Through 47 games, the Islanders are 10 points ahead of where they were last season. However, it has been a bit funny to see the season unfold.

Even when the Islanders win games by 5+ goals, they've still found themselves losing the xG battle (not that expected goals count in the standings).

Oct. 23 vs. DET: 7-2 win, but had 3.9 expected goals to DET's 4.18

Nov. 8 vs. NYR: 5-0 win, but had 3.49 expected goals to NYR's 3.86

Nov. 20 vs. DET: 5-0 win, but had 2.00 expected goals to DET's 3.22

Jan. 6 vs. NJ: 9-0 win, but had 1.61 expected goals to NJ's 3.00

On the whole, they've been expected to be worse than they were last season, but timely goals and heroic goaltending from Sorokin and Rittich have kept them afloat.

Will be interesting to see how the Islanders approach this season and the future. For now, I'm enjoying the good vibes.

6 comments

  1. One more fun stat:

    The Islanders are 14-3-0 when they are outshot by 7 shots or more in a game.

    That’s the second-best in the NHL in such games, only behind the Avalanche, who are 1-0-0.

  2. We’re not as good as the standings indicate. Propped up by Sorokin returning to form and a lot of luck. Nice to see, but it’s only a matter of time before we start losing… Or maybe Sorokin just keeps carrying us to a cup.

    All I know is that it’s not fun watching the team get 2-3 shots a period. I feel like a lot of the exciting gameplay fizzled out after the early season energy, or at the very least only lasts for a portion of the game now. Hope they can figure something out.

  3. main takeaway needs is bolstering the Blue line needs to be a priority. Defense is abysmal. We’re leaving Sorokin and Dave out to dry

  4. If not for the way the goaltending has been, the isles are nowhere near where they currently are in the standings. Sorokin had a GSA of 5.25 last night. That’s fucking insane.

  5. Are we supposed to feel good or bad about this haha. So don’t sell, not even a little, even when the advanced metrics look this lack luster? Maybe it isn’t so crazy and fantastical to at least consider the idea?

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