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Arizona Coyotes 2015 Opponents: NY Islanders

By William Grigsby

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The Arizona Coyotes want the success of the New York Islanders, and are trying to build through their young players.  

We look at how they stack up:

Today we look at: New York Islanders  

2014-15 record: 47-28-7, 3rd in the Metropolitan. Lost in seven games to Washington in the conference quarterfinals

How the Arizona Coyotes did against the Islanders last season: 2 games, 0-2-0

Schedule this year against the Arizona Coyotes: Mon 11/16  at Brooklyn, Sat 12/19 Home

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Team Newcomers:  G Thomas Greiss (former Coyote)

Now Ex-Players: C Tyler Kennedy, RW Colin McDonald, G Michal Neuvirth, D Lubomir Visnovsky

Coached by: Jack Capuano (6th year)

Who’s in Net:

The Islanders picked up Thomas Greiss to back up starter Jaroslav Halak.  Goaltending should be set

Quick thoughts about the Islanders:

  • They have this nice collection of players in John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Johnny Boychuk, and Nick Leddy, backed by solid goaltending. They will be one of the best teams in the East. Or will they?
  • They will get new digs to play in, moving to the brand new Barclay Center in Brooklyn. There’s something about playing in a new facility, it may help them win a couple games.
  • Their defense is lacking a little and if they get any major injuries, they could falter. Offense is strong.

Why the Islanders will win the Stanley Cup:

They really have enough talent to go far into the playoffs, with some youth, strong goaltending and a brand spanking new building to frolic in… no worries, right?

Why the Islanders won’t win the Stanley Cup:

If Leddy or Boychuck go down their defensive depth is lacking.

Three Things We Like About You:

  1. Al Arbour. He was everything a coach should be, and a classy guy. 
  2. John Tavares is a talented forward, whom we appreciate. We hope to have one of our own this season in Max Domi and/or Anthony Duclair. Exciting stuff.
  3. The new building always brings out fans who just want to see the amenities of the facility. Hey, you’ve got a pretty darn good hockey club too — enjoy both!

Three Things We Don’t Like About You:

  1. So, why aren’t you called the Brooklyn Islanders? You played in Long Island and now you don’t — how confusing.
  2. Josh Ho-Sang hasn’t even made the big team and already we don’t like him. He needs a reality check.
  3. That you spanked us 1-0, and 5-1 last season. This year you can marvel at our young prospects, and see how well you do against us.

Prediction:

The Islanders have every opportunity to be in the Eastern Conference Finals, and if you get that far you always have a chance to bring home the hardware. A team to watch for sure.

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