The NY Islanders may not be great this season but they will be exciting

Over the past seven seasons, one word many have used to describe NY Islanders hockey is boring. During the Trotz era, the team over-achieved, defending their own zone and nearly made the Stanley Cup Finals. But boring and the Islanders don’t coincide much anymore thanks to Matthew Schaefer.

“They have changed in terms of excitement because of one guy,” Ryan Whitney said on the Spittin Chiclets podcast in reference to Schaefer. “This kid is that good. Is he able to carry this team into the playoff this year? I’m going to say no. But I can’t wait to see his second act this year. Who knows what he’s going to do. Is he able to build on last year? It’s insane. Is he going to score 30 this year? He is the main draw with everything Islanders.”

For those who have listened to Spittin Chiclets, the group has typically been down on the Islanders. They’ve struggled to make the postseason and haven’t played the most electrifying hockey. But Schaefer has brought more eyes to Long Island since the Stanley Cup days of the 1980s.

“I think Schaefer is still a little young where he can get a team in (the playoffs),” says Keith Yandle. “Maybe next year or the year after he can do it. At the end of the day, I will watch their games just because of Matthew Schaefer and how good he is, how dynamic, and how much fun it looks like he’s having out there.”

The Islanders may struggle again this season, but the organization will have eyes on them from around the world, with Schaefer as the main attraction.

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