Islanders' Hamonic makes the most of his minutes

New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic accomplished more with less last season.

How much more? Well, Hamonic matched a career high with five goals and added personal bests in assists (28), points (33) and hits (213).

The statistics carry even more weight considering the 25-year-old Manitoba native saw his time on the ice reduced from 25 minutes per contest in 2013-14 to a team-high 21:47 last season.

"The way it helped the most was the competition factor," Hamonic told the team's website, referring to the team's overall depth on defense. "Everyone wanted those minutes and it seemed like every night there weren't enough minutes to go around. Part of what makes those good teams really great teams is that inner competition."

Hamonic was missed in the playoffs as the 6-foot-2, 217-pounder was on the sideline nursing a tear in his MCL, suffered in the penultimate contest of the regular season. New York was eliminated by the Washington Capitals in a spirited seven-game series in the first round.

(h/t New York Islanders)