Jaroslav Halak Has Been New York Islanders' MVP So Far This Season

The New York Islanders are out to one of their best starts in franchise history. Just over one quarter of the way through the season and the Islanders are 19-9-0, good for second in the Metropolitan Division. Multiple players could easily be the team’s MVP when they’re playing this well. The Islanders’ two primary offensive weapons, John Tavares and Brock Nelson, are both top-30 in the league in points, top-25 in goals, and top-10 in power play goals. However, neither is worthy of being the MVP. That honor goes to none other than goalie Jaroslav Halak.

Halak, who’s in his first year with the Islanders, almost single-handedly turned this team from pretender to contender. Although he’s not leading the league in wins, save percentage, goals allowed per game, or shutouts, he’s been the difference-maker. And, by the way, he is top-10 in all of those categories. He’s the anchor the Islanders have been looking for ever since it became clear Rick DiPietro was not working out oh so many years ago.

At age 29, Halak is having one of his best seasons as a pro. His .920 save percentage is just higher than his career .918 average, and he already has three shutouts and 13 quality starts. Halak’s career highs in those two categories are seven and 32 – he’s on pace to surpass each by a wide margin. For reference, his career average quality start percentage is .577 with a career-high of .630 (in a season where he played 40 games with one team), which he did in 2011-12. This year his quality start percentage is .722 – well beyond his single-season highest. Oh, and in 2011-12, Halak won the William M. Jennings Trophy.

Perhaps you noticed the Islanders’ record earlier — 19-9-0. They have zero losses in overtime. That’s astounding. When the pressure is on, Halak is at his best. That’s truly the measurement of MVP’s – they step up when their team needs them. For players’ careers, fans and media will look to playoff performances to determine the quality of a career. For one season, however, overtime record will do just fine.

Then there’s the simple fact that the Islanders are a meager 4-4 when Halak doesn’t start. Despite how well so many players are performing right now, without Halak between the pipes it’s very possible the Islanders are a more middle-of-the-pack team. New York has only played 28 games this season, so there’s plenty of time for Halak to regress, but if he continues at his current pace – or at least close to it – he’ll end with one of his best seasons in the NHL, while leading a flailing franchise back to the playoffs. And for that reason, Halak is the Islanders’ most valuable player.

Matt Turner is a New York Mets writer for www.RantSports.com. “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter @MTurnerNY, or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.