Posted by The Islanders were matched up in the first game against Sidney Crosby and the Stanley Cup Champion Penguins. Everyone expected this game to be a blowout. The Islanders fought strong all game and had a lead in the third. It was unfortunate luck that the Penguins tied the game on a puck off of the skate of Bruno Gervais, which led the Penguins to win the game in a shootout.
They then traveled up Ottawa to battle it out with the Senators. The Islanders trailed 2-0 in the game only to fight their way to tie the game back up and then lose in overtime. Then came the game versus the Boston Bruins, and this was the one that really stung. The Islanders played phenomenal hockey in the first period, although had nothing to show for it. The second period was arguably their best period of the season as they put up 3 goals and held the Bruins to none. Going into the third period the Islanders had a 3-0 lead, and then it happened. About halfway into the third period the Bruins netted three goals in less than 6 minutes to tie the game. You could hear Islanders’ fans all across the nation just go “oh no” once Boston scored the first goal. The Bruins won the game in a shootout.
Finally, the Islanders came home for Columbus Day and the Kid’s home opener. The battle took place against the young team of the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings dominated play the entire game except maybe for one minute in the third in which the Islanders were able to put a goal on the board, however, they fell short losing to the Kings 2-1 for their first regulation loss of the season.
The Islanders managed three points in four games. The Islanders are on pace to match their total number of points as last year, so the question remains is this the same Islanders team we have seen over the last few years?
Their top line consists of Matt Moulson, John Tavares, and Kyle Okposo. The trio has made an outstanding effort to remain together and be the top line of the Islanders. Through the first four games Matt Moulson has 2 goals, 2 assists, with 4 points. John Tavares has 2 goals, 3 assists, for 5 points, while Kyle Okposo has 1 goal, 3 assists, for 4 points. Each player on the top line is averaging a point per game. John Tavares seems to be that amazing player which we were told he would be. Matt Moulson, a surprise addition out of training camp, has a nose to get to the front of the net and bang home the garbage. Kyle Okposo is showing amazing skills that have not been seen in a long time and is showing he is not afraid to drive the net either.
However the Islanders are not going to win on one line alone. The Islanders are only averaging 2.5 goals a game. Out of the 10 goals that have been scored, 5 of them are from the top line. The Islanders have lost all four games by one goal. In order to win these games they are going to need the defense to step it up, the goaltending to be superb, and for the rest of the offense to contribute more. So are these the same old Islanders? Only time will tell.
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