The NHL season could not have come at a better time, and just in time for many New Yorkers. With the Mets and Yankees falling flat on their faces and missing the playoffs, and already into week 5 and the Jets and the Giants playoff hopes all but dashed, New Yorkers now can fully turn their attention to the ice. The Islanders and Rangers not only represent the elite superstars in the sport, but also some pretty solid odds to make it to the playoffs, and beyond.
The Rangers open the season at +410 to win the division, 10 to 1 to win the conference and 15 to 1 to hoist Lord Stanley's Cup this year. Their over/under for wins is set at 102 1/2. This team is built to win and win now, but their window for a cup seems to be getting smaller. New York of course is led by their outstanding goalie in Shesterkin, and a slew of superstars like Kreider, Fox, Panarin and Zibanejad. The problem is that they did lose the star power that they believed was needed to make a run last season, and the questions remain can they make up for that.
Shesterkin is still the rock, and although he couldn't replicate what he did the year before he still had a .916 save percentage and ranked inside the top 10 in many categories. He also should have more help this year as this defense grows some and should be in the top half of the league with K’Andre Miller and Jacob Troub helping Fox create more breathing room. As for the offense, that is where this team should excel. They actually struggled at full strength, but dominated the power play chances. They would like to keep that power play dominance, but need to become a top 10 scoring threat in 5 on 5 situations if they want to take the next step this season.
The Islanders are a similar story. A great goaltender with a solid one sided team that needs the second portion to step up. The Isles have some solid odds for a team that can make a good run. They are +900 to win the division, +1800 for the conference and +4500 to win it all. For a team with a team total wins of 91 1/2 those are some juicy odds if you believe in the Isles.
That belief all starts between the pipes with Ilya Sorokin who proved to be the best goaltender in the league last season becoming a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. His 2.34 goals-against average and .924 save percentage were fantastic and not a product of just great defense. That defense however is the backbone of this team. They play slow, play tough, and frustrate their opponents in the new style of high flying NHL hockey. There should be no doubts that the defense and goaltending will be back to play the most pivotal role on this team.
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