NY Islanders balanced scoring attack reaching levels not seen in decades

The New York Islanders may not have a single Art Ross favorite in their lineup, but through 16 games, they’ve quietly become one of the most balanced offensive teams in the NHL - and it’s paying off and showing that Mathieu Darche has built a deep roster with scoring across all lines.

According to the team’s public relations staff, the Islanders entered Monday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils with eight players already in double digits in points, the most of any team in the league. It’s the first time since the 1987-88 season that the Isles have had that many players reach the 10-point mark this early, and the first time since 1993-94 that six players have surpassed 10 points through 15 games.

At the top of the list is Bo Horvat, who continues to prove why he’s one of the league’s premier finishers with 20 points (12 goals, 8 assists). Behind him, Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri (13 points) followed by core players Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau each have 11 points, joined by 18-year-old rookie Matthew Schaefer, whose poise and consistency have made him an early Calder Trophy favorite with 12 points this season.

Newcomers Jonathan Drouin (12 points) and Emil Heineman (10 points) round out the group, showing just how deep and versatile the Islanders’ attack has become. Simon Holmstrom has nine points, angling to be the next to join the double-digit club.

In an era dominated by top-heavy lineups, the Islanders’ offense has been built on balance - and for the first time in a long time, every shift seems capable of lighting the lamp.