Key Things The Islanders Must Do To Get Back In The Hunt

Photo: Bob DeChiara USA Today

Add Another Defenseman (or Defensive minded wing)

The Islanders defense has been shaky at best thus far and must improve as soon as possible. The signing of Stephen Gionta is a start, but there will need to be more additions if the team hopes to get three steady and reliable defensive lines. The loss of hardnosed wing Matt Martin to free agency seems to be playing a big factor and it is imperative that the team collectively makes up for it. Hopefully it starts with Gionta.

Find A True Place for Andrew Ladd

Ladd was the big free agent pick up the Islanders made in hopes of adding another goal scorer to the top line. However, that hasn't been the case as Ladd is marred in a scoring slump which has relegated him to the fourth line. If the team want to see this signing pan out they must find place to put him where he will be able to adequately contribute. With just 7 points (4 Goals and 3 Assists) the 11-year veteran has feel like he is failing the team that has such high hopes for him and that needs to change.

Get John Tavares Some Help

With Andrew Ladd having his difficulties, a lot of the weight id getting placed on John Tavares’s shoulders. Unfortunately, that is much easier said than done as the Islander captain try as he might, can't seem to get the team going. This is where other player must step up to provide a lift that could start a nice wave of momentum the team could really use right now. JT is too valuable to the Islanders to be let down now, especially after the promise he has shown over the last few seasons.

Trade Jaroslav Halak

The Islander are currently carrying three goaltenders, which is one too many in my book. After Halak expressed frustrations over the current rotation, the team placed him on the trading block and have left it alone ever since. The lack of a stable starter is clearly affecting the play of all three goalies as the Islanders have the third highest goals against average (3.09) in the NHL. Moving Halak would be a great benefit to the team competitive spirit. Most especially Thomas Greiss, whom has been the best of the three earning him the right to lay claim to the starting role.

Start Thinking About a Coaching Change

The season is not starting how anyone planned and many are calling for Jack Capuano's removal, but a decision of that magnitude will be up to management. He's had some success in his six seasons as the Islanders head couch, his most impressive achievement being the three playoff appearances and first series win since 1993. That alone will make it difficult to look beyond him, but if the Islanders want to get over the hump and into Stanley Cup contention, a change at the helm may be what's best. For the team’s future. 

Potential Free Agents the Islanders Should Consider

After ending a 23-year playoff series drought, the Islanders find themselves in position to make big moves towards becoming a Stanley cup contender. To do that, they will need to bring in one or more high level free agents that can not only make an impact on the ice, but infuse their skills within the growing team culture.

Photo: Chris Carlson AP

Milan Lucic LW (2015-16 20G 34A)

He has top line hockey IQ that would give immediate help to John Tavares however, it would take a lot to pry him away from Los Angeles more that perhaps the Isles are willing to go. That being said, it would be a gutsy and highly appealing move bringing a player like Lucic into the fold.

Photo Jonathan Daniel Getty Images

Andrew Ladd LW (2015-16: 25G 21A)

Here's a player that could fill the potential void left by Kyle Okposo. His numbers have been pretty steady over the past 5 seasons and there is reason to believe he would welcome the opportunity to play in Brooklyn. It'll be interesting to see how much he will command in the open market, but his consistency definitely should make him a more than attractive target.

Photo: Minas Panagiotakis Getty Images

Troy Bouwer RW (2015-16: 18G 21A)

He played exceptionally well in the playoffs and should earn a lot of attention in the market. That being said the Islanders would greatly benefit from Brouwer’s scoring prowess. Money could be an issue if he looks to capitalize on postseason performance with a big pay day However this is a risk that the team must be willing to take if they are to take the next step.

Photo: Jared Silber Getty Images

Keith Yandle D (2015-16: 5G 42A)

If there is any place the Islanders could stand to improve it's the defenseman position. It will be important to add a smart playmaker as a counterpart the aggressive and physical Matt Martin. Yandle could be just the guy to fill that role.

Bob DeChiara USA Today Sports

John-Michael Liles D (2015-16: 6G 14A)

While Zidlicky did provide a veteran presence on the defensive side, the team would benefit from adding another vet like him to the roster. At 35 with 13 years of experience, Liles would make a great mentor for young nucleus the Islanders have carefully developed over the years.

James Guillory US 

David Backes C (2015-16: 21G 24A)

Though Frans Nielsen and Casey Cizikas has emerged as stellar middle men for the third and fourth lines, the second line still could use upgrade at center. Signing Backes would lighten the load for Tavares (whom often pulled double duty playing center for the one and two lines in games) giving much more stability for Capuano to shift players around without compromising their strengths. Backes has shown he can create good opportunities for himself and his teammates, something that's at a huge premium in today's NHL.

Islanders Picking Bad Time to Slow Down

                                                         
                               

Though things have been pretty exceptional this season, the Islander have hit their first rough patch of the year. Losers of 7 of their last 9 games, the team now finds itself looking up in a division they once sat atop of.  Despite the returns of Kyle Okposo, Frans Neilsen and Nick Leddy from the injured list the gals hjave not quite come with rehularity, especially in the last three contests.

As many know the best team almost never wins out in the NHL Playoffs, the hottest team does.  That is why it is very important for the Islander to make headway.  However if they continue to stumble the could find themselves in  precarious spot of having to dig down deep to make a remarkable run through the field of 16.  Momentum is key and the Islanders have been riding a wave of it since the start of the season.  They must re-acquire the confidence that has propelled them all year and bring the energy back in their direction.

How Far Can The Islanders Go?

                      

The 2014-15 season has been a revelation for the Islanders, they sit atop the Metropolitan Division and have played some of the best hockey anyone has seen in years. It has rejuvenated a once dormant fan base and filled them with anticipation of what this team can accomplish this season and beyond.

Already sporting 38 wins (Their most since 2008) with plenty of hockey to go, the Isles are poised to reach the 50 win mark for the first time since 1983-84, a season in which they reached the Stanley Cup Finals. The prospect of that itself should give fans plenty of reason to be optimistic as to what these Islanders are capable of.  Strong leadership and even stronger team play has them primed for a playoff push that will make many loyal Long Islanders proud

The team will make certain that this season is not remembered as a mere Cinderella story, but as the start of a new era of success and excellence.

Islanders Keep On Rolling

                                    


The Islanders defeated a red hot Rangers team with an impressive 3-0 shut out, sending a statement to the east and the rest of the NHL.  They have far exceeded the expectations many had for them coming into the season and don't look as if they are going to let up anytime soon.  Lead by strong net minding and timely scoring, the Islanders have the confidence to meet all challenges head on, something that has been missing from this time for quite some time.  Though the play from the team itself has been very impressive, a large amount of the credit has to go to head coach Jack Capuano. He has instilled a culture of belief and togetherness which has cemented the foundations of a contender for years to come.  The patience and perseverance of both the Islanders and their fans is paying off in a big way and there is hope that the teams final season in the Coliseum will be truly something special.