NYHN Daily: Urgency on the Island, Sorokin the Answer & More

The New York Islanders are currently on a six-game slide and face the New York Rangers on Wednesday in hopes of it coming to an end. Although the season is not over, there is a sense of urgency amongst the Islanders as they look to find their game. If they are going to end the slide, Ilya Sorokin is the man between the pipes that is going to give them the best chance.

These stories and more in today’s daily links!

There may be no better Yogism for the New York Islanders right now than, “it’s getting late early out here.” Now 15 games into the season, the Islanders find themselves in a hole that is rightfully starting to concern even the most optimistic observers. (NYI Hockey Now)

What appears to be quickly becoming evident this season is that when it comes to Isles netminders, one is outplaying the other when it matters most. In a year that has started off less than ideal for the Islanders, Sorokin has at least made the best out of a bad situation. (NYI Hockey Now)

The Islanders had a rather rough weekend. They opened up UBS Arena with two losses. They were captain-less. They were without their number one defenseman. They saw their COVID list reach six players. And now they find themselves in a tough spot in the standings, with no signs of stopping the bleeding. (The Athletic)

Although Barry Trotz is a Hall of Fame head coach there is one aspect that the Islanders have never been able to master with him at the helm. The power play year after year fails to be a weapon and this season is no different. But with the absences and injuries, plus their record, the power-play failures are hurting now more than ever. (Newsday)

The Boston Bruins lost their no. 2 centerman this offseason when David Krejci left to play in the Czech Republic. Charlie Coyle was thought to be the guy to fill that role but NHL Network’s Mike Rupp believes he is best suited as a third-line center. (Boston Hockey Now)

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 3-1 on Monday night. Tristan Jarry was practically unbeatable again while Jake Guentzel was a force to be reckoned with on offense. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Trevor Van Riemsdyk has always been a defenseman at the NHL level. But with the Washington Capitals short players due to injury, Van Riemsdyk was asked to play some wing. “He’s a student of the game, to be able to go up and play a different position,” head coach Peter Laviolette said postgame in regard to the decision to play No. 57 on the right side. (Washington Hockey Now)

The Florida Panthers are one of the best teams in hockey and it is not too early for them to be deemed favorites to being a Stanley Cup home to Sunrise, Florida. The NHL betting odds at Fanduel now have the Cats at +900 to win the Stanley Cup, with only the Lightning (+850) and the Avalanche (+600) in front of them. (Florida Hockey Now)

Detroit Red Wing prospect Sebastian Cossa is absolutely tearing it up in the WHL. Despite the patience by the Red Wings regarding his development, he is driven to make the AHL next season and then a few years after that earn his spot in the show. (Detroit Hockey Now)

The Toronto Maple Leafs disappointed again last postseason after a strong regular season. The curse lived on as they were upset by the Montreal Canadiens, failing to escape the first round. But this season, the Maple Leafs have created a new identity. It’s not just about the offense, but the group is focusing on the defensive side of the puck which is giving their goaltenders much more support. This team is becoming the full package. (Toronto Hockey Now)

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Ottawa Senators by a score of 7-5 on Monday night. Here are the player grades from the win. (Colorado Hockey Now)

The Vegas Golden Knights lost 5-2 to the St. Louis Blues on Monday night in a rather lackluster showing. They allowed five unanswered goals after getting out to an early 2-0 lead. “I kind of screwed up the first goal it was obviously a pretty bad goal.” said Robin Lehner postgame. “But I thought I’d bounce back with a couple of saves. “It is what it is,” (Vegas Hockey Now)

The San Jose Sharks upset the Carolina Hurricanes, as they defeated them 2-1 on Monday night. Kyle and J.D. react to the big win, as they discuss the team’s defense and their ability to limit the Hurricanes’ chances throughout the contest. Is it Timo Meier’s world and are we just living in it? (San Jose Hockey Now)

With the Vancouver Canucks’ season getting away from them early in 2021-22, NHL trade talks are starting to heat up. Could Brock Boeser be on the move? (Vancouver Hockey Now)