Before the season started, one of the biggest questions was whether New York Islanders Josh Bailey and Anders Lee – John Tavares’ old linemates – would be able to continue their two years of excellence without the playmaking center between them.
I always felt that the reason Lee took such a step up was more due to Bailey than Tavares. No slight on Tavares’ skill, but from my memory his easiest goals were always the work of Josh Bailey.
Early season returns were good, and have maintained quality, with both players taking a small step back in point production (as was expected in the Barry Trotz system), but they have often not been paired on the same forward line.