$5 Things We\'ve Learned From the New York Islanders\' Early-Season Action$

5 Things We've Learned From the New York Islanders' Early-Season Action

By Nick Villano

5 Things We've Learned From the New York Islanders' Early-Season Action

Islanders Fans Going Crazy — The New York Islanders have been one of the better teams at the start of the season. After losing their first two games of the season to the Chicago Blackhawks, they won six of their last seven. This team can win games in so many different ways that it becomes hard to figure them out. Here is what we know so far about this team.

5. Jaroslav Halak Can Take This Team Far

5. Jaroslav Halak Can Take This Team Far

5. Jaroslav Halak Can Take This Team Far

5. Jaroslav Halak Can Take This Team Far — The Islanders have had goalie issues for decades. No matter how good their team was, the man in net was holding them back. That is not the case anymore. After a brief injury to start the year, Halak has been amazing in net. In four games, he has a .940 save percentage. He already has two shutouts. This is the guy who can carry the Islanders all the way.

4. Need To Be Better in Close Games

4. Need To Be Better in Close Games

4. Need To Be Better in Close Games

4. Need To Be Better in Close Games — Of their three losses, two came down to the wire. They lost one game in overtime and another when an empty-net goal ended their chances against the Boston Bruins. It seems like nitpicking, but there will be more close games than not for the rest of the year. They won't dominate every win like they have most of the season.

3. John Tavares Could Become The Best Player In The League

3. John Tavares Could Become The Best Player In The League

3. John Tavares Could Become The Best Player In The League

3. John Tavares Could Become The Best Player In The League — The Islanders are not where they are without John Tavares. He is their best player, and it isn't close. He changed the outlook of this franchise. He is on his way to being the very best in the NHL. It could happen as soon as this season. He already has five goals, 11 points and even 16 penalty minutes. Two of his five goals were game winners. He is the guy you want on the ice when you need to score.

2. They Can Score From Anywhere

2. They Can Score From Anywhere

2. They Can Score From Anywhere

2. They Can Score From Anywhere — The Islanders have 10 players who have double-digit goals. This, after just nine games. No matter who is on the ice, whether it is Kyle Okposo or Cal Clutterbuck, you know they can score a goal when it's needed.

1. Stellar Special Teams

1. Stellar Special Teams

1. Stellar Special Teams

1. Stellar Special Teams — Of any team in the NHL, it is safe to say the Islanders have the best special teams so far. They currently have the best penalty kill, only allowing 3 goals despite being down a man 34 times. The team has only been a man ahead 24 times all season, but they made it count. They score 25 percent of the time, which is good for fifth in the league.

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New York Islanders

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