Beacon of Hope

The New York Islanders' season was one of hard luck, and that extended to an off-season in which there were rumors of moving after a proposal for a new arena was rejected.  Despite the troubles, there is talent, and at the head of that group is John Tavares.  The first overall pick in 2009, he hasn't taken the jump that Steven Stamkos did in his sophmore year, but looking at the talent around him, it is clear that he is making his teammates better.  One of them is Michael Grabner, a cast-off from Vancouver who scored 34 goals on the way to a Calder Trophy nomination.  40 goals is a realistic number for him this season.  The Islanders' issues last year was injuries, and none was more significant than Mark Streit...before the regular season started.  His return instantly gives the Isles' more offense from the blue line.

Prediction: 11th in East

Movie: Zombie Doom

The movie, originally called Violent Shit III, is set on an island, and the last ones standing didn't even appear in the movie until halfway through.  The Islanders...well, there's Rick DiPietro, who hasn't played a full season in a while.