Islanders tapping into previously unseen offense

The New York Islanders aren't known as a top offensive team. When you think of the better offensive teams in the NHL you think of the Florida Panthers or the Colorado Avalanche. And rightfully so, they're 1 and 2 in goals-for on the season.

Since Barry Trotz took over and focused the Islanders on defense, they've been one of the lowest-scoring teams in the NHL. From 2018-19 through to today, the Isles rank 25th in the NHL in goals-for with 749.

But of late, the Islanders have changed that narrative. For the last two months, they're one of the better teams in the NHL for creating offense.

New York Islanders tapping into previously unseen offense

Since February 1, the Isles have scored 89 goals. Only four teams have put more pucks in the net than the Isles:

1. Calgary - 104GF
2. Toronto - 99GF
3. Edmonton - 96GF
4. Winnipeg - 90GF
5. Islanders - 89GF

That's just not something we've seen from the Islanders. Not since Barry Trotz has been behind the bench at least. But with a change in the lineup the team has tapped into some unseen offense.

We know where most of those goals are coming from. Brock Nelson and Anders Lee have 50 of those 89 goals. Ridiculous. Here's where much of the other goals are coming from in this stretch:

1. Nelson - 18
2. Lee - 14
3. Palmieri - 10
4. Parise - 8
5. Five-way tie with 5 goals

Nelson has already smashed his career high for goals with his 32 so far this year. While Anders Lee isn't hitting a career high he's not far back of Nelson's 32 goals with 25 goals of his own so far.

And to think Palmieri has had, what, five goals waived off for some infraction or another? Either offside, goalie interference, or high-sticking? That's wild to think about. This team is hitting their stride offensively and Mathew Barzal isn't the one leading the way.

Barzal is doing fine with three goals and 17 points over 22 games, but he's nowhere close to leading the way for goals or points. He ranks sixth for points since Feb 1. You might think that's something to worry about in regards to Barzal but consider that he's probably still not 100%.

Barzal will get back to his best. It's not like he's far off with 17 in 22 he's still playing at a 60+ point pace.

Again, the Islander have tapped into something on the offensive side of the game that we haven't seen before. This is good news for the 2022-23 season.