New York Islanders Few Positives From 2017-18 Season

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 15: Jaroslav Halak #41 of the New York Islanders (R) celebrates with teammates after their 3-0 win against the New York Rangers during their game at Barclays Center on February 15, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 22: Anders Lee /

Anders Lee’s Goal Scoring

Along with the Islanders potential Calder Trophy-winner in Mathew Barzal and superstar center John Tavares, they now have one the of the best power forwards in the NHL.

Anders Lee’s 34 goals in 2016-17 were an amazing feet for a sixth-round pick. But with 15 goals the year before it was easy to say it was just a case of inconsistency. Who knew what he actually was.

Was he that 15 goal scorer in a season? Or a premier power forward? Was 34 goals a fluke? Or was it because he was playing first line minutes with John Tavares?

And then 2017-18 happens. With 74 games done in the season, Anders Lee is on pace for 42 goals this season. At the time of writing, Lee ranks seventh in the NHL in goals with 38.

Look, Anders Lee scoring 38 goals so far this season isn’t an entire surprise. Again, he scored 34 last season. But what this does is confirm just what the New York Islanders have in Anders Lee.

For back-to-back seasons, Lee has broken the 30 goal plateau. He should hit 40 this season. That’s one heck of a weapon to have on your team without considering those two players mentioned at the top.