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The New York Islanders fit into that uncomfortable category of Geez, Im not really sure if theyre a team on the rise or just going in an ever-expanding circle. After making their second consecutive playoff experience and winning their first playoff series since 1993 last spring -- a six-game victory over the Atlantic Division champion?Florida Panthers?-- the Islanders cant afford to take a step back.The problem is, theres no real tangible indication this team is any better than it was last spring -- and, in fact, theres some widespread belief that it already might have regressed after losing key pieces Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen and Matt Martin.In a division in which everyone else seems to be on the rise, thats not good news. And if the Isles really arent poised to build on last seasons successes, how does that impact captain John Tavares, whose contract ends after the 2017-18 season? He already is the subject of no small amount of rumor vis-a-vis his next port of call.And thats all on the ice. Off the ice, the Islanders will begin their second season in Brooklyn still very much needing to clarify their long-term future at Barclays Center after a first year that can only charitably be called an up-and-down one in their new home.Biggest new facesIt is still more than a little mystifying why the Islanders decided early on that they werent going to re-up Okposo, who signed with the?Buffalo Sabres, but were willing to basically give a similar contract to Andrew Ladd, who is almost two years older. Ladd, who signed a seven-year deal worth $38.5 million, is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and the former captain of the Winnipeg Jets. Hell be a welcome addition to the Islanders locker room, but its a stretch to see him as a 30-goal guy. And the term of the deal (seven years) looks like itll be a killer -- and maybe sooner than later.Joining Ladd up front will be Jason Chimera, who is coming off a nice run in Washington -- although at some point the hard-skating 37-year-old is going to run out of gas, isnt he? Speaking of older players, 35-year-old?Dennis Seidenberg?parlayed a nice turn with Team Europe at the World Cup of Hockey into a one-year deal with the Islanders, whom hell help out on the blue line. But there was a reason why Seidenberg didnt fit with the?Boston Bruins, who were looking to get younger and more mobile on defense.Biggest unknownsWith Okposo and Nielsen (who signed with the?Detroit Red Wings)?gone, thats 116 points out of last years lineup that has to be replaced if the Isles are to continue flirting with being a top-10 offensive team (they were 11th last season). Ladd and Chimera will bring some offense, but which of the kids will step forward? Ryan Strome went from 17 goals two years ago to eight last season and was a healthy scratch at times in the playoffs. Josh Bailey, the ninth overall pick in the 2008 entry draft, has never hit the 20-goal plateau. He had 12 goals last season and just one in the playoffs. Shane Prince and Alan Quine were both impressive in the playoffs but have little NHL experience, while another top prospect, center Mathew Barzal, has impressed at camp for the second straight year.As for the goaltending, itll be interesting to see how the story unfolds this year after Thomas Greiss took over for an injured Jaroslav Halak and was excellent in guiding the Isles to the upset of the Panthers in the first round. Halak is healthy and was clutch for Team Europe, which he helped guide to the World Cup of Hockey finals. But the issue with Halak, as always, is durability -- and it would surprise no one if the Isles have to patch together their goaltending as the season moves along.Sure thingsWell, theres John Tavares. And thats as sure as it gets for the Islanders. He probably doesnt get the attention that guys like Jonathan Toews, Sidney Crosby or even Ryan Getzlaf do, but Tavares is one of the premier two-way centers in the game and works tirelessly to make himself the most complete player he can be. He was terrific playing out of position for Team Canada, which tells you how humble he is, and he will continue to set the tone in the dressing room for an Islanders team that he basically carried single-handedly into the second round last spring.PredictionLots of teams are trending north in the Metropolitan Division. Im just not sure the Islanders are one of them. Seventh in the Metropolitan Division. Marqise Lee Womens Jersey .Y. - Detroit goaltender Jonas Gustavsson has earned NHL first star of the week honours after winning in his first three appearances of the season. Ryquell Armstead Jersey . "I was fortunate to play many years at this level with a great organization and unbelievable teammates," said Hejduk in a statement. http://www.officialjacksonvillejaguarspro.com/Chris-conley-jaguars-jersey/ . Their 38th instalment is arguably their biggest fight card to date, including three-title fights and a main event which was selected by the fans. The promotion boasts 14-straight years of business and is operated by MFC president Mark Pavelich, who is often overlooked in this country for the foundation hes established for MMA in Canada. Telvin Smith Jaguars Jersey . While hell be dialed in to that tournament on a course he loves, you can forgive him if his eyes glance down the calendar just a bit, towards April. Quincy Williams II Jersey . -- The Bishops Gaiters are showing they belong among the countrys top varsity football teams. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- One day after Thanksgiving, Nashvilles forwards were thankful for Mike Fishers generosity.Colin Wilson and Ryan Johansen scored twice, Fisher added three assists and Nashville beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-1 on Friday night.James Neal also scored and Pekka Rinne made 22 saves for Nashville, winners of three straight. The Predators continued their home dominance, improving to 8-1-1.Right now, I think our guys are doing a good job defensively, and because of that, good things are happening offensively, Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. Were getting out of our end, were making good decisions through the neutral zone, that allows us to play in the offensive zone.Wilson snapped a 12 game goal drought.Tonight I was just going back door and Fish was finding me, so Im thankful for that, Wilson said. He was making great plays. When he is seeing the ice like that and you know that a player is on, it is nice to be playing with. You know if you get to an area, hes going to get it to you.Dustin Byfuglien scored for Winnipeg. The Jets concluded their five-game trip, losing all five games. They scored just six goals and allowed 20 on the trip.When things start snowballing, sometimes its tough to reverse course, Jets captain Blake Wheeler said. I think we just kind of have our game in neutral right now. Weve got to kick it into overdrive.Byfuglien opened the scoring with 5:14 remaining in the opening period. His wrist shot from the right point deflected off of Wilsons stick and beat Rinne high to the glove side. After getting his skate tangled with Fisher, Rinne fell forward as the puck sailed over his shoulder.Wilson tied it at 5:39 of the second. Fisher had the puck on the right boards near the faceoff circle and sent a pass to Wilson in front, where he had an easy tap-in for his third of the season. The three assists equaled a career high for Nashvilles captain.Were just going to have to play fairly close to perfect mentally, Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice said. That first goal that we gave up, weve got two gguys behind the net.dddddddddddd We just cant. We dont have that margin for error right now.Johansen followed 1:08 later on the power play.Fisher sent a pass from the right faceoff dot to Johansen at the left dot, where he beat goalie Connor Hellebuyck with a one-timer. Hellebuyck finished with 25 saves.Rinnes toughest stop came against fellow Finn Patrik Laine at 9:29 of the second. Rinne was able to kick away Laines snap shot from the right side.He has such a great shot, Rinne said of his World Cup teammate. That was his only chance tonight. They didnt have much to be honest with you. We played a solid game.Neal made it 3-1 with 2:06 remaining in the second on the power play.With 2 seconds remaining in major boarding penalty assessed to Winnipegs Brandon Tanev, Neals wrist shot from the left faceoff dot sailed toward the Jets net. In the slot, Jets defenseman Mark Stuart tried to swat the puck out of midair, but tipped it over Hellebuycks shoulder and into the net.Neal did not return to the ice following the second period. The team announced the he was out with an upper-body injury.Tanevs penalty was committed against Nashvilles Colton Sissons, who did not return to the game following the hit.Laviolette did not have an update on Neal or Sissons following the game.Wilson scored his second of the game at 2:13 of the third and Johansen struck again at 8:15.Game notes Predators D Ryan Ellis missed the game with an upper-body injury. He was replaced by Anthony Bitetto, who missed Nashvilles last 18 games with an upper-body injury sustained in the season opener. ... Nashville has scored at least one power-play goal in each of its last four games. ... The Jets are 3-12-1 when trailing after two periods this season. ... The Jets have allowed 32 goals in the second period this season while scoring just 14 of their own in the middle frame.UP NEXT: The teams will meet again Sunday in Winnipeg. ' ' '