Tactical Matchup: CAR vs. NYI
The Islanders are much-improved under Patrick Roy but remain underdogs against the well-rounded Hurricanes
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Yesterday I shared a Twitter post about the stark difference in the New York Islanders’ 5v5 defense since the team’s coaching change.
How did new coach Patrick Roy turn NYI from one of the least proficient shot-suppression team in the league to an above-average one? With aggressive, coordinated pressure.
NZ Forecheck
Under Roy, NYI has moved to a more aggressive 1-2-2 neutral-zone forecheck with both defensemen in early attachment defending.
Similar to Philadelphia’s NZ FC, this scheme places heavy demands on Ds’ skating but prevents controlled entries and reduces time spent in DZ.
Watch clips below:
DZ Coverage
In the Barry Trotz and Lane Lambert eras, NYI focused on protecting the middle of the defensive zone and applied minimal pressure when the opposing team had full control on the flanks. This is no longer the case.
NYI now employs a more aggressive hybrid DZ coverage (man-on-man high, Box+1 zone down low), with the strong-side winger and strong-side D attaching to their checks to take time and space away.
Watch clips below:
The results have been impressive.
The Islanders have hardly changed their roster, but are now giving up far fewer shots (thanks to their new NZ FC), especially from the flanks (thanks to their new DZC).
However, NYI’s even-strength improvements may not be enough to overcome its porous penalty kill.
The Islanders rotates between a 2-2 box and a 1-2-1 diamond in-zone. This scheme can be effective if players are quick to pressure. Unfortunately, NYI PKers are often late to wall pucks, then leave the high-value slot area open on follow-up plays.
Watch clips below:
NYI’s PK is especially poorly-equipped to handle CAR’s top PP unit, now featuring Jake Guentzel.
CAR59 Guentzel’s arrival pushes CAR20 Sebastian Aho to the left flank. The skilled Finn is now the unit’s primary puck-handler and the American, its main slot-area threat.
CAR37 Andrei Svechnikov is a one-timer option at the right flank.
CAR24 Seth Jarvis is an undersized but extremely effective creator from the goal line area.
CAR8 Brent Burns is one of the best at sifting point shots through a screen.
Look at how CAR’s PP1 picks apart Chicago’s structurally similar PK:
NYI may be able to keep CAR at bay at even strength thanks to its high-pressure defense and elite goaltending, but the Isles’ playoffs will unravel quickly if they get into penalty trouble.