New York Americans off to rough start

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In a surprising turn of events, the New York Americans have struggled out of the gate so far, sitting three points behind a team comprised of James Faraday, Brady Stropko and Borje Samuelsson for the North American Conference's final playoff spot. The Americans' problem lies in their overall play, as they're sixth in goals allowed and second-to-last in goals scored. Their numbers add up to a -12 goal differential, worse than all but two teams in the league.

 

This is certainly a far cry from the New York Americans many were expecting to see. Edwin Reencarnacion has struggled a bit, logging only eight points through his first 18 games, but really the team's issue comes from its all around scoring. Nicolas Caprivi leads the team with 18 points, while everyone else on the roster is below a point per game, including second year winger E'Twaun Delicious, who is second on the team with 15 points. The Americans need someone to step it up and take the scoring mantle for the team, as Delicious paces the team with just nine goals.

 

"I'll admit, I haven't been playing as well as I thought I would," Delicious said of his start to the season. I was hoping to be one of the top three players in this league, instead of one of the top eight like I'm playing now. However, that hasn't been enough to carry this team, so I just have to do more."

 

One thing that has stood out for Delicious is his statement to be working on his passing. If there is one real knock on the Frenchman, it would be that he rips off too many shots, as shown by his poor 9% shooting percentage this season. If he can start setting up his teammates more often, Delicious can actually live up to his statement and help this team make it into the playoffs.