The Islanders are approaching the seventh season under president and general manager Lou Lamoriello, and they are entering their first complete season with coach Patrick Roy. Having suffered elimination in the first round of the playoffs for two consecutive years, they have not secured a playoff series victory since 2021.
Despite this, Lamoriello maintains his confidence in the core group of players and opted against making significant changes during the offseason.
As training camp kicks off on Thursday, five critical questions arise ahead of the Islanders’ regular-season opener against Utah at UBS Arena on October 10:
1. When will Ilya Sorokin be back on the ice with the team?
While it’s not essential for the franchise goalie to be present on the opening day of training camp, it is crucial for Sorokin to be ready for the season opener. Lamoriello has informed that Sorokin is dealing with an upper-body injury sustained during offseason training, and he may miss the beginning of camp. He expressed no immediate concerns about Sorokin’s readiness for the season, but did not provide a timeline for recovery. Much of the Islanders’ success hinges on Sorokin, who is entering the first year of an eight-year, $66 million contract. After finishing as the Vezina runner-up in 2023, Sorokin had a disappointing 2022-2023 season with a 25-19-12 record, a lofty 2.99 goals-against average, and a subpar .909 save percentage. By the end of the postseason, Roy opted to start Semyon Varlamov in four of the five playoff games and pulled Sorokin from his Game 3 start.
2. What roles will free-agent signings Anthony Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov play?
In all likelihood, the speedy Duclair, who inked a four-year, $14 million contract, will join center Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal on the top line and contribute to the power play. Meanwhile, the sizable Tsyplakov, who finished fourth in the KHL last season with 31 goals, is expected to secure a bottom-six position and possibly earn opportunities on special teams. However, there’s a chance that Tsyplakov could rival for a spot on the wing of second-line center Brock Nelson. His adaptation to the smaller North American rink will be a determining factor; he displayed commendable physicality during prospect camp and enjoys playing near the net. Duclair, entering his ninth team, has moved up and down the lineup throughout his ten-year career but has only surpassed 23 goals once.
3. What other positional competitions are unfolding?
The Islanders are in search of a seventh defenseman following Robert Bortuzzo’s signing with Utah. Samuel Bolduc, who played 34 games last season, needs to demonstrate progress to secure his spot on the roster. Oliver Wahlstrom, the 11th overall pick in 2018, is still seeking to prove he can be more than a mere sharpshooter on the wing after only playing 32 games last season. Casey Cizikas, a veteran fourth-line center, concluded last season as a top-line winger; the question remains on his role now that Kyle MacLean has performed well in his previous position. Wingers Hudson Fasching and Julien Gauthier are among those vying for consistent playing time, although it is likely that only one of them will clinch a roster spot.
4. Is there a chance for Matt Martin to make the team?
The veteran forward, who has spent many seasons with the Islanders, did not secure a contract during the offseason as an unrestricted free agent and will attend training camp on a professional tryout offer. Last season, his twelfth with the Islanders and fourteenth was challenging as he recorded four goals, four assists, and 43 penalty minutes across 57 games, dressing for only three of the five playoff contests. At 35, Martin may no longer be a player for every game. However, the Islanders currently lack anyone else on the roster who excels at protecting teammates or who possesses the imposing size that can intimidate opponents. The main question will be how much the organization values that aspect.
5. Is improvement expected for the penalty kill?
Simply put, it must improve. The Islanders posted the worst penalty kill in the NHL last season, operating at just 71.5%, while the Hurricanes led with an 86.4% success rate. Unsurprisingly, former assistant coach Doug Houda was let go. Former Devil Tommy Albelin has been brought in to oversee the unit. A fresh perspective is likely needed to rejuvenate and restructure the penalty kill unit, especially since many of the same players will be involved. Cal Clutterbuck, a key contributor to the penalty killing unit, will not return as he remains an unrestricted free agent, marking a loss for the team. However, Tsyplakov has experience in that role in the KHL. Additionally, a stronger performance from Sorokin will be crucial for improvement.
Five Key Questions Facing the Islanders as They Prepare for the 2023-24 Season
The New York Islanders are gearing up for the 2023-24 NHL season, and with the excitement comes a flurry of questions that will shape the team’s performance in the upcoming year. As fans and analysts alike speculate on the team’s direction, we explore five key questions that could significantly impact the Islanders’ success.
1. How Will the Islanders Address Their Offensive Struggles?
One of the most pressing issues for the Islanders has been their offensive output. In the previous season, the team struggled to score consistently, ranking among the lower tiers in goals per game. To tackle this, several questions emerge:
- Will the Islanders pursue any key free agents to enhance their forward depth?
- Can younger players step up to fill the scoring void?
- How will the coaching staff adjust offensive strategies to promote more scoring opportunities?
As the management evaluates potential trades and acquisitions, the focus will be on adding players who can contribute to a more dynamic offensive lineup. This could include bolstering the power play unit and ensuring that star players remain healthy and productive.
2. Who Will Be the Starting Goaltender?
The Islanders have a solid goaltending duo, but the question remains: who will be the starting goaltender for the 2023-24 season? The following points are key considerations:
- Will Ilya Sorokin continue to be the backbone of the Islanders’ defense?
- Can Semyon Varlamov reclaim his starting role after battling injuries?
- What impact will the goaltending decisions have on team chemistry and performance?
A strong goaltending performance is crucial for the Islanders, especially given their defensive style of play. Head coach Lane Lambert will need to make strategic decisions regarding ice time and matchups to ensure they have the best chances of winning each game.
3. How Will the Islanders Handle Their Defensive Pairings?
Defensive consistency has been a hallmark of the Islanders’ recent success. With potential changes in personnel and form, the following questions arise:
- Who will fill the top defensive roles alongside established players like Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech?
- Can new acquisitions or younger players adapt quickly to the Islanders’ defensive system?
- How will injuries affect the overall defensive strategy?
As the coaching staff assesses their options, balanced defensive pairings will be essential to the Islanders’ success. Here’s a look at their projected defensive pairings:
| Defenseman 1 | Defenseman 2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Pulock | Adam Pelech | Top pair; strong two-way play |
| Scott Mayfield | Alexander Romanov | Physical presence and shot-blocking |
| Johannnessen | To be determined | Young prospect; potential for growth |
4. Can the Islanders Maintain Team Chemistry?
Team chemistry can make or break a season. As the Islanders prepare for 2023-24, they face several questions regarding their locker room dynamics:
- Will new additions integrate smoothly with existing players?
- How will the leadership group respond to any changes in the lineup?
- What role will veterans play in fostering a cohesive environment?
Maintaining team chemistry is vital for the Islanders as they aim for a deep playoff run. Having a core of players who have worked together for several seasons can help in adjusting to any new faces on the roster, nurturing a sense of unity and shared purpose.
5. What Are the Playoff Aspirations for the 2023-24 Season?
With a new season comes fresh hopes for the playoffs. The Islanders will be looking to build on their previous seasons and aim for a strong postseason showing. Key questions include:
- What are the realistic expectations for the Islanders this season?
- How will they handle the pressure of playoff aspirations throughout the regular season?
- Are there specific matchups they need to prepare for based on last season’s performances?
To achieve playoff success, the Islanders must focus on consistency, resilience, and the ability to adapt their game plan based on their opponents. The following table summarizes their potential playoff trajectory:
| Key Factor | Importance | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Goal Differential | High | Direct correlation with winning percentage |
| Power Play Efficiency | Medium | Can change momentum in tight games |
| Injury Management | High | Key players must stay healthy for success |
Benefits of Addressing These Questions
By focusing on these key questions, the Islanders can take proactive steps to enhance their performance for the 2023-24 season:
- Improved offensive strategies can lead to higher goal production, making games more competitive.
- Solidifying goaltending roles ensures stability at the back end, contributing to overall confidence.
- Strong defensive pairings can minimize scoring chances against, creating a more balanced game plan.
- Fostering team chemistry can lead to better on-ice communication and performance.
- Setting clear playoff aspirations can motivate players to perform at their best throughout the season.
Practical Tips for Fans
As fans of the Islanders, here are some practical tips to stay engaged this upcoming season:
- Follow official team updates on social media to stay informed about player performances and team news.
- Attend games to create an electric atmosphere that boosts the players’ morale.
- Participate in fan forums or discussions to share your thoughts on team strategies and gameplay.
- Engage with community events hosted by the team to strengthen your connection with the Islanders.
First-Hand Experiences
Many fans have shared their experiences attending games, noting the impact of team chemistry and player performances on the overall atmosphere. Engaging with fellow fans creates a sense of belonging and excitement as the Islanders embark on their 2023-24 journey.
as the New York Islanders prepare for the upcoming season, answering these five key questions will be essential in determining their success. With strategic planning, focused execution, and unwavering fan support, the Islanders can make a significant impact and aim for the playoffs this year.
