2013 Season Preview – New York Islanders

Last Season – The Islanders continued to flounder in 2011-12, finishing 14th in the east with a 34-37-11 record, missing the playoffs.

Saying Goodbye – PA Parenteau, Al Montoya, Milan Jurcina, Jay Pandolfo, Mark Eaton, Steve Staios

Saying Hello – Brad Boyes, Matt Carkner, Lubomir Visnovsky

Ready to Step In – Ready or not, Ryan Strome might be called into duty to help the hapless Islanders score some goals.  He has been dominant this season in the OHL, and is NHL ready.  Whether the Islanders choose to subject him to what is still a poor environment is up to them.

John Tavares (91) will be without his primary wingman PA Parenteau after he bolted for Colorado. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Look For A Bounce-back Season From – The Sophomore Jinx hit Michael Grabner pretty hard.  His goal total dropped off from 34 in his rookie season to just 20 last year.

Hardware Hopefuls – Strome, Calder

Upside – Rick DiPietro hasn’t got hurt yet this season.  Tavares will continue to develop into a star, even if no one sees it.

Downside – The Islanders are on their way to Brooklyn in 2015 so there might not be much reason for home fans to tune into a rebuilding team that won’t be around when they finally have a chance to get good.

2013 Prognosis – The next time the Isles make the playoffs they will not be on Long Island.  The young group isn’t as talented or deep as the Oilers, and won’t likely mature as quickly.  Another long season in Nassau County.