5 Things The New York Islanders Must Do To Make The 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

By Darrell Samuels

5 Things the New York Islanders Must Do To Make The 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

Charles Wang, Islanders — Not since the early 1980's, when they won four Stanley Cups, have the New York Islanders been considered a threat in the National Hockey League. Former Islanders goaltender, Garth Snow, stepped into the general manager role with no prior experience. He has come in and turned this team into a contender this season and these are five things the franchise must do in order to be competitive with the hopes of winning their fifth championship.

5. Johnny Boychuck And Nick Leddy Need To Be Spectacular

Johnny Boychuk Nick Leddy New York Islanders 2014-15

5. Johnny Boychuck And Nick Leddy Need To Be Spectacular

Johnny Boychuk Nick Leddy New York Islanders 2014-15 — Boychuck came from the Boston Bruins, prior to the start of last season. Leddy came to the Islanders from the Chicago Blackhawks. They put up a combined 72 points and formed a great combination. The Islanders need both gentlemen to put up similar statistics again to be considered a favorite this fall.

4. Head Coach Jack Capuano Needs To Prove His Credentials

Jack Capuano, New York Islanders

4. Head Coach Jack Capuano Needs To Prove His Credentials

Jack Capuano, New York Islanders — Capuano has been the head coach over five years with the Islanders organization. He won 165 regular season games during that time. There's a lot of pressure on Capuano to produce results and, while he has taken the team to the Conference Quarterfinals two of the last three years, owner Charles Wang will insist on the team going further than that in their new venue in Brooklyn.

3. GM Garth Snow Needs To Be Proactive Prior To The NHL Trade Deadline

Garth Snow, New York Islanders

3. GM Garth Snow Needs To Be Proactive Prior To The NHL Trade Deadline

Garth Snow, New York Islanders — Honesty is good for the soul, so they say right? Admit it, NHL fans, when Snow became the GM of the Islanders on July 18, 2006 you were laughing at the idea of him being the general manager with no prior experience. He's since stepped in and proven he's no dummy. Snow has trade chips, to go along with enough salary cap in order for him to add to the roster if necessary prior to the February 29 NHL Trade Deadline.

2. If Kyle Okposo's Contract Doesn't Get Signed Soon, Trade Him

Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders

2. If Kyle Okposo's Contract Doesn't Get Signed Soon, Trade Him

Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders — Okposo has had a great tenure in Islanders' colors. Still, his ongoing contract negotiation battles during the season will put the team further back and could be detrimental to their future. The Islanders' forward group is pretty strong. Okposo's contract dispute might put their quest for a Stanley Cup in jeopardy, unless they trade him or find a solution with a contract that is amicable to both parties.

1. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak Needs To Remain Cool As A Cucumber

Jaroslav Halak, New York Islanders

1. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak Needs To Remain Cool As A Cucumber

Jaroslav Halak, New York Islanders — Halak won 38 of his 59 starts for the Islanders last season. The New York Islanders' management personnel are probably thanking their lucky stars they signed him to a four year, $ 18 million extension in May, 2014. They have found their quality goaltender that has not been there since Rick DiPietro last played for them during the 2006-07 campaign.

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New York Islanders

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