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New York Islanders Roundtable: Our Top Six Forwards

May 6, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) and New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo (21) and New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) stand for the national anthem before the first period of game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) and New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo (21) and New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) stand for the national anthem before the first period of game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing P.A. Parenteau (15) celebrates his goal during the first period of their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing P.A. Parenteau (15) celebrates his goal during the first period of their game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt O’Leary

Ladd-Tavares-Parenteau

Lee-Nelson-Strome

The Islanders should have a steady top line for a change. It won’t be the rotating door that it was last year trying to find the perfect match for Tavares. It seems clear that Andrew Ladd will be the top line LW. With P.A. Parenteau’s past success with Tavares, it makes sense to reunite this pair.

Tavares should score over 30 goals and Ladd and Parenteau both have the potential to score 20 goals, thus creating a productive top line.

As for line number two, it’s all about potential. I know Ryan Strome is expected to play center but I think Barzal makes the team as the third line center bumping Strome up to the second line as an RW. Nelson should have over 20 goals again; it’s just a matter of performing in big spots. Can he take the next step in 2016?

Anders Lee is another one who is due for a bounce back year. He is extremely valuable when he can get in front of the net. Nelson and Strome can be the playmakers and Lee can park himself in front of the net for juicy rebounds.  

Jack Capuano usually loves shuffling up the lines but I think it would be in his best interest to leave them be so guys can build chemistry with each other.

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