Schwartz: Off Second-Round Debacle, Islanders Brace For Busy Offseason

By Peter Schwartz
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Losing stinks, especially when you really had a chance to win.

That's kind of the general feeling surrounding the Islanders following Sunday's season-ending 4-0 loss to the Lightning in Game 5 of the second round of the playoffs.

After a second straight 100-point regular season and their first postseason series win in 23 years, the Islanders' postseason run went off the rails against a more experienced team.

But that doesn't mean the Isles couldn't have done more. The series loss is tough because they were less than a minute away from winning Game 3 at Barclays Center but lost track of Nikita Kucherov in the slot and then quickly fell in overtime. They blew a third-period lead in Game 4 before losing that one in OT as well.

A five-game loss is a five-game loss, but the series could easily have gone the other way.

This one won't be easy to get over.

MORE: Schwartz: Ranking The Worst Playoff Losses In Islanders History

That said, though, when you put the entire season into perspective, the Islanders took a major step forward under very challenging circumstances. In a season where they transitioned to their new home in Brooklyn, marketed the team to a new community, suffered through some peaks and valleys, and dealt with key injuries, the Isles reached triple digits in points in back to back seasons for the first time since their Stanley Cup dynasty years.

And that brings us to the next step. Will they take it? There is reason to be both optimistic and cautious about the future of the Islanders.

There is a feeling that both general manager Garth Snow and head coach Jack Capuano will return and they should. They've certainly received plenty of criticism from fans, but how do you let them go after the last two seasons? Even with new ownership set to assume control in the days to come, I expect the top brass to be back.

In John Tavares, the Islanders have one of the best players in the NHL, but the captain needs some help. The goaltending depth is strong as evidenced by the fact that New York really didn't miss a beat in net after Jaroslav Halak's severe groin injury. With Thomas Greiss, Jean-Francois Berube and Christopher Gibson, the Islanders will head into the summer four deep between the pipes.

There are some concerns going forward that will have to be addressed sooner rather than later. This offseason could potentially be one of the most eventful in franchise history and the events that take place, or don't take place, will certainly have an impact on the direction this team goes.

OWNERSHIP CHANGE

In July, majority ownership of the Islanders will officially shift from Charles Wang to Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin. Wang will retain a minority stake in the team, but it remains to be seen just how the switch will impact how the Islanders spend money and what their general philosophy will be concerning the infusion of prospects and adding more experience.

Fans have to be hoping that Ledecky and Malkin will want to make a big splash like Wang did with the acquisitions of Alexi Yashin, Michael Peca, and Chris Osgood prior to the 2001-02 season. Big names like Steven Stamkos and Taylor Hall would be very attractive targets for the new owners, so we'll see what happens.

The thought process of the new owners will also impact who stays and who goes from the current roster.

WILL THE ISLANDERS DROP THE HAMMER?

When news of Travis Hamonic's trade request last offseason came to light it shocked the fan base, though the Isles knew about it for some time. Though the rugged defenseman stayed the whole season, there hasn't been any indication that he's changed his mind about wanting to be dealt closer to his western Canada home. The Isles are not obligated to move him, and my guess is that they will try to sell him on staying, using the trajectory the team is on and the injection of life and money the new ownership can infuse.

If he still wants to go, the Islanders will try again to find a trade partner that will bring them back the value they deserve. But if they can't find anything they like, they'll be back to square one. My gut feeling is that Hamonic will be on the Islanders roster when training camp starts.

The whole hockey world knows he wants to leave. That won't make it easy for the Islanders to swing a deal.

FREE AGENTS

Before the Islanders ponder adding some new faces they have to figure out just how many players from this season's roster will be back in orange and blue (and black and white). The list of unrestricted free agents includes Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen, Matt Martin, Marek Zidlicky, and Brian Strait.

I think it's safe to say that Zidlicky and Strait will not be back, but what about the other three?

My preference is to keep that fourth line intact, so I think the Islanders will target Martin first. I think it's important to bring him back. He's a fan favorite and led the NHL in hits again this past regular season. He has found a home on Long Island and is dating Boomer Esiason's daughter, Sydney, so it would be safe to assume he'd like to stay. But what if Boomer's Rangers throw some money at him? Hmmmm.

I think Okposo will get many offers on the open market, including from his hometown Minnesota Wild, perhaps making his price too rich for the Islanders. If they can get him back on their terms, I believe the Islanders will try to sign him, but they will likely wait and see what kind of money will be thrown his way.

Ultimately, I think we've seen the last of KO in an Islanders sweater.

As far as Nielsen is concerned, I'd be careful if I'm the Islanders. He's 32 and can still be a productive player. He's not as automatic as he used to be in the shootout but still would be in the Isles' top three. I'd make him a good offer, but I wouldn't go nuts to bring him back.

During the early stages of the regular season, the controversy was about train schedules, goal horns, security, and watching warmups. As the days moved along, the focus shifted to hockey and for good reason. The Islanders were in the middle of another good season and Barclays Center turned into their home.

The Tavares double-overtime series-winning goal against the Panthers was the signature moment in a season that was certainly a step in the right direction. But the progression will only continue if the team makes the necessary moves to improve.

Buckle up for a busy next few months.

Don't forget to follow Pete on Twitter @pschwartzcbsfan