John Tavares

DiPietro continues to excel in his starting role

Brad Boyes has scored five points in his first two games with the Islanders to help lead them to their 1-1-0 start.

Approximately three years ago, the Islanders debuted their 2009 first round pick, John Tavares in their season opener against the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In the second period, Tavares would pick up a loose puck that had last been touched by both Matt Moulson and Trent Hunter and would roof a backhand over Marc-Andre Fleury to give the Isles a 2-1 lead.

Since then, Tavares has gone on to score 83 more goals and likely several hundred more before his career is over as he currently has 202 points in 243 NHL games.

As we approach the deadline for an agreement to be reached between the two sides responsible for this potential lock out, all hockey fans can do is hold their breath.

While waiting, fans can pass the time with banter and hypotheticals about a season that may not even happen. However, it is the job of fans and media to field these 'what ifs' in a haze of doubt surrounding the season.

That leaves us with what the discussion is for today. Will John Tavares ever get the 'Sidney Crosby' treatment by NHL referees?