It’s unlikely that the New York Islanders will win the Stanley Cup this season. They are a middling team, and their odds reflect that – at +4000 or +5000, according to most oddsmakers, they are in the same group as the Detroit Red Wings, Ottawa Senators, and Pittsburgh Penguins. However, if a few things go their way this season, they could win it all against the odds.
1. Islanders Buy Into Roy’s System
Head coach Patrick Roy will have his team playing disciplined and structured hockey at both ends of the ice. When he took over the bench halfway through last season, he turned the Islanders into a playoff team, and with a full offseason to prepare, this group should hit the ground running. The veteran-heavy group bought into his style last season, and the hope is that they will have another great season.
2. Islanders Forward Unit Must Find Depth
The Islanders have a top-heavy offense. After Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, Brock Nelson, and Kyle Palmieri, the production drops, and the depth is non-existent. This season, the Islanders need production from their bottom six and, in particular, from their third line, which was a weak link throughout last season.
All eyes are on Anders Lee, Pierre Engvall, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, three veterans who can generate offense but combined for only 41 goals and 57 assists last season. Lee is a finisher, while Pageau is a passer, and together, the two can create plenty of scoring chances. With Engvall finding open shots from the wing, the third line should be potent this season if all three skaters step up.
3. Dobson & Romanov Carry The Defense
Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov are the two defensemen expected to carry the unit. Dobson can do it as a two-way player – he’s scored 36 goals and 134 assists in the past three seasons while rounding out his game in the defensive zone. Romanov, meanwhile, can take over games as a stay-at-home defenseman who creates turnovers, blocks shots, and delivers big hits.
The two will form the top pair, or if Roy chooses to split them up, they will take most of the ice time among defensemen. With their great play, the defense will improve and look like one of the best in the league. It will also help both skaters field big…
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