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NY Islanders are playing better than expected but the standings tell a familiar story

The Islanders have shown encouraging signs under Pete DeBoer, but their 7-6-2 record has them exactly where many predicted they'd be which is outside the playoff picture.
ByJiggs Westfall
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Ottawa Senators v New York Islanders
Ottawa Senators v New York Islanders | Rich Graessle/GettyImages

The New York Islanders have arguably played better than most expected through the first 15 games of the season. They've bought into Pete DeBoer's system, competed against some of the NHL's best teams, and shown a level of resilience that wasn't always evident in previous seasons.

Yet, for all the encouraging signs, the standings tell a familiar story.

At 7-6-2, the Islanders sit fifth in the Metropolitan Division and four points outside the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot. It's roughly where most preseason projections had them, despite what feels like a more competitive team on the ice.

The biggest issue isn't necessarily how the Islanders are playing. It's that they're not turning enough competitive performances into points.

Thursday's 5-3 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes was another example. The Isles generated quality scoring opportunities and remained competitive deep into the third period, but ultimately came away empty-handed.

"The process is good," DeBoer said Friday. "I like the process. I like where we're going."

And there's reason to believe him. The Islanders have been in tight games, demonstrated improved structure, and generally looked more organized under their new coach.

But moral victories won't get the Islanders back into the postseason.

They haven't won in regulation since October 20, and their power play has converted just once in its last 18 opportunities. Those shortcomings help explain why improved performances haven't translated into better results.

"We're fighting. Even if we get down, we're not giving up," Casey Cizikas said. "But obviously, points are important. You've got to find ways to get wins."

With New Jersey visiting Saturday before a three-game California road trip, the urgency is growing.

The Islanders may be better than anticipated, but until the points start matching the performances, they're still exactly where most expected them to be.

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