New York Islanders Hopes and Dreams for 2016

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Oct 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) prepares for a face-off against the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Tavares to be in the Scoring Title Race

John Tavares had a slumping year last year. Or at least it seemed like he did. Seventy points seems like a paltry return for the man that essentially carried the New York Islanders on his back since he entered the league.

I want him to be challenging for the scoring race, like back in 2014-15 when he was neck and neck with Jamie Benn and Sidney Crosby. His 86 points that year wasn’t enough, being edged out by a single point by Jamie Benn on the final day of the season.

As Isles fans, we all know what Tavares is capable of doing. But there’s nothing like an Art Ross trophy, or a challenge to remind the world just how good our captain is.

I just want to be able to see the Isles deserve a bit more respect around the league. I want the novelty of the New York Islanders being good to wear off.

Sure the Islanders have a recent history of terrible blunders, bad contracts,and just general organizational instability. So it’s not like the disdain for this franchise comes out of the blue.

A scoring title run won’t fix that on its own. But how good would it feel to be important and relevant? I sincerely hope Tavares can get back to that 2014-25 scoring pace.