Dec 29, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Chris Stewart (7) scores a goal as forward Jason Pominville (29) celebrates in front of New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) during the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.