New York Islanders Finally Beginning to Get Secondary Scoring

The New York Islanders are finally beginning to get much-needed secondary scoring on offense.

In fact, in their last two games, the Islanders only got one point from their top line, an assist by Kyle Okposo last night against the Buffalo Sabres.

In Ottawa a few nights ago, the Isles won 2-1 in overtime on goals by Matt Martin and Mark Eaton. Yes, Eaton finally broke his slump and played hero for the Isles.

Last night's result wasn't as good, though. The Isles jumped off to an early 3-1 lead, but blew it and lost in a shootout to the Sabres.

But the point is, the top line didn't score at all; it was all secondary scoring. Frans Nielsen had two goals and an assist.

The other goal was scored by Josh Bailey.

Only one member of the top line had a point, Kyle Okposo getting an assist on one of Nielsen's goals.

This is huge for an Islanders team that's been winning mostly with the production of John Tavares, Matt Moulson and Okposo, and the goaltending of Evgeni Nabokov as of late.

And for an Isles team whose main concern has been its lack of secondary scoring, this is a huge step forward. The Islanders still have a chance—even if it's not a huge one—to make the playoffs.

Secondary scoring from guys like Nielsen, Bailey, Michael Grabner and Martin are going to be huge down the stretch.