New York Islanders Daily: Thriving In An Underdog Role

The New York Islanders expectations are low after losing John Tavares in free agency. Jordan Eberle believes the team can thrive in an underdog role.

Heading into the season, not much is expected of the New York Islanders. They’re still a work in progress, especially after losing John Tavares in free agency. Although, Jordan Eberle isn’t sold on this team being bad.

He cites the New Jersey Devils surprise playoff appearance last year as a reason why the Islanders can thrive in an underdog role.

They had an impressive season from Taylor Hall, putting up 93 points, that carried the team into the playoffs. The Islanders need their best player, Mathew Barzal, to be productive but not to the extent that Hall was. If you look at secondary scoring the Islanders are in much better shape.

Only Hischier, Palmieri, and Will Butcher had over 40 points. The Islanders will likely have seven guys eclipse the 40 point mark this season. Offensively, they’re better than the Devils were last year.

Last year the Devils were 17th in goals against, roughly the middle of the pack. They were good on the special teams finishing 10th in power play and 8th in penalty kill. The Isles finished dead last in PK percentage.

If Barry Trotz is able to get average play out of Robin Lehner, and the defensive improves to just middle of the road, they might be able to sneak into a Wild Card spot. Eberle’s thought isn’t too outlandish.

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