The Islanders experienced their most disastrous period ever when facing the Pens, allowing a staggering six goals in a single period. What was even more alarming was the astonishing shots on goal.
It is easy to blame the defense, but I am here to let people know this is not just the defense. The forwards failed to grasp an essential lesson in this game: the importance of being a complete player. They just threw Sorokin to the wolves; if they were parents, they would have been charged with abandonment of their children.
The good news is this has not been their habit. Up until the fiasco of the Penguins game, the Isles were on a roll, led by Horvat and Barzal, who have been the players they are paid to be. The forwards were buying into the system to help out on the defensive system. For the most part, they diligently covered their man in the defensive zone.
The defense was fine. Considering that they did not have Pelech, Polock, or Mayfield, they were on the verge of being spectacular. Dobson emerged as the clear leader of this makeshift group of dmen, effectively plugging up the leaks. Mike Reilly and Robert Bortuzzo have filled in admirably in the absence of Mayfield, Polock, and Pelech.
The Isles just have to work on these breakdowns, expecting to win without playing a full sixty minutes. Yes, they are a solid team, but they need to be better. They must put in a consistent effort.
What needs to put this team into a contender? The team needs to address two key areas: acquiring a scoring forward and another dman to fill in the top six. Whether the Isles make these steps depends on where they are in the standings. If the Islanders are in a wildcard spot, Lou may consider making a trade to improve their chances. However, if they are at least in third place, the team may be willing to trade some future assets to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup.
Randy
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