It is early — and things can change. But out of the gate this is the same team we have seen for a while now. They are just past their best-by date at too many places and are more likely than not to find themselves mired in the mushy middle and it will likely take other teams collapsing for this Islander team to get into the playoffs. If that should happen, it will be a quick first round loss again.
Random thoughts:
Barzal has abandoned his shooting and puck moving quickness that gave him success last season. He is holding the puck way, way, way too long. Look what happened when Roy took him off that first PP unit last night — other than the last late PP, it was so much crisper with puck movement, passing and much more shooting. The issue I have had with 13 has been a constant willingness to not shoot. He is completely predictable and can be defended because of that predictability.
Dobson has looked solid on the offensive side of the puck, but his back end defensive play has been shaky.
Pelech and Pullock have been a mixed bag. Too many turnovers.
Overall defensively, there has been very poor coverage in front in particular.
Overall offensively, they just dont shoot enough.
the PK and PP remain a disaster.
The saving grace — Goaltending has been outstanding. But that will obly get us so far.
If come deadline they are on the outside looking in — trading assets for prospects and picks is required.
Been saying it for a while now: NYI need a new GM.