New York Islanders Competitive Window Is Just Beginning

2019-2020 Lineup
Beauvillier – Barzal – Bailey
Bellows – Duchene – Lee
Ladd – Nelson – Ho-Sang
Martin – Cizikas – Komarov/Clutterbuck
Leddy – Boychuk
Hickey – Pulock
Toews – Mayfield
Lehner/Greiss
2020-2021 Lineup
Beauvillier – Barzal – Wahlstrom
Bellows – Duchene – Lee
Bailey – Nelson – Ho-Sang
Komarov – Cizikas – Clutterbuck
Leddy – Boychuk
Hickey – Pulock
Toews – Dobson
Lehner/Sorokin
Analysis
The thought of these potentially being the Islanders lines in the next couple of years is exciting. Of course, there is no guarantee that this is how it works out, but with the money and system they have, it’s not completely insane to think that this is what we could be looking at over the next couple of years.
Right now, the Islanders are winning because of the system they are playing. Adding even more talent to it isn’t going to hurt it. I keep hearing that the third line has to be defensive, just like how it is now with Komarov and Filppula and you need those “role players” on that line.
I disagree, I think they have to be two-way players, like a Josh Bailey or Frans Nielsen or Michael Grabner, for a successful third line. Someone who is defensively responsible but can also hold their own offensively.
Next. Answering 5 Questions From The Start Of The Year
The point remains the same, regardless of what you believe they’ll do with prospects or in free agency, this is still only year one. The Islanders future is bright. Enjoy the ride.