New York Islanders: 21 games in

We are at the point of the season where it is considered the 1/4 mark of the year.  A look at the New York Islanders:

New York Islanders 8-7-6 23 pts – tied for 5th in the Eastern Conference in points, currently the seventh seed.

What can be said right now, except that the Islanders have exceeded expectations thus far this year.  As the “experts” discussed in the off-season, the Islanders were slated to be the doormat of the NHL again this year.  What the “experts” did not know was that John Tavares would find himself a line mate picked up off free agency in Matt Moulson. They have become a “dynamic duo” of sorts. Tavares alone is a story in himself as well this year.

With Tavares leading all rookies in scoring (currently at 19 points in 21 games played) and Matt Moulson having a breakout season (18 points in 21 games played)  the future looks bright. Josh Bailey, Kyle Okposo and Frans Neilsen have all done exceptional jobs in their roles as well.  Sure, not every game, not every shift but they have been in the positive more often then not. Sure, they might not be lighting up the score sheet, but come on Isles fans, we are not average hockey fans and know that there is a lot more to hockey then scoring goals or gaining assists.  Face-offs, blocking shots, defensive play, forechecking, and then some are all very important aspects of the game. So the credit must be given as where credit is due.

Veterans Trent Hunter, Mark Streit, Doug Weight (although, currently injured but Dee Karl stated today there was a Weight sighting at Ice Works which is the Islanders practice facility), Richard Park and Dwayne Roloson have also helped  carry the load early on.

Without boring everyone with numbers (which can easily be found at the TSN and NHL websites), one fact to take note of: Dwayne Roloson has helped the Islanders earn points in 11 of his 12 starts on the season. One regulation loss is all that Roloson is responsible for in a negative outlook.

The question on everyone’s mind in Islanders nation is can they keep up this pace, take it up a notch and get the average 92 points to secure a playoff spot? Well there is quite a bit of hockey left to play, and an Olympic break to get through but this blogger feels it is very possible to continue the season at this pace.

What I feel the Islanders need to accomplish this:

Right now, there are two players needed on this roster in order to help continue this possible playoff run.  A top line forward and a top pairing d-man are two positions that need to be acquired by the Islanders; hopefully without destroying their current make up.

I will not start any rumors or mention any names, just stating the obvious (for now). We all know that Martin Biron can be a nice trading chip when the time is right, so keep that in mind Islanders fans.

Aside from trade wonders, and rumor discussion, the main focus is how good, yes good, these Islanders have been.  Islanders Coach Scott Gordon has implemented a system and the players have responded. This was the first situation that was questioned, how the players would do under the system Gordon put in place.  The response: adaptation. The Islanders players have been able to gel under the system and have become quite the pesky team to play against.  When the season first started, the Islanders were 0-3-3 and the main cause of this was because the team did not know how to hold onto a lead.  My how things have changed in just 15 games.

Over the course of the last ten games the Islanders are 6-2-2.  The kids are gaining confidence with each shift, the veterans are playing their roles accordingly, and again, the future looks bright. Sure, a lot of credit needs to be given to goaltender Dwayne Roloson. His numbers, for a 41 year old, have been nothing short of amazing. Too strong of a word you say? Look at the roster and tell me why you think this team sits where they currently do?  The answer is simple, and broken into three scenarios:

1. Scott Gordon
2. Dwayne Roloson
3. The Moulson/Tavares production

Stick that in your pipe, sit back, relax and smoke it.

Playoffs? I think so!

Anthony Curatolo is a hockey blogger/enthusiast.  He also writes for Hockey Independent, Inside Hockey, Hendricks Hockey and The Checking Line. He is the co-producer and host of “The Hockey Guys” which is a Hockey Talk Radio show that airs live on Sunday’s from 2PM – 4PM Eastern Standard Time. When he is not covering hockey, he is sitting around playing his acoustic guitar and setting his rosters for all the fantasy hockey leagues he takes part in.