Fantasy hockey preview: New York Islanders
The New York Islanders took a step forward last year with a team full of youngsters. In 2010-11 most experts have predicted that the Islanders will struggle once again. However, many agree that the club is finally on the right track.
Similarly, the Islanders do not possess a great deal of top level fantasy talent, but have their fair share of youngsters who could be ready for breakout seasons. If you are in a keeper pool the Islanders will certainly be one of the more interesting teams
in the later rounds.
Forward
Up front is where the Islanders house most of their depth and promise. With a very young forward core there is plenty of room for growth next season. Nevertheless, one should not expect anyone in the New York line-up to be near the top of the League in scoring.
The Islanders’ top picks are not likely to move until at least the fourth round. Nevertheless, the first to go is expected to be sophomore John Tavares. Tavares had a strong rookie season, notching 24 goals and 54 points, to go along with 25 power-play-points
and two game-winning-goals.
After Tavares, fellow line-mates Kyle Okposo and Matt Moulson are expected to go. Okposo is a highly touted prospect that registered 52 points last season to finish behind Tavares in scoring. Okposo has the potential to be an offensive threat and could be
a solid mid-to-late draft selection. Moulson shocked the League last year by piling up 30 goals and 48 points. However, as he heads into next season with more notoriety he is likely to be watched more closely and could see his point total slip.
Coming under the radar for the Islanders is Blake Comeau. Comeau is only 24 years old and has never played a full season in the National Hockey League. Last year Comeau impressed, scoring 17 goals and 35 points in 61 games, while attaining a minus-2 rating
on a horrible defensive club. Moreover, the youngster also managed 40 penalty-minutes (PIMs) and a short-handed marker.
Finally, Josh Bailey has the most breakout potential for the Islanders. Bailey suited up for 73 games last season and notched 16 goals and 35 points. However, Bailey also registered a plus-five rating and 10 PPP. Bailey is only worth drafting in deep keeper
Leagues and otherwise is worth keeping an eye on in the waiver wire.
Defence
At the back end, the Islanders have two bona fide selections in Mark Streit and James Wisniewski. Streit is a gem on the blue line and is good for over 40 points every year. Last season Streit notched 11 goals, 49 points and 22 PPP to go along with a zero
rating. Flying slightly under the radar is Wisniewski. Last season in Anaheim the underrated defender tallied 30 points and 56 PIMs in 69 games. However, this season he can be expected to generate more offence as he will see plenty of time on special teams.
Goaltending
The question in goal for the Islanders every year is: will Rick DiPietro be healthy? Last season the former first overall selection was limited to seven starts. DiPietro has not been able to play a full season in so long it is hard to judge how effective
he still is in goal.
With DiPietro always questionable the bulk of the goaltending load is likely to fall to Dwayne Roloson. Although Roloson is a capable goaltender who has the capacity to put up strong numbers he is worth staying away from in the draft. With the likelihood
of New York having another tough season Roloson’s numbers are not expected to be stellar.
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