Islanders: Three reason to be pessimistic for Penguins series

The New York Islanders will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here’s why there is reasons for pessimism.

So earlier I did three reasons to be optimistic for the Penguins series. It was three reasons the New York Islanders could come out with a series win against the Pens. There was a reason I wrote that. A number of Islanders fans aren’t exactly confident going into the opening round.

And for good reason. So, let’s break down why fans aren’t exactly buzzing about the Islanders chances in the opening round of the playoffs.

End of Season

Rather than looking outward and worry about the Penguins, let’s start inwards to see why fans are worried about the Islanders.

As you’re probably well aware, the Isles stumbled to the finish line. Since acquiring Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac from the New Jersey Devils the Isles went 7-7-3 for 17 points (.500 pts%). That ranks 18th in the NHL and sixth in the East Division.

The Philadelphia Flyers were tied with the Isles in terms of points (17).

An already anemic offense was even worse in this stretch by scoring 2.18 goals-for per game. Only the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks scored fewer goals per game than the Islanders.

I don’t think I need to explain to you why that isn’t any good going into the playoffs.