Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings #10: New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are coming off a very strong season in 2014, as they closed the Nassau Coliseum with a playoff appearance. A first-round exit at the hands of the Capitals means that the Islanders will be back and motivated to go further in the playoffs.
The Islanders are led by their captain John Tavares. He was a Hart Trophy finalist in 2014-2015, as he consistently does well despite not having elite teammates. Kyle Okposo is a good player but consider this. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will get to fight for the services of Phil Kessel. Nicklas Backstrom gets to play with Alex Ovechkin. Okposo is not at the level that Kessel and Ovechkin are at.
The Islanders have an impressive forward group. Ryan Strome could have an excellent season. Brock Nelson and Anders Lee should continue to get better. Frans Nielsen is an underrated forward.
However, the Islanders have issues with their blueline past Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy. They also have a slight concern in net, as Jaroslav Halak isn’t the most consistent of goalies. They signed Thomas Greiss to provide a better plan B than Chad Johnson.
Next: #9