Metropolitan Division Preview: Scouting the New York Islanders

Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Islanders ranked ninth in the NHL with 47 wins, the most since the 2001-2002 season (42). Their record through the first two months of the season were an impressive 17-7-0, including going 11-3 in the month of November.

The team would finish the regular season with (28) losses and seven overtime loses.

Despite their struggles late last season, the Islanders finished fifth in the Eastern Conference and ranked third in the Metropolitan Division, trailing only the Rangers and Washington Capitals. The team finished with 101 points the regular season, the first time they finished with triple digits since the 1983-1984 (101).

They scored 245 goals, ranking them fourth in the league last season. That comes out to an average of close to three goals a game.

Also, the islanders ranked second, behind the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, in shots per game with 33.8.

With their success, the team struggled with Special Team situations. Their power play unit ranked in the middle of the NHL with 18.7%, and a penalty kill of 78.0% (fifth-worst overall).

In goal, Jaroslav Halak helped stabilize the team in net.

His (38) wins was fifth best in among NHL goalies last season, while his six shutouts ranked him sixth. He started in 59 games, and finished with 17 losses with four overtime loses.

Halak’s team statistics were a 2.44 goals against average (10th best in the NHL), along with .914 save percentage .

Fortunately, the Islanders would clinch their second playoff berth in three seasons, only to lose in seven games to the Washington Capitals in seven games.

Next: Islanders Best Player in the Regular Season