[HelloHockeyFans]

Defense shines despite injuries

UNIONDALE, NY

With decent offensive talent on the roster this year, it's probably a surprise to many that it's been the team's defensive play that has led to the mild success of the Islanders to start the season. (Note the use of 'mild' here to emphasize the fragile psyche of Long Island fans after three straight seasons of the Islanders missing the post-season.)

As the Islanders get set for a Tuesday evening tussle with their state rivals, the evil New York Rangers, the Islanders find themselves 5th in the Gretzky Conference and 3rd in the Shore Division.

But that's not the impressive thing as it's too early to boast about standings or points. What's impressive thus far, has been the team's play without the puck.

After 8 games this season, the Islanders find themselves with the CPHL's 2nd best penalty-killing unit with a sparkling 95.4% efficiency at turning the opposition away while being at least a man down. As a team, the Islanders sit 4th overall in team defense, allowing an average so far of 2.63 goals against per game and 11th overall in shots allowed with just over 27 shots per game.

Tom Preissing, who leads the defense with 6 points and a +7 rating says it's all about a commitment to playing the system.

"During training camp this year, coach (Larry Robinson) really emphasized what it takes to be successful in this league. It's about every one committing to the team system and executing it properly. Scoring and finding success will come as long as every one commits," Preissing commented.

Despite losing arguably their two best defensive players in Anton Volchenkov and Kris Draper early in the season, the Islanders urged on with other players picking up the slack.

"That's what it's all about," Robinson said. "Injuries are going to happen. It's about how the team responds to them that separates the winners from the rest. The strategy for winning hockey games hasn't changed much from my days. You go from the goalie out and you play tight, solid defensive hockey. That doesn't mean only the defencemen, we're talking the entire team. Forwards coming back to help and making themselves available for passes when the opportunity is there."

Kris Draper, who was acquired before the season started for his defensive strengths, was injured in the 2nd game of the season, but made his return last night in the Islanders 3-2 victory over the Rangers.

Anton Volchenkov, the budding defensive workhorse of the Islanders, was also injured early on but like Draper, made his return to the line-up Monday night.

Not to be forgotten is Islanders goaltender Cam Ward, who in 7 starts this season, owns a 5-2 record, 2.23 GAA and 0.917 save percentage.

"Your goaltender is usually your team's best penalty killer," Robinson remarked, "and Ward has been that this year for us."