Unfortunately, Islanders captain Anders Lee, will not be with the team as they try to make a deep run in the NHL playoffs. Will Anders Lee’s absence on the ice affect the Islanders’ chances at winning the Stanley Cup?

Uncle Leo Stepped Up

Due to Lee’s injury, the Islanders needed someone to step up to help the Islanders win a Stanley Cup. Head coach Barry Trotz felt that the next man up was Leo Komarov.

People may disagree but I think Komarov has been fantastic on the first line. Komarov has created plays, won battles in the corner, made smart decisions with the puck and provided a net-front presence. After costing the Islanders a game early in the season against the Washington Capitals, many fans were upset with Komarov. Although he isn’t our captain and doesn’t provide the spark Lee does, he has been phenomenal given the situation he was thrust into.

First-Line Palmieri

The Islanders acquired Kyle Palmieri at the deadline this season from the New Jersey Devils. He hasn’t been great, having only scored two goals since the trade. However, his goal in the final home game was spectacular.

Hopefully, he can heat up for the playoffs and lead the Islanders to a parade on Hempsted Turnpike, perhaps in a first-line role at some point. He has some playoff experience, but the Islanders brought him in for his veteran leadership, something they’re missing without Lee.

What Anders Lee Provided

Anders Lee was amazing this season. Not only did he provide amazing leadership, but he was the team’s leading goal scorer at the time of his injury. He might be the best player in the league at tipping pucks and his net-front presence, especially on the power play, was incredibly valuable.

Anders Lee is beloved by his teammates. Although his absence is a massive loss for the team on the ice, he has been sticking around off the ice with the team. He might be one of the most underrated captains in the league. Anders Lee sticking around and continuing to be a voice in the locker room adds a spark to the team which could lead them to a Stanley Cup.

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The Power Play Without Anders Lee

Maybe where his absence will be felt the most is on the power play. Lee’s net-front presence encouraged the Islanders to shoot the puck, knowing Lee would find the rebound. Matt Martin and Oliver Wahlstrom have both stepped up on the power play, but don’t fill the same role as Lee. Martin had a brief stint in front of the net but couldn’t stick. I think he should go back into that spot. Having a well-oiled power play is crucial in the playoffs, and the Islanders need to find a way to replace their captain on the man advantage.

Next Man Up

Although losing our captain is a huge loss, the Islanders are a special team. Sometimes, they just don’t seem to care if a player gets hurt. They lost Noah Dobson and J-G Pageau minutes before game time against New Jersey in March and found a way to win.

The Islanders can roll four fantastic lines and pound the opposition. They can suffocate the other team’s offense with their fantastic defense and can score timely goals. They can play 55 minutes of defense and win 1-0 by scoring one goal on the one chance they get. They’ve proven that multiple times this season and will likely do it again in the playoffs.

The Islanders can survive without Anders Lee in the 2021 NHL playoffs. They’ve been playing without him for over two months now. They are used to not having him and have made the necessary adjustments. Anything can happen in the playoffs and anything can happen with this team. Last year, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup without their captain Steven Stamkos. The Islanders can win a Stanley Cup without Anders Lee.

John Smark