Islanders Postgame Mailbag: It Ain’t Over Until It’s Over

The New York Islanders found themselves down 3-0 early in the second period, but there was no quit in their game as they scored five unanswered goals to ultimately beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-4. The Islanders are now 5-4-0 on the season.

Call It A Comeback: Islanders Storm Back From Down 3, Defeat Avalanche 5-4

Here’s your NYI Hockey Now postgame mailbag:

What did you see from them that sparked this comeback? (@nyisles130)

You look at how the Colorado Avalanche scored their three goals. There wasn’t much going wrong for New York. They allowed a power-play goal (their first), a deflection goal, and got unlucky following a power-play chance.

I think Lane Lamber calling his timeout after the Avalanche’s third goal to tell his team there was a lot of time left was critical, along with the fan support.

Goals. We can score. You gotta score and do it often in this league now. So good to see. (@DavidMoss21)

Believe it or not, the New York Islanders have averaged 3.67 goals per game through nine games, which is fourth-best in the NHL.

There’s not one player carrying the offense as only three forwards remain scoreless in Mat Barzal (10 points), Jean-Gabriel Pageau (5 points), and Casey Cizikas (two points).

The defense has played its role in the offense, as three have scored this season, while all have at least two points besides Sebastian Aho.

This is a playoff team (@I_AmMcLuvin)

In order to make the playoffs, you need strong goaltending, which they have. You need a balanced offensive attack, which they have. And you need to limit the chances against, which they have.

It’s about consistency, which is the only thing the Islanders have to prove right now as they go on the road for three games.

The season is young, but the way they have played on this three-game winning streak is a sure positive.

The power play has not been clicking at all this season. In your opinion, what needs to change for both units? Personnel? Tactics? (@raisethebarzal)

After last night, the New York Islanders’ power play sits at 10.7 percent, which is 28th in the NHL.

They started off the season terribly, but there were times that, despite not scoring, were able to build momentum.

I think placing Ryan Pulock back on the power play will pay off if he can hit the net. Unfortunately for him, the block of his shot last night led directly to the Avalanche’s third goal.

I think the personnel is right. But like we saw last night, the Islanders were too pass-happy and they need to shoot when the lane presents itself.

Brock Nelson on the half wall should be a weapon for the top unit.

Having Wahlstrom as a one-time option on second unit should also pay dividends as the season progresses.

Great resiliency by the Isles to take this game from the Avs! (@FSmarra)

There was no quit by the Islanders last night despite being down three goals. They continued to do what brought them success in the two games prior, as they forechecked hard and crashed the net.

That willingness to go to the dirty areas led to two of their three goals, and their ability to transition with speed led to the go-ahead goal.

Especially on the second of a back-to-back, the Islanders’ effort was impressive.

I mean, it’s a big win, but they still have a lot of defensive issues.(@XNJGator)

I think you are seeing progress in the defensive zone. Early in the season, the defensive zone turnovers were rather costly. They were masked against the bad teams but were exposed against the good ones.

You have to be happy with the progress of Alexander Romanov and Noah Dobson, who seem to be catching on to one another’s tendencies. Sebastian Aho has been solid enough alongside Scott Mayfield, and Adam Pelech has looked much better.

I think it’s safe to say that Ryan Pulock has been the Islanders’ best defenseman.

Right now, there’s too much of a reliability on the netminders but holding three elite teams to six goals total is a win.

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