LONG ISLAND — The New York Islanders are getting the goaltending. The offense, however, is another story.
Following back-to-back road losses in California — including Thursday night against the Los Angeles Kings after a defeat to the Anaheim Ducks — the Islanders’ need for offensive help ahead of the NHL trade deadline has become increasingly clear.
The Islanders continue to receive strong play in net, keeping them competitive most nights. But scoring has been inconsistent, and captain Mathew Barzal cannot carry the load alone.
Compounding the issue is the continued absence of Brock Nelson, whose two-way presence — particularly on the defensive side of the puck — has been noticeably missed during the road trip.
If the Islanders want to stay in the playoff conversation, the front office may need to act quickly before the deadline passes. The goaltending is there. Now they need the offense to match it.
