The return of New York Islanders forward Mat Barzal in mint condition is all you need to know. One way or another that will be a boost for Bo Horvat not to mention the power play.
Crystal balls are for chandeliers.
Ouija boards are for dreamers.
That leaves The Maven with reality and what better subject to be real about but the 2023-24 New York Islanders. But before going forward, let's take one last look backward.
At the beginning of last season, the Islanders were picked to finish fifth in the Metropolitan Division.
By last February their playoff chances were somewhere between null and void.
Promising young teams such as Ottawa and Buffalo figured to once and for all make the postseason.
Washington had Ovie, Philly had Torts and Columbus was bragging about snagging Johnny Hockey. Pittsburgh figured it would be a snap with Sid,
Gino and Letang.
Nothing! That's what they got at the Playoff gate.
All in all, the Isles beat out eight teams and made it. Plus, let's not kid ourselves, with a break here and there they could have knocked off the Canes.
Right now the Isles playoff core remains and here are some optimistic tidbits.
1. GOALTENDING: Whether Varly returns or not, the club is set in goal with Ilya Sorokin. He's all-world and can handle the workload. Lou Lamoriello calls him the key cog. He'll arrive motivated and in the prime of his career.
2. HEALTH AND CHEMISTRY: The return of Mat Barzal in mint condition is all you need to know. One way or another that will be a boost for Bo Horvat not to mention the power play. A healthy Alex Romanov will be a big asset on defense. His role will widen now that he's had a full season under his belt in New York. Speaking of chemistry, the line of Pierre Engvall, Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri will be together and in A-1 shape.
3. YOUTH ARRIVING: At his press briefing Lou stressed that a few members of the Kitty Korps should be ready for The Show. Right wing Simon Holmstrom, defenseman Sam Bolduc and right wing William Dufour all bear watching,
The Isles becoming a young, faster squad isn't as far away as people think. They'll push the vets at camp and one or two could make the big club.
4. PLUS PLUSSES: Barzal will be pushed to play to a higher level and will respond with his best year yet. After a full training camp, he and Horvat will boost their chemistry levels. Bo will come back a more rejuvenated player.
Take heart, Islanders fans; I'm not kidding.