I think Islanders are the dark horse of the East this season.

[ThreeLeftSkates]

And who are these players the Islanders signed who will move the needle for them?

Islanders fans keep bringing up addition by subtraction, but their defense wasn’t even that bad last year. Their problem was goal scoring, and they didn’t make any moves to address that.

Getting out of our own end was a problem. This year will be better.

 

[TheUnusedCrayon]

Similar to the Canucks, they had a really bad season last year and then kind of corrected things a bit. They won't be great but they won't be bottom feeding in my opinion.

 

[HisIceness]

Yeah Brock Nelson, Barzal, Lee are pretty much identical to Crosby, Malkin, Kessel

I think you missed out on the joke sir.

 

[Ragamuffin Gunner]

Isles are garbage.

 

[Martin Skoula]

While I understand this, it's not always so simple as sticking new players in and having them perform to the level they have previously. In the statistics pulled out of my ass department, most free agents or rookies don't automatically come in and be better than their predecessors or better than they were on a previous team.

Do I expect Johnny Gaudreau to help Columbus, of course. Do I expect most free agents playing in a system to suddenly adopt a new ssystem and be better than they were before while experiencing NO growing pains? Doubtful.

The Islanders got better in the offseason. They replaced two 40 year old LD men with two early 20's LD. That alone should help.

Their aging grinders are one year older on the wrong side of 30. They're going to be more focused on which of them to buy out than who to add.

 

[nbwingsfan]

Getting out of our own end was a problem. This year will be better.

Based on what? A rookie coach who you have no idea how he will perform?

While I understand this, it's not always so simple as sticking new players in and having them perform to the level they have previously. In the statistics pulled out of my ass department, most free agents or rookies don't automatically come in and be better than their predecessors or better than they were on a previous team.

Do I expect Johnny Gaudreau to help Columbus, of course. Do I expect most free agents playing in a system to suddenly adopt a new ssystem and be better than they were before while experiencing NO growing pains? Doubtful.

The Islanders got better in the offseason. They replaced two 40 year old LD men with two early 20's LD. That alone should help.

But one of those Early 20s LD aren’t any good…

 

[Rehabguy]

Based on what? A rookie coach who you have no idea how he will perform?

That’s what makes em a dark horse.

 

[Ruggs225]

The isles are a complete mystery to m with their new coach.

U could make a convincing argument that they can finish anywhere from 3-7 in the division. I do t think they have the firepower to finish top 2, and they arent bad enough to finish 8.

But once in the PO’s they could make a run just bc of that defense and sorokin. That wouldnt surprise me one bit.

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

There are reasons to expect that NYI will be better than last year.

You could argue that the only guys who met expectations on the roster were Sorokin, Nelson, Dobson, Wahlstrom, and Pelech (Pulock missed too much time and wasn't as good as he can be).

Romanov will help on the back-end - their D is probably as good as it's been in a while, and their goaltending is rock solid.

But their forward group is essentially the exact same. Sure, COVID hurt them a lot, but a team that has Beauvillier & Bailey in their top 6, Parise and Wahlstrom in their top 9, and no consistent 60+ point threat outside of Barzal.... well, I still have serious doubts about their ability to be a truly dangerous offensive team.

I absolutely think they could make the playoffs, and even make noise in the playoffs... but I don't think they have what it takes to win.

 

[Rehabguy]

One of the notable things about the Isles is that there will be only 5 players who were not drafted by the Isles playing for the team. Most are former Isles 1st round picks. The handful were later round gems like Andrés Lee, Pelech, Sorokin, Cizikas, and Martin. Not a bad job at building through the draft.

Just looking at the 5 players who the Isles traded for tells you all you need to know about the character of this team. No spectators or pretty boys allowed.

Clutterbuck
Romanov
Palmieri
Pageau
Parise

 

[Rubi]

I think the OP's opinion on the Islanders is a minority opinion. A miniscule minority. The Islanders have a good shot at being a lottery team this year. Based on the amount of changes that Lou has made to the roster this summer I would say that's the plan.

 

[Rehabguy]

There are reasons to expect that NYI will be better than last year.

You could argue that the only guys who met expectations on the roster were Sorokin, Nelson, Dobson, Wahlstrom, and Pelech (Pulock missed too much time and wasn't as good as he can be).

Romanov will help on the back-end - their D is probably as good as it's been in a while, and their goaltending is rock solid.

But their forward group is essentially the exact same. Sure, COVID hurt them a lot, but a team that has Beauvillier & Bailey in their top 6, Parise and Wahlstrom in their top 9, and no consistent 60+ point threat outside of Barzal.... well, I still have serious doubts about their ability to be a truly dangerous offensive team.

I absolutely think they could make the playoffs, and even make noise in the playoffs... but I don't think they have what it takes to win.

I don’t think they have a super star on the team but they have 4 lines that can score. Barzal, Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Palmieri, Parise, Bailey, Pageau are veteran scorers. Not necessarily the best in the league but solid and spread across their top 3 lines. This will really be the year when we see if Wahlstrom and Bellows blossom into the kinds of snipers that dominated their junior teams. They have the pedigree and they can prove to be the difference. We haven’t seen at all what they were capable of because they played under a completely defensive oriented system. Also who know what will happen if they bring up Raty sooner than expected but I’m not counting on it.

I think the OP's opinion on the Islanders is a minority opinion. A miniscule minority. The Islanders have a good shot at being a lottery team this year. Based on the amount of changes that Lou has made to the roster this summer I would say that's the plan.

Well call me the minority but I’m think they’re going to be back closer to the top of the East this year where they belong and be conference finalists once again with last year being a fluke. Their troubles last year had nothing to do with aging but just a string of bad luck.

 

[Rehabguy]

The isles are a complete mystery to m with their new coach.

U could make a convincing argument that they can finish anywhere from 3-7 in the division. I do t think they have the firepower to finish top 2, and they arent bad enough to finish 8.

But once in the PO’s they could make a run just bc of that defense and sorokin. That wouldnt surprise me one bit.

One of enlightened fans here at HF.

Yes this is why I’m calling them the dark horse of the East.

This team is going to be crazy good. I’m so excited for the season to start!

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

I don’t think they have a super star on the team but they have 4 lines that can score. Barzal, Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, Palmieri, Parise, Bailey, Pageau are veteran scorers. Not necessarily the best in the league but solid and spread across their top 3 lines. This will really be the year when we see if Wahlstrom and Bellows blossom into the kinds of snipers that dominated their junior teams. They have the pedigree and they can prove to be the difference. We haven’t seen at all what they were capable of because they played under a completely defensive oriented system. Also who know what will happen if they bring up Raty sooner than expected but I’m not counting on it.


Well call me the minority but I’m think they’re going to be back closer to the top of the East this year where they belong and be conference finalists once again with last year being a fluke. Their troubles last year had nothing to do with aging but just a string of bad luck.

Thing is, NO ONE on that team can take a step back, and Barzal, one or two of Palmieri/Parise/Bailey, and at least one of Wahlstrom/Bellows need to step up.

It's far from impossible, in fact I suspect a good portion of those guys will step up... but I just think they dont have enough dynamism to go the distance. Not saying they aren't a good team, but don't think they are a championship team.

 

[The Hockey Tonk Man]

Thought they were gonna have a great year last year but got screwed in every sense.

 

[WetcoastOrca]

It’s the summer. Fans of every team who missed the playoffs last year are optimistic and think they’ve improved.
A lot of dark horses turn into turkeys by US Thanksgiving.
That said, the NYI will play hard every game. Could definitely grab a wild card spot if they stay healthy.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

The addition of offense was by subtracting Trotz. Full stop



I believe the Islanders have one of the most potent offenses in the East once it’s unhinged. If you look at their numbers over the past 3 seasons the numbers will lie because it doesn’t reveal the full story. Prior to Trotz taking over the team the Isles were able to roll 4 lines and score by committee. The team you see in front of you has much more offensive potential than the time when JT was captain. Perhaps you forgot how Barzal really plays the game or never watched a Wahlstrom slapshot or a Pulock howitzer. We see the offensive instincts in Dobson and Bellows and we know the damage Lee, Nelson, Bailey, Palmieri, Pageau and Parise can dish out. We also know that our 4th line is able to score a dirty goal anytime in a game when they decide to turn on the offense. Who knows if they are going to call up Raty sooner than later.

I don't disagree with the premise of the thread (ie. the Isles could surprise and make some noise), but I 100% disagree with the bolded above as being one of the reasons for it. The Isles' offense has pretty good depth, but their high-end scoring isn't close to the caliber you'd expect for a team to be "one of the most potent offenses in the East".

If everything goes right for them, they have maybe two guys who top 30 goals in Lee and Nelson, and if he's allowed a bit more freedom, maybe Barzal approaches his rookie totals of 85 or so points again. But boasting two 30 goal scorers and one point per game player isn't exactly impressive. Most teams who finish top 5 in offense boast multiple guys capable of those feats.

 

[Rebels57]

Maybe if they add J.T. Miller. Otherwise I think they finish near the bottom of the division, just about the awful Flyers.

 

[Rehabguy]

Thing is, NO ONE on that team can take a step back, and Barzal, one or two of Palmieri/Parise/Bailey, and at least one of Wahlstrom/Bellows need to step up.

It's far from impossible, in fact I suspect a good portion of those guys will step up... but I just think they dont have enough dynamism to go the distance. Not saying they aren't a good team, but don't think they are a championship team.

It’s pretty much a guarantee that the only direction every player can go compared to last year is UP. It was a brutal season of horrible circumstances. They played the first 13 games on the road because their arena needed to be completed, and surprise surprise they were the first team to get COVID and were forced to play their AHL team for at least 8 games. There were at least 8 games that I watched where I had no idea who the players were. Why the league allowed that I have no idea. Then a few injuries and more COVID. It wasn’t until 40 games into the season that the teams announcers celebrated that they had the full team assembled. How could they not improve from that? No top team could have made the playoffs under those circumstances.

I don't disagree with the premise of the thread (ie. the Isles could surprise and make some noise), but I 100% disagree with the bolded above as being one of the reasons for it. The Isles' offense has pretty good depth, but their high-end scoring isn't close to the caliber you'd expect for a team to be "one of the most potent offenses in the East".

If everything goes right for them, they have maybe two guys who top 30 goals in Lee and Nelson, and if he's allowed a bit more freedom, maybe Barzal approaches his rookie totals of 85 or so points again. But boasting two 30 goal scorers and one point per game player isn't exactly impressive. Most teams who finish top 5 in offense boast multiple guys capable of those feats.

Well they were there just a few years back and this team as a whole has more talent than they did when JT was captain. I think if they play a less conservative system, they can surprise on offense and maybe even dominate.

Thought they were gonna have a great year last year but got screwed in every sense.

Exactly.

 

[Rude Dog]

I don't see it. Think they will be life and death to make the play-offs. Just an average team.

 

[Rubi]

The addition of offense was by subtracting Trotz. Full stop

Beyond a doubt Trotz system propelled the Islanders to great heights the last 3 seasons but it was one that focused on defense. All offense was generated by the forecheck only which goes against so much of the natural instincts of the Isles creative forwards that I think, and I think Lou thinks - was stifling. But no one’s going to complain if it got results- until it didn’t.

I believe the Islanders have one of the most potent offenses in the East once it’s unhinged. If you look at their numbers over the past 3 seasons the numbers will lie because it doesn’t reveal the full story. Prior to Trotz taking over the team the Isles were able to roll 4 lines and score by committee. The team you see in front of you has much more offensive potential than the time when JT was captain. Perhaps you forgot how Barzal really plays the game or never watched a Wahlstrom slapshot or a Pulock howitzer. We see the offensive instincts in Dobson and Bellows and we know the damage Lee, Nelson, Bailey, Palmieri, Pageau and Parise can dish out. We also know that our 4th line is able to score a dirty goal anytime in a game when they decide to turn on the offense. Who knows if they are going to call up Raty sooner than later.

Throw in Sorokin and a battering ram in Romanov who knows what energy those two will bring to the team?

This team is stacked and that’s what makes them a dark horse. A new system is coming into play this year we hope that allows for more creativity. The question will be will this balance between offense and defense be enough for the Isles to exceed the advantages Trotz’s defensive centric system offered? Time will tell but don’t make the naive decision to count them out.

The Isles were 23rd in the league in GF with 229. The worst team was Arizona. The Islanders only scored 23 more goals than Arizona. As a comparison, there were 5 teams that scored over 300 goals. To blame that poor stat solely on Trots is being disingenuous.

 

[Rehabguy]

The Isles were 23rd in the league in GF with 229. The worst team was Arizona. The Islanders only scored 23 more goals than Arizona. As a comparison, there were 5 teams that scored over 300 goals. To blame that poor stat solely on Trots is being disingenuous.

I’m not blaming Trots for anything but 3.5 years of great hockey and I’m not blaming him nor the players on the ice at all for what transpired last year as it was just a bunch of bad luck. But it doesn’t take a genius to understand that to play the defensive system Trotz was asking for required for the players to sacrifice offensive stats for wins- which was all that really mattered. But as I questioned last year, is this really the optimal system given the individual talent the Isles did have in their line-up? I’m not so sure but time will tell. I think they are going to have a phenomenal year.

 

[Rubi]

I’m not blaming Trots for anything but 3.5 years of great hockey and I’m not blaming him nor the players on the ice at all for what transpired last year as it was just a bunch of bad luck. But it doesn’t take a genius to understand that to play the defensive system Trotz was asking for required for the players to sacrifice offensive stats for wins- which was all that really mattered. But as I questioned last year, is this really the optimal system given the individual talent the Isles did have in their stable? I’m not so sure but time will tell. I think they are going to have a phenomenal year.

Nothing wrong with being optimistic. Personally I think Lou would have had to make some significant additions to the team over the summer for the Isles to be considered a dark horse.. but that's just my opinion. I just don't think the Islanders have the horses to get there (ya I know... bad pun).

 

[DingDongCharlie]

They have great goaltending and a really good D core. Those forward ranks outside Barzal is nothing to write home about. I don’t think losing Trotz was a positive outside Barzal could be due for a great individual season offensively. I could see them miss again honestly.

 

[Pure Slaughter Value]

Based on what? A rookie coach who you have no idea how he will perform?


But one of those Early 20s LD aren’t any good…

Walman, Oesterle or Maata?

They're all bad.