=====ISLANDERS=====

Season Review
The Islanders took huge steps this past season and surprised many people. At the start of the season, I believe they were even leading the Atlantic Division for a short time. Much of this success was due to Charles Wang's crazy experiment: making Rick DiPietro happy (and signing him to a 15 year guaranteed contract). Jason Blake had a career year and made himself a common name on every GM's UFA wishlist this summer. Even Alexei Yashin
showed flashes of brilliance early on until an injury sidelined him for a bit. Acquiring Ryan Smyth was a huge move at the deadline and allowed the Islanders to make the playoffs for the first time in many years.

Offseason Needs
Resigning Blake and Smyth will take priority since the Islanders are more of a heart n' soul gritty team rather than one with a lot of finesse. In a division that includes Martin Brodeur, Henrik Lundqvist, and MA Fleury, the addition of scoring should be emphasized. Buying out Yashin's contract leaves the Islanders weak down the middle and they should look at adding a scoring center or two. The deadline acquisition of MA Bergeron shored up their need for an offensive defensemen and helped their PP. With their starting goaltending issues shored up for the next decade and a half, perhaps the Islanders should shop for a capable backup which would ensure DiPietro lasting that long.

Outlook next season
It seems to be tougher and tougher to make the playoffs this year (thank you very much for parity, Mr Bettman), but the Islanders should be in the hunt for the #6 - #8 seed next spring if they can improve their offense and DiPietro plays like he did last season. The Islanders have some solid depth, but no star power to help them get past the 1st rd of the playoffs.