Overview

• The Islanders have seen an alarming early-season trend of high penalty rates, with eight minor penalties and nine total in a recent win against Ottawa. This is the first time they have allowed eight power plays at home since March 1, 2014.
• Despite the high penalty rates, the Islanders' successful penalty killing, especially highlighted in the game against Ottawa, is braking the impact. However, the excessive time spent on penalty killing is not desirable.
• The Blue Jackets are also struggling with penalties, having had an eight-penalty evening in a recent loss to Montreal. The penalties are believed to be significantly impacting the team's momentum in games.
• The Islanders have allowed a high of 168 shots in their last four games, the most over such a span since February 2018. Reducing penalties would easily improve this situation.
• The loss of momentum due to penalties proved costly for the Blue Jackets in two consecutive overtime losses where they did not trail until the winning goal was allowed.