Islanders target faster start against struggling Canucks
New York closes its homestand Tuesday against Vancouver, with Logan Stanley stressing puck management and a stronger opening period.
The New York Islanders want a quicker start when they close their three-game homestand against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The NHL schedules the game at UBS Arena for 7:45 p.m. ET.
New York has scored once in the first period this season, compared with 10 goals in the second and five in the third. Defenceman Logan Stanley said the Islanders need to manage the puck carefully and use their forecheck to build momentum, according to the club’s preview.
The Islanders enter at 2-3-0, while Vancouver is 2-5-0 after four consecutive losses. The Canucks have conceded 35 goals through 7 games, an average of five per game, while scoring 24. New York has scored a power-play goal in four straight games; Vancouver’s penalty kill is at 52 per cent, with 12 power-play goals allowed.
Bo Horvat has recorded a point in each of New York’s first five games. Brayden Schenn has five points in his last four games and is set to face his brother Luke on Vancouver’s defence. Paul Cotter has four goals through seven games for the Canucks.
Adam Pelech took a maintenance day at Monday’s practice, but coach Pete DeBoer expects him to play against Vancouver. The club said its starting lineup would be updated after Tuesday’s morning skate.
