Scott Gordon’s newly implemented forechecking system hasn’t yielded many goals for the Islanders yet, but apparently it has helped the goal-scoring touch of at least one player.
“Sometimes it’s tough at the start when you’re trying to get used to something new,” Trent Hunter said. “There might be a little hesitation, but I think guys are getting more comfortable and we’re creating more turnovers and getting shots off of forechecks.”
That hasn’t been the case for most of the Islanders, who are near the bottom of the league in offensive production, but so far, it is true for the 28-year-old Hunter.
The forward recently scored four goals in three games after scoring just a dozen goals all of last season, although he did have a career-high 29 assists.
“I don’t know why it happened,” Hunter said of his quick start. “I’ve always liked getting in on the forecheck.”
On a line with Jeff Tambellini and Frans Nielsen, Hunter is having more success scoring than he has since he tallied 25 goals five years ago in his first full season in the league.