Five Reasons For the Islanders Early Season Success

3. The Maturation of Young Talent

Nov 14, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA;New York Islanders center Ryan Strome (18) reacts after his goal with center Brock Nelson (29) and center Anders Lee (27) in the second period of a game against the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

For years and years now, Islanders General Manager Garth Snow has had this team in what has seemed like a perpetual rebuild. Fans saw that the talent was in place, but none of this was present at the NHL level as the team played poorly year in and year out. Fans grew impatient, calling for Garth Snow’s head on many occasions, but the Islanders brass didn’t grow impatient whatsoever and Islanders fans are just beginning to see the fruits of Snow’s labor at the NHL level.

The kids have no doubt played a major role in the Islanders success thus far. The line of Ryan Strome, Brock Nelson and Anders Lee has combined for 18 goals and 24 assists to this point in the season and is the undisputed best third line in the NHL. Brock Nelson has chipped in key powerplay goals and may be the Isles best all around player, Strome has come into his own and has been used in all situations, including the powerplay and penalty kill and Anders Lee has scored some timely goals and been a physical presence for New York. We have also seen Calvin de Haan continue to hone his skills that were put on display for much of last season, as he has been one of the more solid Isles defenders this season partnered with Travis Hamonic. No doubt the development of all these young players has been key to the Isles hot start.