The NY Islanders are on franchise-record streak at the face-off dot

The New York Islanders have had tremendous depth at center in recent seasons, but they've never put this type of season at the face-off dot. Heading into Monday night's games, the Isles lead the NHL in face-off win percentage at 55.3%, followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs (55.0%) and Utah Hockey Club (54.9%).

Amongst the centers, JG Pageau leads the way with a 61.2% winning percentage (120 of 196), followed by fourth-liner Kyle MacLean at 58.2% (71 of 112). Second-line center Brock Nelson is at 55.0% (132 of 240), and Bo Horvat has a very respectable 53.7% (122 of 227). Casey Cizikas, who has spent most of the season on the wing, is the only other player to take over 50 face-offs, and he's just under 50% at 49.2% (32 of 65). It's led to the best streak of face-off success in team history.

According to MSG Networks statistician Eric Hornick in The Skinny, on Saturday night versus the New Jersey Devils, the Isles extended their franchise-record streak by winning the majority of draws for the 14th straight game. It is only the 15th time in the real-time era that a team has had a streak of at least that length; only nine were able to extend the streak to fifteen games.

The Islanders have been a better defensive team this season, especially at even strength. However, for a team that continues to struggle on the penalty kill and at 6-on-5, their ability to win crucial face-offs in their defensive zone will be key throughout the season, affording them the chance to clear the puck or take a shot at an empty net to seal a win. Right now, collectively, winning face-offs has become contagious amongst the centers. We'll see how long they can keep it going.