Hockey fan’s favorite pastime is to make fun of the New York Islanders for their boring playstyle. While Islanders supporters could brush it off for a time, thanks to the team’s past success providing an easy counterpoint, that is no longer an option. With blown lead after blown lead, the jokes practically write themselves, and the Islanders are nearing a point where excuses are no longer viable.
Islanders Concerning Stats
Thanks to NHL.com and Islanders’ statistician Eric Hornick, some eye-opening stats have emerged amid the team’s 8-9-5 start to the season.
In 22 games this season, the Islanders have been either tied or leading at the second intermission in 16 of those games. In the six games where they were trailing after 40 minutes, their record stands at 1-4-1.
When it comes to third periods, the Islanders have been outscored 33-20. In contrast, they have allowed just 26 total goals in the first and second periods combined. They’ve only scored a game-tying goal in the third period three times while conceding eight. Additionally, when holding a two-goal lead, they’ve allowed the next goal more often than they’ve scored it.
In 22 games this season, the Islanders have surrendered 33 goals in the third period.
The Islanders have had 30 total goals against them in the first & second period and overtime. pic.twitter.com/IqexkTY0Bd
— Islanders Videos (@SNY_Islanders) November 26, 2024
The Islanders are 0-8-2 this season when scoring two or fewer goals. Despite stellar performances from their goalies—such as 30 saves on 31 shots against the Calgary Flames on Nov. 19, 24 saves on 25 shots against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 30, or Ilya Sorokin’s 29 saves on 30 shots against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 17—they have failed to win these tight games, owning a 4-3-5 record in one-goal games.
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In their last six games, the Islanders have led in the third period each time but have only come away with two victories. When scoring first, their record is 4-3-3, meaning they have lost more games than won after scoring the opening goal. For comparison, teams that score first in the NHL have historically won 67% of the time, but that has not been the case for the Islanders.
Takeaways from the Stats
No fan needs to look at the numbers to know it, but the list of troubling stats for the Islanders could go on. The team has…
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