After finishing the 2010-11 season with a 30-39-13 overall record the New York Islanders look to prove to the world that they can compete.

Not only that they can compete, but that they are a team to watch out for. As the young-guns on the Island look to lead the squad to a possible Stanley Cup Playoff run. It’ll be the first time since 2007, that the squad has made a run for the most coveted title in sports.

Here is a look at the guys looking to lead this talented squad to a more successful season:

Brian Rolston:  A four-time 30-goal scorer, who is closing in on 1,200 games will lead the Isles’ power play, after a comeback season with the Devils. Brian will provide a veteran presence along with a great goal-scoring touch to the squad this season.

Michael Grabner: After having a Calder Trophy-type season, Grabner led the Isles with 34 goals. The winger tallied six of those goals in shorthanded situations, and two in power play situations.

Kyle Okposo: The forward missed several months with a shoulder injury, returned to the team looking strong at the end of the season, finishing with 20 points. If the youngster can avoid injury he will be a key part to both the offense as well as the power play.

The biggest question and concern for fans of the Isles’ is who will be the net minder this season? As of now it’ll be a competition between Al Montoya and Rick DiPietro. After being acquired by Phoenix in February Montoya was impressive in his starts.

Montoya finished with a 9-5-5 record with a 2.39 GAA, along with a .921 save percentage in 20 games with the Islanders. As for DiPietro the concern as always is the ability to stay healthy.

Nathan Lawson is now signed with the Montreal Canadiens, and Evgeni Nabokov is still Islanders’ property. As of now Nabokov is intending to attend training camp, weather the net minder will make an impact is still to be determined.

The team announced yesterday that single game tickets go on sale August 26, with the first preseason game of the season slated in Boston, as they face reigning Stanley Cup champs the Boston Bruins on September 23.

Written on August 18, 2011