NY Islanders 2022-23 player report card: Kyle Palmieri at his best in the Playoffs

Making the playoffs made the end of the NY Islanders' season exciting, even though New York got bounced in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes. If there was anything fans needed to be reminded of since their last run in 2021-22, it's that Kyle Palmieri is at his best when the playoffs roll around.

*Read our previously Published player report cards:

-Sebastian Aho | Josh Bailey | Mathew Barzal | Samuel Bolduc | Casey Cizikas | Cal Clutterbuck |Noah Dobson | Pierre Engvall | Hudson Fasching | Simon Holmstrom | Bo Horvat|Ross Johnston|Anders Lee|Matt Martin|Scott Mayfield|Brock Nelson| J.G. Pageau

NY Islanders 2022-23 player report card: Kyle Palmieri

The Smithtown, NY native finished with two goals and three assists for five points in the six-game series, tied for most among Islanders players with Brock Nelson. His most memorable moment came late in game three when he deflected defenseman Sebastian Aho's shot for the game-winner in an electric victory for the blue and orange. He then assisted on Matt Martin's goal 44 seconds later to keep the Islanders from going down 3-0 in the series. In the Islanders' run to the conference finals in 2021-22, their big deadline acquisition from the New Jersey Devils scored seven goals and nine points and led the team in goals in the playoffs, proving his worth.

However, the veteran forward has had a tough time escaping injuries the past couple of seasons. Palmieri missed 27 games this year with an undisclosed injury, which hurt the team during a stretch that lacked scoring all around the lineup. In the 55 games he played, Palms scored 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points, nearly identical to last year's total in 69 games. Palmieri also had seven multi-point games this season, one being a four-point outing against his former team, the Anaheim Ducks.

The former first-round pick has two more years left on his contract at $5 million against the cap, a reasonable price for one of the more efficient middle-six scorers on the team. He also has a no-movement clause, so he is expected to be back with the team next season. Palmieri's mold fits in with the team being a rugged, physical winger with an accurate shot, which the Islanders will need to see more on a power-play that struggles in almost every way. At times, he has trouble getting open considering he isn't a speedy winger, so if the Islanders can add speed to his line, he can greatly benefit from that. All in all, Palmieri's contributions earn him a B grade for the 2022-23 season.