2015-16 record: 45-27-10 (100 points)
Lost to Tampa Bay in Conference semi-finals
Captain: John Tavares
For the first time since 1993, the New York Islanders won a playoff series. However, that euphoria would be short lived, as they were thoroughly outclassed by Tampa Bay in the following round. Though there was considerable roster turnover when it came to the forwards, as well as the potential problem of having too many goalies that could start for other teams, the Islanders are actually positioned well for a deep playoff run. After all, the team does still center around John Tavares.
Tavares will have new linemates, as the right wing formerly occupied by Kyle Okposo is open, with one-time linemate P.A. Parenteau and Ryan Strome competing for that spot while Andrew Ladd should hopefully end the carousel at left wing. The key component to the Islanders' continued success will be the younger players such as Anders Lee, Brock Nelson, and Strome, as they all took a step back. Of course, they also lost Frans Nielsen and Matt Martin, which may very well open the door for Mathew Barzal if he has a strong training camp. Defensively, the top four spots are spoken for, and the only battle will be for the final two spots, as Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech are ready for the NHL. In goal is where things truly get interesting, as Jaroslav Halak, Thomas Greiss, and J.F. Berube all showed starter caliber goaltending. Halak was the starter to begin, but went down for the season in March, opening the door for Greiss, who led the Isles through the playoffs. Berube proved to be capable when pressed into action. The power play could be better, and it remains to be seen how Ladd and Parenteau will help improve that unit. As for the penalty kill, how much the loss of Okposo and Nielsen will impact the fourth ranked unit will be one to monitor.
Prediciton: 4th in the Atlantic Division
After Washington and Pittsburgh, the battle for the third spot in the Metropolitan is anyone's guess, and the Islanders are squarely in the middle of it. How they manage their losses from last season, as well as how quickly the new guys integrate into the system will determine whether they can move up in the league. Of course, getting production from whoever ultimately seizes the starting goaltending job will also help.
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