Around the NHL in 30 Days – NY Islanders

The New York Islanders are front and center today in FanSided’s Around the NHL in 30 Days. Check out the Eyes On Isles blog to read the entire in-depth season preview there. The Islanders have a proud history, and that history will be on display this year as it is the Isles’ 40th NHL season. There is a lot to be hopeful about on Long Island this year as John Tavares, Matt Moulson, and the well-traveled Michael Grabner continue to grow and improve.

Goaltending is once again the X-Factor for the Islanders as it is no guarantee that the often injured Rick DiPietro will be healthy all year (as past performance tends to predict future performance). That means that former Shark Evgeni Nabokov and Isles’ backup Al Montoya may have to shoulder the bulk of the goaltending weight this year.

Here’s a snippet of what the awesome writers at Eyes on Isles have to say about their Islanders:

"On this 40th anniversary season of hockey on Long Island, this Islander club has the culture in place that can make losses in the past turn to victories, which just might turn people’s heads and take notice.  Just the formula that could possibly bring back the fans and the passion for a team that desperately needs them."

The Sharks were able to edge the Islanders in their lone meeting last year. The score was a 2-1 shootout victory.

The Islanders are a hardworking, gritty team that will bring it every night. They are a franchise that is proud and hungry to bring new glory days to their storied history. I’m not sure that this is a playoff team this year, but I know that the Islanders are going to make it difficult for their opponents to get a win against them.

Check back tomorrow for a different team to be featured in FanSided’s Around the NHL in 30 Days.

Follow Blades of Teal on Twitter @bladesofteal21 and @bladesofteal

and Facebook – Blades of Teal