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New York Islanders: 3 Reasons to be Optimistic About 2017-18 Season

By Nick Ziegler

Mar 2, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Islanders interim head coach Doug Weight watches his team take on the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Islanders defeat the Stars 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Islanders interim head coach Doug Weight watches his team take on the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Islanders defeat the Stars 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Islanders
Apr 6, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders forward Joshua Ho-Sang (66) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Islanders defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Emergence of Ho-Sang

One of the bright spots for the Islanders this season was getting to see Josh Ho-Sang play in the NHL. Ho-Sang was the Islanders’ first-round pick in the 2014 draft and has been a highly touted prospect.

One of the reasons why the Islanders played better in the second half of the season was certainly because of Ho-Sang. He was able to total 10 points on four goals and six assists in 21 games. Ho-Sang also had some success on the power play with one power play goal and one power play assist when he was given a chance on special teams.

Seeing Ho-Sang on the ice is certainly a reason to be optimistic about the future for the Islanders. He has excellent speed and playmaking ability. Frequently, Ho-Sang put teammates in good positions to score, and you could certainly understand the hype surrounding him.

Heading into next season, Ho-Sang should be a Top-6 forward for the Islanders, as he certainly earned the right to be in the NHL right away next season. Ho-Sang played well with Anthony Beauvillier, but he might be destined to play with Tavares on the first line in the near future. It will certainly be fun to see a full season of Ho-Sang

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