Despite the crummy end to the 2014-15 NHL season for the New York Islanders, fans still have a plethora of reasons to feel confident.
By Michael Iuzzini
The early exit was heavy on the emotions of the fans, players and the organization.
The reason? Well, it was finally official, the Isles are moving out.
Islanders fans are about to embark on a new journey with a rejuvenated organization and team. Even as much backlash the move to Brooklyn has had, fans must admit it is a very exciting time to be a part of this fan-base.
The team is now solid and full of playoff experince. With just some minor tinkering – hopefully from some of the kids within the organization – the Isles will take the giant leap from a small market franchise to the big New York City market.
Yes, it is going to be tough to wait for the puck to finally drop in October. To survive the summer without hockey, here’s a list for your reading pleasure.
Here are five reasons fans of the New York Islanders have reason for optimism come 2015-16:
5. Carryover Success
The Islanders are not a one hit wonder and built to enjoy success over one or two seasons. General Manager Garth Snow survived his limited payroll of Charles Wang and has built a force from inside the organization.
Last season was no fluke. The majority of the team are all returning and will want to jump out of the starting gates and emulate last seasons early success.
4. John Tavares Is Angry
Captain Tavares is not alone in his feelings after that frustrating Game 7 loss to the Washington Capitals in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. JT could not shake the fact that the season was over. His emotions have went from frustration to being hungrier than ever to get back on the ice.
Tavares was second in the league in scoring, without two legitimate line-mates pretty much the entire season. If a solid winger shows himself, don’t be surprised to see Garth pull the trigger on it.
JT has is not good, he is great. He has gone from NHL elite to top five players in the league status. With the team going into a big market and the success of last season, the NHL will put the Isles captain on a pedestal and Tavares can become a household name.
3. Youth Movement Is Real
To me Ryan Strome was the unsung hero the entire season.
Every time there was a big goal and or play, Strome was on the ice. He has shown some superior moves and can finish with the best of them. If Strome can pack on some weight there is going to be a bull on the ice that can skate and score.
Anders Lee and Brock Nelson enjoyed their break out seasons and will be right back at it. Lee in his rookie year has easily established himself as one of the best players to play in front of the net.
The defense is looking for Griffin Reinhart and or Ryan Pulock to make the NHL plunge. If either player shows up with his NHL legs on at camp, it will be a fantastic upgrade to an already solid defense..
The staff is putting money on either one or both young defenseman to join the team. Garth Snow should still play this safe and sign Lubomir Visnovsky.
Lubo will be 39 but can still quarterback the second line of the power play and with rest will benefit everyone in the second half of the season and playoffs.
2. Kirill Petrov Is Coming
Even though the 6’3, 198 lbs. winger will probably end up at the Isles AHL team in Bridgeport to start next season, it’ll be fun when camp opens to see how the once highly scouted player adjusts to the North American style of hockey.
Petrov is in need to put a spark in his career and what better place to do it now with the Islanders. Petrov will adjust and find his way to the big club.
1. New Arena, New Beginning
This one is simple, love it or hate it, we need to say farewell to the past and embrace the future.
That future is now.
I will state the obvious and that is the Barclays Center has arrived. The arena has already had a positive affect on the team. Nikolay Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski both said that the move to Brooklyn is what helped them want to come to the Isles.
It is not going to stop there. With a winning formula and new a shiny digs Nassau Coliseum might just be a distant memory come All-Star break.
So sit tight Islander nation. I realize October can’t come soon enough, but when it does, the boys are going to be ready to make a whole world of noise.
Someone needs to teach you the past participle of go, you illiterate baboon.