The Islanders' disappointing season culminated in a quiet breakup day, with key players and management, including Anthony Duclair and coach Patrick Roy, not addressing the media. The team reflected on their inconsistency, inability to close out games, and poor special teams performance, including last-place rankings for both power play and penalty kill. Players, like Casey Cizikas, emphasized the need for confidence and learning to secure games. Ultimately, the franchise has stagnated in mediocrity for four years, raising doubts about their future after failing to improve despite previous roster changes and hiring decisions.
The Islanders felt they lacked consistency and identity; the failures to close out games early in the season were brought up again and again.
"It's having that confidence in ourselves. I think it's learning and knowing that we can close out games when we need to."
They've been in the league's mushy middle for four seasons now, closing out games, the penalty kill, and the power play - these aren't new issues.
Trading for Bo Horvat was supposed to fix the power play. That was 2½ seasons ago.
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