New York Islanders: At Least They Are Not Montreal
The New York Islanders are struggling, but fortunately, they are not the Montreal Canadiens. The Islanders and Canadiens are in similar positions; however, the Islanders at least have a sliver of hope for the playoffs.
The Islanders and Canadiens seasons are oddly similar. Each team was in the final four in the 2020-21 playoffs. Entering the 2021-22 season with positive outlooks, each team struggled due to injuries and COVID-19. Parallels aside, the Islanders should take solace that they are not the Canadiens, as they would be eaten alive in Montreal’s market.
In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Islanders lost to the Canadiens 3-2 in a shootout. The resurgence of Cole Caufield is helping the Canadiens. However, the former Stanley Cup finalists are nowhere near their play of last season, sitting one point out of last place in the NHL. A record of 13-33-7 through 53 games is an unprecedented disaster for this team. A return to the playoffs is likely impossible.
The main difference that makes the Islanders’ situation promising and the Canadiens’ bleak is the ability to choose. The Canadiens, who had a roster overhaul in the summer, key players going down with injuries and All-Star Shea Weber unexpectedly retiring, have no other option but to enter a rebuild. The Islanders can decide what is best for their organization. The potential to tread water and stay mediocre is a reality and can be an awful outcome; yet, faith in General Manager Lou Lamoriello should remain considering his relatively positive track record.
Entering a full-blown rebuild could be the ideal option for the Islanders. The Islanders possess young building blocks in Mathew Barzal, Oliver Wahlstrom, Noah Dobson and other pieces. Quality trading chips can be on the move at the Trade Deadline or offseason. Reconstructing their roster to be competitive in years to come may be the best option, but taking another shot at the Stanley Cup can happen if the front office sees this season as an anomaly rather than the spark of a trend.
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The Islanders have big decisions to make soon that will alter the trajectory of their franchise. Coaching and player personnel may be on the move. Despite all these valid concerns, one thing is for sure: at least the Islanders are not the Canadiens.
