​Apr 23, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) scores a goal on Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta (32) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at UBS Arena. Manda… | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Tommy BennettThe New York Islanders season has officially hit the one-month mark. The team opened its season on September 30th against the Toronto Maple Leafs and has since played 12 games. Even if that may not be the same benchmark to truly gauge whether or not they are true contenders as a Thanksgiving or Christmas break, it’s a time to pick out early trends to watch before the calendar flips to November.Early New York Islanders TakeawaysThe Islanders have played to a 6-4-2 mark thus far, earning 14 points in the standings. Some of the standout wins include a 6-0 romping of the New Jersey Devils, a 4-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs with a short bench and a shootout win over the Nashville Predators. Even in some of the losses, there have been bright spots as the team finds its footing under new head coach Peter DeBoer.April 9, 2026; Elmont, New York; New York Islanders centre Brayden Schenn (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesThis year comes with the potential of being a transitional season. Following the departure of longtime captain Anders Lee, several older faces, including Kyle Palmieri, Casey Cizikas and a resurgent Ondrej Palat all face uncertain futures in contract seasons. However, the Islanders will look to surprise once again and find their way back into postseason play. As they continue their quest into November, let’s take a look at some of the storylines to watch at the one-month mark of the season.Defensive Structure Shows Substantial GrowthOne of the main flaws behind Patrick Roy’s system as head coach was consistent, high-danger chances going against the Islanders regularly. As a team, the Islanders sat in the middle of the pack in their ability to control the play in games, sitting 17th with a Corsi-For Percentage of 49.8% at five-on-five, suggesting slightly below average play in those situations. However, it’s a stark contrast in their ability to limit high-danger chances, with New York sitting second-worst in the NHL last year with 716 going against them, only trailing the Vancouver Canucks.Look at this season, and their capabilities on both sides of the rink have improved greatly. Their Corsi-For Percentage has flipped back onto the above-average side, sitting 14th in the league with a 51.8% mark. Most notably, their structure has improved in limiting dangerous opportunities, allowing 91 high-danger chances against. Should their average of about 7.60 high-danger chances per game hold, it would put them at 637 for an 84-game season, a noticeable improvement that will make life easier for their goaltenders.Of