Is the Islanders' Lack of Offense a Concern?

The New York Islanders offense has dried up of late. The Islanders have been having trouble getting scoring chances. Not to name names (cough cough — Josh Bailey and all the third and fourth lines.) The main problem is that the Islanders need more goals from the bottom-six.  Most people seem to think the Islanders are one top-six forward away from being a contender. There are others to think that they are two forwards away from being contenders. I think they are one very good top forward or two good forwards away from a contender. 

Let me throw out an exciting theory; maybe they don't need another forward at all. Perhaps the Islanders can get more from the forwards they have? As I have written before, I firm believer in Pageau with Wahlstrom and Bellows. To me, that is the perfect line. Wahlstrom and Bellows need their freedom to achieve success. It may be that the Islanders system is too stifling to create offensive scoring chances. Wahlstrom and Bellows also need a reliable centre to distribute the puck. Pageau can match their speed. 

If they did open up the system a little, maybe the offense would come more easily. Goaltending has been outstanding with Varly and Sorokin. The defensive zone coverage has been great. If the offense could open up just a little, maybe the need for a forward would lessen. The Islanders offense just needs a nudge. Perhaps it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.  In fact, maybe it doesn't need surgery at all. Too often, we panic and do an overhaul when we could tweak a bit instead. Too many times, I have seen GM panic and buy out the the store when all they need is some chocolate, if you get my drift. Do not press that button.

Randy

Mr. Matthews MVP

Everything is hunky-dory in Maple Leaf Land. The Leafs have the most points team in NHL. Could this be the year the Leafs get the MVP? Can this be the year the Leafs bring Lord Stanley to the centre of the universe?

Austin Matthews is on an incredible pace to score 50 goals this season. He is one of the best forwards in the League. What makes him so dangerous is his quick, deadly release. Austin leads the NHL with 16 goals, most of them on the spectacular side. Some of that might have something to do with winger Mitch Marner. Matthews has a real nose for the puck. He oozes confidence every time he is on the ice, which inspires his teammates. Can he get his 50 goals in 56 games? Matthews will hit a slump; everyone does sooner or later. When he goes through his slump, his mindset will determine his fate. I predict Austin gets 40-50 this season.  

The other story is the influence of Gentle Joe on his line. Everyone has talked about Marner but, the story could be how good Joe Thornton has been. He has been a colossal surprise so far this season. Players like him. The coaches love him because of his experience; it is almost like having another coach on the bench. He will help Matthews become an even better player.  

Is it early to get excited about this team? I don't think so. What makes this team so good is that they believe in each other. The Leafs have never had vets like Simmonds and Thornton to lead this team. It has been a long time that the Leafs have had the motivation to win. In years past, they could not execute that final step to do what it takes to win. Thornton's and Simmonds' drive has spread through the team, making it a fun time to be a Maple leaf fan. So sit back and enjoy the ride.

Randy