Hope. Structure. Culture.
That’s what the New York Islanders have going for them as full training camp opened Friday. Hope that, you know, things are gonna work out...fueled by the fact a coach known for structure and defensive discipline — sorely needed — is in the house, and a legendary GM has arrived intent on weeding out bad habits (some very real, some very imagined) and building a new culture.
The expected pro roster...looks no better than last season’s disappointing 80-point squad, actually. But even though they lost their captain and second-leading scorer, they are buttressed by lots of competition for jobs and some promising prospects.