Eyes On Isles
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New York Islanders John Tavares Mathew Barzal Mid-Season Award

By Michel Anderson

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 23: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders celebrates his goal at 2:20 of the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at the Barclays Center on December 23, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 23: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders celebrates his goal at 2:20 of the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at the Barclays Center on December 23, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The New York Islanders aren’t accustomed to players being lauded in individual awards. But this year, things could be very different for the Isles. Two players already made the PHWA midseason awards list.

The last time a New York Islanders player should have won an individual award was John Tavares back in 2012. At that point, he was at the top of the league in terms of points. And then the Olympics happened.

In Sochi, Tavares broke his femur playing against the Swiss. Not only was he out for the remainder of the Olympics, but he would miss the rest of the 2011-2012 NHL season.

That was the last time an Islanders would have a chance at gracing the podium a the end-of-year celebrations for one of the more glamorous awards. We all know that Travis Hamonic won the NHL Foundation Player awards last season. A fine award and one that should mean more than it does base on the direct and positive impact the recipient has on fans. But let’s face it, the NHL Foundation Player award is low on the NHL awards totem pole.

But this season, things are going to be different. The Islanders can’t be ignored for some.

Time for Some Silverware

The Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) released their very first mid-season NHL awards lists. For every trophy (and two new awards) the PHWA put out a list of three finalists. And two New York Islanders players made the cut.

Now, this doesn’t actually mean anything come time for the voting for the award at the end of the season. But it gives an appreciation for how writers feel about these awards right now.

John Tavares | Hart Trophy
John Tavares has lead the team ever since he was drafted first overall in 2009. He’s everything to this team. The team’s fortunes match the ebbs and flow of Tavares’ season’s. Generally. This year Tavares is having one of those seasons, but the Islanders just can’t seem to push up the standings.

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Tavares is doing everything in his power to push this team back into the playoffs. His offense is matched only by four other players in the league. His defensive game is stronger than ever. He’s killing penalties. He’s doing everything for this team. He is ‘da MVP.

Mathew Barzal | Calder Trophy

There’s shouldn’t be much of a debate here. Brock Boeser is doing some eye-catching work out in Vancouver. With 24 goals on the season already Boeser deserves to be as highly regarded as he is. Especially considering he’s on a terrible Canucks team.

But Mathew Barzal is a cut above his competition.Barzal isn’t just a passenger, he’s the creator. He’s already amassed 51 points on the season with 16 goals and 35 assists. Barzal is the reason the Islanders second line is as productive as it’s been. And it’s given Tavares and the first line a bit more freedom to create themselves.

Next: New York Islanders NHL Trade Deadline Preview 2.0

Both are completely deserving of the accolades through the half-way mark of the season. Tavares is the MVP of this team, and Barzal truly is the leagues best rookie. Long may that tandem last.

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