New York Islanders Winner and Losers from Opening Week

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Oct 16, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders right wing Josh Bailey (12) celebrates scoring the game winning goal in overtime against the Anaheim Ducks at Barclays Center. New York Islanders won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Josh Bailey

The man everyone loves to hate, Josh Bailey, has actually played rather well through three games. The thing with Bailey is everyone expects him to be an offensive force due to his first round draft status, and since he isn’t many look at him as a bust.

I hate to break it to you but there is more to the game of hockey than just scoring goals. You have to prevent the other team from scoring, which Josh Bailey has established himself as one of the better defensive forwards on the team.

With Frans Nielsen gone, it’s going to take a team effort to replace everything Nielsen did for this team defensively.

It’s his offense that has been most impressive. Through three games he has two points. You can make the argument that he’s looked the best out of the forward group. He even played the hero on Sunday night with this sweet overtime goal.

Winner winner chicken dinner! JOSH BAILEY #Isles pic.twitter.com/TkUNWwxjuI
— Eyes on Isles (@eyesonislesFS) October 17, 2016

Is it dumb to have Bailey on the top line? Yes, but if you look at him for what he is, a bottom six forward he serves his purpose. You can get frustrated with how the Islanders use Josh Bailey but openly hating on the guy just to continue the narrative is naïve.