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Analysis

NHL Power Rankings: Eastern Conference Taking Control

By Colin Likas
Nov 21, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate an empty net goal by center Derek Stepan (middle) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The New York Rangers celebrate an empty net goal by center Derek Stepan (middle) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the PPG Paints Arena. The Rangers won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) shoots the puck against New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) shoots the puck against New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 30: New York Islanders

Previous: 23rd

Season record: 5-8-4 (14 points)

One of the league darlings in previous seasons, New York is back where it was prior to achieving darling status: floundering in the NHL basement. Turns out letting Kyle Okposo walk wasn’t the best decision. Though the young forward wouldn’t be saving New York on his own this season.

I was actually looking for a reason not to put the Islanders in this spot, but they have the fewest wins in the league, and they’ve earned one point out of a possible 10 on the road thus far.

It’s not like there aren’t good pieces here, but having John Tavares (13 points) and Brock Nelson (12) as your only players in double digits 17 games into the season is clearly a problem.

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