Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Islanders vs. Florida Panthers: 5 Players To Watch For

By Kenneth Teape

Nov 27, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) makes a save against New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) as defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) looks on in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) makes a save against New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) as defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) looks on in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
New York Islanders vs. Florida Panthers: 5 Players To Watch For
Oct 23, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk (55) and defenseman Nick Leddy (2) during the national anthems prior to the start of a game against the Boston Bruins period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy

Arguably the biggest flaw that the Islanders have heading into the postseason is their experience in the postseason, or lackthereof. That is where the defensive duo of Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy will come into play.

Not only are they the top two defenseman on the Islanders, they make up a large portion of the Islanders’ playoff experience. Boychuk and Leddy have played in 86 and 61 games respectively, while the roster as a whole has only 467 games of playoff experience under their belt. That means that Boychuk and Leddy will be relied upon for their leadership to set an example for their young, inexperienced teammates.

Both Boychuk and Leddy know what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, as they were on championship winning teams with the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks in 2011 and 2013 respectively. The Islanders acquired both of these players via trade prior to the 2014-15 season, and the move paid off as the Islanders were back in the postseason last year.

They are now back for a third consecutive season and will be looking to end a lengthy drought without a playoff series victory. If that is to happen, Boychuk and Leddy will have to lead the way for a young team looking for some leaders to advance in the postseason.

Next: Ageless Wonder

Home/New York Islanders