On Tuesday the Blackhawks come to UBS. The Blackhawks are 26-31-13 for 65 points. They stink. While nothing comes easy for the Isles this is a game where anything less than 2 points is unacceptable. You can't lose games like this when every point matters.
Mike Kelly on X: "Ilya Sorokin with his league-leading 7th shutout last night against the Blue Jackets. The Islanders rank 31st in inner slot shots and high-danger chances against - 28th in expected goals against. They are 4th in actual GAA. https://t.co/dz5CKJaQYI" / X
Is this a coaching issue? I’m not giving Roy a pass here either, Trotz made this team a defensive team first but Roy likes to use speed and quick counter to put pressure on opposing teams. That type of strategy allows open areas on ice behind the forwards. I’m not saying he should be fired but team is still near bottom of standings with Roy as coach.
It's probably a combination of the style they play and the lack of talent on the team. I am enjoying this season, and they won a lot more than I thought they would, but this team is a work in progress. Darche has to upgrade the talent with both the forwards and defense.
David Rittich will start against the Blackhawks, per Roy. He has a 14-9-3 record this season with a 2.69 GAA and a .898 SV% and two shutouts. With tougher games coming up against the Stars, Panthers, Penguins, and Sabres this seems like a good time to play Rittich who has been decent this year. This is a game the Isles must win. Playing a bad Blackhawks team at home. 2 points is needed tonight. Anything less is unacceptable.
Terrible performance for Rittich dooms the comeback. You simply can't lose games like this. At least Pittsburgh, Boston, and Detroit lost, but Columbus and Ottawa won.
One point behind Pitt for 3rd and 2 behind the Jackets for 2nd in the Metro. Getting in the 2-3 Metro spot is the Isles best bet. Do I think they will do it. NO not after an inexcusable loss to a bad Blackhawks team at home. But this probably is their best chance. Three game home stand coming up before going to Buffalo on Tuesday. Tonight the Stars, Saturday afternoon the Panthers, then Monday night Pittsburgh. They better find a way to win games and no regulation losses either. At least get the game to OT to get the loser point.
