Key Things The Islanders Must Do To Get Back In The Hunt

Photo: Bob DeChiara USA Today

Add Another Defenseman (or Defensive minded wing)

The Islanders defense has been shaky at best thus far and must improve as soon as possible. The signing of Stephen Gionta is a start, but there will need to be more additions if the team hopes to get three steady and reliable defensive lines. The loss of hardnosed wing Matt Martin to free agency seems to be playing a big factor and it is imperative that the team collectively makes up for it. Hopefully it starts with Gionta.

Find A True Place for Andrew Ladd

Ladd was the big free agent pick up the Islanders made in hopes of adding another goal scorer to the top line. However, that hasn't been the case as Ladd is marred in a scoring slump which has relegated him to the fourth line. If the team want to see this signing pan out they must find place to put him where he will be able to adequately contribute. With just 7 points (4 Goals and 3 Assists) the 11-year veteran has feel like he is failing the team that has such high hopes for him and that needs to change.

Get John Tavares Some Help

With Andrew Ladd having his difficulties, a lot of the weight id getting placed on John Tavares’s shoulders. Unfortunately, that is much easier said than done as the Islander captain try as he might, can't seem to get the team going. This is where other player must step up to provide a lift that could start a nice wave of momentum the team could really use right now. JT is too valuable to the Islanders to be let down now, especially after the promise he has shown over the last few seasons.

Trade Jaroslav Halak

The Islander are currently carrying three goaltenders, which is one too many in my book. After Halak expressed frustrations over the current rotation, the team placed him on the trading block and have left it alone ever since. The lack of a stable starter is clearly affecting the play of all three goalies as the Islanders have the third highest goals against average (3.09) in the NHL. Moving Halak would be a great benefit to the team competitive spirit. Most especially Thomas Greiss, whom has been the best of the three earning him the right to lay claim to the starting role.

Start Thinking About a Coaching Change

The season is not starting how anyone planned and many are calling for Jack Capuano's removal, but a decision of that magnitude will be up to management. He's had some success in his six seasons as the Islanders head couch, his most impressive achievement being the three playoff appearances and first series win since 1993. That alone will make it difficult to look beyond him, but if the Islanders want to get over the hump and into Stanley Cup contention, a change at the helm may be what's best. For the team’s future.