New York Islanders have a season to build from
NHLHS New York Islanders Correspondent Anthony Curatolo discusses how last season was one to build from for the New York Islanders. Have faith in Garth Snow and his five year plan for we are only in year three.
Last season ended with yet another loss for the New York Islanders.
Of course, that loss came to the – one time – defending Stanley Cup Champions and a team that was looking to build momentum heading into the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Penguins, their hopes fell short.
But the same can be said for the hopes of the Islanders as there were no playoffs on Long Island this year. No post-season Cinderella story.
With that we ask ourselves what the future will hold for the organization?
In moving forward, the five year plan remains in tact, as this October will be seasons number three of five. The kids are growing from within the organization and there are already some bright spots to look forward to for the future.
John Tavares completed his first NHL season, and though there were slumps — which were expected, he showed that he belongs in the NHL and will be a top line talent for the organization for years to come.
Kyle Okposo may have had a sub-par season however the potential that rests in his game will prove that as he grows as a player his point production from his offensive game as well as competing as a complete, overall player will develop.
Josh Bailey, Matt Moulson, Andrew Macdonald, and Jack Hillen have all proved their value. Moulson will have to stay consistent but after his first full season in the NHL, his talent proved to be top six worthy. Hillen and Macdonald will be mainstays on the Isles blueline even with all the off-season acquisitions brought in by the organization. Little to question with much to look forward to here.
The questions in goal will remain, especially with Dwayne Roloson turning 41 and Rick DiPietro‘s constant battles with injuries. However, have no fear as the team has quite the future with Kevin Poulin and Mikko Koskinen developing through the ranks. I’m still torn on Nathan Lawson being a full time NHL backup, as I truly do not believe he will be a starter in the big game. But then again, Michael Leighton was a 29 year old journey man who is now scheduled to be the Philadelphia Flyers number one tender to start the season.
Goaltending is tricky and until given a chance and a real shot to show your skills, anything can change. In the situation that Lawson is in, he’s proven that he can be an adequate goaltender in the American Hockey League (AHL) – all that remains to be seen is what he can do at the NHL level where the pace of the game is quicker compared to any other league in the world.
So with the off-season, we’ve witnessed a few questions answered but Isles nation was warned about the five year plan when it was put into production. Being year three, if the playoffs are not part of the April game plan, there is no need for worry. The team will gain another year of professional experience at the NHL level helping the aforementioned players develop further. It will also provide time to players like Kirill Kabanov, Brock Nelson, Nino Niederreiter, Travis Hamonic, Calvin de Haan and all of the projected NHL talent that is property of the organization to develop further.
Stay tuned Islanders fans for the 2010-11 seasons will be bright – considering all the pieces in place in moving forward.
Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS New York Islanders Correspondent
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuys_AC
