Islanders Back-to-Back News: Slowly but surely getting back to their identity

Yesterday, I wrote that the Islanders needed at least two, if not three points from this back-to-back to stay within striking distance of the East Division pack. Last night, they pulled down one. I think they need both tonight. And if they could do it in regulation, that would be sweet.

Last night, they looked more like themselves, at least in the final forty minutes. But frankly, their shooting percentage is in the dirt right now and I cannot tell if that’s a reflection of their talent or if it’s just some bad shooting luck.

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Islanders News

Recaps from last night: LHH | Islanders | NHL | NYI Skinny

What the coach thought about last night:

• A preview of tonight’s game.
• Barry Trotz has even more lineup changes in store. I imagine Ilya Sorokin gets the crease tonight. [Newsday]
• The Isles still need an identity for this season. As well as offense. [Newsday]
• Flyers winger Samuel Morin entered the league as a defenseman but has recently transitioned to forward, studying Matt Martin in the process. He faced him last night.
• Dan visited the podcasters over at Broad Street Hockey to talk about our wonderful team.
• Andrew Ladd and Tom Kuhnhackl are in Bridgeport. What do they have in store? [Newsday]

Elsewhere

Yesterday’s NHL scores include every game in our division going to extra time and becoming three-point games, with the Sabres, Penguins, and Capitals topping the Devils, Rangers, and Bruins, respectively.

• VIDEO: The Penguins have begun their GM search and Sam Bennett wants a trade from the Flames. [Sportsnet]
• Connor McDavid torched the Maple Leafs on a third period goal last night. [Sportsnet]
• And Alex Ovechkin tied Mike Gartner for seventh all-time in goals with his OT winner last night. [NHL]