It is Only One Loss:
A bunch of Islander fans are getting bent out of shape after last night's loss but there is no need for that. The Islanders have won 9 straight and recorded points in their last 12. Now that streak is over but that doesn’t mean it's panic time. It is just the Islander’s third loss in regulation since February. The Islanders have been playing good hockey and eventually the streak will snap. We are tied for first in our division and tied for first in the league, that’s a good thing, isn't it? This Islanders team is human and is bound to lose some games.
Penalties:
The Islanders really loss last night's game of special teams. Washington scored two powerplay goals which gave them the lead. Washington has a good powerplay and the Islanders need to stay disciplined. Matt Barzal’s penalty that led to a Capitals goal was unnecessary. Scott Mayfield was issued a penalty after a scrum after the second period which led to an early powerplay goal for Washington.
Our Young Players are Playing Well:
Oliver Wahlstrom, Kieffer Bellows, Sebastian Aho, have all been playing really well for this Islanders team and it showed once again last night. This is just only Sebastion Aho’s second game with the team but he has played really well filling in for Noah Dobson who is on the COVID-19 list. He has one point in 2 games with the team but keep in mind he is a defender and his defense has been good. Oliver Wahlstrom scored a goal last night in the 3-1 loss to the Capitals and shows he is not afraid to shoot. He has 11 points in 23 games played this season. That isn’t bad for a rookie. Wahlstrom’s backcheck has been outstanding and that is something that has kept him in the lineup. Kieffer Bellows has really stepped his game up. He is filling in for Anders Lee who is on the LTIR and since Lee has got hurt and he got another opportunity he has 3 goals in 3 games. He has connected well with Barzal and Eberle.
Looking Ahead:
The Islanders will face the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night to start a three-game set. The Islanders will be at home for the first two and then at Philadelphia for the last game of this set. Thursday night will be the first time in over a year where fans are allowed back inside the Barn (aside from healthcare workers night).
About the Writer: Jacob Beekman- For daily New York Islanders news, analysis, coverage, and more be sure to follow @IslandersOnly on Instagram.