Islanders Mirror Oilers & Panthers Coaching Staffs But Fall Short in Other Areas

It's hard to look at the New York Islanders and see them as close to the Stanley Cup, especially when they are compared to the two finalists, the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. The Islanders at best can make the playoffs but this team as constructed can't go much further and certainly can't compete against the Oilers and Panthers, two model franchises. Related: Are the Islanders Close to Being Stanley Cup Contenders?