NHL.com offers in-depth analysis of each of the 32 teams during the months of September and October. On the pool side, we offer you a player to target during the next campaign, a player to avoid, and a player to watch, who could become a hidden card if the stars align. Today, the New York Islanders.
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Of the 14 worst NHL teams for goals scored last season, only two made it to the Stanley Cup playoffs: the Nashville Predators and the New York Islanders. What do you want, that’s how it works at Long Island training. Barry Trotz’s defensive system is respected to the letter, and the results prove that the players are right to do so as the Islanders have reached the Stanley Cup semi-final in the past two seasons.
But for poolers, it’s anything but interesting.
32 AND 32 – ISLANDERS : Three issues to watch | Best hopes
In New York, we produce in groups. Behind Mathew Barzal, six players amassed between 28 and 35 points last season: Josh Bailey, Brock Nelson, Jordan Eberle (departure for Seattle), Nick Leddy (gone to Detroit), Anthony Beauvillier and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Anders Lee was heading for a near-similar production, but a right knee injury ended his season.
It is therefore very difficult for the poolers to know who besides Barzal could rise above the fray this season. However, the departures of Eberle and Leddy will open doors.
To target : Noah Dobson – D
Who from Dobson or Ryan Pulock will lead the Islanders’ power play following Leddy’s departure? The question arises this year, but for long-term poolers, you have to aim for Dobson. The 21-year-old defenseman had 14 points in 46 games in his second NHL season, but his first when he was used on a regular basis. He kept pace in the playoffs with seven assists in 19 games. He doesn’t have Pulock’s cannonball, but he’s more efficient at carrying the puck and finding his teammates. He also amassed five points on the power play last year against just one for Pulock, who however played 22 minutes more than him on the power play.
Video: BUF @ NYI: Dobson scores 1-0 with a wrist shot
To avoid : Semyon Varlamov/Ilya Sorokin – G
Varlamov put on some amazing stats last year with the Islanders. For his part, Sorokin, in his first season in the NHL, offered more than respectable performances and should see more action this year. In short, the Islanders have one of the best goaltending duos in the NHL… and that’s the problem for poolers. Since the 2016-17 season, the New York squad has got into the habit of using their goalkeepers in tandem and dividing the task equally. The two doormen are thus in great shape when the time comes to get their departure. Except that these departures are much less numerous, which costs precious points in the weekly or long-term pools. This is why it is better to pick up goalkeepers who are sure to pass the 50 start mark rather than Varlamov or Sorokin. However, in the daily pools, both goalies are to be targeted due to the quality of the Islanders’ defensive system.
To watch / hidden card : Oliver Wahlstrom – AD
Of all the Islanders’ young forwards, Wahlstrom is arguably the most promising. In his first full season in the NHL, he had 21 points in 44 games, including 12 goals. He was only entitled to an average playing time of 12:23, however, ranking 19th among players who played at least 10 games with the team last year. His 12 goals and 10 points on the power play testify to his offensive potential. But like all Islanders players, he will have to offer impeccable defensive play if he hopes to climb the ranks of the team, especially since he will have in front of him on the right wing. Kyle Palmieri and Josh Bailey, two proven veterans. So don’t expect an offensive explosion for Wahlstrom, but don’t be surprised if he eventually ends up on the first power play this season.
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