Could it get any worse in New York for the Islanders? A 7-0 beatdown by the Penguins handed the Islanders their 18th loss of the season.
New York stands 16-9-9 and are 2nd in the Metropolitan Division. Despite the winning record, it doesn’t feel like a winning team.
The Islanders lead the entire Eastern Conference when it comes to overtime losses (9), they’re 10th-worst in goals allowed (112), but that can be pointed at their poor defensive line as it ranks 3rd-worst (1,210).
Losing Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock was undoubtedly a massive hit to their defensive line; but the inability to bring in at least average players to hold the third and fourth lines is where the losses lie.