Islanders Gear Up For Next Season
Gone are the heady days of 1980-83 when the New York Islanders captured four consecutive Stanley Cups. The team was stocked with hall of famers back then. Skaters like Mike Bossy, Dennis Potvin, Bryan Trottier and Pat LaFontaine. The Islanders have not won any championships since capturing the Atlantic Division in 1987-88. Currently the team is realistically out of the hunt for a playoff berth. While some will choose to dwell on the short-term shortcomings of the team, others can grasp the big picture.
Injuries have had a devastating effect on performance and the “Isles” will rebound next season. Former all-star goalie Rick Dipietro has played in only 13 games the last two seasons. Multiple knee surgeries have hampered his comeback, but in seven games this year Dipietro had a very respectable 2.60 goals against average with a save percentage of .900.
Besides Dipietro’s two stints on injured reserve, there were 15 other instances where a player was injured severely enough to hit the list. Tim Jackman had a hip pointer and broken orbital bone. Steady veteran Doug Weight strained his groin and then had an upper body injury. Current points leader Kyle Okoposo has endured the flu and a mild concussion.
While Okopso leads the team with 44 points, John Tavares is right on his heels with 43. The former number one draft pick in 2009, Tavares has 21 goals and has converted on 12.43% shot attempts. Matt Moulson leads the team with 26 goals and converts at a 14.05% clip. Dwayne Roloson has been more than able in the goal, with a save percentage of .910 and 22 wins. Go out and purchase Islanders hats and jerseys to support your team. Wear your Tavares jersey with pride as he plays are hard as you should want your son to do.
Next year could be the start of another champagne stretch of Stanley Cups in this great hockey town that supports all their sports.
