New York Islanders: Previews, breakdowns, and prediction for the 2018-2019 Season

The New York Islanders season is upon us! So, as they prepare to open their next campaign in Carolina for an already important matchup, on October 4 what should you expect?

The New York Islanders will enter the 2018-2019 looking to avoid missing the playoffs once again. They were not even close last season so went to drastic measures to make sure they get back one day.

This offseason alone, the Isles fired their bench boss, Doug Weight. In addition to that, they hired Lou Lamoriello for a high front office role. He then fired long time, lackluster general manager, Garth Snow, and made himself the new GM.

As if that is not enough, the Isles paid a hefty price to bring in the defending Cup winning coach, Barry Trotz, to lead the way.

So, he brought with him a plethora of new coaches including bolstering the focus on goalie development, a massive need for the Isles.

We already know John Tavares will not be an Islander for the first time since the 2009-2010 season as he “fulfilled his childhood dream” to go up north and play for the Maple Leafs.

The Isles losing their former captain to free agency was a bad blow, but the Isles will be darned if that is what defines the season.

Now, it is officially a new era of Islanders hockey. The Islanders will be led by sophomore phenom, Mathew Barzal. The Calder Trophy winner will need to play at an elite level to turn his Calder Trophy into a Hart trophy.

However, it is a role he will be ready to take on.

So, now that, we got the basics down, let’s dive right into the positional breakdown, an overall preview, and a prediction of how the Isles will finish, let’s dive in!