New York Islanders Competitive Window Is Just Beginning

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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 10: Assistant coach Scott Gomez of the New York Islanders works the bench during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at NYCB Live at the Nassau Coliseum on December 10, 2018 in Uniondale, New York. The Penguins defeated the Islanders 2-1 in the shootout. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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.