Horvat is an Islander

Horvat brings a new life to the Islanders as no one else has in years. Suddenly, Matt Barzal has a new classmate who can add some serious punch to the offensive numbers. Barzal needs some new blood, a player who can work with that is as intelligent as him. Horvat brings 31 goals to an embarrassingly anemic offense, including 11 powerplay goals.

Horvat with Barzal gives the Islanders a potential dynamite duo. This Batman and Robin combo will bring a lot of offensive power to the team. This trade also sets them up for another potential move in the future.

Bo Horvat's cap hit is $5.5 million. He will demand a hefty raise. Bo reportingly wants $9 million; he might settle for $8.5. To make this happen, the New York Islanders will have to do some housecleaning and free up some cap room; they could do this by letting players like Varly, Parise, and Mayfield walk away or buy out the contracts of Bailey, Martin, or Clutter. With the right changes, the Isles can have the cap flexibility to fit him in next season. You can bet the Islanders will do everything in their power to do so. Lou will only make this trade if he's confident he can sign Horvat to a new contract.

As for this season, it is a no-brainer. It's clear that the Islanders are in a solid position to make the playoffs this season. Adding Horvat makes them even more of a contender. The only question is: Can the Islanders beat the Bolts, Canes, or Bruins to make it to the Stanley Cup final? While some may see it as a risk, many believe that if the Islanders don't make a move now, they'll miss their chance.

How to Beat Tampa

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be destined to match up against Tampa Bay Lightning in the playoffs. Are they good enough to beat Tampa if it was the playoffs starting now? It would be close, but I, for one, would not take the chance. While they may have a chance of victory if they were to play them today, I don't think it would be wise to take such a risk. 

The loss of Muzzin has left the Maple Leafs needing a steady number 5 dman to help out Gio. Gio is playing like a lion, demonstrating that he still has what it takes to be an effective player. He might be the biggest bargain on the Maple Leaf's squad.  

The last finishing touch the Maple Leafs need is a pinch more grit. To make that happen, they need a third-line forward with a chip on his shoulder who knows what it takes to win—someone with Stanley Cup Heritage in his blood. Dare I say a Stanley Cup champion? I am not saying they will not defeat Tampa in a series. But anything less than a second-round exit would be unacceptable for their long-suffering fans. We have to do this for the fans who deserve a run this season. 

The next stop for the Toronto Maple Leafs: winning the Stanley Cup championship.

Randy

911 Islanders

Of late, the Islanders have not been entirely up to par. Their Western road trip was ugly. The Flames game was understandable due to Barzal's absence.

What do you think will happen when you don't skate against a team that has McDavid? You get smoked, plain and simple. The Isles have to pick it up. There is no need to panic, but the team can't keep playing the same way. They need to step it up and find a way to match McDavid's level of play.

The powerplay right now is too predictable. Bring back the days of sending the point and letting Dobson and Romanov rip at the puck! Not enough shooting and too much passing. The Isles spend too much time on the perfect shot, but you can't score unless you shoot.

The Islanders need to get back to basics. Stop being selfish with penalties. Self-discipline. Put the team's interests ahead of individual concerns and prioritize staying out of the penalty box.