New York Islanders 2016-17 Season Wish List Fell Flat

Finish In A Seeded Position

I wanted the Islanders to avoid a wild card race, and in a way, they didn’t comply. With just games left to go the Isles were on the outside looking in. Rather than the other way around.

So technically speaking they go this one right. Albeit ending up on the opposite end of the wild card spots that I was talking about. You know, the ones where they get to go to the playoffs.

At least instead of feeling stressed out about losing a playoff spot to some team below them, we all stressed about being that team trying to sneak in. Rather than negativity, we got hope. That’s something, I guess.

From where the Isles were in the standings by January it’s remarkable that they were able to get just that close to the playoffs. Just one point out.

So now going into 2017-18 the hope remains. Doug Weight is the new head coach. Getting that interim tag removed from his title after a seemingly miraculous 24-12-4 run after taking over for Jack Capuano.

He’s hired a whole new staff of assistant coaches (and former teammates). And the Isles added Jordan Eberle for Ryan Strome. It’s hard to see any glaring negatives going into next season.

So maybe in 2017-18 they actually live up that dream from 2016-17 and actually steer clear of the wild card spot and earn a seeded position for the playoffs.