New York Islanders Collapse Against Los Angeles Kings

Two nights ago, the New York Islanders laid a barrage of shots onto Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk, but failed to come away with the win. Tonight, against the Los Angeles Kings the game started in the opposite manner, but with the same result. At a quick glance they look like the same Islanders from all season, yet they’re just not getting it done.

For a few weeks now it seems like the Islanders go into every game needing to win the game, needing to end their funk. Each game it seems like they can do it, but they just have too many lapses — especially late in the game — to hold on for the win.

After being outshot 15-4 in the first period, the Islanders got on the board first in the second period thanks to a goal by Frans Neilsen, who scored on a 3-on-1. The Isles came out with energy and momentum on their side. It was a great sign. They killed a 5-on-3, which is nothing short of a miracle, and kept the momentum going. It was looking as if this could be the game that would end the Islanders’ slide. The Kings are fighting for a playoff spot right now but they’re still the defending champions. A win would mean a lot.

Consecutive goals by the Kings (one in the second, one in the third) had the Islanders down until they tied the game at two on a power play in the third period. Johnny Boychuk, who’s been one of the difference-makers this season, scored the goal. Early in the season, being down early was never an issue for New York. In fact, they made it a habit to rebound after slow starts and win the game in the third period. As the season’s progressed, it’s become the opposite. Every team is tired at that point, that can’t be an excuse.

In their last six home games, the Islanders are 0-5-1, and are 7-10-1 since the All-Star Game. Nassau Coliseum had long been a huge plus for the Islanders. In the stadium’s last year as home to the Islanders, the fans have been coming out in droves, backing their team, giving them a true home-field advantage. At the All-Star break, the Islanders weren’t a team opponents wanted to play at home in the playoffs.

Now as they approach playoffs, the Islanders are heading in the wrong direction. Jaroslav Halak is still playing well in goal. The offense, at times, is extremely potent, and nearly everyone on the team is still hitting hard. Everything points to a team that should win. Perhaps it’s the pressure, perhaps it’s bad luck or poor play. Whatever it is, it’s not looking good for the Islanders right now.

Matt Turner is a New York Mets Writer for www.RantSports.com. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @MTurnerNY, or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.