TEAM UPDATE: Islanders Under the Microscope as 12 Games In and How to Turn Things Around

What We’ve Learned About the Islanders and How to Rebound

The New York Islanders find themselves in a precarious position as they navigate the early part of the 2024-25 NHL season. With a record of 4-6-2 after a recent 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers, the team has shown glimpses of potential, but consistency and finishing have been major issues. Missing several key players due to injuries has compounded their struggles, making it difficult for the Islanders to find their footing.

Through 12 games, the Islanders rank 13th in points percentage in the Eastern Conference and dead last in the league with a meager 2.25 goals per game. Their power play has been ineffective, sitting at 29th in the league, while their penalty kill ranks even lower at 31st. The absence of two-thirds of their top line, along with all three regular left-side defensemen, has left the roster in disarray.

This poor start is particularly frustrating given that the Islanders had an opportunity to bank points early in the season against teams they should have been able to beat. Losing games against teams like the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils, while also failing to secure points in other critical matchups, has left them in a precarious spot as the season progresses. They’ve been shut out four times already, highlighting a glaring lack of offensive production that must be addressed.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope within the team. Goaltender Ilya Sorokin, in the first year of his eight-year contract, has rebounded impressively from his previous season and offseason back surgery. He has shown flashes of brilliance, boasting a .922 save percentage and ranking among the top goalies in goals saved above expectation. However, even Sorokin’s exceptional play hasn’t translated to wins, as the Islanders have consistently struggled to provide him with adequate offensive support. With a league-low shooting percentage of 6.8%, the Islanders must find ways to generate more scoring chances and capitalize on them.

Another key player for the Islanders has been Alex Romanov, who has emerged as their best defenseman. His absence from the lineup has exposed the team’s defensive weaknesses, as they are winless without him. Romanov’s ability to join the rush and contribute offensively is something the Islanders desperately need, especially with the current struggles of their other defensemen. The impact of injuries to players like Adam Pelech and Mike Reilly has further strained the defensive corps, leaving them vulnerable.

While some players have stepped up, the Islanders have lacked an identity in their bottom six. Casey Cizikas, once a reliable presence, has not found his rhythm without his regular linemates. Other forwards have also struggled to contribute, leading to a lack of depth scoring that the team has relied on in previous seasons. This lack of production from the bottom six has put additional pressure on the top lines, which cannot sustain the team’s offensive efforts alone.

Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri, and rookie Max Tsyplakov have been a bright spot, combining for significant offensive output. Nelson continues to shine, tied for the team lead in goals and showcasing his scoring ability. However, the situation becomes more complex as both Nelson and Palmieri are pending unrestricted free agents, raising questions about the team’s future direction should they continue to struggle.

Defensively, the Islanders must also address the play of Noah Dobson, who has not performed at the level expected of a top defenseman. After a promising start to his career, Dobson has faced challenges, including critical turnovers that have resulted in goals against. His recent performance raises concerns about his ability to log significant minutes and be a key contributor, especially with the team’s reliance on its defensive players to carry a larger load during injuries.

However, general manager Lou Lamoriello faces tough decisions regarding the roster and potential trades. While the team has options under the salary cap with Barzal on long-term injured reserve, any major moves will require careful consideration. Lamoriello might look for depth defensemen to stabilize the blue line, especially with the current struggles of their depth players.

Options like Jon Merrill from the Minnesota Wild or even a potential trade for someone like Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks could provide much-needed support. However, any significant trades would require moving salary out, which complicates matters for a team that needs to find immediate solutions without sacrificing long-term assets.

The Islanders find themselves at a crossroads. With a significant number of games left in the season, there is still time to turn things around. However, they must address their offensive shortcomings, find ways to navigate the injuries plaguing key players, and establish a more cohesive identity. The urgency to rebound is clear, and if they can get healthy and make the necessary adjustments, there’s potential for the Islanders to salvage their season and position themselves for a playoff push. Time will tell if they can capitalize on the opportunities ahead and return to form before it’s too late.