Struggles Continue/NY Notables

New York Islander Fan Central | 1/01/2016 02:19:00 PM |
Nothing new to write about the on-ice play since last entry beyond the new injuries to Halak, and likely Boychuk for a longer-term.

It's almost all goaltending by Greiss with excellent penalty killing which is due to falloff. The goals scored are mostly the by product of poor goaltending by the opposition in the wins vs New Jersey, Anaheim, Toronto.

Buffalo's goaltender played very well but we are not seeing many setups the goaltender has no chance on by this offense. 

Grabner scored the easiest goal of his career at Barclay's, completely untouched, allowed to stand at crease as long as he wanted. Zidlicky at around +9 needed to continue to rest for Brian Strait that game which makes me wonder why not just give Pulock his spot now if that's what Capuano thinks of his game?

Buffalo was exhausted playing it's second game in two nights, NY was waiting for them, and with powerplays the Sabres had a 16-1 shot advantage, 43 overall on the game, and looked like the rested team.

Capuano pointed out the even strength shots were 6-5 in the first period at Buffalo. Ok, but why are your players again being out-worked/out-skated when the opposition played/traveled? 

The games are almost the opposite of a year ago, the hitting fading more recently also.

Hope something clicks out of nowhere, but reality is going to hit hard very soon unless that happens. The Devils, Pens, even Carolina are playing at a higher level. The Flyers completely dominated the previous game beyond Halak stealing two points.

We'll see what happens with Boychuk, and what Pelech can do with his call-up, there is really no one in Bridgeport who can statistically spark the offense among the forwards.

Okposo is likely playing with his injury which means he's not going to be effective often. 
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The news has been very good from WJC, but it will come down to next training camp for Barzal vs the older prospects. Soderstrom has a signed contract in KHL.

Michael Dal Colle, was traded to Kingston.
Mitch Vande Sompel is suspended indefinitely, Josh Ho-Sang for two games per OHL.