Causeway Crowd
Fansided

Boston Bruins: An in-depth analysis of the New York Islanders

By Matt Hawkins

May 10, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy (2) clears the puck out of the zone while Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) looks on during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy (2) clears the puck out of the zone while Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) looks on during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
May 26, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) shakes hands with New York Islanders right wing Leo Komarov (47) after loosing in game six of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) shakes hands with New York Islanders right wing Leo Komarov (47) after loosing in game six of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports /

Bruins In-depth Analysis of the Islanders
Playoffs

Offense

In Round 1 against the Pens, the Islanders’ offense came to life scoring at least three goals in every game but one (Game 2). This can be partially blamed on poor goaltending by Pens’ goaltender Tristan Jarry, but you still have to be able to get into these situations and then hit the net to score goals.

Through the first round, the Isles scored 21 goals, an average of 3.5 goals per game — nearly one whole goal per game higher than in the regular season.

However, some of their top scorers from the regular season have so far been invisible in the postseason.

Barzal has just three assists and has yet to score a goal. If he continues to sleep walk through the playoffs, the B’s may have an easier time against the Isles.

Must Read. Boston Bruins: You Have to Admit, He Was Good. light

However, some of the lesser-known guys have stepped up.

J-G Pageau is continuing his normal great playoff play as the has a goal and six assists so far.

Beauvillier, Nelson, Palmieri, and Josh Bailey have been red-hot this postseason, as all scored three goals in their series with Pittsburgh.

Defense and Goaltending

The Isles continued their strong defensive play in their first-round series against the Pens as they allowed more than three goals once. They allowed a grand total of just 15 goals — an average of just 2.5 goals per game.

However, not much offense came from the blueline. Pulock scored the most goals among Isles’ defenseman with two while, surprisingly, Scott Mayfield produced the most overall points with a goal and three assists.

Additionally, Sorokin is now the starter for the Isles. Sorokin started Game 1 with Varlamov injured and played well, leading them to a 4-3 overtime win. However, with Varlamov healthy, the Isles went to him for Game 2 and Game 3. Game 2 he played very well but lost 2-1. Game 3 he struggled and lost 5-4.

After Varlamov struggled in Game 3, the Islanders went back to Sorokin. He continued played well and the Isles won the next three games to lead them to a series win.

In Varlamov’s two starts, he saved just 65 of 72 shots (.903 SV%) and had a 3.61 GAA. Sorokin, on the other hand, saved 150 of 159 shots (.943 SV%) and had a 1.95 GAA.

With that, the B’s will most likely start off the series facing Sorokin. But, if he struggles, Trotz won’t be afraid to go back to Varlamov.

Home/Bruins News