- nyisles7

Thank you for ending this (frank)ing PK Subban debate. We know he’s a patriotic cross dresser. Now let’s move on.

2. Mathew Barzal
Much like Nylander, Mathew Barzal is one of my favourite players to watch with the puck on his stick in transition. He’s so good at weaving his way through the neutral zone and setting up his teammates in the offensive zone. None of that changed in 2018-19; Barzal was one of the NHL’s best forwards last season at generating shot assists (passes leading to shots), not to mention clean zone exits and zone entries.

(Image from CJ Turtoro; Data from Corey Sznajder)

That doesn’t look like a 62-point player to me.

The reason I love using metrics like shot assists, zone entries and zone exits is because they tend to indicate which players are best at impacting the game (they’re excellent predictors of future performance). The closest comparables we have to Barzal in those areas are Taylor Hall, Nathan MacKinnon, Artemi Panarin and Patrick Kane, all of whom scored over a point per game last season.

I expect Barzal to land much closer to that level of production in 2018-19 compared to his 62-point rate from last season. His teammates’ shooting percentage should regress upward with the passes he’s feeding them (at even strength and on the power play), which should help bring Barzal back up to the 80-plus-point player we all see when watching him play

Thank you for ending this (frank)ing PK Subban debate. We know he’s a patriotic cross dresser. Now let’s move on.
- Cptmjl

Every time you talk about the Islanders core D you neglect Pelech. I think he is a solid #4 and rounds out the top 4 nicely. In this scenario for example, I think he brings them to at least a tie. Subban is a highly overrated defenseman and the rest are comparable at best to the Isles. Have enjoyed the match ups so far though, even with the slight to Pelech.
- buster29

I agree Pelech is a solid #4, especially defensively and could have been included. Ideally though, he'd have a bit more of an offensive output for New York's top-four to really measure up to New Jersey's. Also could be possible Pelech gets less ice time if Leddy sticks around and Toews continues to improve. I also personally think Subban is a huge add and he'll return to form this season in New Jersey. That said, just my opinion.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate the kind words!

Nice write up Ben, thx.

I agree on the forwards getting the edge in NJ. Going to be interesting to see how Gusev adjust to the smaller ice surface and tighter checking game of the NHL.
On the defensive I’m going to disagree and say the Isles defense and defensive game in whole is much better the NJ even after adding PK.
The Isles group is young, except for JB and I think we will see a huge growth in Pulock and Toews game this year
- nyisles7

Thanks for reading, as always!

Fair enough and I respect the opinion. To me it will come down to how big of an impact Subban will have and my personal guess is he'll be a huge upgrade. If Pulock and Toews do both take a big step next year and Subban doesn't bounce back, could be a totally different story though.

Nice write up Ben and another spot on comparison. Isles are just lacking in terms of forwards right now.
- ses111

Thank you for that!

I read each one and I waited for this one and I gotta say man I am shocked in a pleasant way lol. I thought for sure you where going to give the isles the edge on defense ! Im not sure who I would pick as there are a lot of variables but loved the series Ben !
- Devilish4

Many will disagree with me on it and that's completely fine. I personally think Subban is still a game-changer and that's what really tipped me over. We'll see this season though.

Thank you for reading!

https://www.newsday.com/l...slanders-arena-1.34758642

Also:

Jim Baumbach
@jimbaumbach
For those scoring at home, the 120-day window for lawsuits begins today.

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/belmont-islanders-arena-1.34758642

Also:

Jim Baumbach
@jimbaumbach
For those scoring at home, the 120-day window for lawsuits begins today.
- eichiefs9

Lawsuits obviously will be thrown at the project however, I can't see a judge placing a stop work order on a project that has gone through the required steps to achieve final approval.
That said this is NY so..........

Lawsuits obviously will be thrown at the project however, I can't see a judge placing a stop work order on a project that has gone through the required steps to achieve final approval.
That said this is NY so..........
- nyisles7

Too many politicians are on board at this point, I can't imagine anyone is really going to actually get this to court. Even if the deck is stacked unfairly and there was some behind-closed-doors stuff going on to get this thing pushed through, not sure 150 angry Floral Park residents are going to stick it to Cuomo

https://www.nhl.com/news/...6?tcid=tw_news_content_id

https://www.nhl.com/news/oliver-wahlstrom-ready-for-next-challenge-new-york-islanders/c-308449936?tcid=tw_news_content_id
- eichiefs9

That’s right Wahlstrom. (frank) school. Just score goals for us.

That’s right Wahlstrom. (frank) school. Just score goals for us.
- Cptmjl

Oliver "We ain't come here to play SCHOOL" Wahlstrom

Too many politicians are on board at this point, I can't imagine anyone is really going to actually get this to court. Even if the deck is stacked unfairly and there was some behind-closed-doors stuff going on to get this thing pushed through, not sure 150 angry Floral Park residents are going to stick it to Cuomo
- eichiefs9

Agreed.

Funny thing is the Islanders just moved their Administration / Sales offices ( non hockey ops personnel ) to Floral Park

Oliver "We ain't come here to play SCHOOL" Wahlstrom
- eichiefs9

😂

Oliver "We ain't come here to play SCHOOL" Wahlstrom
- eichiefs9