Uncle Duke
Heads up, fellas!
I don't share your rosy outlook based on little more than wishful thinking and one good, but not spectacular, playoff game performance. Dobson will struggle with his defense as all young defensemen do in the NHL and offensively he will probably replace what Toews brought, perhaps a few points more. Our goaltending was fine last year until Pelech got hurt and then the team melted down in front of it. I suspect Sorokin would have been no better behind it then Greiss was. But goaltending and defense are still not really this team's problem and never were, scoring will again be limited putting a lot of pressure on a green, young defenseman and a goalie with no NHL experience (not to mention a probable rookie wing somewhere in the line up). Hopefully they can rise to the challenge but the Islanders can't get by on good defense and goaltending, it has to be exceptional, and it's asking a lot.We will be as strong or stronger in goal next year than we have been. Dobson is going to slip into the top four with little drama, and his offense will make a difference. The talent of these two new(ish in Dobson's case) are undeniable. I get that the rest of the puzzle does not look great, but neither of these players are lateral moves from last year.
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