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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e4bfb1ecb3a937875750e83a8376b54e0e5092f85af2c730673d302ed7fc44f1.jpg)
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