The New York Islanders have half-way respectable records against each Atlantic Division foe in 2011-12, which is progress of some undefined order.

Examining Michael Grabner, the 34-goal scorer who may not break 20 goals in 2011-12.

Fast-paced sports coverage is based on limited time to digest games and analysis, so player quotes should be weighed with caution.

The New York Islanders are under .500 with Jack Capuano as coach, but his record has steadily improved over his predecessor Scott Gordon.

The New York Islanders lost a critical late-game faceoff in Washington. Their best faceoff man was on the bench.

The New York Islanders capped a quiet NHL Trade Deadline by shedding veterans Brian Rolston and Mike Mottau, while the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks made the most intriguing deal of all with Zack Kassian for Cody Hodgson.

The New York Islanders approach the NHL Trade Deadline still hoping for a playoff spot, but the bigger priority is mapping out their lineup and free agent options for next year.

The New York Islanders have a pair of pending unrestricted free agent goalies in hand, and the chance to move one via trade. What will they do?

The 2012 free agent class looks promising -- for now -- and the New York Islanders will need to tap into it to improve their blueline and make 2012 a significant year.

The biomechanics of hockey are a fascinating but undercovered topic. Hopefully NBC Sports' "Science of NHL Hockey" helps spread the word.