanders in five games. Yes, both the Panthers and Capitals have very good power plays but they have to be better on the PK.

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Ideally, the Islanders aren’t giving Washington seven power play opportunities anymore but if the Isles are able to continue their dominant play at 5v5 they will be just fine in this series.