New York Islanders Preview

Departures
Joey McDonald, Andy Hilbert, Dean McAmmond, Yann Danis, Thomas Pock, Mike Sillinger

Arrivals
John Tavares, Dwayne Roloson, Martin Biron

Forwards
With the arrival of “The Saviour” John Tavares comes a new hope on the island.  And, as long as he doesn’t end up like Alexander Daigle or Patrick Stefan, he should help the Isles improve on their 29^th overall ranked GPG.  According to reports, Tavares has been rooming with Doug Weight, who should show the youngster the ropes of life in the NHL.  Speaking of Weight, he will be looking for a bounce back season as the team’s captain.  Other youngsters who seem prepared to take the next step this season are Kyle Okposo – if he can recover from the Dion Phaneuf hit – and Josh Bailey – their 9^th pick in the 2008 draft.  Resident tough guy Tim Jackman will have the duty of defending whoever decides to pick on Tavares.

Defenseman

With absolutely no change to the defensive corps this season, the Isles could once again be relying on their goaltending to keep the puck out of the net.  Mark Streit lead the team in points last season – which is frankly pathetic – and should be up there once again with the amount of powerplay time he receives.  If the defence stinks out again, don’t be surprised if Garth Snow pulls the trigger on a deal to improve this area of his team at the deadline or in the offseason.

Goalies
With Joey McDonald off to the Leafs, and Rick DiPietro still a massive question mark, the Isles felt like they needed some security in goal.  They decided to dip into the free agent pool and pick up two proven goalies in Roloson and Biron.  They both bring experience and starting capabilities, and most importantly they should be able to make the Isles more competitive this season.

Strengths
- Welcome to the John Tavares show.  If the kid can perform, the Isles will do better….simple as that.

- The goaltending situation gives the Isles a solid backup plan if DiPietro can’t go this season.  Roloson and Biron are solid goaltenders and will help the lack of defensive prowess.

Weaknesses
- One player won’t make the difference on this team of relatively the same players.  Tavares should produce, but it’s the sophomores who will have the most to prove this season.

- The defenceman on this team are a major weakness.  Streit is the only solid puck moving defenceman on the team, and the quarterback of the powerplay.  Without him, it will be left to Brendan Witt – an in your face player – Radek Martinek and Andy Sutton – two very injury prone defenceman.

Analysis
Simply put, it’s going to be another long season on the Island.  Even with the arrival of Tavares, and even if he puts up 80 points, this team won’t make the playoffs.  Tavares will need a few seasons of maturation before he hits this plateau, as well as more help around him to get him there.  One of the only major improvements on the team is in goal, and that should help them delay the inevitable of a last place finish and another first overall pick.

Prediction: 15^th in the East