The New York Islanders will have their hands full with the Vancouver Canucks tonight.
Once upon a time, when the Vancouver Canucks came to town, it was good for either a yawn or "I'll pass on that!"
But now?
Nay, nay, and NAY!
After routing the Rangers 6-3 last night at The Garden, these formidable Canucks have become the most surprising winning team in the National Hockey League. And they'll be invading UBS Arena tonight to face the New York Islanders.
Yes, you read it right. I said "surprising" because they were picked to finish sixth in the Pacific Division by no less than an authority by The Hockey News Yearbook.
"This was going to be a rebuild year," wrote Canucks beat reporter Ben Kuzma.
Some rebuild.
As of last night's win in Manhattan, tonight's visitors are tied with the Rangers and Jets for most NHL wins.
Elias Pattersson, who had a career year last season, is playing Hart Trophy hockey and Thatcher Demko is giving them Vezina Trophy-type goaltending..
"Breaking briskly from the gate would set the tone nicely," added Kuzma.
Well, the tone has been set, and it will be interesting to see how coach Lane Lambert blueprints an Isles win.
And speaking of coaches, one very good reason why Vancouver is playing stratospheric hockey is behind the Canucks bench. My Vancouver scout -- tells me that Rick Tocchet is Chapter One in the success story.
Rick introduced a more structured team game.
Yeah, the Canucks finished out of the playoffs but with a respectable 30-22-5 run under Tocchet. He's proven to be the right man for the job.
"He's a good communicator, and the players seem to enjoy playing for him. Props have to be given to Adam Foote and Sergei Gonchar for doing wonders with the defense and the special teams."
Of course, Norris Trophy favorite these days has to be Quinn Hughes who figures to have an astronomical plus-minus at the rate he's soaring.
"Filip Hronek has been a godsend for Hughes, and Tyler Myers is having his best season as a Canuck," my confidant concludes.
The conclusion for the Islanders re Canucks is: Beware, Islanders, Beware!