The New York Islanders played their hearts out last night in Tampa. The series was a war. The loss was a heartbreaking defeat, no other way of putting it. Being so close for the last two years is so frustrating for Islanders fans. But there is a lot to be proud of looking ahead.
The Fourth Line
The fourth line might well be one of the best fourth lines in the League right now. There is no group of players with more heart than Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas, and Cal Clutterbuck. They never give up, no matter the score. Their model is kicking butt and taking names. They live and die Islanders hockey; they represent everything which is Isles fans.
Defence
The defence is the team's heart. Without the defenders, the Isles are not in the top four in the NHL. The heart and soul of the defence is Adam Pelech; he might very well be the best stay-home defenceman. He was a rock on what was the best defence in the NHL.
There will be some tough decisions made by the Isles this off-season. One thing for sure is Sorokin, Pelech, and Beauvillier are staying. That is a no-brainer.
The problem is, will the Isles be able to keep Casy Cizikas? I hear all the Isles fans standing up and yelling yes. I love the guy, but there comes a time when reason has to kick in. Does he fit into the cap? We all would love for Casey to be an Islander forever, but hockey is a business, and it has to make financial sense for both sides.
Draft picks
Players that I think the Isles could draft:
Round 3
Jayden Grubbe - Right Wing
Round 4
Cameron Berg - Centre
Round 5
Nikita Parfenyuk - Defence
Round 6
Daniil Sotishvili - Right Wing
Round 7
Jere Virolainen - Centre
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