Last Place for the Holidays

Isles embarrassed at home as Sabres snap 13-game winless slide

Good Morning, Islanders Country.

It was a nightmare before Christmas Eve.

I spent most of the last 48 hours wrapping gifts, running to the supermarket (I was tasked with finding whipped cream vodka yesterday), setting the table for Christmas Eve, and entertaining the kids home from school. Perhaps I was too busy (and too tied) to be 100% energized and focused for a game against the Buffalo Sabres, winless over their last 13 games last night.

That’s my excuse as a fan, but what about the Islanders?

After a feel-good 6-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, the Isles zapped all Holiday spirit out of UBS Arena and will spend the Holiday break in last place in the Metro. Fittingly, the game came on Festivus, and by the end, there were plenty of grievances to air, which will continue through the holiday break.

Buffalo would eventually beat somebody, but this wasn’t just being beaten. This was a beatdown - of historic proportion (more on that later). It was a demoralizing defeat that sent a sellout crowd at UBS Arena home early in the third period after an empty-net goal. It was inexcusable and inconceivable, but how often have we said that this season? Too many to count. It’s hard to call it surprising.

Anders Lee said they played like garbage from the get-go. Bo Horvat said they should be embarrassed to do that in front of the fans. Meanwhile, Patrick Roy remained even-keeled and somehow focused on some of the good things they did, including having more shots and shot attempts. The coach continues to act as if nothing good will come from being negative, but the fanbase is almost certain that not enough good comes from him remaining positive.

Those Islanders' gifts under the Christmas tree aren’t going to feel quite as jovial as they were meant to be when you placed your orders. Regardless, enjoy time with family and friends and some time away from watching this team frustrate you nightly. Merry Christmas!