The New York Islanders have struggled with their special teams, particularly their power play and penalty kill, which could cost them in the playoffs if they do not improve. However, there was a glimmer of hope in their penalty kill performance on Monday night when they went 3-for-3 against the Devils’ power play, a positive change from their previous matchups this season. The power play also broke an 0-for-12 streak thanks to Kyle Palmieri’s tip-in.
Overall, the Islanders rank 30th in the NHL in special teams success at just 45.945 percent, a statistic that could be crucial if they face Carolina in the first round. The Hurricanes lead the league with a 56.69 success rate across both power play and penalty kill units. The Islanders’ penalty kill has shown improvement recently, but they have been taking fewer penalties overall. Even during their recent 7-0-1 stretch, they have struggled with a below-average conversion rate on the penalty kill at 78.57 percent.
In addition to their penalty kill woes, the Islanders’ power play has been struggling, especially since defenseman Noah Dobson has been out with an upper-body injury. They have gone 3-for-33 on the power play dating back to March 23. Coach Patrick Roy acknowledged the team’s special teams issues after the win over New Jersey but noted that until there is sustained success on both units, the focus will likely remain on their shortcomings.
In a positive development for the future, defenseman Marshall Warren signed a two-year entry-level deal with the Islanders starting in 2024-25. Warren played four seasons at Boston College, where he was the team captain, before transferring to Michigan for a fifth year. Looking back at their playoff history, the Islanders have lost in both series against Carolina, with a second-round sweep in 2019 and a six-game defeat in the first round last season.
Following Monday night’s clinching of a playoff berth, the Islanders did not practice on Tuesday. Coach Roy did not confirm whether they would rest some regular players in the upcoming game against Pittsburgh. As they prepare for the playoffs, the Islanders will need to address their special teams struggles if they hope to advance further this year and avoid another early exit at the hands of the Hurricanes.
