The 2024-2025 NHL season was a disappointing season for many of the Islanders, but one bright spot was the overall play of Anders Lee.
Before last season, Lee began training with Adam Oates, and it immediately paid off. I believe Lee had one of his most consistent years, while his legs and speed bursts looked better than ever. His skating ability took a massive leap this past season, which gives him another edge when it comes to winning loose puck battles. Lee is coming off a 29-goal, 25-assist, 54-point season while being a +3. He has made a living being a physical presence in front of the net, which can provide net front screens, collecting rebounds, and finishing plays in and around the net.
Now add in a healthy Mathew Barzal, and these two could be a very effective duo heading into next season, assuming they are reunited on a line. After listening to Barzal on the Fore Play Podcast, Barzal spoke on creating chances by using his skating ability and trying to sell a shot and make a pass. One player has the ability to create open space, to get the puck to the net, while the other can establish body positioning in front of the net and cause havoc.
Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Islanders | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
During the 2024-2025 NHL season, Lee had his career high in shots on goal. Over the last four years, his total shots on goal were:
2024-2025=232
2023-2024=185
2022-2023=214
2021-2022=159
Advanced Line Combination Analysis:
Here are the top 4 line combinations (based on time on ice) last year, that included Anders Lee according to Dobber Sports Frozen Tools.
Line combo 1: Lee-Horvat-Pageau
Buffalo Sabres v New York Islanders | Andrew Mordzynski/GettyImages
-175:50 TOI
-Goals for- 8
-Goals against- 6
-Shot attempts for- 194
-Shot attempts against-178
This line is slightly out scoring and out chancing opponents.
Line combo 2: Lee-Horvat-Palmieri
New York Islanders v Philadelphia Flyers | Scott Taetsch/GettyImages
-135:01 TOI
-Goals for- 6
-Goals against- 10
-Shot attempts for- 140
-Shot attempts against-165
This line is getting out scored and out chanced by opponents.
Line combo 3: Lee-Horvat-Barzal
Toronto Maple Leafs v New York Islanders | Rich Graessle/GettyImages
-106:59 TOI
-Goals for- 7
-Goals against- 0
-Shot attempts for-149
-Shot attempts against-119
This line is heavily out scoring and out chancing opponents.
Line combo 4: Lee-Pageau-Barzal
Toronto Maple Leafs v New York Islanders | Rich Graessle/GettyImages
-99:25 TOI
-Goals for- 7
-Goals against- 3
-Shot attempts for- 138
-Shot attempts against- 69
This line is out scoring and heavily out chancing opponents.
Heading into the upcoming NHL season I would expect Lee to begin right next to Barzal. Barzal is a high-end puck carrier who loves to drive plays using his speed, which helps create chances for a strong net front player, like Lee. These two have significant chemistry together, having played together in the past. Still, with Lee’s improved skating ability, I believe this duo can be a serious threat, that can continue to outscore and outchance opponents, especially if the other winger on the line can complement them.