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New York Islanders: 25 Bold Predictions For 2018-2019 Season

By Matt O'Leary
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 16: A general view of the arena during the game between the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers in a preseason game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 16, 2018 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 16: A general view of the arena during the game between the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers in a preseason game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 16, 2018 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 05: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders wears a “DIFD – Do It For Daron” hat during warmups prior to their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Barclays Center on January 5, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The charitible venture supports mental health initiatives and is named in honor of Daron Richardson the daughter of the Islanders assistant coach Luke Richardson. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

6: Mathew Barzal will lead the team in WAR

Let’s get analytical. Yes, WAR (that stat old folks who watch baseball complain about) is making its way into hockey. Last year, Barzal had the best WAR, or wins above replacement, on the team. This year it’ll be more of the same.

His overall WAR was 3.14 while Pajama Boy’s was just 1.69. At 21 years old, Mathew Barzal is just getting started so to expect him to become one of the leaders in this category in the league wouldn’t shock.

If the developmental process continues, he should put up even more points this year playing with two very competent wingers in Anthony Beauvillier and Josh Bailey. Plus, Barzal will likely get more ice time with a new role on the top line.

Even if Barzal’s WAR is closer to 4 this year, which it should be, who could possibly catch him? No one else is on the same stratosphere as Barzy, last year Eberle was second and was still .47 behind him.

If this year is a down year, like many are expecting, watching the developmental process of Mathew Barzal will be very fun and entertaining.

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