The New York Islanders‘ only have one choice tonight, and that is to win. If the Islanders go down 3-0 in the series, it’s “goodnight Jim Kite.” Game 2 was winnable; it all came down to one costly turnover by Andy Greene in the last 10 seconds. The Islanders have little room for mistakes tonight, but they do have some help. Brayden Point is a game-time decision. Also, Alex Killorn is out to his cheap hit against Brock Nelson. However, Vasilevskiy is playing. There are two keys to winning tonight’s game that the Islanders must follow.
Shooting Stick Side
Andrei Vasilevskiy is almost unstoppable. The keyword is unstoppable; there’s a weakness in every good goalie’s play. For Vasy, it’s definitely his short side. I mean, it’s the only spot the Islanders have been able to confidently score on. His five-hole is too strong on breakaways, and his glove is everywhere. There’s only one way to combat this: lift the puck to his short side. Get a low shot rebound from the right-winger and let the left-winger or center clean up the rebound and put it in the toy department. The Islanders cannot shoot it into his chest and hope it trickles in. This is not a 22-year-old goalie, this is one of the best goalies in the NHL for at least the last decade.
Getting Pucks in Deep
The Islanders’ forecheck is one of the best in the league. Those “pesky” Isles, as everyone calls them, are phenomenal at creating turnovers through the forecheck. Not only do the Islanders have power, but they’re very fast through all four lines. The second line is so good at creating turnovers. And the fourth line is the best forechecking line in the league. The Islanders must get the pucks in deep.
Conclusion
There’s not much to it; the Islanders must deliver tonight to keep their season alive. No matter what the outcome is, the Islanders have had a hell of a season, and Isles’ fans must be proud.