The New York Islanders, who are not considered an offensive team, want to prove to the entire National Hockey League (NHL) that they can win their duels by more than one goal.
As in previous years, the first game of their season was marked by a certain degree of success despite offensive problems: a narrow 3-2 win against the Buffalo Sabers on Saturday. However, the final result doesn’t tell the whole story of this game. According to the New York Post newspaper, the winning team dominated their opponents 12 to 5 in total points and 4 to 1 in dangerous scoring opportunities.
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“I think we have the potential to do more,” said Brock Nelson, who scored the first goal in the game against the Sabres. This is an aspect we are working on. We’re trying to create more offensive opportunities and put the puck in the net. We have the players for it.
In the last two seasons, the striker ranked first on his team with 59 and 75 points respectively; He finished tied with Mathew Barzal in 2021-2022.
Interesting additions
Last year, just before the NHL trade deadline, the Islanders got their hands on two players who are now part of their offensive top six: Bo Horvat and Pierre Engvall.
While they haven’t had much time to utilize the reinforcements due to Barzal’s injury, which was sustained seven games after the former Vancouver Canucks captain’s arrival, the signs are clear for the Vancouver offense, led by head coach Lane Lambert becomes, encouraging.
“They have a lot of skill,” backup forward Cal Clutterbuck said. I think the potential has always been there. They need to get used to playing together and stay healthy.”
In addition to Nelson, Horvat, Engvall and Barzal, Kyle Palmieri and Simon Holmstrom complete the New York team’s top six. It remains to be seen whether words can be followed by actions. New York has never ranked better than 21st in the NHL in goals scored in a season since the 2017-18 season.
The Islanders host the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday evening at UBS Arena.