What is going on here lately?
Hello hockey fans, I’m writing this in the middle of a press conference at the Las Vegas convention center. It’s the first time I have had a free minute to get something posted here during the last week. (Check out Motorz TV for what we are doing here)
After an impressive start, earning points in six of their first seven games (4-1-2 10 pts) the Islanders have lost the last five games. You can blame the tough road schedule, you can blame injuries or you can blame goaltending.
While Rick DiPietro hasn’t been the sharpest player on the team, Dwayne Roloson has looked great often giving the Islanders at least a chance. Scoring on the other hand, has also been a problem. The Islanders have only scored 10 times during this streak, while giving up a staggering 25.
As a hockey player myself, it’s hard to place blame on one problem though. After a bad loss, it’s not the goalies fault or even a player who happened to take a few ill advised penalties – it’s a team effort at the end of the day and the same holds true for what’s going on with the Islanders.
It’s obvious that DiPietro is struggling, but the team HAS TO play better in front of him. Placing the blame on him alone just isn’t fair.
Maybe the thrilling start was luck or an inflated sense of self confidence of a new, young team believing in themselves despite key injuries. Maybe it was simply flash in the pan, but in the end the Islanders have the talent to compete within the division and conference.
The team did the right thing by sending 18 year old Nino Niederreiter back to the WHL, Matt Martin has looked good being called up from Bridgeport in his place. Rob Schremp made his return and season debut this week, Jon Sim was waived and sent to Bridgeport for the second time in two seasons – and netted a hat trick and shootout winner in his debut (oh the irorny).
Head coach Scott Gordon said that he will be shaking up the lineup tonight in Ottawa – let’s hope the team responds.
