2014-2015 Review
After seemingly years of not reaching potential, the 2014-2015 Islanders finally awoke as the juggernaut many expected they would become. Led by John Tavares, the Islanders had a loaded forward group that drove play with an aggressive approach. The Islanders were able to ride their offense to a playoff berth, but were eliminated by the Capitals in the first round after seven tough games.
The strong season and playoff loss showed the Islanders had come a long way, but still had areas of their game that needed improvement. Their defense got beat up near the end of the season, but lacked consistency at other times during the season. Jaroslav Halak similarly had an up and down year, posting 38 wins but recording a less than impressive save percentage of .914. Nevertheless, the Islanders took a big step forward and are on the precipice of becoming one of the elite teams of the Eastern Conference.
New Additions
Marek Zidlicky
Zidlicky didn’t immediately find a home this offseason, but the Islanders took a flier on him as a last pair defenseman. He’s shown his age the last two seasons, but he still has some value as a power play specialist and defender against weaker lines.
Key Losses
Michael Grabner
His numbers have been steadily decreasing since his 34 goal season in 2010, and with a crop of young forwards battling for playing time, Grabner was shipped to the Maple Leafs. He only recorded eight goals and 13 points in 35 games last year, often being a healthy scratch, but a change of scenery could do him well.
Biggest Strength
Offense
The Islanders boast two potent scoring lines, a capable third line that can beat many bottom pairing defenders, and a fourth line full of energy that can punish opposing teams. With three lines that can score, they apply ample amounts of pressure every game they play. Their team Corsi-For of 52.7% last year was sixth best in the league, putting them among the league elite and indicative of a team that is more than simply “run and gun.” John Tavares could challenge for the Art Ross this year, and his linemates Anders Lee and Kyle Okposo complement each other well.
Biggest Weakness
Special Teams
For as well rounded a team the Islanders are, their penalty killing last year was abhorrent and certainly cost them points. Their 78% penalty kill efficiency put them 26th in the league and far away from the elite company they kept with their Corsi-For position. Their power play efficiency was disappointing considering the offense they boast, finishing in the middle of the pack at 16th best. If the Islanders want to take the next step this year, they need to have power play units that will put their feet to the throats of their opponents, while their penalty killers need to limit the damage from playing shorthanded.
Bottom Line
Expect to see the Islanders at the top of the standings and one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference again this year. They should have no problem making the playoffs, especially if they increase their special teams efficiencies and Jaroslav Halak plays better (which he should). The young offense should continually put pressure on their opponents, making the Islanders one of the more dangerous teams to play against.
Fantasy Slant (most overrated/underrated & biggest surprise)
Most Overrated: Jaroslav Halak
Halak was a good source of wins in fantasy last year, a function of being the unquestioned number one goalie on a strong team. His underlying numbers told a different story, and he is going to need to improve them if he wants to backstop the Islanders further into the playoffs. He should again be a good source of wins, but I’d be wary of drafting him as your number 1 unless you can pair him with a goalie that has a better save percentage and goals-against ratio.
Most Underrated: Ryan Strome
Strome is heading in to his age-22 season poised for a breakout. Coming off a 17 goal, 50 point year in his first full season, Strome is locked in to a top six and first power play unit role. His CF% of 53.3% is very strong for a young player, and he shot a reasonable 9.5%. Expect him to bump that up a bit in 2015-2016, and be a main contributor of the Islander offensive machine.
Biggest Surprise: Ryan Strome
I’m going to cheat and put Strome in this section as well, because he doesn’t get the attention other supporting cast members such as Kyle Okposo and Anders Lee get. Strome is younger than both of them, giving him a bit more upside at this stage in his career. While they may get the direct benefit of playing with Tavares, Strome slips in a bit under the radar as he won’t face top defenders and will still play next to Tavares on the top power play unit.