Islanders' Strome: 'Whole team needs a wake-up call'

Ryan Strome will make his return to the New York Islanders lineup Wednesday against Pittsburgh, after sitting the past two games as a healthy scratch.

While head coach Jack Capuano delivered Strome a personal message in terms of what's required moving forward, the 23-year old also suggested the entire team needs a bit of a kick in the pants.

"I think our whole team needs a wake-up call," Strome said Wednesday, per Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post. "I think sitting pretty low in the standings is tough, so obviously you want to play your best, want to contribute. I’m responsible to go out there every night and perform. I think all you can do is look towards (the game) and putting your best foot forward."

The Islanders enter Wednesday's action with a record of 7-10-4, good for 18 points and last place in the NHL. They are also tied for 27th with 51 goals scored. A wake-up call would be much needed, to say the least, although it might be too late to salvage this season.

Strome, as a highly touted young forward, knows part of the responsibility for improvement rests on his shoulders.

"I think at the end of the day, we have to score goals, and I have to be one of the guys that does that," he said. "There are a lot of us right now that I’m sure would like to have a little bit more. But it’s a process, and for me, all I can control is myself and my work ethic."

Strome has recorded two goals and six assists in 19 games this season.