As for rookie coach Lane Lambert's New York Islanders, THN's forecasters tabbed the Islanders for fifth place in the Metropolitan Division, behind Pittsburgh and Columbus.

Connor McDavid's Oilers and Rod Brind'Amour's Hurricanes; just look at them now. And the New York Islanders as well.

As always, every September, The Hockey News editors fearlessly examine their version of crystal balls and Ouija boards to forecast the coming season. It's part of the fun of our business.

In this case, THN aimed its telescope at this spring. Among its conclusions was that Carolina and Edmonton would meet in the Final round and that the Hurricanes would win the Stanley Cup.

As for rookie coach Lane Lambert's stick handlers, THN's forecasters tabbed the Islanders for fifth place in the Metropolitan Division, behind Pittsburgh and Columbus.

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Taking into consideration the Eastern Conference, New York also was pegged behind Ottawa. Of course, we now know that neither Sid Crosby nor Geno Malkin could lift Pitt over the Nassaumen nor could the enormously-paid Johnny Gaudreau do diddly-squat to put the blue-faced Blue Jackets into a playoff berth.

And we all know by now that Ottawa ranks as winner of the fictitious -- but there should be one -- "Build-Up To A Letdown" prize.

This is another way of saying that the Islanders, in fact, did better than the experts figured.

And did so under challenging circumstances which you all know have been well-chronicled. Characteristically, the intrepid Isles overcame the wounds without whimper and made it to the Wild Card Finish Line.

I bring this up now because already -- yes, already -- the dim-viewers are forecasting cloudy skies for next season's Islanders without having the slightest idea about what changes could unfold between now and then at The Stable.

There are, however, things we do know about the team and they provide keys to the future. They tell us about the assets in hand and what might be obtainable by October.

For starters, the Isles gave Carolina a good run for its money. Were it not for a few mental errors -- unnecessary penalties -- the result could have been more favorable to the Elmonters.

And that they took two games from a tough, hard-checking Canes team that could actually march to The Cup, as THN had predicted. No, there's no need for skepticism from Isles fans.

Peering ahead, goaltending is set with Ilya Sorokin and the likelihood that not-so-old reliable Semyon Varlamov will return.

On the blue line, five of six spots are secured, with several youngsters looking to improve; and they should get better. Namely, Noah Dobson, Sam Bolduc, and Sebastian Aho.

If Scott Mayfield departs -- I hope not -- there'll be enough out there to fill the vacancy. And we all know that a power-play quarterback will be a priority. Nor is it impossible to find one.

With an energized Bo Horvat centering for a completely healthy Mathew Barzal, there'll be an immediate offensive boost compared to last October.

What's more, the Islanders figure to be deep at wing, thanks to a healthy Oliver Wahlstrom and swift Simon Holmstrom evolving. Prospects such as hulking right-wing William Dufour could make the big club along with Ruslan Iskhakov and Arnaud Duramdeau.

Granted, it's far too early to be forecasting which is why I dismiss out of hand those who see clouds that could roll by early in September.

What we do know is that THN's Yearbook made a good call on Edmonton and Carolina.

Plus, we know firsthand that the Isles in the first round came mighty close to dismissing the Canes from contention. Peering ahead, that point should not be forgotten.

Which is more than could be said for the superficially more romantic Senators, Penguins, and Blue Jackets!