At the end of last season both the Blueshirts and the islanders missed the playoffs.
This new, upcoming, hockey year it could very well be that Mike Sullivan's skaters and the Elmonters will be trading punches to reach the postseason.
While Chris Drury has been rebuilding his dissension-torn, captain-less team, new Isles boss Mathieu Darche deftly has reassembled his roster. The acquisition of top first-round pick Matthew Schaefer is only one piece of a neatly constructed puzzle.
Zachary Weinstock, co-author of "Rangers-Islanders Rivalry," herewith warns Rangers fans why they should be worried about competition from the Nassaumen.Take it away, Zach:
"For starters, the "Berlin Wall" of Elmont has fallen," says Weinstock. "The Iron Curtain is lifted. The Islanders are now under new, different, management."
Some observers say it's a more progressive, post-Lamoroiello era.
Darche has made meaningful moves beginning with his decision to retain Patrick Roy and changing the team's culture.
"They've lost premiere players, no doubt," Zach goes on, "but let's not forget what this team is supposed to be when everyone is healthy. The engine still runs on three things:
1. Consistently decent goaltending;
2. Sound defense
3. The Borzal-Horvat combo."
Let's not forget that Barzal was out – for all intents and purposes – for the entire 2024-25 season. Likewise, Varlamov was missing for the critical last half of the season when the club still was intensely competing for a wild card berth.
Weinstock: "Barzal is still in his prime – at least age-wise – as are Bo and Ilya Sorokin. Add to that the fact that Holmstrom and Tsyplakov are trending upward. And there's a new Max from Russia – Shabanov – who is younger than Tsyplakov and produced even more in the KHL."
We'll miss Brock Nelson but he made his "Go West" choice and good luck to a good guy. There are talented guys poised to fill his role.
"In the defensive zone," Zach allows, "the Dobson loss costs nothing." (Dobber isn't too fond of you, either, Weinstock. Just so you know.)
What should stay the same is even strength play but special teams need major work. Zach: "There are correctable defects in their 'X's and '0's. The power play design has
been poorly conceived but now there are new assistants as well as Darche. There's reason to believe that the power play scheme will change. That has been the main issue weighing down the Isles."
Although Varlamov supposedly will be ready to start the season, his uncertain situation inspired Darche to move quickly and sign a commendable replacement in
David Rittich. Whether it be Varly or Davy, the backup situation is in good hands. Sorokin played way too many games last season simply because they didn't have anyone else.
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"I'm excited about the Islanders," Weinstock – who rations his excitement – concludes.
"They still have talent and under new management there's likely to be less stress around the team and better systems/schemes, especially on the special teams."
As for the claim that the team is "too old," Zach says that's humbug.
"Pelech and Pulock are both 31 and Pageau is turning 33. Don't tell me this team is too old. There's still good hockey left in those bodies. The team, as a group,. just needs better structure!"
As for the unfolding "Matthew Schaefer Story?" – that's a melodrama soon to unfold when he plays his first NHL games!