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4 Takeaways From Islanders’ 5-2 Loss vs Stars

Semyon Varlamov New York Islanders

The New York Islanders were looking to bounce back from a rough 5-4 loss to the Nashville Predators but instead lost 5-2 to the Dallas Stars. The loss gave the Islanders their second defeat on the four-game road trip and an 11-8 record on the season.

Related: 3 Takeaways From Islanders’ 5-4 Loss vs Predators – 11/17/22

The last time the Islanders lost back-to-back games was at the beginning of the season when they lost three games in a row to the New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers. While they have looked like a much-improved team since then, the recent defeats have exposed some of the issues in the roster. Moreover, the recent loss for the Islanders raises concerns for a team that is looking to compete for the Stanley Cup this season.

Islanders Defense Squanders Game

This game looked like one where Semyon Varlamov struggled in the net and cost the Islanders the game. However, he kept them in the game, saving 30 of the 34 shots he faced. Instead, the defense played poorly and cost the Islanders as they had multiple missed assignments and poor plays in their zone.

Semyon Varlamov, New York Islanders (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

The defense allowed the Stars to find multiple shots in the slot and near the crease. Jamie Benn’s goal, which gave the Stars a 3-2 lead, came on quick puck movement that allowed him to find an open shot with only Varlamov in his path. The goal was possible as the Islanders lost him in the defensive zone and gave him a clear path to the goal, allowing him to score the decisive goal in the game.


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The Islanders have allowed 10 goals in a two-game span for the first time all season. Granted, the struggles defensively are part of the give-and-take with Lane Lambert behind the bench with his more aggressive style. At times, the Islanders will look like the most exciting team in the league with a high-powered offense that can overcome any deficit and overwhelm any defense in the league. However, there are also a handful of games where the aggressive play costs them and allows opponents to easily find the back of the net.

Barzal’s 2-Goal Night

Mathew Barzal is having an unusual season where he has been one of the best players on the team but couldn’t find the back of the net. Against the Stars, he snapped out of the scoring slump and found the back of the net. Moreover, Barzal scored twice in the game and carried the offense in the 5-2 loss as one of the few bright spots on the rough…

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