The NHL Redux - Ryan Strome: big brother, bigger influence

Like most big brothers, Ryan Strome doesn't truly realize his impact.

A blossoming center with the New York Islanders, Strome's preeminent and otherwise consuming focus is to learn the nuances of the professional game and continue acquiring the skills associated with succeeding within it. 

His kindred duty, though, flips his daily function. He's the first member of the next great hockey family, pioneering a passage from the Strome family nest.

Though if you ask big brother, that would come across as a tad hyperbolic. 

"It's really just a brotherhood," Strome told theScore.

"My brother is smart enough now, my little brother too. They know what to do," he added. "They are very observant and great hockey players, so I don't really say much. They have done a great job so far in their career, and I have no doubt they will continue to do that."

Ryan is four years older than Dylan, the Ontario Hockey League's leading scorer and fifth-ranked draft eligible prospect in Central Scouting's 2015 midterm rankings. (Funny, Ryan went 5th-overall to the Islanders in 2011). Dylan has two years on baby brother Matthew, who's playing on the same Toronto Marlboros "AAA" midget team where his brothers starred and is destined for the OHL, a league his kin have combined for 420 points and counting. 

A witness to most of that staggering production is the Strome father, Chris, who has built a winning environment in his household.

"We have a great communicating group, so whenever there's an issue or a problem, there's always someone to pick up and talk to," Ryan said. "(Being a hockey player) can be stressful sometimes. The family connection and bond is important to have in the long grind of an up and down hockey season."

With juggling double duties in the hockey sphere, Ryan's second family exists in the Islanders' locker room, which also boasts a clear leader of the house, building a winner. 

John Tavares is the Islanders captain, best player, and a can't-lose choice to model one's game and career arc around. For that, he's also having an indirect affect on the development of Dylan and Matt. 

"To have the luxury of learning from someone like that is fantastic, and not something most have," Strome said. It's a real privilege for me - I have to soak it in as much as I can from a guy like that."

That advantage, of course, is shared. As Ryan learns from the way Tavares conducts himself, his siblings - similar to the Sutters and Staals - have counsel and a lived experience at their disposal.

It's a benefit Dylan - described by Ryan as the more natural goal-scorer - relied on to put his omission from the Canadian World Junior roster into levelheaded focus. 

"I only played in my last year as well. He knows he's still young and that obviously it would be a great honor, but he understands he's only 17 and his time will be next year and the year after," Ryan said.

"It's just motivation, and that's the way he has to take it - something to look toward and strive for."

For young players whose guard is seldom lowered, expressing admiration is not easy, save for the crutch of the cliché.

But as the Stromes do well to illustrate, leadership in sport and in family life can be better served by action, not words. 

The Next 48

Washington Capitals at Los Angeles Kings: Saturday, 10 p.m. ET

Finding traction on a three-game winning streak, the defending champs will look to continue their ascent in the West standing and exact revenge on the Capitals in Saturday's finale. 

Washington played arguably its best game of the season 10 days ago, subduing the Kings with complete effort that resulted in a 4-0 triumph. 

The Kings though, having woken from their half-season snooze, will be  better equipped on home ice. Los Angeles set a franchise record Thursday night in spite of its standing, reaching 40 points in 29 home games. 

Drew Doughty will be charged with cooling the red-hot Alex Ovechkin, whose 33 goals doubled that of any King before Tyler Toffoli notched his first career hat trick versus the Flames.

Pittsburgh Penguins at Chicago Blackhawks: Sunday, 12:30 p.m. ET

Need we say more?

The Penguins, Blackhawks and the superstars filling out their stables will meet for the second time in a little over three weeks in a Sunday matinee that will pit a pair of inter-conference teams who mirror each other quite effectively.

Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby - the latter of which suddenly has four goals in as many games - have enjoyed success against Chicago, but Jonathan Toews has shone brightest with six goals in seven starts. 

Meanwhile, his runningmate and the NHL's scoring leader, Patrick Kane has yet to score in his career versus the Penguins - the only team he has failed to tally against. 

The Pylon

Antoine Roussel has seen Ryan Garbutt and raised yet another moronic act in their brazen game of on-ice chicken. The latter previously had his senseless contributions spotlighted, so let's run down the tape on Roussel. 

First, a hissy fit in the penalty box:

Then, he ran over Alex Stalock and suckered Justin Braun. 

And this week, a cross-check to the throat of Adam McQuaid. 

Parting Shots

1) The give-a- meter is strong with Devan Dubnyk. He's 9-1-1 with a .943 save percentage, 1.48 goals-against average and four shutouts since being acquired by the Wild. 

2) Caps' sidekick Nicklas Backstrom has a league-leading 41 assists, and will remain forever underappreciated.

3) Aaron Ekblad has been tremendous, but Filip Forsberg is running away with the Calder Trophy. He reached 50 points and claimed the Predators' rookie franchise record in goals with his 19th on Thursday. 

4) Is Dwight King better cast as Hyde? No. 74 has four points in two games under increased ice time with Jeff Carter. 

5) Kudos to the San Jose Sharks for making sure at least one goaltender goes out on proper terms this season. 

6) Being strong-armed is typically no way to deal for NHL GMs. For Chevy, though, that's apparently the only way.  

7) This.

8) Johnny Gaudreau isn't the only BC Eagle who can make noise in the show. His former linemate, Kevin Hayes has caught fire with the New York Rangers, scoring eight points in his last seven outings. 

9) Matt Beleskey is this season's fantasy scrap heap treasure. He has 21 goals and a league-leading eight game-winners. 

10) Who in their right mind would start Ilya Bryzgalov over John Gibson?