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New York Islanders Roundtable: Top Line or Not

Jan 29, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) celebrates his goal against the Boston Bruins with New York Islanders left wing Josh Bailey (12) during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2015; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) celebrates his goal against the Boston Bruins with New York Islanders left wing Josh Bailey (12) during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) and New Jersey Devils right wing PA Parenteau (11) battle for a loose puck during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) and New Jersey Devils right wing PA Parenteau (11) battle for a loose puck during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt O’Leary

Going into the season it seemed to be a lock that the top line would be Andrew Ladd – John Tavares – P.A. Parenteau. Well, the Isles cut Parenteau on the eve of the season, and Andrew Ladd has been a disaster.

So after the usual revolving door that is the Islanders top line, Jack Capuano stumbled across the Brock Nelson – John Tavares – Josh Bailey combination. This has definitely been the best combination that the Islanders have.

Besides Tavares the most consistent forward has been Josh Bailey. He’s got 17 points through 27 games which would put him on pace for 52 points. Granted, I’m a realist I don’t believe Bailey will put up 50 points on the season, but they have to ride this out for as long as possible.

As for Brock Nelson, he’ll score his 20+ goals all while going completely M.I.A. for the games he doesn’t score in. So for now, this combo makes the most sense, but not for a long term solution.

Ultimately the Islanders should trade for a RW for Tavares and put Ladd back on the top line with whoever you bring in. That would be the Islanders best option going forward but for now, ride out Nelson – Tavares – Bailey until it stops working.

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