Welcome to the third version of the New York Islanders Inventory Market, a collection devoted to analyzing the latest efficiency of all issues associated to the Islanders, together with gamers, coaches, administration, prospects, and extra. Whereas a single recreation can drastically affect a participant’s outlook, this collection will depend on extra significant pattern sizes to type well-rounded evaluations.
The Islanders have posted a 2-2-2 report over their final six video games, together with a notable win towards the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 14. Nevertheless, they’ve additionally suffered some irritating setbacks, resembling a 2-1 loss to the Detroit Purple Wings on Nov. 21, the place they allowed two objectives within the last 5 minutes of regulation. Throughout this stretch, a number of gamers have made a constructive affect, whereas others have drawn consideration for the unsuitable causes.
Up – Pierre Engvall
After starting the season with the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League, Pierre Engvall made his season debut on Oct. 26. Since discovering his footing within the lineup, he has excelled, notably scoring three objectives in his previous 5 video games. He has used Lou Lamoriello’s feedback as motivation whereas main the Islanders’ backside six amid a pile-up of accidents.
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Throughout the Islanders’ latest stretch, Engvall has primarily performed alongside Simon Holmstrom and Casey Cizikas on the third line. In 11 video games collectively, the trio has a 66.7 purpose proportion (G%), the very best amongst any Islanders line mixture with greater than 50 minutes. The pattern dimension could also be small, however the workforce could lastly have a contributing third line.
Down – Patrick Roy / Playoff Probabilities
Though the third line has proven enchancment, the Islanders are at the moment outdoors of a playoff spot. Traditionally, groups not in a playoff place by American Thanksgiving have a decrease probability of constructing the postseason. Lacking the playoffs wouldn’t essentially imply Patrick Roy’s dismissal given the blame probably going to Lamoriello’s roster development, however it could definitely put his job safety in jeopardy. With the expectation of constructing the playoffs this season, Roy must defy the development and discover a solution to get the workforce again into the playoffs.
Up – Cole Eiserman
Boston College freshman and Islanders’ 2024 first-round decide (No. 20) Cole Eiserman has tallied 9 objectives and 13 factors throughout 12 video games this season. His 9 objectives rank fourth within the NCAA and first amongst freshmen, whereas his 13 factors place him third amongst 2024 draftees.
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Eiserman leads the Terriers in each objectives and factors, scoring in six of the workforce’s seven residence video games. His most up-to-date standout efficiency got here on Nov. 22 towards Merrimack School, the place he netted two objectives, together with the game-winner. Because the season unfolds, Eiserman is poised to proceed discovering the scoresheet.
Down – Noah Dobson
Noah Dobson’s struggles to start the season weren’t a lot of a priority, however now 21 video games into the season, they need to be. Not solely has his offensive manufacturing stagnated, however his defensive efficiency has been a legal responsibility. He spent a lot of the Islanders’ latest stretch alongside Isaiah George amid Alexander Romanov’s absence, with the duo on the ice for 4 objectives towards and only one purpose scored. Hockey is a workforce recreation, so objectives can’t be pitted towards one participant, however Dobson’s lack of physicality and lackluster positioning have been pricey.
Along with his defensive struggles, Dobson has only one purpose and eight factors on the season. His one purpose was an empty netter towards the Canucks, and he has only one even-strength level, an help towards the Seattle Kraken on Nov. 16, in his previous 14 video games. Thankfully, his superior analytics are much like final season, so there ought to be hope he can return to type within the coming weeks.
Up – Semyon Varlamov
Persevering with his play because the most constant goaltender within the NHL, Semyon Varlamov has given up simply two objectives or much less in every of his previous 4 begins, holding a .946 save proportion and 2-1-1 report in that span. He led the Islanders to victories over the Canucks and Ottawa Senators, proving he stays probably the greatest goaltenders within the NHL. Whereas he’s the backup to Ilya Sorokin, he’s greater than able to main the workforce if referred to as upon.
The Islanders will tackle the Purple Wings for the third and last time of the 2024-25 season tonight at UBS Area. This will probably be a chance for the workforce to earn a helpful two factors and additional separate themselves from a fellow contender for a playoff spot.
