Three key storylines for the Islanders in 2022-23
Mathew Barzal #13 of the Islanders skates during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at UBS Arena on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. Credit: Jim McIsaac
1. Fast start: The Islanders essentially fell out of playoff contention by December last season because of COVID-19 absences and a 13-game season-opening road trip while UBS Arena was completed. This season, the Islanders open with a four-game homestand and six of nine at UBS Arena in October. They have to grab as many points as they can because November brings 10 of 15 on the road.
2. Barzal’s ceiling: One of new coach Lane Lambert’s main mandates is to coax more production from Mathew Barzal. He has not topped 62 points in four seasons after notching 85 as a rookie as he was asked to balance his offensive instincts with more attention to defense.
3. Success after 60 minutes: The Islanders went 37-35-10 last season, finishing 16 points out of a playoff spot. That would have been closer had they not gone 1-4 in overtime and 2-6 in shootouts.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
