Zach Parise's Steady Play With Islanders Finally Cashes in With Points

To the untrained eye, it's very easy to look past what Zach Parise has done for the New York Islanders this year. In 29 games for New York, he has eight points (1 goal, 7 assists) and is on pace for roughly 23 points over a full 82 game season.

That's a long ways away from the 25 goal scorer we saw just two years ago, but he that's not what Parise was brought in here to do. He was signed, to a veteran minimum deal by the way, to be a depth player for this squad.

For comparison, last year Leo Komarov and Michael Dal Colle combined for 12 points on the sesason in 59 games. Parise has eight points on his own in half the time. It's already an upgrade right there.

Plus, Parise has some of the best underlying numbers on the team. According to The Athletic's player cards model (subscription required) Parise's value is at $3.9 million as a middle-six forward.

His point pace is down, obviously as we noted his conversions are way low, but his projected pace is at 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists). With how well Parise's played to date, the likelihood of him turning it on and being productive in the second half of the year in the box score stats is high.

Last night, on two out the three goals, it was Zach Parise's net front presence that helped result in goals. It's not much but he goes to the front of the net, gets his stick on it, deflects a shot on net, and Bailey is in the perfect spot to get the puck home.

Defensively, he grades out as a top defender and a high middle of the back in goals saved above average. So while the stats don't look great currently, he's doing everything right, he's kind of just waiting for the points to catch up.

Usually in hockey, and with this team, things bounce back to the mean. He won't be on a one goal pace for much longer.