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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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Sep 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Islanders center Shane Prince (11) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period during a preseason hockey game at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Islanders center Shane Prince (11) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period during a preseason hockey game at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Farrell Hirsh

Ladd-Tavares-Parenteau

Lee-Strome-Prince

I have no doubt that Tavares centers Ladd and Parenteau on opening night. As the season goes on everything changes. Maybe Ladd is the perfect veteran to nurse along a young center like Barzal or Strome. And I am not one who has a high confidence level in P.A. He could certainly fall from that first line spot during the long grind.

My best bet for a second line on opening night is Strome at center. I’m predicting that Barzal either goes to Seattle now or a few games later. Which makes Nelson a 3rd line center and not Strome’s wing.  

Lee has been playing regularly with Strome this pre-season so let’s assume he plays on one side. The good news is that Strome is a right handed center and more apt to feed a left wing than a right wing. I’ll guess Prince as the other winger because… Lee skates like a slug.  

It’s amazing how different this top six forward group might look a year from now. Brazal will be in. Maybe Ho-Sang on a weak RW. Someone gets lost to Vegas, Parenteau might be gone. Who knows what position Strome or Nelson might play.

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