What are the Islanders Doing Right?

The Islanders may very well be one of the best teams in the League. The orchestrator of this success is, of course, Barry Trotz. What makes Barry so efficient is that he is extraordinarily detail-oriented. A coach's job is to put a player in a position to succeed. Every player on this team has strengths and weaknesses. Barry leverages them to get the best out of every player.

What is so special about this team is every player believes what the coach is saying. No matter how minimal the task, it has to get done. The Islanders are one of the hardest-working teams in the NHL. The 'never say die' attitude starts with the leaders. As much as it pains me to say it, this begins with Anders Lee. I don't hate Anders Lee. I was not too fond of the term of the contract. Right now, though, he might be the unsung hero of the well-oiled machine we call the Islanders.  

If the puck is in the corner, Lee is in there like a bloodhound. If there is a problem in the dressing room, he is the first one to get it settled. He never lets his eyes off the prize, the Stanley Cup. If there is a definition in the NHL dictionary for 'garbage goal,' it has Anders Lee's photo beside it.

The progress of Noah Dobson is remarkable; he is not the same defence-men he was last year. He has such poise. He no longer panics in the defensive end. Yes, he deserves a lot of credit, but part of the praise for his composure belongs to Andy Greene. Andy Greene continues to mentor Dobson into being an outstanding all-around defenceman. 

Final Word

A devoted Islanders fan was recently praising the talent of Oliver Wahlstrom. I often hear his one-timers compared to Alex Ovechkins. I am not there yet, but I concede there is some truth to that. What should make Isles fans excited is that Wahlstrom is so expert at finding the right spot at the right time for his one-timers. His hockey IQ has quadrupled in this last year. He has learned to think ahead. Oliver and Pageau are beginning to get to know each other's moves and gel as a team. Wahlstrom has the tools to become an explosive forward as long as he listens to his coach.

Randy

Maple Leafs Will Tinker

 

It appears the Leafs will add for depth reasons. They would love to add another forward to the team.  Insiders have speculated that they are trying to add a top-six forward. While they are looking, I would like to order one more stay home big dman. I still do not think the Leafs are strong enough. Yes, they are tough enough for the North division, but they will have to beef up to compete for the East. The Bruins, Islanders, Flyers, and Capitals will walk all over them. The team gets outworked in the corner and loses the puck battles. 

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE LOVE FOR SOME FORWARDS?

Jimmy Vessey

The Maple Leafs have been pretty patient with Jimmy this season. Jimmy has responded with the best hockey of his career. He has shown signs of getting to know the system and understands where it is supposed to be.  I loved this signing. Jimmy Vessy gives me a reason to get excited. 

William Nylander

Even though he is from Calgary, I have never considered William a Calgarian. William is flying out there causing havoc. I still remember his beautiful toe drag in the 5th Leaf goal. What a move. What a shot. The shot was even better than the toe drag. This kid is a talented young player. 

A Shoutout to Hutch

Toronto's third goalie Michael Hutchinson has been admirable, stepping up in Campbell and Andersen's absence. Hutchinson has a 3-2 record with a stunning 2.03 goals-against average. Michael has done a heck of a lot better than I thought he would.

The Maple Leafs have been outstanding.  I hope they don't let up on the gas. Look to Tavares to improve his play as the season progresses. Life is good in the centre of the universe. 

Randy