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

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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 05: The New York Islanders leave the ice following a 4-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Barclays Center on January 5, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

4: Islanders finish 7th in the Metro

All things considered, this is going to be a transitional year for the New York Islanders. I still love that they brought in Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz, I just don’t expect this thing to be turned around overnight.

Last year, the Islanders finished 7th in the Metro and I expect the same exact thing to happen again. The Islanders and their train wreck of a season yielded them 80 points, which was good enough for the 11th pick in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft.

This year, I expect them to finish worse. Yes, they will be much better behind the bench with Barry Trotz but the talent isn’t there yet. Look at the bottom six and the second line center. Those are two gaping holes.

Heck, it looks like Luca Sbisa is going to see ice time over Devon Toews. It’s not going to be a fun year points wise.

The Isles will finish with 78 points and the Rangers will be the only team below them in the standings. The Islanders will have a lottery pick and likely pick between 7th and 10th in the 2019 draft.