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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 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Islanders center Anders Lee (27) celebrates his game-tying goal late in the third period with left wing Josh Bailey (12) and center Ryan Strome (18) against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Islanders, 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Islanders center Anders Lee (27) celebrates his game-tying goal late in the third period with left wing Josh Bailey (12) and center Ryan Strome (18) against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Islanders, 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Michel Anderson

Ladd-Tavares-Parenteau

Lee-Strome-Bailey

The top three of Tavares, Ladd, and Parenteau is pretty well set it seems. I really want to say that Parenteau isn’t going to play top line minutes, but the idea that both he and Tavares have played together before defeats whatever counter-culture thoughts I might have.

It’s just Parenteau isn’t a first line player. Maybe in Toronto a year ago. But not for a team hoping to make strides in the playoffs. But if he isn’t then who is? So in he goes on my top line, and I cross my fingers that he makes me eat my words.

Strome will get the second line center position now that Frans Nielsen is gone. Does he deserve it? Not after last year. But he’s the best centerman we have after John Tavares. So, like Parenteau, in he goes and pray to your respective divinity that he turns it around.

If Strome is going to have any chance at success they need to stick Lee to his hip like Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear did back in 2003. Lee and Strome had a fantastic 2014-15, but we’re inexplicably separated the following year. Back together they go,and let the sparks fly.

Josh Bailey rounds out that  second line. I really wanted to add either Beauvillier or Ho-Sang here. Simply because I think they are having exceptional pre-season and deserve a spot. But I know deep down, in my heart-of-hearts Mathew Barzal, a center, is going to make the team.

Bailey and Lee played well enough together in 2015-16 to get another crack on the same line. I’d be inclined to put Nelson in this slot, but I think he’s destined for the third line duty with Barzal. They’ll get significant offensive zone time with little defensive responsibilities, perfect for Nelson.

Next: Why Give Stephen Gionta a Deal?

So did you agree or venomously disagree? I’ll bet that you have no problems with that top 3 of Ladd, Parenteau, and Tavares. The debate gets started at the second line. Is Strome really the guy to take the reigns after 2015-16? And who gets the wing duty? They all seemed to have a dip a year ago…

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