Are the Islanders Closer to Being This Good Already?

During the preseason, after getting a glimpse of Moulson knocking the puck in the net, I started thinking that perhaps he should be on the line with Tavares (in addition to Okposo of course).  I also started thinking that Moulson could be a 30 goal scorer.

Now Moulson may be on that pace, but where did Tambellini come from?  All these games of minimal scoring and now he’s on fire—six goals in the last five games to tie Moulson for the team lead in scoring.  Nielsen had a little two-goal outburst the other night, as well.

Before these last three wins against solid contenders the Rangers, Capitals and Sabres, I thought that the Islanders were right where they needed to be this season—interesting to watch, tight games, solid goaltending, but not winning enough games putting them in position for a great draft pick and perhaps trading one of the goalies for a second first rounder.  The Islanders with one great scoring line could then draft to build another scoring line to give them the extra goal or two they needed to win all these close games.  But in these last few games ending the first month of the 2009 season, other Islander players that could not score in the past are now finding the net in bursts.  Why?

Moulson, Okposo and Tavares generate a lot of shots (40 or more each in 13 games) and scoring opportunities, perhaps wearing more on the energy and effectiveness of opposing defense and goaltending that previously could completely shut down the Islanders offensively.  Is having these three high point (each have 10), high presence players breaking down defenses allowing other players with the potential we kept hearing about, such as Tambellini and Nielsen, to break through and score?  It might be.  Are these three inspiring their fellow teammates?  Perhaps. 

Obviously the Islanders need more pieces to the puzzle, but maybe Snow along with his excellent coaching pick Gordon are closer than we think.  It would be nice for Islanders to generate hope in making the playoffs, but if the Islanders obtain great draft picks next June, it would be really interesting to see how good this young Islanders team can be.