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New York Islanders: A Quiet Storm Brewing in the East
Last season, the New York Islanders defied expectations by clinching a playoff spot with 93 points, beating out teams like Buffalo and Pittsburgh. While they were eliminated in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes, their performance, especially in the latter half of the season, raised eyebrows and turned heads. As we look ahead to the 2023-2024 season, the Islanders appear poised for another competitive year, despite a quiet offseason.
A Look Back: The 2022-2023 Season
The Islanders started off the 2022-2023 campaign on a rather grim note, but a significant mid-season acquisition of forward Bo Horvat rejuvenated the team. Their ESBC Power AI metrics, a quantifiable measure of team performance, started climbing in the latter half of the season, indicating a strong underlying process that could bode well for the upcoming campaign.
In the playoffs, they faced a formidable Carolina Hurricanes team and were ousted in the first round. But it’s important to remember that they were in the mix, to begin with, which is an achievement itself considering the early season struggles.
Offseason Maneuvers: Quiet but Calculated
The summer was rather silent for Islanders' General Manager Lou Lamoriello, who made no splashy moves but did solidify the team’s depth. The philosophy here seems to be "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it," as the team is sticking with a core that managed to pull itself into the playoffs last year.
Between the Pipes: A Strong Duo
The goaltending duo of Ilya Sorokin and Semyon Varlamov will continue into the new season. Sorokin is emerging as one of the top goaltenders in the NHL, and Varlamov, with his wealth of experience, makes for a dependable backup who can handle more than 20 games if needed.
Playing Style: Low-Scoring Affairs
Interestingly, the Islanders had the lowest total scoring figures last season when combining both goals scored and goals allowed per game. This trend is expected to continue, reflecting their grind-it-out, defensive style of play.
Coaching and Tactics
Lane Lambert will continue as the head coach for his second season. Having learned a lot during his years alongside Barry Trotz, Lambert appears to be a good fit for this Islanders team, focusing on tight defensive schemes and opportunistic offense.
2023-2024 Outlook: Workmanlike Efficiency
While the Islanders might not dazzle as much as other Eastern teams, they possess a solid core and a work ethic that could very well see them back in the playoffs. Given the upward trajectory indicated by their ESBC Power AI metrics, don't be surprised to see this team quietly climb the standings.
The Bottom Line
The Islanders are shaping up to be a team that may not win beauty contests but could very well win hockey games. With steady goaltending, a robust defensive system, and a coach that understands the team's strengths and weaknesses, expect the Islanders to be in the playoff conversation as the 2023-2024 season unfolds.
(Please read our Disclaimer for NHL Team Points Distribution Histograms.)
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