Stefen Rosner on 'Running It Back' EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/news/islanders-send-camp-standout-isaiah-george-back-to-juniors] power play was a disaster last season, ranking third-worst in the NHL during the regular season, with a success rate of 15.8 percent. The biggest issue was the loss of Mathew Barzal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/mathew-barzal-new-york-islanders-postseason-horvat-wahlstrom], whose role in the power play was to break through the neutral zone and over the opponent's blue line. No one seemed capable of filling that void despite the countless skilled players on both units. Even with Barzal back for the playoffs, the Islanders power play went 1-for-18 in their six games against the Carolina Hurricanes, a critical reason they were sent packing. If the Islanders want to make the playoffs in 2023-24, the power play needs to be a weapon rather than a disservice. The Islanders haven't showcased special teams practice much during training camp, but we've seen a few different units through two preseason games and saw it yet again during Friday's morning skate. They've also been practicing it behind the scenes. Here are the power-play units from the group that was supposed to hit the ice on Friday, with the expectation that nothing changes between now and tomorrow. PP: Net Front-Bumper-LW-RW-Point PP1: Fasching-Horvat-Barzal-Nelson-Dobson PP2: Lee-Pageau-Gauthier-Engvall-Bolduc "We got to adjust and be better," defenseman Noah Dobson said. "We're all confident with the people we have. We feel like we're capable of having a really good power play." Execution is everything on the power play, and that's not just about scoring goals. It's the initial pass that sets the tone. "It starts with execution. You fumble one puck early, and then it gives the PK a chance to be aggressive, and that's where they take away your time and space," Dobson said. "The main focus for us has been to just focus on that execution. "It's not always gonna be perfect, but you do your best to try and make it as close to that, and I think everything else just falls off that. We got guys that have unique skill sets and different ways, and we just got to work off one another and really focus on that execution." While there was plenty of blame to go around for last season's power-play debacle, Dobson struggled mightily at the point, and confidence was a huge reason why. "We just lost our confidence," Dobson said. "And when that happens, it's hard. Guys don't take that extra second to make a play, myself included. But I think I've had a really good summer. I knew there's some areas where I can help as up top, you got to be in control and put yourself in good positions and just like little details where you're positioning, where you're looking stuff like that. "So I feel like I've gotten better in some of those areas. And hopefully, we can help out as a whole." When the Islanders did break over the opponent's blue line and establish themselves in the offensive zone, the power play played too much on the perimeter, always looking for that perfect goal after a handful of passes. Rob Schremp shared this summer that when he watches power plays, including the Islanders, too many times does the player with the puck fail to look toward goal. "I think [we need to] establish a shot early as that backs off the penalty kill," Dobson said. "And then that creates chaos for them as rebound squirts everywhere, and then they [have to] run around. "So I think if we can find set plays, whether on face-offs or when we get in the zone to establish a shot early, then I think your instincts take over after that because you got guys running around. So we've definitely been talking about it." Dobson continued: "I think it's important as you watch our penalty kill. When they just pass it around, we look pretty good. Once they get a shot off, they're going all over the place and it gets a little hectic. So I think just establishing the shot early is definitely important." Here's what Islanders head coach Lane Lambert had to say. "We've worked on it. We've talked about it, and certainly, we're coming in with a real good mindset and mentality," Lambert said. "There's a time and a place to shoot, there's a time and a place not to, and the biggest thing for us is about execution and creating some movement. "There's a mentality that we're instilling. And I like what we've seen so far." The Islanders' power play through two different games, two different squads, is 2-for-4, with William Dufour and Julien Gauthier recording the man-advantage tallies. With more of an opening night roster hitting the ice Saturday night, we will get a strong first look at both power-play units.
