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The Islanders dropped their second consecutive game in as many nights, this time to the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins. They are now 3-5-0 on the season, which is not exactly how most fans expected them to do. The game last night had some highs and lows, here’s what we learned.
- Shane Prince was ready to play in his return
Prince played in the first two contests this season not registering a point. He returned from injury yesterday with two points, including the tying goal in the third period.
Prince was acquired for a pick at last season’s deadline, and has been nothing but a spark for the Isles in his short time with the team. He scored three big goals in the playoffs, and put his speed to good use. Maybe Prince’s return is the spark the Islanders need to get going.
2. The Blue Line Is Chipping In On Offense.
On a Jack Capuano coached team the defense will always try to join the rush, and just generally create offense. It can be risky, but helpful at the same time. Capuano thinks the benefit outweighs the negative here. Every d-man on the team has at least two points through eight games. Johnny Boychuk and Travis Hamonic each have four. Unfortunately, those two defenseman are tied for fourth on the team in scoring. So, while it is good that the defenseman are producing on offense, it also points out how poor the offense has been.
3. The Third Period Problems Have Still Not Been Fixed
The Islanders have been scored on 12 times in the final period so far this season. That is tied for most in the league with the Flames and Coyotes. Not the best company to be in. The Penguins completely dominated play in the third yesterday after the Isles out-shot them 32-19 though the first two periods. It is completely unacceptable to collapse on defense this often in the third, and that is why the Islanders have lost so many games so early on. If they fix that problem, more wins will come.
The post 3 Things We Learned In The Islanders’ Loss To The Penguins appeared first on Islanders Insight.
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