The Song Remains The Same

The New York Islanders' season is one quarter over, and after another loss, this time to Carolina on Monday (2/11) night, the song remains the same.

The Islanders scored four power play goals and they still lost, 6-4. Rick DiPietro started in place of the workman-like Evegeni Nabokov, but the change didn't alter the team's woeful luck. They have lost five games in a row, and the seat is getting hotter for Head Coach Jack Capuano.

Kyle Okopso has had scoring chance after scoring chance but can't seem to find the net. He's stuck on four points for the season.

Despite the addition of Lubomir Visnovsky, who scored his first goal as an Islander against Carolina goalie Cam Ward, the defense is thin. Probably more than thin, in fact. I'd call them weak.

John Tavares netted another goal, but he and Matt Moulson can't be the entire offense. On most nights, sadly, they have been.

The Islanders are following the path they seem to take every season: come out of the gate hot, get the fans excited, and suddenly go into a tailspin.

The talk of the playoffs has been muted now that the Islanders have fallen very near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Unfortunately for me, this is the sixth time I've written this sentiment since I began my stint in the Blog Box.

Honestly, I don't know what to change. It seems that something different fails in each loss, whether it's the defense, the power play, or (rarely this season) the goaltending.

You're all familiar with the old adage "You can't fire the players." In his post game press conference, Capuano said some players looked "soft" to him. He continues to say he needs all 20 guys to work hard each night in order to win.

Hopefully Jack can figure out how to right the ship. He has tried line changes without much productivity. If he can't unfortunately it will be Jack who pays the price with his job.