Former NHL player and current podcast star Paul Bissonnette did not hold back when commenting on the New York Islanders’ powerplay performance during their 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the NHL playoffs. The Islanders went 0-4 on the powerplay, prompting Bissonnette to take to Twitter to voice his opinion, stating, “I could play on the Islanders 1st unit power play. Pathetic.” Bissonnette slams Islanders
This comment is particularly scathing considering Bissonnette’s NHL career primarily focused on his role as a fighter, rather than a goal scorer. In 202 career games, Bissonnette tallied just 7 goals and 15 assists for a total of 22 points, none of which came on the powerplay. However, he did accumulate an impressive 340 penalty minutes during his time in the league.
The Islanders will no doubt be disappointed with their powerplay performance in the opening game of the playoffs, as a goal could have tied the match and potentially changed the outcome. The game was relatively even, with the Hurricanes outshooting the Islanders 37 to 26. Both teams had four powerplays each, but the Hurricanes managed to capitalize on two of theirs, which proved to be the difference in the game.
Going forward, the Islanders will need to make adjustments to their powerplay strategy if they hope to bounce back in the series, with both teams being very defensively sound, special teams will certainly make or break this series. Bissonnette slams Islanders
