Islanders’ Power Play Shows Signs of Improvement

The Islanders are being cautious about their power play’s respectable start. The phrase “work in progress” seems to be the go-to response from everyone involved.

Still, it’s hard not to notice the progress. Following Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to the Lightning at UBS Arena, the 5-on-4 unit is converting at a rate of 26.66 percent. Admittedly, that represents just 4-for-15 opportunities, but given the power play’s troubled history, even these small gains feel significant.

Brayden Schenn pointed out improvements, sharing, “From where we were at training camp to today, it definitely feels like we have more chemistry. It’s getting better.” He noted that the team scored a power play goal for the fourth time in five games. However, he also emphasized the need for the players to focus on making the right decisions and executing their plays effectively.

It’s worth recalling that the Islanders had a promising start last season too, with early optimism that was unfortunately short-lived. As time went on, their performance dipped back toward historical lows, with the details slipping and old habits creeping back in.

This ongoing challenge is what head coach Pete DeBoer and assistant coach Rocky Thompson are working against. The Islanders possess the talent needed to excel during these power plays, particularly with players like Matthew Schaefer and Bo Horvat, yet talent alone hasn’t solved the problem in the past.

Interestingly, past efforts often turned self-defeating, as the team would focus heavily on Horvat, making it easier for opponents to defend against them. Schenn noted, “They’re still going to key in on him, but it’s up to the other four guys to create space and find open lanes. Not every shot will be a slot shot for Bo.”

There’s a strong sense that they can’t settle for their current performance either.

“We’re just trying to add bricks to the foundation of everything we do,” DeBoer said. “Nothing’s perfect or seamless yet, but I’m seeing some good signs in various areas.”

After missing practice on Friday—reportedly to assess a potential concussion—Horvat played on Saturday. “Anytime the principal point of contact is the head, it’s scary,” he explained. “I feel fine; the right side of my face hurts a little bit, but other than that, I feel pretty good.”

In a heartwarming off-ice moment, the Islanders partnered with Tunnel to Towers to pay off the mortgage of the McHale family from Manhasset. Martin McHale, a first responder with the FDNY, lost his life in 2012, and the team’s gesture came as a meaningful contribution to his family.