1) Goaltending
In reality, this is not that big of an issue for the Islanders long term, but it was a major issue during the beginning stretch of the season, enough to have put a severe damper on their record and overall standing.
When the season began for New York, their three netminders were likely hesitant going in. Starter Jaroslav Halak was the most vocal, publicly saying at the conclusion of 2015-16 that Garth Snow would “have some decisions to make.”
Despite reaching a solution for 2017, it came at a point that was much too late. Halak was assigned to the SoundTigers of the AHL but not before posting a horrendous 6-8-5 record accompanied by a 3.23 GAA and a .904 save percentage.
At this time last in 2014-15, Halak had won 20 games and had been named an NHL All-Star.
How times have changed.
Fortunately for the Islanders, backup Thomas Greiss more than proved a capable starter and is repeating the career numbers he set last season. He is 9-5-2 with a 2.31 GAA and a .927 save percentage, and it’s likely he will be the team’s main target to resign in the offseason.
