When they lost him to a gruesome injury over 20 games ago, the Islanders were challenging for first place in the conference, and were one of the highest scoring and most exciting teams in the OTHL. However, since then things have changed. The Islanders over their past 10 games have become one of the bottom five teams in OTHL scoring, and are relying on their defence to fend off challengers for one of the final Eastern Conference playoff spots. Gone is Forsberg's partner in crime, Teemu Selanne, replaced by another centre. The Islanders currently sit only 4 points up on 9th place Pittsburgh, with 11 games left in the OTHL season.
Since his injury, the Islanders have tried everything to score, but nothing has been working. Players have changed positions, players have been brought in and sent out, yet Mike Keenan is looking like Jacques Lemaire more and more everyday. It is widely hoped that Forsberg will return for the last 8 games of the season. These games will unquestionably determine if the Islanders end up as high as the 3rd seed or as low as 9th place. Can Forsberg's return spark the Islanders' offence? It certainly won't hurt. One thing is for certain, he will have to make do with what is currently on the team. Sitting only a few dollars under the cap, the Islanders will more than likely not make any moves at the deadline.