New York Islanders

Islanders ICYMI: A Week Spent Searching For Answers

Published

6 months ago

October 29, 2023

As so many of us do, the New York Islanders began their week at a low point. But as the week progressed, their results began to improve. Here’s a look back at all that happened with the Islanders.

Same Problems, Same Results:

On Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche, the Islanders suffered their third straight loss. From poor penalty killing to detrimental defense, the same issues reared their ugly heads in all three games.

Three Issues From The Islanders’ Three-Game Losing Streak

Islanders Line Shuffling Can’t Fix Offseason Departure:

The Islanders are only seven games into their schedule, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau has already played with six different linemats. That’s not new for him, though, as the Islanders’ third line has been in flux since Pageau’s arrival.

However, during his time with the team, Zach Parise was the one player who was a constant next to Pageau.

With Parise’s departure this offseason, the Islanders are again shuffling their lines in hopes of filling his void.

Islanders’ Line Shuffling Around Pageau Underscores Loss Of Parise

Skid Snapped:

The Islanders’ losing streak ended with a win against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. Although the team didn’t show much improvement from its previous three games, Noah Dobson and Ilya Sorokin made sure the early skid didn’t last.

Sorokin & Dobson Stay Sharp; Elevate Islanders Over Sens To Snap Losing Streak

Speaking On A Scary Scene:

In that game against Ottawa, hockey was suddenly no longer important for a prolonged instance. As Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom laid seemingly unconscious on the ice after hitting his head, the action came to a halt for well over five minutes. Players from both sides described their collective fear.

Islanders & Senators Talk Scary Scene Of Brannstrom Injury

Dobson Developing Into Top D-Man:

After a disappointing season a year ago, Noah Dobson has come out of the gates looking like the top defenseman the Islanders always thought he’d be.

Noah Dobson Is Becoming The Top Defenseman The Islanders Thought He’d Be

Closing Strong In Columbus:

The Islanders ended the week on a much better note than they started. Semyon Varlamov made 33 saves against the Columbus Blue Jackets to pick up his first win and shutout of the year while the team played a sound game in front of him.

Instant Islanders: Takeaways From Shutout Win Over Blue Jackets

The Week Ahead:

At 4-2-1, the Islanders have nine points and sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division.

Their week begins with a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday before they head to Washington, D.C., to face the Capitals on Thursday. On Saturday, the Islanders will welcome the Carolina Hurricanes to UBS Arena for the first time since Game Six of last year’s opening-round playoff series.