Peter Laviolette has said all along that he thinks the Islanders boast the best defensive unit in the league.
Through seven games, though the Isles are 3-3-1 and getting some below-average goaltending, it appears Laviolette may be on to something.
The Islanders – who host the Flyers tonight – don’t give up a lot of shots, a signal of tenacious defense and dedication to getting in their opponents’ faces and shooting lanes.
In the opening loss to Buffalo, the Sabres were allowed 21 shots, with just one in the third period. The Capitals got 14 pucks on net in that 2-1 Isles defeat, while Nashville was held to two shots in the third period and 13 overall for the 4-3 Islander OT win.
Atlanta managed only 23 shots last week and Carolina got off only two third-period shots and 18 for the game in a 4-1 beating of the Isles.
Rocket science, you ask? It’s not like Laviolette and his staff have doctorates in defense.
“The defense, first of all, is hard-working,” Laviolette said. “We’re working our tails off, not only offensively but defensively. Secondly, I think we have, what I would make a case for, the best defense in the National Hockey League.
“Third, they say your best offense is a good defense. I think that our forwards have done a great job of getting the puck low, cycling it. Killing the clock, killing time, generating offense and chances down on the other team’s end.”
The lone exception to the lockdown is the Flyers, who were allowed 41 shots last week in a 3-3 tie.
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Kenny Jonsson (finger), listed as day-to-day, did not practice during yesterday’s 30-minute session and will be a game-time decision tonight. … Chris Osgood and Garth Snow have the lowest combined save percentage (.842) in the league.