Islanders Captain Anders Lee’s season was cut short on March 11, 2021 after tearing his ACL in the first period. He only played 27 games in the already shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to his season-ending injury, Lee was on track to finish the season as the top goal scorer on the team. Regardless of losing their captain mid-season, the Isles had an extremely successful season and playoff run. However, Anders Lee has the determination and skillset to be the Islanders’ x-factor and lead the team to win their fifth Stanley Cup. 

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2020-21 Season

Lee is a crucial part of the Islanders’ offense. The 235 pound left-wing uses his size to his advantage. Lee is known for standing in front of the net and deflecting pucks in. It is the reason that he was the team’s top goal scorer at the time of his injury, he was always in the right place at the right time. 

However, after Lee was no longer able to play, no one filled his presence in front of the opposing team’s net. The Islanders gave up many goals this season by not filling that crucial spot. 

Lee also played a huge role on the power play. In his 27 games, he recorded four power-play points, three of which were power-play goals. Anders Lee was among the top five Islanders for most power-play goals scored despite only playing half of the season. 

2020-21 First Line

Lee’s absence definitely affected his linemate Mat Barzal’s performance. When playing with Lee, Barzal recorded five power-play points. In the 27 game stretch, he also only had 10 games where he earned no points. However, when his left-wing and captain was out, Barzal only had three power-play points in 28 games. He also had 14 games where he recorded no points, which accounts for half of the games where Lee was out and Barzal was playing. 

Anders Lee’s 2018-19 Regular Season (82 Games)

Anders Lee had an outstanding regular season in 2018-19. He scored the most goals on the team with 28 as well as the most power-play goals scoring 10. He also recorded five game-winning goals, tying for the most with his linemate Jordan Eberle. Lee also led the team in shots on goal with 204. The Islanders captain had the fourth-most points on the team with 51, 16 of which were power-play points.  

Anders Lee’s 2019-20 Regular Season (68 Games)

Anders Lee had a stellar regular season in 2019-20 as well. The Isles captain scored 20 goals, six of which were game-winning goals. He also recorded 43 points, the third-most on the team. Just like the previous season, Lee led the team in shots on goal with 195. 

Upcoming 2021-22 Season

Anders Lee is projected to have a huge comeback season this year. It was heartbreaking for the team and Isles fans to watch their captain’s season be cut short unexpectedly last year. However, Lee has since been on the ice skating and it has been reported that he looks even better and faster than before. 

The Islanders were lacking a goal scorer last season and Anders Lee is the consistent scorer the team needs to take care of their unfinished business of winning a Stanley Cup. 

Maisy Healy

I am a huge Islanders fan and love spreading my passion for the team here at Drive4Five.  Along with writing, I also co-manage the Drive4Five TikTok and Facebook accounts.