Are The New York Islanders’ Playoffs’ Hopes Gone?
After going to the third round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs two years in a row, the Islanders were dealt a very bad hand to start the 2021-22 NHL season. A brutal 13-game road trip and multiple COVID-19 issues have wrecked havoc, and the Islanders sit last in the Metropolitan Division. Are the New York Islanders’ playoffs’ hopes gone?
Islanders Nightmare November
The Islanders had a decent October given the circumstances. Once Halloween came and went, the Islanders and their fans were excited for Nov. 20, which was the opening of the team’s brand new arena. Unfortunately, the Islanders hit rock bottom.
As the 13-game road trip came to a close, the Islanders were tired and wanted to go home. They lost four straight but the season was far from over. But once the Islanders returned home, their luck got worse.
The Islanders had a COVID-19 outbreak, which decimated the team. They lost all four games during UBS Arena’s opening week. They eventually wound up losing 11 straight games. The 11th loss hurt the most, despite a miracle game-tying goal by Noah Dobson with two seconds left.
Islanders’ Youngsters Not Played
As we know, Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz love their veterans. But, the veterans have not done their job recently.
Trotz continues to put the veterans in the lineup each game and benches players like Austin Czarnik, Kieffer Bellows, Robin Salo and even 24-year-old Anthony Beauvillier. Along with that, Oliver Wahlstrom has been a huge bright spot for the Islanders, but Trotz refuses to give him significant ice-time. Trotz also usually has not put Wahlstrom on the first line with Mathew Barzal.
Islanders’ Not Producing Offense
If the Islanders want to make the playoffs, they need offense. The Islanders have won most of their games this year behind strong goaltending. But one main issue is that multiple players have struggled. Zach Parise, Josh Bailey and Kyle Palmieri have played poorly. Palmieri, specifically, has been awful this season for the Islanders — and is unable to do anything right. The Islanders will not make the playoffs if he keeps getting played and keeps producing at his current level.
Are The Islanders Playoff Hopes Gone
The Islanders still do have a shot at making the playoffs. But if the team plays like they did in November and continues to not produce offensively, they will not make it.
The Islanders are a very streaky team. They need to go on a torrid run to get back into the playoff picture, then play above average hockey the rest of the way. They dug themselves into a hole. The question is: can they dig themselves out of it?
