Fix the holes

The Islanders having issues in their zone is a little alarming. That does not mean it is time to panic. The issues have to be addressed, but there is plenty of time to fix it.

Calling out players or coaches does not fix anything. I am a firm believer that you win as a team and you lose as a team.

The biggest issue is that the Isles are playing without emotion. They are only going through the motions and expecting results. Their days of coming in and surprising teams are gone.

The powerplay issue is nothing new. Is shooting the puck on the powerplay not an option? I have been preaching this over and over again. Let Pelech and Pulock shoot from the point. Of course, Pulock is out, so someone else will have to blast that shot from the point. The other option is to set up Whalstrom for one-timers from the circle. No more of these “20 passes and then shoot” plays.

It is easy to blame goaltending. Let me give you a quote from someone in the know. “In a blowout, it is not a time to blame the goalies; it is in 8–7 or 7–6 game. In a blowout, it is a whole team problem, not just the goalie.” Yes, the goaltending can be better; the more significant concern is the players in front of the goalies.

The defence getting caught is an issue, but the forwards are not coming back to help. The speed of the dmen is an issue; the faster forwards need to get back to help in the coverage. The defense is getting caught up, but the forwards act like it is not their job to help out defensive coverage.

There is plenty of time left in the season. A homestand may be precisely what the doctor ordered.

Randy