Oh a tale of two teams: The New York Rangers continue to be dominant, going 8-1-1 in their last 10 games played; meanwhile the Islanders are below .500% in their last 10 played and have a -5 goal differential on the season.
The Islanders’ early season woes have mainly come from overtime losses, with their 0-3 fight in extra hockey. New York also allows games to get too far from them to recover, last night’s 5-2 loss against the Bruins is the perfect example.
Goalies Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov have been the best in the net, posting a combined save percentage of .915, which is .017% above league average. Varlamov especially has given world class performances, posting a .950sv% and a 1.77 GAA in four games played.
The losing woes could be chopped up to several players with Anders Lee being one. Lee is -4 in +/- through 12 games. The winger only has accounted for 2 points, but at least he has stayed out of the penalty box unlike his teammates (*ahem Cal Clutterbuck*)
Clutterbuck has racked in 16 minutes in the box, leaving New York shorthanded multiple times. He has accounted for 5 points in 12 games and is -1 in the +/-.
Of course inconstant defense and the lack of performing in overtime have also contributed to New York's early season struggles.
Currently, the Islanders are 5-4-3 with 13 points as they sit 4th in the Metro. The team will face the Capitals on Saturday, November 11th.