Islanders Defense Shows Youth Mistakes and Veteran Age In Loss

The New York Islanders put on another frustrating performance in front of fans at UBS Arena. In games that the team used to find a way to win, they now find a way to lose. There were unacceptable plays from the defense last night that led to a 4-3 loss in the final seconds of the game.

It's one thing if Nashville had scored some beauties and outworked the Islanders, but this game was lost due to defensive meltdowns and veteran slowness. Sebastian Aho, Noah Dobson, and Andy Greene all made terrible plays to turn the puck over leading to a Nashville goal.

Dobson simply can not make a mistake like that with seconds on the clock. That is inexcusable, but Barry Trotz won't discipline him at all and will still give him top minutes. Andy Green performed terrible as well, really showing his age by getting out skated for the game tying goal. Greene and Chara are ancient, and it might be time for them to retire. Robin Salo deserves to play in this lineup, but the inability from Trotz to insert young guys in the lineup really makes no sense at this point.

Islanders Defense Shows Youth Mistakes and Veteran Age In Loss

It has been a frustrating season to say the least, but for a team that prides itself on defense and team play, the defense is atrocious. The amount of mistakes and consistent blind passes by every defensemen (not named Pelech) is not getting this team anywhere. Remember when analysts were picking the Islanders to win the cup this year?

Scott Mayfield, Zdeno Chara, and Andy Green all need to be replaced. Who knew losing Nick Leddy would be this painful? We will see what happens over the next couple of weeks, but if the Islanders defense keeps making costly mistakes like they did last night, we may never see a win in the new arena.