Though the events of July 1 delivered a gut-punch to the New York Islanders and forced Lou Lamoriello and company to shift to “Plan B” after some puzzling and criticized signings — there just might be a method to the madness after all.
Last season, the Isles’ top-six had a record year. Anders Lee scored 40 goals, Josh Bailey had a second-consecutive career-high season, Mathew Barzal‘s 85-point rookie season won him the Calder Trophy, Jordan Eberle surged back to form, and Anthony Beauvillier roared back from the AHL scoring at about a 30 goal, 60 point pace and nailing 20 goals for the season.