What other question marks do you have?
- kindlyrick

Weight and his staff in general.

Can they improve the pathetic power play?

The rookies - Will they live up to expectations? Can they play an effective two way game? Will they disappear for stretches of the season?

Can Halak stay healthy?

Those are the unknowns I see going into the season. I know we are all excited about the new talent (I am too), but we really don't know how they will play this season. I'm not preaching doom and gloom. It may all work out.

Yeah and his play has been declining over much of that time period too. His GAA and sv% have declined over the last three seasons. I don't think anyone (at least anyone reasonably intelligent) ever meant that he was going to wake up and play like a paraplegic one day, but he's not what he used to be and I don't really see him making any marked improvements as he ages.
- eichiefs9

I believe he will be a paraplegic this season.

There are a lot of questions marks heading into this season.

The one thing I want to avoid is the 10+ game losing streak we saw every year under Crappy. Every freakin' year - it was so frustrating. Let's hope Dougie and his 50 assistant coaches can avoid that pitfall.
- JimmyP

Believe me I hate crappy like everyone else but that started way before he became coach.

Weight and his staff in general.

Can they improve the pathetic power play?

The rookies - Will they live up to expectations? Can they play an effective two way game? Will they disappear for stretches of the season?

Can Halak stay healthy?

Those are the unknowns I see going into the season. I know we are all excited about the new talent (I am too), but we really don't know how they will play this season. I'm not preaching doom and gloom. It may all work out.
- JimmyP

As much promise players like Ho Sang, Barzal, and Beau have, they are still question marks at this point. My biggest question mark is if the team can play a good defensive game.

Believe me I hate crappy like everyone else but that started way before he became coach.
- Cptmjl

True but back then there was no talent on the team. it was a huge deal if they won 2 games in a row.

Weight and his staff in general.

Can they improve the pathetic power play?

The rookies - Will they live up to expectations? Can they play an effective two way game? Will they disappear for stretches of the season?

Can Halak stay healthy?

Those are the unknowns I see going into the season. I know we are all excited about the new talent (I am too), but we really don't know how they will play this season. I'm not preaching doom and gloom. It may all work out.
- JimmyP

I hear you and maybe I’m just excited but there seems to be a confidence in this club from coaching all the way down. They believe they can beat teams. Any team

Look I know it’s only pre season but let’s look at it from numbers alone. Adding the pts of Eberle, Barzal, Ho Sang, and Pulock adds about 125 pts to this team. That’s a lot more wins.

As much promise players like Ho Sang, Barzal, and Beau have, they are still question marks at this point. My biggest question mark is if the team can play a good defensive game.
- ses111

Amen Ses

As much promise players like Ho Sang, Barzal, and Beau have, they are still question marks at this point. My biggest question mark is if the team can play a good defensive game.
- ses111

I’m just curious why these young guys are question marks. I realize pre season is pre season but the trend that’s going to be going into the season is that the three you mentioned are elite talent. Mistakes will happen but they’re the secondary scoring this team has been looking for.

It also means the isles will FINALLY have 2 PP units. To me that’s the difference between getting home ice in the playoffs

I’m just curious why these young guys are question marks. I realize pre season is pre season but the trend that’s going to be going into the season is that the three you mentioned are elite talent. Mistakes will happen but they’re the secondary scoring this team has been looking for.

It also means the isles will FINALLY have 2 PP units. To me that’s the difference between getting home ice in the playoffs
- kindlyrick

Basically they are inexperienced and the pre season is played against half NHL talented teams at best.

They absolutely are talented however they are 19,20 and 21 years old with minimal games played in the NHL. Let's see how things play out before we get too excited and see how these guys play the full ice surface for 82 games. Just trying to be real here, our PP was going to be awesome when Ladd was added last year and Strome was going to take over FN's minutes and where is he today and how good was that PP?
Again I hope they are totally awesome and the Islanders win the Cup but let's not get caught up in all the hype.

I’m just curious why these young guys are question marks. I realize pre season is pre season but the trend that’s going to be going into the season is that the three you mentioned are elite talent. Mistakes will happen but they’re the secondary scoring this team has been looking for.

It also means the isles will FINALLY have 2 PP units. To me that’s the difference between getting home ice in the playoffs
- kindlyrick

I have very high hopes for the young talent, but they need to show it over an entire season before they are no longer question marks. At this stage, they are an unknown and we do not know what numbers they will put up this year.

Basically they are inexperienced and the pre season is played against half NHL talented teams at best.

They absolutely are talented however they are 19,20 and 21 years old with minimal games played in the NHL. Let's see how things play out before we get too excited and see how these guys play the full ice surface for 82 games. Just trying to be real here, our PP was going to be awesome when Ladd was added last year and Strome was going to take over FN's minutes and where is he today and how good was that PP?
Again I hope they are totally awesome and the Islanders win the Cup but let's not get caught up in the hype.
- nyisles7

Let's also not overlook the question marks/youngsters on Defense. Pulock has a great slapshot, but can he play steady D in the NHL? Pelech showed promise a couple of seasons ago, but took a big step backwards last season in terms of consistency. Will he rebound this season? Mayfield started slowly, but his skating seems to be improving. Will it continue? Does Seidenberg have another good season left in those old legs?

Basically they are inexperienced and the pre season is played against half NHL talented teams at best.

They absolutely are talented however they are 19,20 and 21 years old with minimal games played in the NHL. Let's see how things play out before we get too excited and see how these guys play the full ice surface for 82 games. Just trying to be real here, our PP was going to be awesome when Ladd was added last year and Strome was going to take over FN's minutes and where is he today and how good was that PP?
Again I hope they are totally awesome and the Islanders win the Cup but let's not get caught up in all the hype.
- nyisles7

Barzal looks better then strome or Ladd ever have to me, kids a game changer and he won't have to face the best on other teams so he should do well. Add the 3rd line to the mix and the isles are very deep and talented up front

Basically they are inexperienced and the pre season is played against half NHL talented teams at best.

They absolutely are talented however they are 19,20 and 21 years old with minimal games played in the NHL. Let's see how things play out before we get too excited and see how these guys play the full ice surface for 82 games. Just trying to be real here, our PP was going to be awesome when Ladd was added last year and Strome was going to take over FN's minutes and where is he today and how good was that PP?
Again I hope they are totally awesome and the Islanders win the Cup but let's not get caught up in all the hype.
- nyisles7

I’ve said Strome was a bust from day 1. Ladd wishes he had the hands and wheels of those three kids
I don’t believe it’s hype when Barzal continues his two pt per games from last year in the dub to this pre season basically. Beau and Ho Sang showed last year they are the real deal. To me, this isn’t hype, they’re the real deal. Just my opinion of course...

I have very high hopes for the young talent, but they need to show it over an entire season before they are no longer question marks. At this stage, they are an unknown and we do not know what numbers they will put up this year.
- ses111

Well if last years pt production and this years pre season are any indication, Barzal will be the second line center this team so desperately needed.
The difference between this year and years past was that your blue chips need to be blue chips when they play. All the isles kids stood out this pre season. It’s not by luck. They’re ready.

Barzal looks better then strome or Ladd ever have to me, kids a game changer and he won't have to face the best on other teams so he should do well. Add the 3rd line to the mix and the isles are very deep and talented up front
- Upstate_isles

Well said.....Barzal is not gonna get the top pair dman....they’ll be out for 91. He’s gonna dangle this season.

Let's also not overlook the question marks/youngsters on Defense. Pulock has a great slapshot, but can he play steady D in the NHL? Pelech showed promise a couple of seasons ago, but took a big step backwards last season in terms of consistency. Will he rebound this season? Mayfield started slowly, but his skating seems to be improving. Will it continue? Does Seidenberg have another good season left in those old legs?
- JohnScammo

The bottom line is the only possible question mark is the defense. If it shows to be in need of improvement the isles have the assets both in player and picks to trade for one.

Well if last years pt production and this years pre season are any indication, Barzal will be the second line center this team so desperately needed.
The difference between this year and years past was that your blue chips need to be blue chips when they play. All the isles kids stood out this pre season. It’s not by luck. They’re ready.
- kindlyrick

I think they are ready as well. They do not have enough NHL games yet to get a real good read on possible numbers. As much as Nelson drives me crazy, we know we can pencil him in around 20 goals.

Barzal looks better then strome or Ladd ever have to me, kids a game changer and he won't have to face the best on other teams so he should do well. Add the 3rd line to the mix and the isles are very deep and talented up front
- Upstate_isles

Easy Ref. Andrew Ladd albeit slowing down has a career of pretty consistent and good numbers.
If I'm the Penguins coach, I put Sidney out against Barzal everytime I can! Don't think Torts, AV etc. aren't going to do the same thing.

You need the back end to work as well imho.

Well if last years pt production and this years pre season are any indication, Barzal will be the second line center this team so desperately needed.
The difference between this year and years past was that your blue chips need to be blue chips when they play. All the isles kids stood out this pre season. It’s not by luck. They’re ready.
- kindlyrick

I don't think anyone is arguing against playing the rookies. It's just that they are rookies and therefore an unknown. An 82 game schedule is a grind. Rookies will make rookie mistakes. We should expect some big ones, possibly costing them wins. Keep in mind scoring wasn't the issue last year. They were 10th in the league in Goals For. They need to keep the puck out of their own net.

I'm not trying to be negative. I think playing these guys is the correct decision. This is the most exciting roster we've seen in years.

The bottom line is the only possible question mark is the defense. If it shows to be in need of improvement the isles have the assets both in player and picks to trade for one.
- kindlyrick

If the talent up front is deep and the four lines are rolling, no need for a gimmick d, they just have to play gritty and let the forwards do the work. The offense from Leddy and if Pulock becomes a PP specialist will be a huge bonus. Just let d play solid in their end in front of good goaltending is how you build winning streaks.

I think they are ready as well. They do not have enough NHL games yet to get a real good read on possible numbers. As much as Nelson drives me crazy, we know we can pencil him in around 20 goals.
- ses111

I think you’re kinda contradictory in what you’re saying but the fact is they’re ready and super talented. Smart money says that succeeds.

I don't think anyone is arguing against playing the rookies. It's just that they are rookies and therefore an unknown. An 82 game schedule is a grind. Rookies will make rookie mistakes. We should expect some big ones, possibly costing them wins. Keep in mind scoring wasn't the issue last year. They were 10th in the league in Goals For. They need to keep the puck out of their own net.

I'm not trying to be negative. I think playing these guys is the correct decision. This is the most exciting roster we've seen in years.
- JimmyP

They went undefeated in pre season. Again it’s pre season but everyone’s been meeting expectations. EVERYONE. Seems like a safe bet to expect the same at the start.

If the talent up front is deep and the four lines are rolling, no need for a gimmick d, they just have to play gritty and let the forwards do the work. The offense from Leddy and if Pulock becomes a PP specialist will be a huge bonus. Just let d play solid in their end in front of good goaltending is how you build winning streaks.
- Fan101

I agree. I also can say that I can’t remembrr a time when the isles were this deep up front.

I’ve said Strome was a bust from day 1. Ladd wishes he had the hands and wheels of those three kids
I don’t believe it’s hype when Barzal continues his two pt per games from last year in the dub to this pre season basically. Beau and Ho Sang showed last year they are the real deal. To me, this isn’t hype, they’re the real deal. Just my opinion of course...
- kindlyrick

Beau and JHS showed they belong and have promise. Barzal came into camp in great shape and wanting to show he also belonged. He did that.
These 3 aren't, McDavib or Matthews etc.
Again they have talent and belong and I'm glad they are being given a chance, however Vegas as well as the NHL analysts are not picking the Islanders to win it all and most have them as a bubble team or wild card at best. Pretty much like last year.

Again just keeping it real

Beau and JHS showed they belong and have promise. Barzal came into camp in great shape and wanting to show he also belonged. He did that.
These 3 aren't, McDavib or Matthews etc.
Again they have talent and belong and I'm glad they are being given a chance, however Vegas as well as the NHL analysts are not picking the Islanders to win it all and most have them as a bubble team or wild card at best. Pretty much like last year.

Again just keeping it real
- nyisles7

Which is why I laid a dime for the isles to have more than 89.5 pts......money where mouth is.
You add the pts of Eberle, Barzal, full season of Ho Sang and a few PP pts for Pulock and the isles could hit 100 pts