The New York Islanders came into the 2021-22 season with a rather high bar. After a back-to-back season that ended in the semi-finals to the same foe in the Tampa Bay Lightning, could this be the year they get over the hump?
Forget raising a Stanley Cup this season. The New York Islanders have to raise their game first, as it has been a season full of disappointment.
Did two shortened regular seasons followed by magical postseason runs create a false narrative for the franchise? Did general manager Lou Lamoriello think the team was significantly closer than they actually were?
There’s a lot that has gone wrong and everyone from the skaters, to head coach Barry Trotz, to Lamoriello is to blame for the 16-17-6 record.
It Starts With the Defense
In 2020-21, the New York Islanders allowed the second-fewest goals-against per game played at 2.23. They allowed the second-fewest shots per game and arguably had the best defensive pairing in hockey in Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock. Despite the “struggles” of Nick Leddy his ability as a facilitator and a key piece of the transition was key in the team’s success.
No questions asked the defense was the strongest part of the Islanders, and that has been the case sine Barry Trotz got t
