New York Islanders Where Can We Go From Here

The New York Islanders returned last night from a disappointing road trip that has left them at the bottom of the NHL standings. This seems like as good a time as any to take stock of where this team is going as we approach the cusp of… I don’t know what, but most signs point to nothing good.

The New York Islanders are at the cusp of something as a team. There are only so many places the Islanders can go from here, aka last place a quarter of the way into the season. It is my opinion that an open and fearless discussion of the possible results can mitigate the sting of the cold truth.

They Stay The Same

As frustrating as it may be to admit, the New York Islanders could dwell in the basement for the remainder of the season. The anguish of chasing back to back hundred point seasons with a rotten egg can be offset in several ways.

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They would be sellers at the deadline. They could potentially land a lottery pick. Lastly, it would provide the opportunity for some of the youth to experience the NHL. All of this will be in service of one thing – proving to John Tavares that this will be a team worth playing for despite one season of regression.

They Turn Things Around

An amazing comeback is still within the realm of possibility. Everyone remembers the Ottawa Senators run to the playoffs in 2014-15 season. Anything is possible. The demand for new management increases by the day.  However, I’m certain if offer the choice of a new coach and GM or another trip to the playoffs, fans would universally choose the latter.  Even though it would be at the expense of seeing CapuaSnow keep their jobs, fans invariably prefer to see the team succeed.

The demand for new management by the fans increases by the day. However, I’m certain if offered the choice of a new coach and GM or another trip to the playoffs, fans would universally choose the latter.

Even though it would be at the expense of seeing CapuaSnow keep their jobs, fans invariably prefer to see the team succeed.

Next: West Coast Winners and Losers

Worst Case Scenario

The worst case is that the team somehow pulls it together. That this early swoon isn’t too much to overcome. And somehow make it to the playoffs and somehow convince ownership to endure another season of Capuano and Snow.