FanShot

WE ARE GOING TO MISS THE PLAYOFFS ( ? )

13

Well this should certainly come as no surprise really. The New York Islanders have been pretty much a non-factor in the Eastern Conference since the NHL lockout and that certainly doesn't appear as though it's going to change this season. After the retirement of their captain Doug Weight and the failed ballot initiative on August 1st that may have just condemned the franchise to relocation, things are looking just as bleak off the ice as they are on it. The Isles brought in very little significant talent from free agency and instead lost most of what little skill they had going into this summer to other teams with a much better chance at winning. In fact, pretty much the only things to look forward to for the Long Island team this year is their inevitable slug-fests with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the debut of a new third-jersey design that's yet to be released but might have been leaked. Either way, it's going to be another long season for the once-great Islanders team.