What a preseason it was.  The Islanders won the exhibition season, compiling a 6-0-2 record during over the half-month span.  It included exciting games at the Nassau Coliseum, Webster Bank Arena, and the Barclays Center.  Thomas Greiss had a shutout against the Devils.  All signs pointed to a strong regular season.  Unfortunately, however, the Isles didn’t get off to the start they wanted, falling in their first game of the season against the Blue Jackets.
Griess got the nod in goal from coach Doug Weight.  There were some notable omissions from the lineup on Friday as well.  Both Josh Ho-Sang and Ryan Pulock were out, prompting a weaker offensive performance.
The Blue Jackets scored early and often, with Sonny Milano striking first just over a minute into the hockey game.  After allowing another four, Griess was pulled in favor of Jaroslav Halak, who stopped all eight shots he faced.
The effort put in by the Islanders was nothing to marvel at.  The team failed to keep the puck in the offensive zone.  For much of the game, a forward fired a shot on goal or dumped the puck towards the corner, but couldn’t follow up and keep zone time.  The team was outshot, outplayed, and obviously, outscored.

Notable Islanders Stats:

• 29 SOG
• 50% FOW
• 0/1 PP
• 1/2 PK
• 11 PIM
• 25 HITS
• 15 BLKS
• 7 GVA
• Nick Leddy 22:54 TOI, -1
• Thomas Griess 21-26, .808 SV%, 5 GA

Ben Baruch

Born and raised on Long Island. Isles fan since 2009. Studying journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park.