New York Islanders: Top 3 bold predictions for 2020

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 31: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the first period at Capital One Arena on December 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Geoff Burke/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images /

1. No, The Islanders Won’t Win The Stanley Cup

The New York Islanders are close to being a true Stanley Cup contender. But I don’t think they’re quite there yet, as of right now. Depending on what they do at the trade deadline, they might still be able to become Stanley Cup contenders.

But as presently constructed, the Islanders aren’t contenders. Their defense is terrific. Even without Pelech, I feel confident their defense and goaltending are good enough to win the Islanders a Stanley Cup. The issue, in case you haven’t been paying attention, is their offense.

Sure, defense is important, but I’d argue offense is even more important. It’s been five years since we’ve seen a suffocating defense with a mediocre offense win the Stanley Cup. Since then, it’s been teams who have been able to outscore their opposition.

Ultimately, the onus falls on Lamoriello to give Trotz the players he needs to win the Stanley Cup. Outside of goaltending, in two years, the best free agent Lou has given his head coach is probably Derick Brassard. That’s simply not going to cut it. It might if the Islanders already had a strong forward core, but they don’t.

Next. 2010s All-Decade Team. dark

The Islanders are in a much better position than they were two years ago. Frankly, it’s impressive how far they’ve come. But they’re not ready to be true Stanley Cup contenders yet.

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