The first week of November we examined the Islanders’ 8-4-1 opening, comparing it to the hot starts of the Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, and Vegas Golden Knights of the 2017-18 season.
At the time, the Isles’ goaltending appeared unsustainable (.963 Fenwick save % at 5v5) and the shot-share was discouraging (44.2%, adjusted) even compared to COL/NJD/VGK, who each started below 50% in their first three weeks.
The most significant reason for hope: the Isles managed to squirrel away 17 points in 13 games while spending 8-of-13 on the road against tough competition, facing Nashville and San Jose twice each, while winning all six against Metro foes, including two-a-piece vs Pittsburgh and Carolina.