$5 Takeaways From New York Islanders\' Early-Season Play$

5 Takeaways From New York Islanders' Early-Season Play

By Shaun Lavery

5 Takeaways From New York Islanders' Early-Season Play

John Tavares Johnny Boychuk New York Islanders 2014-15 — The New York Islanders sit in second place in the Metropolitan division, they have a record of 12-6-0 and finally seem to be coming out of the rebuilding phase. So far in the 2014-15 NHL season, they have proven to be a dynamic offensive team led by John Tavares. Here are five takeaways from the New York Islanders' early-season play.

5. Significant Increase in Offensive Production

Kyle Okposo New York Islanders 2014-15

5. Significant Increase in Offensive Production

Kyle Okposo New York Islanders 2014-15 — With 3.11 goals per game, the Islanders are the fourth-best offensive producing team in the league. New York has combined a youthful mix of speed and skill to create opportunities for themselves. Coach Jack Capuano has seriously improved his team’s offense from the 17th ranked 2.63 goals per game last season.

4. John Tavares Finally has a Great Supporting Cast

John Tavares Kyle Okposo New York Islanders 2014-15

4. John Tavares Finally has a Great Supporting Cast

John Tavares Kyle Okposo New York Islanders 2014-15 — Part of what leads to the increase in offense is the supporting cast of John Tavares. Before, it was often Tavares who was relied on to provide a majority of the offense, but now players like Kyle Okposo, Brock Nelson and Frans Nielsen are really starting to come into their own. An added depth in offense can only help the Islanders.

3. Boychuk, Leddy Bolster Blue-Line for Islanders

Johnny Boychuk Nick Leddy New York Islanders 2014-15

3. Boychuk, Leddy Bolster Blue-line for Islanders

Johnny Boychuk Nick Leddy New York Islanders 2014-15 — Just before the 2014-15 NHL season started, both Boychuk and Leddy were acquired by New York. Both haven proven to be great additions, Boychuk has 12 points in 17 games while Leddy is a team-leading +7 in 18 games. The combination of these two players really help the Islanders' defense. Look for continued success on Long Island from these two.

2. Goaltending Problem Resolved

Jaroslav Halak New York Islanders 2014-15

2. Goaltending Problem Resolved

Jaroslav Halak New York Islanders 2014-15 — Ever since the Islanders drafted goalie Rick DiPietro first overall in the 2000 draft, goaltending has not been a strong point for the Islanders. Acquired by New York in May, Jaroslav Halak has proven to be New York’s No. 1 goalie. His 91.4 save percentage and 2.54 goals against average are satisfactory numbers. But Halak has proven to be a big-time playoff performer in the past, hopefully he can lead New York to that point.

1. Islanders Arguable the “Dark Horse” of the East

New York Islanders 2014-15

1. Islanders Arguable the “Dark Horse” of the East

New York Islanders 2014-15 — The biggest competition the Islanders face in the Metropolitan Division is the Pittsburgh Penguins, so they should be able to make the playoffs. You never know what can happen once a team qualifies for the postseason; if Halak and the team’s offense get hot at the right time, this team will certainly be no pushover. Don’t overlook the New York Islanders; according to their play so far this season, they are a tough team to beat.

Shaun Lavery is a Calgary Flames writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, or add him to your network on Google.

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New York Islanders

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