The Isles needed four points last weekend, and they ran into slumping teams. The Islanders scored two goals in two games this weekend (one in each) and both were back-to-back 2-1 losses to the Avs and the Coyotes. Johnny Boychuk had a goal on Friday and an assist on Alan Quine's goal on Saturday. Thomas Greiss played both games and was brilliant in both. Staying disciplined was what coach Capuano preached at his press conferences and the Islanders seem to tone him out.
In Friday's loss to the Avs, Calvin deHaan took a penalty with 26 seconds left in OT and Gabriel Landeskog buried the game winner with 16.6 left in OT, giving the Avs their first home win a long time. Then on Saturday, the Coyotes were currently on a 9 game losing streak, yes NINE games, and what do you know the Isles lost 2-1 in a shootout. Anthony Duclair got the GWG in the shootout as Ladd and Clutterbuck missed their attempts on Louis Domingue.
Time is running out for the New York Islanders and it's time to focus on the future. We know the offensive capability of Alan Quine, so put Beauvillier on Tavares' wing and see how they do. Also, to mention, Winnipeg has a line of a rookie and a 2-3 year players (Ehlers-Scheifele-Laine) and they are tearing it up. Although Beauvillier is no Laine and Quine is no Ehlers but you don't know unless you take a shot and at this point of the season, you should be taking shots so you're prepared for the future.
Garth Snow has done a decent job as the Isles Gm during his 11 year tenure and he is known for stocking up for the future. Two of his most recent draftees are making All-Star appearances. G Ilya Sorokin (21) is making an All-Star appearance for the KHL and D Devon Toews (22) is making his All-Star debut in the AHL. Michael Dall Colle, the Isles 5th overall pick in 2014 has 8 goals in his rookie season in the AHL so far and his on and off line-mate, Josh Ho-Sang is a fantastic playmaker.
As the season progresses, the Isles need to focus on the future and build around John Tavares.