Last night's worrisome stat that compares to NY Islanders teams of the 90s
![Carolina Hurricanes v New York Islanders](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4799,h_2699,x_0,y_298/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/111/01hefwndehd7cqg4repp.jpg)
It's been a mixed bag for the NY Islanders over their first ten games this season. They've gotten out to early leads but have struggled to maintain them, partially due to the volume of shots allowed each game. The Isles have allowed 35.7 shots per game to this point - second worst in the NHL, ahead of only the dreadful San Jose Sharks (37.5), who have conceded ten goals in back-to-back games.
Last night against the Carolina Hurricanes was not only one of the Isles' worst statistical displays of the season - it was one of the worst looking back to the dreadful teams of the 1990s. Outattempted 101-38 on the night and outshot 47-25, the law of averages was bound to catch up with the Isles despite getting out to a three-goal head start. Here are some not-so-flattering stats provided by MSG Islanders statistician Eric Hornick:
- The Islanders have allowed 357 shots on goal this season. Only the 1990-91 Isles have allowed more shots through ten games (378)
- Last night was the first time the Isle shave allowed 100+ shot attempts since Nov. 23, 2009, at the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- The Hurricanes attempted 100+ shots at home last night, the first time the Isles have allowed triple digits at home since the statistic began being tracked in 2005-06.
The #Isles blew a game that they really had no business winning. 101 shot attempts allowed, third most in franchise history. Unsustainable. pic.twitter.com/c9tvm6V9o3
β ππ¬π₯ππ¬ π π’π± (@IslesFix) November 5, 2023
Sitting tied for second place in the Metropolitan Division with the NJ Devils on points percentage, the Isles have secured points despite their lackluster play. Playing a predominantly favorable schedule to this point, Isles opponents have a .551-point percentage and have played seven games in the comfort of UBS Arena.
Just about any comparison to Islanders of the 90s outside of the name Zigmund Palffy, typical isn't positive. Injuries to Scott Mayfield and Adam Pelech have forced the Isles to play with one of their top-4 defensemen in what is essentially nine of their ten games. Every team faces injuries at some point throughout the season, and overcoming those hardships is what separates the good teams from the bad. The jury is still out on which category these Islanders fall under.