Record: 22-20-8, 52 points Conference Rank: 8th Division Rank: 4th Top Scorer: Kyle Okposo (10 goals, 23 assists, 33 points) Top Goalie: Dwayne Roloson (18 wins, 2.70 GAA) Midseason Grade: B-
The New York Islanders are one of the spunkiest teams in the NHL right now. Despite having a very young roster, and playing in the very tough Atlantic Division, the Isles have managed to stay in the playoff conversation with a well-balanced offense and some timely goaltending from veteran Dwayne Roloson.
Kyle Okposo, after a strong season last year, is leading the team in assists and points, while rookies Matt Moulson and John Tavares are both turning out to be offensive studs. Moulson is leading the team with 19 goals, while Tavares is certainly living up to his billing as a number one draft pick. Three other forwards on the Isles have at least 20 points, while veteran defenseman Mark Streit has 21 assists and 28 points.
As far as keeping the puck out of their own net, Dwayne Roloson has had a pretty good year for someone who was supposed to be washed up and nothing more than a fill-in for the injured Rick DiPietro. He shocked the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 58 save performance in a 4-3 overtime win earlier this year, and has lost only 7 games in 31 appearances. With DiPietro back from injury, Roloson will be pushed to continue his strong play, and that can’t do anything but help the Islanders’ playoff chances.