Metropolitan Division Breakout Candidates

New York Islanders

May 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey (14) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Hickey – Buried behind a deep blue line in LA until getting a chance with the Islanders last season, Hickey will get a chance to see some power play time with the first unit now that Mark Streit has departed and Lubomir Vishnovsky remains the lone viable offensive threat from the blue line.  Hickey won’t be confused with a shut-down defenseman, but there is room in  the league for a puck mover who can quarterback a power play, and that could end up being his niche this season on Long Island.