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After an atrocious start to 2017, the New York Islanders must shift focus

Dec 29, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Islanders forward Anthony Beauvillier (72) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Islanders 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

4) Let the kids play

This is one that seems like a no-brainer at this point. With the season all but lost, it would make sense to start taking a look at the available assets.

When rookie Matthew Barzal stayed up from the minors in the beginning of the season, fans were excited to see the next generation of players.

But as quickly as he came, Barzal was sent back down after only playing two games.

The Islanders essentially waived PA Parenteau and his 40 or so points to ice Barzal for two games.

Awesome.



The first step in player development for the Isles should be making Shane PrinceAnthony Beauvillier, and Michael Dal Colle regulars in the lineup for the rest of the season.

Dal Colle is the only player of the first round in the 2014 draft who has yet to play an NHL game. This, on top of making Beauvillier’s presence inconsistent in the lineup, has only hurt his development as an NHL regular.

Making the lineup younger and faster is the key to success in the modern NHL. Giving the youngsters a look early will help the Isles gauge their core going into next season.

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Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.