7 Ways To Transform the New York Islanders into a Perennial Playoff Contender

When someone says to you "New York Islanders," what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the Pittsburgh Penguins-and-Isles brawl last Feburary?

Is it the abysmal trades that sent Roberto Luongo to the Florida Panthers or Zdeno Chara to Ottawa Senators?

Is it the atrocious fisherman jersey from 1995?

I'll tell you one thing for certain: It isn't quality hockey over the past decade.

However, things are about to change in Nassau County. The Isles are on the brink of a playoff appearance and if the Islanders can follow these seven steps it won't be a question about whether the Islanders can make the playoffs—it will be a question about how far they can go on an annual basis.

The Crease

Dipietro's the guy. Dipietro's not the guy. Dipietro's the guy.

The Islanders need to make up their mind in the crease. It has been goaltender musical chairs for the past four seasons. Eleven different goalies have started at least two games for the Isles the past four seasons.

Although they traded Roberto Luongo to acquire DP, and although they extended him for 14 seasons, you can’t justify having the fragile Dipietro as the starter.

He is 30 now and not getting any younger. Whether Al Montoya or Kevin Poulin will be the guy, the Isles need to pick one and move forward. If there is one trend to follow, it’s that all playoff powerhouses have consistent goaltending.

Size Does Matter

There has been a common theme to the 2011-12 season so far and that is forwards of opponents towering over the undersized defense of the young Islanders. The Islanders continue to get physically manhandled game in and game out.

With players like Michael Grabner, Kyle Okposo and John Tavares, the team is built on speed and skill. The team lacks size, strength and toughness, as evidenced by their league-leading 512 man games lost last season.

The turning point for the team last year was the series of brawls against the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 11, 2011. Unfortunately for the Islanders, they will need to figure out an alternative way to get tougher—one that won't cost them $100,000.

Fan Support

The Islanders cannot continue to play their home games with an empty arena. Does a new arena or fan support have a direct impact on how the team plays or decide a playoff spot? Probably not.

However, fan support does decide whether it is the Islanders becoming a consistent playoff contender or whatever Kansas City or Quebec choose to name the team.

Coaching Changes

I’m sorry, Jack Capuano is not the future coach of this organization. He can't be. Don’t get me wrong, neither was Scott Gordon or any recent coach of the Islanders.

Capuano’s facial expression never changes from start to finish during a game. You’d never be able to tell if he was winning or losing based on his facial expressions. By watching him you get the impression that he just doesn't care.

He might be a fit with a more veteran squad, but with such a young team, the Islanders need a more energetic coach, a coach that will light a fire under a team and have them play off his energy.

That's just something that Jack Capuano isn't capable of.

Defense Defense Defense

You’ve heard the old cliché—defense wins championships. The Islanders need a top-tier defenseman.

Here’s a fun fact: Since 2003, only one team has won the Stanley Cup that did not have a defenseman rostered in the All-Star game.

With what the Isles have built with John Tavares and friends, there is no question the Islanders have enough firepower to get in the playoffs. The questions lie on defense. You can’t win the Stanley Cup with just offense—just ask the Washington Capitals or Vancouver Canucks.

Trim the Fat

It’s no secret that not every draft pick you make will be playing in the All-Star game. It’s just known that some guys won’t live up to their potential.

The clock is ticking on players like Josh Bailey to make an impact, whether it’s in Nassau County or anywhere for that matter. As each day passes, they get older, decreasing their trade value. Just as important, with every game played they also take a way from a young player that could be a key piece to the team's future.

Patience

We know the expression—Rome wasn’t built in a day. Neither were the Detroit Red Wings or Pittsburgh Penguins. Now those teams are playoff powerhouses.

The Islanders stockpiled draft picks over the past few years, acquiring extra first-rounders in 2009 and 2010. Of draft picks from the past three seasons, only Nino Neiderreiter has gotten a taste of the NHL. Isles GM Garth Snow has laid down a solid foundation with John Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Michael Grabner. Management, the team and the fans need to have trust in what Snow is building.

Patience is a virtue but in this case, it is also a perennial playoff contender.