New York Islanders' Early-Season Grade

I can’t imagine that the New York Islanders could have pictured a better start to their season. They are 17-7 and are tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins with 34 points atop the Metropolitan Division.

Often a bottom-dweller year in and year out, the Islanders finally seem to be putting it all together. The Islanders have been victorious in 11 of their last 13 games, and they have a bona fide superstar in John Taveras. He leads the team in points with 23, and goals with 10.

This sort of production has had a trickle-down effect throughout the rest of the team. The Islanders are strong down the middle as centermen are four of their top six scorers. They are averaging three goals per game, good for fifth in the league.

But the biggest improvement with this team has to be in the goaltending and defensive department. The Islanders gambled in the offseason trading for Jaroslav Halak, and so far it has paid off. Halak is 12-4 with a 2.13 goals against average and a .926 save percentage, both of which are among the league leaders. By having Halak between the pipes, it gives the Islanders confidence that they don’t need to go out and play perfectly every night. They finally have a goalie who can steal a game for the team.

The defense in front of Halak has been better as well. The additions of Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy have done wonders for this squad. They are experienced veterans with Stanley Cup experience who know how to win.

It’s been a fantastic start to the season, and it appears that all their young talent is finally putting it together.

Early-Season Grade: A