Among the many many issues the Islanders must take a tough have a look at this offseason, right here’s one which’s flown just a little below the radar: the state of their AHL group.
The Bridgeport Islanders nonetheless have but to complete their season formally, however with two video games to go, they went into Friday holding an abysmal 15-48-4-3 report, not solely in final place within the Atlantic Division, however 30 factors behind seventh-place Hartford.
It’s the second straight season during which Bridgeport has completed final within the AHL and the third straight season during which it has missed the AHL playoffs, regardless of six of eight groups making it within the Atlantic Division.
Its 4-28-1-3 report at dwelling additionally marked the fewest dwelling wins in AHL historical past, with an astonishing minus-70 purpose differential on dwelling ice, per the AHL’s Patrick Wiliams.
Profitable is just not all the time a prime precedence within the AHL, however the Islanders haven’t developed many prospects lately, both.
Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb each caught on the fourth line after being known as up, however in any other case, prospects have largely stalled out within the AHL.
It’s additionally raised eyebrows that Bridgeport has commonly made younger gamers wholesome scratches, taking part in veterans who’ve little likelihood of constructing the NHL as a substitute.
Isles GM Lou Lamoriello stated in February that the AHL group’s report didn’t concern him.
“We ask the coach to place gamers in conditions they will come up and play right here,” Lamoriello stated. “In all equity, goaltending has performed a serious concern in Bridgeport. … The one factor you are worried about is you need folks in a profitable angle, atmosphere, however they perceive what’s happening and the way it’s.
“I feel while you see a Gatcomb coming in, you perceive what the roles are of these folks and what you do is you get some folks put in conditions they’re not used to. I’d wish to see individuals who’ve by no means killed penalties who may be prospects kill them within the minors. I feel that helps in each attainable manner.”
The AHL diminished Bridgeport ahead Adam Beckman’s suspension from 10 video games to eight. Beckman was suspended for bodily abuse of an official.
