New York Islanders: Three things to expect in upcoming season- playoffs?
It’s Barzy season
Ah, Mathew Barzal was the star that shined the brightest for the Isles last season. In fact, he is the rookie that shined the brightest too. He won over the Isles fan base and the Calder trophy all in the same season.
However, now, this team is Mat Barzal’s. He is the most proven player on the roster and his next few seasons here more clear than Anders Lee who needs a new contract.
His talent is there and it will carry him far in this league. Mat Barzal might not get the “C” patch this upcoming season but this will be the first season where he is the de-facto top guy.
He should definitely be thrown into the top line to see how he molds with Lee and Josh Bailey. If that does not work then figure out what does. Either way, it is time to see Barzal go head to head with the very best this league has to offer.
He had a fantastic rookie season and although the actual numbers may be hard to top, he can still turn in on and have another impressive season in a more prominent role.
He scored the most points on the team last season so it is not like he needs to get better. Just what he did last year would be awesome while everyone else works to get better.
Mat Barzal should be the future top guy for the Isles. Hopefully one day he has draft selection Oliver Wahlstrom and Joshua Ho-Sang with him on this team one day.
But, for the upcoming season, he will be the guy. Anders Lee will be the captain and score a lot of goals again but Barzal will be the heart of the offense in 2018-2019.