Ever since he came into the NHL in December of 2018, the New York Islanders expected big things from Devon Toews.
The hype around Toews had built up for a long time, much of it due to how much the former regime — headed by Garth Snow — saw him as the organization’s next great d-man. And through almost two seasons now, Toews has lived up to the billing.
As the Isles begin their first-round series against the Washington Capitals today, a lot of eyes will be focused squarely on the 26-year-old. Reason being he’s got all the intangibles that very much can make him the so-called x-factor for the Islanders.
This series though really plays right into Toews’ wheelhouse.
Toews style and skating ability are similar to what to expect from a very potent Capitals’ squad. Toews proficient backcheck and skill at joining the rush on offense is another dangerous proponent which could give the Caps defensemen fits. He being the QB on the power play, Toews’ quick puck movement could draw trouble for a Caps penalty kill, that despite being good in the regular season, can still be exposed.
Plus. while Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech will have their hands full with the Capitals’ top line, it will be Toews job to neutralize the rest of Washington’s prolific forwards.
To add to expecting another huge series from Toews — we witnessed last year’s postseason and in the qualifying round too just how much Toews plays into the Isles success.
Last spring, Toews suited up in all eight games in the playoffs for the Isles. He had a quiet, but very effective first series against Pittsburgh, which his team swept in four. But it was the next series where Toews made himself a household name. Despite the Islanders being swept by the Hurricanes, Toews was the team’s best all-around player in the series. He ended the playoffs with a goal and four assists.
That clutch nature was on display again against Florida last week. The argument can be made that Toews was the Islanders’ best d-man in the series. He tied with Ryan Pulock for most points by a d-man with four, and his contributions at even strength, on special teams and on the backend in helping shut down the Panthers’ lethal forwards, were crucial to the club taking care of business in just four games.
I wrote yesterday about Anders Lee needing time take his game to another level in this series. Well in regards to Toews, doing what he does best and the simple nature of his game could be critical the Islanders this series.
Toews could be a real game-changer as long as he doesn’t mock Evgeny Kuznetsov’s “bird cellyâ€. We all remember what happened afterward from that stunt.
All joking aside, he is capable of being the Islanders’ most important player.