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New York Islanders: 5 Most Important Players for the 2018-19 Season

By Scott Fingeroth

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Josh Ho-Sang #66 of the New York Islanders skates against the New Jersey Devils in the second period during a preseason game at the Barclays Center on September 25, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Josh Ho-Sang #66 of the New York Islanders skates against the New Jersey Devils in the second period during a preseason game at the Barclays Center on September 25, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 19: Ryan Pulock #6 of the New York Islanders skates against the Detroit Red Wings at the Barclays Center on December 19, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Red Wings defeated the Islanders 6-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 19: Ryan Pulock #6 of the New York Islanders skates against the Detroit Red Wings at the Barclays Center on December 19, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Red Wings defeated the Islanders 6-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

4. Ryan Pulock

I would like to introduce the NHL to Ryan Pulock, the powerplay quarterback for the New York Islanders.

Last season, Ryan Pulock scored ten goals and 32 points in 68 games during his rookie season. Heading into his sophomore campaign, Pulock inked a two-year contract extension with an AAV of two million dollars per year.

Comparing Trotz’s new team to his previous team, look at Pulock like you would John Carlson. Carlson ramped up his production this past season, and that is what many people expect Pulock to do during the 2018-19 campaign.

The way to start that is by handing him the key to the first power play. Letting Pulock run loose as the quarterback for the first-line power play could only be more beneficial for his game.

Playing with quality passers such as Mathew Barzal and net-front presences such as Anders Lee could help him raise his point production.

If you introduce Pulock to the power play and let him loose during the rest of the game, you could possibly see him as an All-Star, and maybe even a sneaky Norris Trophy candidate.

If Pulock plays well, as well as his potential allows, then the Isles will be better off to help Coach Trotz leave a great first impression.

Related Story. Let's not forget about Josh Ho-Sang. light

3. Robin Lehner

The newest Islanders goaltender signed a one year contract this offseason to come in and work with Thomas Greiss as the goaltending duo for the Isles this coming season.

Lehner has spent the last three seasons as a Buffalo Sabre, and the last two as their starting goaltender.

Last season, he went 14-26-9 with a 3.01 GAA and a .908 save percentage on a Sabres team that ended up as the worst team in hockey and the first pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Lehner’s contract is referred to by many as a “prove it” deal, as he has not been the most solid goaltender throughout his career.

Also, with the help of new goalie coach Piero Greco, who helped turn Garret Sparks and Calvin Pickard become a monster duo for the Toronto Marlies en route to the Calder Cup, and director of goaltending Mitch Korn, Lehner can become a winner.

Korn has already helped mature goalies such as Dominik Hasek and Braden Holtby into Vezina candidates and, in cases like Hasek, winners.

If Lehner turns into a goalie that becomes a top-tier goalie in the NHL due to his motivation with the Islanders and his work with Greco and Korn, look for him to be a major key to the success of the Islanders this season.

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