Islanders' Powerplay, Where are thou?

The Islanders outplayed the Bolts all night. They were forcing Tampa to take stupid penalties and run all over the ice. The problem, though, was that the powerplay was firing blanks. Good for a show, but not so much on the scoreboard.  

The two significant powerplays were the five-on-three and the full five-minute major. The five-on-three was especially concerning. There was no urgency. One play, Victor Hedman intercepted a pass and was allowed to skate down to the Islanders' end. That cannot happen.  

I understand fans' frustration with certain players. I can even strongly see their point. What do I say to that? Trotz's words continue to go through my head: we lose as a team; we win as a team. Ebs did not have a strong game; I get that. But he was not the only player on the ice during the anemic powerplay. 

My first reaction to the powerplay was: "Shoot the ****** puck!" Looking back, I would tone it down to, "Shoot the puck."  In the 1989 Season, the Flames had one of the best powerplays in the NHL. The Calgary Flames had defencemen who could shoot the puck from the blueline. Sound familiar? They would feed Al MacInnis and shoot the crap out of the puck.  Well, the Islanders have Ryan Pulock, who can shoot the crap out of the puck. The Islanders are too busy making things too complicated. I like the KISSD theory (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) When Pulock is not on the ice, let Toews shoot the puck. Go back to the basics. If the Isles had a powerplay, that game is over. Stop trying to impress people and shoot the puck. 

This just in: When you are on a five-on-three powerplay, you should maybe shoot the puck. 

Randy