NY Islanders: Kyle Palmieri Under the Radar Terrific Season

The New York Islanders are getting closer and closer to punching their playoff tickets for this season. A big reason why has been the under-the-radar terrific season of Kyle Palmieri.

Palmieri has fit in well in the blue and orange since Lou Lamoriello traded for him during the trade deadline period of the 2020-21 season. Palmieri has provided scoring, and two-way play, and has been one of the veteran leaders on the team. Palmieri has already had a terrific week with a huge game against the New Jersey Devils (2 Goals, 3 Points) as well as, a shoot-out hero on the road versus the Washington Capitals.

Under the Radar

Palmieri has 15 Goals and 31 Points this season (heading into Saturday's contest versus the Tampa Bay Lightning) which just sounds okay. Keep in mind Palmieri has missed 27 games this season due to an upper-body injury that kept him out from late November until late January. If Palmieri had been healthy this season he would be on pace to close to a 25 Goal - 50 Point season.

Despite the time missed, Palmieri is still fourth on the team in terms of goals scored. Palmieri has shown off his solid two-way play too with his +10 this year's season.

Palmieri has stepped up with Mathew Barzal on the injured list. In his last 12 games, the 32-year-old winger has six goals and 13 points. Palmieri and his linemate Brock Nelson have been huge reasons why the Isles are 11-4-2 since their February 18th loss at Boston (6-2) where they lost Barzal to injury.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N98qtW6CsXg

Provided the Isles continue their winning ways and make the playoffs, if the blue and orange are going to have another Spring playoff run, Palmieri will need to continue his stellar play. The way Palmieri is currently playing and being teamed up with Nelson has created a dynamic and dangerous line for the Isles.

Hopefully, Barzal will be back for the playoffs and he along with Bo Horvat and Anders Lee will create another big-time line for the Isles. A healthy J.G Pageau and Casey Cizikas lines will give the Isles strength and depth in their bottom six.

A healthy Palmieri is a dangerous player and a healthy Islander team would make them a tough out.