Can the Islanders make a comeback?

By Olivia Lawrence

RP Show Intern

The New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL) are sitting 5-8-2 after Sunday’s 3-0 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Islanders were predicted to be a standout in their division this season, but so far, they have not lived up to the expectation—sitting last in their Metropolitan Division. 15 games into the season, some New York NHL fans have lost confidence in the team. On social media Monday morning, Islanders fans were caught burning their jerseys in burning barrels in New York because the Islanders have lost six in a row.

 “Come on man, they are 13 straight on the road to open their season before they got into their new arena, which this weekend they opened up, with back-to-back blowout home losses,” said Rod Pedersen on Monday’s episode of The Rod Pedersen Show. “This is a team that went to game seven of the Eastern Conference Final last year, only to lose to the defending Stanley Cup Champions. The Islanders are still that good.”

Former NHL referee Tim Peel agrees. Normally referees are impartial, but now that Peel is retired, he is free to share his opinion. 

“First of all, they have one of the best general managers in the league, Lou Lamoriello, wherever he goes, he wins,” said Peele on Monday’s episode. “And Barry Trotz is really an incredible coach.”

Peel respects the current team a lot, but especially during his officiating career. He went as far as saying he would referee the team 82 games a year if he had the choice. 

“You never hear a peep from the bench,” said Peel. “They are so disciplined and structured and the officials are the last thing that they’re thinking about.”

The Islanders have had some barriers to get over this season. Not only have they been fatigued by away games, some of their players have had to enter into COVID-19 protocol as well. 

“I think we’ll see over the next 30 to 45 days once they get their players back, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if I saw them go on a 7-1 run or an 8-2 run,” said Peel. “They’re just too good of a team and too well structured.”

At only three games below 500, Rod Pedersen is shocked by the lack of belief in the Islanders.

Let’s see if the Islanders can secure some home-game wins this week before they hit the road again.