Eyes On Isles
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Islanders Third Line Has Potential To Be NHL’s Best

By Scott Mitchell

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 19: Oliver Wahlstrom #26 of the New York Islanders celebrates after scoring his first goal of the game against the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period at United Center on October 19, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Islanders defeated the Blackhawks 4-1. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 19: Oliver Wahlstrom #26 of the New York Islanders celebrates after scoring his first goal of the game against the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period at United Center on October 19, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Islanders defeated the Blackhawks 4-1. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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It’s no secret that the New York Islanders have a great team this year. From the first line, which consists of Anders Lee, Mat Barzal, and Kyle Palmieri to the fourth line, the Islanders identity line, this team is stacked. One of the underrated lines on this team has to be the third line. The trio of Zach Parise, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Oliver Wahlstrom could be one of the NHL’s best third lines.

New York Islanders Third Line

Left-Wing: Zach Parise

This is Zach Parise’s first season on the Islanders. Last season he had seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points total in his 45 games played over in Minnesota. He’s not hte player he once was, but he’s still a solid depth player in this league.

This season, Parise will be very productive for the Islanders. The Islanders signed him during the offseason and had very good reasons for doing so. He will easily get over 30 points this season, despite having zero right now. Another reason is he is going to be a great mentor for his fellow third line right wing, Oliver Wahlstrom.

Center: Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Last season, Pageau picked up 28 points off of 14 goals and 14 assists. Pageau since coming to the Islanders has been very productive even when having an off game. Many people consider Pageau to be the leagues best third-line center as well.

This season Pageau will have arguably one of his best season’s when all is said and done. Pageau very well could pick up almost well over 30 points this season. Along with his new third-line mates, Parise and Wahlstrom, this could truly be setting up the perfect storm for the Islanders center.

Right-Wing: Oliver Wahlstrom

Last but certainly not least, the third-line right wing, Oliver Wahlstrom. Wahlstrom has really come into his own in his young career with the Islanders. Personally, I see Wahlstrom playing on the first line within the next few years. Last season he picked up 21 points in 44 games played. This came off of 12 goals and nine assists.

This season, expect an even bigger showing by Wahlstrom. Don’t be surprised to see Wahlstrom double that number and pick up potentially 40 points this season. The new third line spot for Wahlstrom, alongside Pageau and Parise, will prove to help Wahlstrom become one of the leagues best third-line wings.

It’s no secret that the third line hasn’t been off to the hottest start. So far, Parise has zero points, Pageau has two, both off assists and Wahlstrom has three, off of three goals.  It may be a slow start, but expect for the third line to pick up a great deal as the season goes on. This third line may very well be the best in the NHL.

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