The NY Islanders have had a disastrous defensive start to the season

It hasn't exactly been the prettiest start to a season for the NY Islanders. Allowing four goals in each of their first two games, this lineup doesn't exactly have the horses to get into a high-scoring affair. There has been an emphasis on playing at a higher pace this season, but that doesn't mean abandoning play in their own end.

Through two games, the Islanders have not only allowed good chances against - they've allowed great chances, and more so than any other team. Ilya Sorokin, who has been in net for both games, has faced 25 high-danger shots, tied with Dustin Wolf of the Calgary Flames for most in the league. The only difference between the two netminders is that Wolf has played three games. And while the Isles have allowed four goals in both games, their expected goals against per 60 minutes is currently 4.43 according to Natural Stat Trick.

The Isles are having a tough time defensively

While Ilya Sorokin has let in some questionable goals, he's also saved plenty that should have been goals, all while being hung out to dry.

Alexander Romanov has struggled out of the gate after signing a new 8-year contract, playing the fewest minutes of any Islanders defenseman in Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals. Scott Mayfield, who has been paired with Matthew Schaefer, hasn't exactly been a stalwart alongside the 18-year-old, often putting his partner in difficult decisions with the puck.

It's a small sample size, but a concerning start for the Islanders. While expectations for this season might not be sky high, this team should at least be competitive. To make any noise, they'll need to do better at keeping the puck out of their own net, and that falls on all 19 players.

If the first two games are a precursor for the rest of the season, the Islanders will surely find themselves in the lottery again come the summer.