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It’s been a long time since Islanders fans felt any real optimism when a game went to a shootout.
In recent years, the Isles have struggled mightily to score in the so-called “skills competition,” often leaving fans wondering why it wasn’t emphasized more in practice. Those issues carried into the start of this season, as the Islanders lost three of their first four games decided by a shootout.
But the tide appears to be turning.
The Islanders have won their last two shootouts — a 5-4 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Dec. 9 at UBS Arena and a 3-2 home win over the Tampa Bay Lightning this past Saturday.
There’s a common denominator in both wins: left winger Emil Heineman.
Heineman closed out each contest with the game-winning shootout goal, scoring in the fourth round against Vegas and the third round against Tampa Bay.
“It’s a great opportunity to do something special there,” Heineman told Greater Long Island following Thursday’s practice at Northwell Health Ice Center. “It’s been a great feeling when those pucks go in. It’s unbelievable to be honest. (I’m) nervous when it’s all on the line like that but at the same time the reward is unreal.”
Acquired from the Canadiens in the offseason as part of the Noah Dobson trade, Heineman has been a major addition for the Islanders. He has 11 goals and six assists for 17 points and has turned heads around the NHL with his lethal shot — one that has translated seamlessly to the shootout.
Heineman is now a perfect 3-for-3 in shootouts, dating back to a successful attempt with Montreal last season.
Is there a secret to his success?
“No to be honest,” Heineman said with a big smile. “I’m not trying to do anything too complication. I just take what I see out there. I don’t want to mess it up too much and do too much.”
There’s a bit of irony in Heineman wearing No. 51 — the same number once worn by former Islander Frans Nielsen, one of the most prolific shootout scorers in NHL history.
Known for his trademark “Danish Backhand of Judgment,” Nielsen scored 49 shootout goals over his career — third-most in league history — converting on 46.2% of his attempts. With the Islanders, Nielsen scored 42 times on 82 shootout tries, an impressive success rate of 51.2%.
Heineman doesn’t necessarily have a set plan when he approaches the puck at center ice, but preparation plays a role. All three of his career shootout goals have come on wrist shots.
“I’m trying to look a little bit at the shooters that went before me and see what (the goalies’) habits are…if they’re standing up high or if they’re low,” Heineman said. “To be honest, when I go in there, I’m trying to take what I see. If it’s not there, I’m not shooting there and maybe try to do something else. Those things I’ve been seeing, I’ve been shooting.”
As goalies began to adjust to Nielsen later in his career, he was forced to evolve his shootout approach. Heineman, however, isn’t worried about opponents anticipating his wrist shot.
“I haven’t thought about it too much,” Heineman said. “It’s still really new to me to do shootouts. It’s been working so we’ll see what I do next time if I get the chance.”
Whether that next opportunity comes Friday night against the Canucks at UBS Arena or later this season, Emil Heineman has already done something few Islanders have managed in recent years.
He’s given fans a reason to stay locked in when a game goes to a shootout.
Top: Emil Heineman after scoring against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Dec. 13. Photo credit: New York Islanders.
