As part of the 32 in 32 series, NHL.com offers in-depth analysis of each of the 32 teams between August 1 and September 1. Today, the New York Islanders.
It is with an almost identical formation that the New York Islanders will begin the season. Which is perfect in their eyes.
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“When you look at the formation, you see that there is stability,” said assistant general manager Chris Lamoriello. In our view, this is our strength. The Islanders are always going to be a team that is able to play different styles and be successful against all styles of teams. »
The Islanders made it to the last playoffs, where they were eliminated in six games in the opening round against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Defender Ryan Pulock believes that was not enough, and that “adjustments are needed here and there. »
Forward Pierre Engvall (seven years old), defenseman Scott Mayfield (seven years old) and goaltender Semyon Varlamov (four years old) all signed a contract extension with the team on July 1, they who could have become free agents without compensation. Ilya Sorokin, who was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in 2023, awarded to the best goaltender in the NHL, has meanwhile signed a new eight-year contract with the team, a contract which will begin next season.
Varlamov, who is 35, represents an insurance policy for Sorokin. The 28-year-old goaltender went 31-22-7 with a 2.34 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and six NHL-high shutouts in 62 games. last year.
The team will again be under the supervision of general manager Lou Lamoriello and head coach Lane Lambert.
“My dad has said it many times, he likes to build teams starting with the goalkeepers, and we are very happy to have our two goalkeepers, who are on long-term contracts and who represent important pieces of our present. and our future,” said Chris Lamoriello. When you have two good goalkeepers, you know you’re going to have a chance to win every night. »
There was no question of starting a reconstruction phase with the Islanders. After all, the team managed to finish in first place as fourth ace in the East despite numerous missed games by forwards Mathew Barzal, Kyle Palmieri, Oliver Wahlstrom, Jean-Gabriel Pageau as well as defenseman Adam Pelech. But certain facets of their game could have caused them to miss the playoffs, such as an average goals per game of 2.95 (22nd), and a power play of 15.8 percent (30th). The Islanders have also scored just one goal in 18 big-game opportunities in the playoffs.
Without Sorokin’s performances, the Islanders might have missed the playoffs. Behind the bench, Lambert, who is recognized as a coach close to his players, managed to keep the ship in the right direction despite an 8-14-5 streak between November 29 and January 25. New York finished the season with a 19-9-4 record to earn its playoff berth on the final day of the schedule. The Islanders’ fate could have been different in the playoffs if their two overtime losses in the series against Carolina had turned out differently.
“We’re looking forward to next year,” Islanders captain Anders Lee said in July. “We are at the point of the summer when we turn the page and begin our preparation for the fall. It was a disappointing end to the season. The series was tight and it just didn’t work out for us. We will use it to understand what needs to change and get going for the start of the season. »
Barzal will start this year the first season of an eight-year contract he signed on October 4, 2022. Will it be in the center, his natural position, or on the wing, where he is still in learning, to the right of Bo Horvat? Both will have to do their part on offense, since the Islanders need them. Only Brock Nelson (37), Lee (28) and Zach Parise (21) scored at least 20 goals last year. Of the lot, Lee has scored just three times in his last 21 games (including playoffs).
Parise, who is an unrestricted free agent, has not yet decided whether he wants to play a 19th season in the NHL, he who is 39 years old. If his decision is negative, the door could open for hopefuls William Dufour, Arnaud Durandeau and Ruslan Iskhakov.
For the rest, the Islanders will again try to go far in the playoffs with the same core as in recent seasons. They made it a habit.
“They’re familiar faces,” Nelson said. There’s some uncertainty about Zach right now, but most of the guys who are back have been with us for a long time. I think everyone believes in this team and we are confident that we have what it takes to go far. »
Featuring Jessi Pierce, NHL.com Freelance Correspondent
2023-08-19 03:59:45
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