New York Rangers: Re-ranking the Metropolitan Division

New York Islanders

Record: 43 GP 21-18-4, 46 points

The New York Islanders come in just above the Flyers for two main reasons. One is the quality of defense, and the other is the level of play this season. Overall, the Islanders have played better than the Flyers insofar.

The Islanders have a strong, balanced group of forwards, headlined by John Tavares and Jordan Eberle. They’re rounded out by youngsters Matthew Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier, along with veterans Andrew Ladd, Anders Lee, and Brock Nelson, to form a solid top nine. The Isles also have a solid defense, but are let down by their goaltending.

The Islanders’ defense is led by a strong top four, featuring Johnny Boychuk, Nick Leddy, Calvin de Haan, and Ryan Pulock. The Islanders’ defense is let down by its goaltending, though. They rely on a tandem of Thomas Greiss and Jaroslav Halak, a pairing which only seems to play well against their cross-town rivals.