There’s a lot of season left to play, but after getting off to a solid 5-3-0 start that includes wins over the Rangers, Devils and a two-game sweep of the Sabres, it appears the Islanders have weathered the initial firestorm that accompanied their free-agent losses in July. General manager Garth Snow was roundly criticized in the hockey media for “overpaying” his top-line trio of Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie and Ruslan Fedotenko, but their hot start has vindicated the faith Snow and coach Ted Nolan showed in them.
Although Guerin and Trent Hunter have switched lines for the moment, all four of the captain’s goals in the past two games have come when he and Comrie were on the ice together, including three on the power play. The top three free agents have been the Isles top three scorers with a combined total of 11 goals and 27 points, and free-agent center Josef Vasicek has added three goals and four points on the second line with wingers Miro Satan and Sean Bergenheim.
“To me, it’s not a surprise that Mike Comrie is one of the leaders in goals and points and that Bill Guerin and Fedotenko and Vasicek are playing the way they are,” Snow said as the Islanders began a week off before their next game against Carolina Saturday at the Coliseum. “We knew what we were getting. Maybe it’s an eye-opener to our fans and the hockey community, but we’re not surprised at the way our players are producing.”
Snow also brought Bergenheim back into the fold over the summer after he spent a season in the Swedish Elite League because of a contract dispute with the Isles. Bergenheim had to prove himself to Nolan in training camp, but since his move from the fourth line to a spot on the second line with Vasicek and Fedotenko, he’s been the sparkplug that has gotten them going. That line simply took over in the second period of Saturday’s 4-3 overtime win against the Devils.
“There was one point in the second period against the Devils when they looked like the Central Red Army team,” Snow said. “They were really dominating. Sean’s an energy-type player who can do the work along the walls, much like Fedotenko can. And like Fedotenko, he’s got the ability to put the puck in the net when he gets the chance. There’s a reason why we like him so much and made a spot for him on our team.”
On defense, third-year man Chris Campoli, who was in and out of Nolan’s doghouse last season, has regained his offensive touch while showing he can play the all-around game the coach demands. Free agent Andy Sutton has improved since being paired with Bryan Berard, who came to camp on a tryout basis and has excelled on the power play as Snow and Nolan projected. Berard suffered a pulled groin against the Devils that will be reevaluated today, but the Isles have sufficient depth on defense now with the addition of free agent Aaron Johnson to compensate better than they did last season.
The only major downer of the young season is the season-ending knee injury to free agent forward Jonathan Sim, who might have been the hidden gem of the players Snow and Nolan brought in. He was a perfect fit with Mike Sillinger and Hunter and brought a scoring touch to that line while filling the same roll as Fedotenko and Bergenheim. But Snow believes the Islanders have enough depth in the organization to get by.
With so much attention focused on all the new faces the Islanders have introduced this season, goaltender Rick DiPietro’s play almost comes as an afterthought. But coming off hip surgery in the offseason, he reported to camp as the best-conditioned player on the team. In the early going, DiPietro seems to be more in control of his impulse to attempt the spectacular plays and is well-focused on doing all the things he does best around the crease area in terms of puckhandling, passing and making the acrobatic plays in front of the net that are his forte.
“He’s been our best player on a night-to-night basis for sure,” Snow said. “This league is about goaltending. It’s like pitching in baseball or quarterback in football. Goaltending is everything, and when you don’t get it, you realize how much you miss it. He’s taken it to the next level where he’s making difficult saves look easy. That’s what’s fun for me to watch. He’s done it for a couple years now. To me, he’s one of the top goalies in the league.
“The things he does, we take for granted. It’s not easy to handle the puck the way he does or to move laterally to make second and third saves. There’s only a few goalies in the league that can do what he does. Last year was more of a breakout year in terms of people recognizing him outside this market. Ricky should start getting the credit he deserves as a top goalie in the league.”
Despite the Islanders’ confidence-inspiring start, making the playoffs promises to be as difficult as it was last season because of the competition within the Atlantic Division. Philadelphia loaded up in the free-agent market and acquired goaltender Martin Biron and looks like the team to beat along with Pittsburgh and its young stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Rangers are bound to overcome their slow start, and the Devils, though weakened by their free-agent losses, should improve once they start playing home games. Their first nine are on the road before opening the Prudential Center in Newark.
“It’s one of the best divisions, if not the best and most competitive in the league, especially when you get three teams from the New York metropolitan area,” Snow said. “They’re like playoff games with the higher intensity.” At the same time, Snow emphasized his belief that the Islanders have improved enough to contend for the playoffs again, saying, “We’re faster, and we have more energy. We’re a better, more well-rounded team.”
Considering the failure of forward Jeff Tambellini to make a place for himself on one of the top lines and the benching of defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron, it would be logical for Snow to consider packaging them in a trade possibly for a defensive upgrade later in the season. But the GM said, “Honestly, we’re not looking to make any moves. We’re happy with the players we have, and we like the depth of our organization. I haven’t had a conversation about making a move of that nature.”
Snow also scoffed at rumors that Montreal is offering Alexei Kovalev for Satan. “We believe in Miro,” Snow said. “When we have our players in that locker room, we believe in them, and we want them to evolve. We’re going to give all our players the opportunity to perform and produce. If you’re getting players and you don’t believe in them, then, you shouldn’t be getting them. We believe in our players.”
BLOG NOTE: As a note to faithful readers of this blog, I want to alert you to the fact that I will be taking the next two weeks off as part of an agreement with Newsday to reduce past comp time I am owed. During that time, colleagues John Jeansonne and Mark Herrmann will handle most of the coverage of the team. Both have been terrific writers for years at Newsday, as every reader of the sports section knows, and both have covered the Islanders beat at one time in their careers. I appreciate their help, and I’m sure readers will enjoy a change of pace.
Previously, I posted a warning in this space to those who abused this blog with repeated vulgar language and who demonstrated an interest in destroying constructive hockey conversation rather than promoting it. When that behavior continued unabated, I banned a handful of the worst offenders, including both Rangers and Islanders supporters, by deleting all of their hundreds of past comments and by continuing to delete all their posts whenever I check the blog. The result, I believe, has been a return to hockey conversation for the good of the vast majority. I am pleased to see several of the regulars have returned because I know many others visit this site to see what they have to say. Thanks for your continued support.
Comments (158)
If the right deal comes along, I'm sure Garth will pull the plug on it. The addition of Gerrard Gallant to the coaching staff brought in someone who recognized the true potential of Campoli hence the reluctance to include him in the Kovalev for Satan deal. My guess is Miro may of bought himself some time with his improved effort and goal on a reconstructed line. We'll have to watch that one carefully though because another proven scorer would take the nightly pressure off the Beemer Line ( although it's currently broken up).
It appears Berard will need more than a wek to recover so a humble MAB may get some ice time next week. Hiding him till Berard heals will be a trick.
Enjoy your time-off, big guy. You'll be missed.
The issue with MAB sitting out is one of the larger ones I see either with MAB getting the message and playing more responsibly OR some deal being stuck eventually. Right now Aaron Johnson is doing all the right things as MAB sits in reflection game after game. Now, this is a guy who did have some horrendous gaffes in the Toronto game, and was pretty weak on D vs the NYR despite his offense. BUT...is that reason to keep him benched?
8 dmen is excellent insurance, but it also can be a problem where players who need to play thru their issues, not be collecting dust.
Originally I thought Johnson's playing on the 4th line was trying to give a favorite some time at someone else's expense. So I thought it was not such a great idea. But then when Berard got injured I saw why I read & write, and Ted Nolan coaches. For Johnson fit right into the D role, and showed that 7 dmen, where Johnson (or someone else) playing a 4th line role could be a great boon over the longterm.
I agree bcarol25, It was very insulting of Gainey to offer Kovalev for Satan but the sheer greed of wanting Campoli in the mix was beyond belief. The days of the Islanders giving away top prospects has hopefully come to an end. I'm sure Garth is delighted now that he never let Campy go straight up for McCabe in the summer. Toronto was and is desparately looking to dump his huge salary.In the recent Toronto press, they've been calling for McCabe's scalp because he's been making MAB look responsible in his own end!!!!!
no kovalov...no way..he is way past his prime and Satan will start producing more hopefully Saturday was an example..I hope we do not trade anyone yet...
Hopefully berard will be back on Saturday but you never know
Satan will start scoring more soon enough. Remember fans, he was paired up with Tamby for the beginning of the off-season and the first few games before he got sent down. Satan's now used to Bergenheim, and all they need is someone to start scoring on that line. If the New Jersey game was any sign or indication that the line is gelling and now scoring, this is really going to solidify the team. Don't trade anybody!!!!!! Let this team grow and develope as the year goes by. Think about it, when was the last time this team this stocked with veterans and rookies? Probably 2002. Tamby may help us in the playoffs, don't trade away any talent yet, just watch and have fun.
Can someone please question the league and get us a reason why the Isles have a week off before their next game?
Glad to see the comments section get cleaned up.
This week off isn't a terrible thing although I would like them to play but at least guys with nagging injuries can rest up a bit.
I'm still awaiting the return of Shawn Bates ( I know I'm the only one!) any word on a comeback??
We'll miss you Greg!!
Wasn't Biron acquired in a trade by Philly? Also, didn't the Devils (not Penguins) win the Atlantic Division last season?
Bates is healthy but Nolan wants him playing during practice this week before Bates is put into the lineup. Yes the Devils won the division last year. This is why the Islanders did not make a move after Sim hurt his knee, because Bates is ready to play.
Enjoy your time-off, Greg. Fully derserved!!
As for the rumours about Miro Satan, there was a big interview with him in slovak newspaper and he said absolutely nothing about his possible trade and would like to stay at Long Island. I'm not saying this just because he is my countryman, but I really feel that a Kovalev trade would be a lost-lost for both teams. Since we are without Russians (Yash, Kvasha...) at Long Island, I liked this team much more :)
Greetings from Slovakia!
Campoli has really impressed me this season so far. Miggsey has been vindicated!!!
I second BobbyB, how do the isles have a schedule where they play 4 games in twenty days?? and on top of that have a back-to back away game? Anyone notice that almost every team that has played a back to back game against a fresh team has lost? I think that is something that should be looked into by the league and avoided if possible (which it doesnt seem like it would be too hard to find time in the isles busy schedule these last couple weeks).
Also, I really hope that this berard injury doesn't linger. He's been playing well and I want to see them keep the momentum they have with the powerplay. But as Miggsy pointed out, it could benefit the isles long term if MAB can step in and get himself back on track. I think he is someone that the Isles are going to need in order to take this team to the next level down the road. Lets hope this little time-out Nolan gave him will teach him a lesson and get him back to where he was last year.
GO ISLES!
Thoughts thus far:
-I really have changed my impression of Campoli. I felt like he got pushed around lasy year, but this year he seems stronger and more confident. He's making very good decisions, and THAT is something you cannot easily teach.
-I did not like DP, but this year I can see why they gave him that deal...he is on of the best between the pipes and he is a LEADER. He has learned from his mistakes and I gotta respect that.
-Love what I'm seeing from Berard...hope he can build on that.
-So glad to see MAB benched...he must learn or go.
-Guerin is a true captain...nuff said.
-I am really trying to be patient with Sutton, but I still see poor decsions, ill-timed and poorly executed hits, and he looks lost in his own end. I hope hope hope that he can learn too, but after watching him play the same way here in Atlanta...I am not optimistic. Coaches seem to love his size and forward speed...they forget he doesn't think the game well and can't move laterally. Fingers are crossed here.
-Bergehiem brings a lot of energy...I hope it'll translate as he gains experience.
-Man I wish Park had hands cuz he sure is fast. I gues then he'd be Blake.
-Fedetenko needs to play like he did in the third on Sat. all of the time...that'd be something.
All-in-all...not bad so far but we could really use a true sniper and/or a big mobile d-man.
How about MAB for Hossa...how could the Thrashers pass that up?
I think we all have seen enough of Kovalev from afar to not want him. Not a good fit. Satan is streaky and he has looked great the past two games. I think he had two assists against Washington and a goal + assist against the Devils. That would be huge for the Isles if they can keep that line rolling. It will take some pressure off of the #1 line. Most teams like to match up their best defensive line against the oppositions best scoring line; but when you can roll out two effective scoring lines it will open things up a bit for each of them.
We have one of the best goalies in the league, as well as one of the best coaches in Teddy Nolan. I believe we can compete with the team that we have. To early to think trade.
Just some thoughts.
Campoli: Year one with Lukawich he was agressive, and had the ability to turn and get back. Last year his head just wasn't on right, and he never seemed to be in the right place. Not to mention he was getting beaten like a rubber pinata. In comes Gallant, and a comfortable pairing with Bruno and he's back to year one... with PP time and the willingness to be a little edgey. He definitely doesn't want to see the inside of the press box, or bus rides down the east coast. Great work chris.
Satan: I just don't see what everybody complains about with Satan. He's been a positive since the day he got here. Last eyar he did everything that was asked of him. this may be his best year as an Islander. But it will be more of a "DEFENSIVE" year. At times that line looks like the best on either team, it just hasn't EXPLODED yet. Bergy is young, but is showing more strength and confidence than he did two years ago whenus amateur observers thoguht he was ready for the show. He's ready! And Vasicek is a superior two way player to Kozlov. That line is going to do good things, and take some of the pressure off of Sillinger's line for support scoring.
Comrie-Tank-[????] Comrie played what may have been his best game as an Islander against the Devils. He seemed to be more responsible, and was getting chances to dish and score. I'd like to see Satan-Comrie-[????] the next time there is a "shake-up" necessary.
BATES: Where? The Isles look solid up the middle right now. I don't see another wing I'd like to sit so he can play. If they go with Bates over Johnson/Bootland on the fourth line that may improve their League leading PK? But I can't see him getting minutes ahead of anybody... including Hilbert... who has been a buzz saw. ..who can't score. I wouldn't want to mess with the chemistry... right now.
Schedule: It absolutely sucks for the fans, but I don't think it is such a bad thing for a team trying to build chemistry. The 6 game squeeze was tough, but they came out of it alright... except for the TOR game. Now they get a week to prepare and heal for CAR.
Snowlan: There have been very few negative moves made since this re-org happened last year. Even things that were seen as negative, have been turned into positives, and the jury is out on others. I just hope that the whole "cleaning house" process is a sign that both Garth and ted are going to have a long a successful relationship that eventually brings the cup back to long island... SO FAR SO GOOD!
Greg,
What are the ramificatins of sending Bergeron and/or Bates to Bridgeport. Do they have to clear waivers? Will this mean at least two healthy scratches every night until there is an injury?
Can you give us an update (or some insight) on Bridgeport and prospects in the NCAA from time to time?
Thanks for cleaning up the blog. And for giving us conversation points.
I love Garth. Really.
MAN it is nice to have a GM that I really believe in!
BTW, Greg, it is very nice that you did something about the crazy comments on here- thank you! :) Enjoy your time off!
:)
IslanderNation,
The Islanders will play one game in the next 13 days _ 13 DAYS!
Can someone please explain to me the scheduling rationale. I mean, the Olympic break was barely longer than this one.
This schedule this year is a huge problem. I full heartedly agree with that. I doubt people are looking forward to going to the sixth game in a nine day stretch. The quality of play on the ice is sure to suffer and make this game a bad product.
November for us after the 15th is just brutal. Bad enough that to start off we had really bad ice because of the weather. Couple the risk for injury with that and we have a bad situation. We've lost Sim for the season and Berard has a groin injury.
We're lucky the rest of the team is in one piece.
So far we've exceded expectations despite all this. It appears all the "experts analysts" won't say a damn thing about it.
Like;
"Oops, maybe I didn't look at this team as closely as I should have in my analysis".
Few people are now getting on the Rangers for their lousy start to the season. No one has mentioned that the Isles are 5-3 to start the year. 10% of the way into the season right now!!!!
That is bizarre; when you think that most football teams will play more games in 13 days.
???
JPinVA - I believe both Bergeron and Bates would have to clear waivers in order to be sent to the Bridge. They each have one-way contracts. Someone would definitely pick up MAB, but I think Bates would clear with no problem.
Also, JP, I agree with everything you said except the Satan, Comrie combo. They each need a corner-digger to feed them the puck. Comrie has Tank - Satan now has Bergie.
I knew there must've been a good reason for Nolan and Snow try fitting Johnson in the lineup. The guy is a real gamer. Obviously he's not meant for the front line, but he showed a lot of gifts on defense and is another one who could eventually step into an "offensive" role on D.
And I'm glad to see that most here aren't jumping on the "let's trash the Rags" bandwagon just yet. I've watched a number of their games and it's just a matter of time before their talent really manifests itself. Jagr looks entirely lost without Nylander, but Drury and Shanahan look like they're just about to explode.
Campoli... he's definately playing with much more "edge" this year. But the biggest difference on defense has been his stick-work. He seems to have added a much better stick-checking element to his game that's allowing him to better defend against bigger forwards.
Regarding the schedule, a quick glance reveals the following in our Division concerning the amount of times teams play 3 times in 4 nights, but unofficially, I have the following:
Islanders: 19 times
Devils: 13 times
Pens: 12 times
Rags: 11 times
Flyers: 6 times
Some of these overlap with four games in six nights or even five in seven (twice this season!). While the players and coaches will never make excuses--that's just brutal!
Cincy,
I defintitely agree about Comrie-Satan, that's why I left the other wing out. Tank or Bergy might work there, but Satan on LW with Hunter on RW might be a more productive 2nd PP unit.
Bergy has been one of the best surprises.
There were only a few posts from Europe about his performance last year, so we had to go with what we saw in his NHL games the previous year. I expected a solid 3rd liner, with some scoring potential... but it looks like he could be a very nice 20-25 goal guy eventually. He does all the little things too.
I've definitely noticed an improvement of the stick work. I posted earlier this year that the team as a whole was using their sticks more efficiently this year. There were a lot less hooking/cheap slashing penalties and more deflections in shooting and passing lanes. That [I assume] is just better coaching.
In the washington game I was impressed with Johnson's speed, but didn't get to see a whole lot of it. I think he sat most of the third after taking a costly penalty.
PS: Don't give up on Sutton just yet. I'm not one to rely on amnesia. Last year the one thing they needed was somebody to END the scrums in front of DP. Shots from the point were as good as soft saucer passes to the slot because, with the exception of Witt, there was nobody in the slot who would win the one-on-ones. Now Sutton gives them a second presence. And that's 40+ minutes of a policed crease.
Albeit he's not going to catch Drury from behind, but that's why his pairing and positioning is important. he hasn't really been undressed since the Bergeron for Berard switch... well... not that I can remember.
Logan,
Seems every few weeks, your off for another two weeks. Did you or did u not take pretty much the entire summer off?? What the hell is this, this is a job.
Good start to the year ... other than Toronto game u can't really complain. We all know throughout the year that we're gonna have our scoring droughts ... just hope DP is up to the task when those nights come!
More importantly ... there seem to be plenty of passionate fans on this blog (and others I've seen) .... why can't we fill the damn NVMC? It's embarrassing to watch sometimes w/ entire sections (notably around 119/221 and 120/222) being mostly empty. The things that bother me about Isles fans are the fact that (1) we don't sell out the NVMC (which is small compared to most other arenas) and (2) the crowd is easily taken out of games when things are going against us.
I know it's hard to be pumped up for an entire game (good or bad) but we should be putting forth a better effort from a fan perspective. I just wish the place was rocking more than not (other than when we score a goal).
Hi,
First timer here from Toronto. Long Island born and bred though...
A few observations:
1) MAB came here quite heralded. And did quite well. He needs to learn what all young players need to learn: they have to earn their space. On bad teams this is not an issue, good players get even if they don't play well. On a team with depth - this is the case. If MAB can be packaged for some legitimate scoring, I'd move him. His salary is quite appealing and with a little bit of tutoring on defensive coverage he could be effective. In other words, think Bryan McCabe less 6 million dollars.
2) Campoli: quite good as of late. Uses his speed extremely well and moves the puck out of the zone with little problem.
3) Martinek: reminds me of Kenny Jonsson how he effortlessly seems to move the puck out of a scrum of people and make that smart first pass. People might forget but this team really missed him last year.
4) Satan: was never a huge fan. Way to streaky for me, and also a little bit soft. I suppose he will not be resigned. This team has titled toward a North American (read that English Canadian) style of play. There is very little European in their style anymore from the Satan-Zhitnik-Yashin trifecta of MM's last big move.
5) John Sim: big loss. Bates will not make up for him. He was excellent in Atlanta the past few years. ACL and MCL is a huge injury - he will be able to skate in 6 months, but don't expect anything valuable to come from him in less than a year. Maybe 16 months.
6) DP: wow. He is the real deal. Looks so good in net. So in control. I can tell you that there are 20 other teams that would kill for him.
And finally, #7: Guerin, Nolan: Love Guerin - even when he doesn't score, he's still good. And Nolan's got the touch - the players play for him. What else could you ask for?
Aaron
Martinek absolutely the best we have and becoming one of the better d-men in the league. He make consistently makes smart plays (great positioning and good/smart passes in the d-zone), and that is the the most important characteristic a player can have. Underrated, but not for long...if he can stay healthy.
Isles Bri -- I too am concerned about the attendance, but the sections you mention cost between $70 and $120 per seat and we are in a bad economy, probably until at least Jan, 20, 2009. I do think the Isles could help by making the arena more accessible by mass transit, and I had a long chat before Sat.'s game with their head of sales, who seemed intrigued by my suggestion that the team provide pre- and post-game buses to/from the Mineola LIRR station for fans. Mineola is only 39 min. from Manhattan by train, and far quicker than that from points in Queens and on the Island; and it has frequent trains in both directions because it's a hub. The drive from the train station to NVMC is 5-10 minutes, and there's a lightly-trafficked back route into the NVMC parking lot. They also need to farking advertise in Bklyn/Queens instead of conceding all that territory (pop.: 4.5 million) to the Rangers. Sorry, broken record again.
Bri,
It's going to take time to fill that building on a regualr basis. But it will come. First fans need to get back to HOCKEY. Then they need to get behind the ISLES.
Live hockey is probably the best form of entertainment available to a sports fan. But the NHL is ruining it for American fans. I don't know why there has to be teams in places where it's still 90* in october.
Bettman has got to go... and it appears that Chelios is never going to follow through with his threats so the fans need to push the owners to do something.
It would be a shame for the Isles to be forced to move to a place like KC becasue Bettman couldn't make an ESPN deal... and how do you sell out an arena on a wednesday night against:
columbus blue jockeys
atlanta trashers
dallas ice cowboys
phoenix desert rats
NHL HOCKEY IN THE DESERT...THANK YOU MR. BETTMAN
Nothing better than having your TV contract with VS... rather than ESPN... What could bring in more fans than running commercials for the game of the week during the Bass fishing Championships or The National Log Rolling Qualifiers.
Worst of all... LOCK OUT. There are a lot of folks that walked away, and won't come back. And bettman isn't doing enough to get new butts in those seats that he EMPTIED. Get rid of him, and replace him with somebody smarter than a carp, and hockey will thrive again.
The Isles are doing their part. They're bringing WINNING back to Nassau County. Mr. Wang has done a lot of positive things. The team marketing the Isles is doing a better job. They should have a very good attendance year once baseball is over college football doesn't dominate saturday nights.
Hopefully they will get a better arena in a few years with better transportation options.
Agree totally...Bettman is the absolute worst that that ever happened to hockey! No concept of tradition and no respect those that know the game. Its all $ and marketing to him.
I agree with most about the start to this season: all good except the toronto game. I was really concerned about radek's and berard's history of injuries. I can only hope that with this long week that berard only misses minimal time.
The main thing is how fun it is watching this team play. From the beginning I loved hunter, witt, tank, and vasijek??(Sp). Now I see tremendous improvement from campolli and bergenheim. DP is unreal in goal. Let up some weird ones along the way, but overall solid.
To me guerin and comrie have been as advertised. Both have produced this year.
Cincy: you're absolutely right about the NYR. I feel the will get it together eventually. Its not worth talking sh!t until we are a little more than 3 points ahead. Don't get me wrong, its been great seeing us do well and them struggle. But I feel these 2 teams will end up close like last year.
I NEED MORE GAMES THIS WEEK!!!! Getting married on sunday and I kind of wish I was on my honeymoon this week. Its all good but I think I miss 3 games. I know, I know...I'm pathetic..but die hard
Cincy -- I posted a few weeks back saying the Rags are going to be good this year and we need to get over it and focus on the Isles. But I have to say, I am no longer sure they will be that good. We have all seen how quickly a good team can become a bad one, and vice-versa, with a few changes in personnel. (E.g., the recent swings in the records of Carolina and Edmonton from one season to the next).
Their problems are starting to pile up. Avery is out for a month; Straka has a broken finger and will be out for a while. Hossa has a hip flexor... supposedly short-term but that kind of injury can be nagging. Jagr is not comfortable playing with any of their centers. Gomez has had only 1 season of >20 goals and we kind of all assumed he'd "break out" once freed from the Devs' defensive system. But maybe he's just not as good as people thought. (And no one besides Glen Sather thought he was worth $7M per...) They're not very big, don't have a great defense and seem to revert to being a soft team without Avery. And they seem to have chemistry issues. That can have a huge effect on a team, even if talented on paper (see the 2007 Mets). Certainly they do not look like a team that will even come close to threatening Ottawa in the playoffs. Let me say, I still expect the Rangers to be a playoff team, but now I won't be surprised if they end up a 5-8 seed. Not predicting that, but won't be surprised if it happens.
themass -- Congratulations!! Where you guys going for the honeymoon?
Unfortunately, Bettman will be around for awhile ... as stupid as he is the whole Versus deal was the worst. Not having hockey on ESPN just screams "WE ARE NOT A REAL SPORT".
As for the Isles, besides the product on the ice (which has been solid and entertaining so far this year) I do give them kudos for all of the promotions they try and the different community things they do. Many nights there are tons of kids there (good for the future I suppose but not good when you want to pump up the volume a few decibels!!!) ... so Wang and the Isles are certainly doing their part to build a solid fan base.
The arena is a sty ... unfortunately, we'll never get a new one. Just not in the cards. There would be nothing better than blowing NVMC up and replacing it w/ something state of the art (like Flers new place or the new Devils home). That would be soooooooo nice!!!!
I think its still too early too tell how this team is going to really do. Minus the 8-1 blowout we suffered and the 5-2 win over Washington we've been playing in some pretty close games. Maybe its just the thought that if a few bounces reversed themselves we could be 7-1 or 3-5, I'm still too jaded to be comfortable...but I am still enjoying what I am seeing on the ice. I really liked the dominating effort of Bergenheim-Vasicek-Satan. I hope they continue to play as well with each other. Whatever Satan was on last game, he needs more. Vasicek got going again after appearing asleep for a few games. I wonder if Hilbert or Tambellini's presence was the negating factor? I am disappointed because Tambellini was one of the few reasons to watch Brad Shaw's Islanders a few years ago after Stirling got the boot.
I am starting to come around on Hilbert a little bit. The guy does skate his tail off and is pesky when it comes to the other team trying to setup in our zone or carry the puck out of their own. But his lack of offensive skills (or is it confidence) bugs me. A couple of times he had the puck all alone in the Devils zone to either make a great feed or nice shot and both times he held on too long and lost the puck.
Isles Bri... We are getting a new arena. Check out http://www.lighthouseli.com/coliseum.php
KH-I noticed the scheduling issue as soon as it was released. I thought it was ridiculous then and still do.
I hope Garth had to say what he said in Greg's blog because possible retribution. If he was truly happy with this schedule, I would be shocked. If the October schedule was for February. fine, but cramming the amount games we have into one less month than everyone else seems like (conspiracy alert) a screw job.
19 back-to-back games? Outrageous.
KH - I understand what you mean with regard to team chemistry and good teams becoming bad teams with the wrong personnel changes. And I definately agree that Gomez is destined to be a bust relative to his $7.4 million per year salary. But the equation for the Rangers includes Drury. That guy is just pure excellence on the ice. And he has some good chemistry going with Shanahan that easily can carry the team until Jagr gets unstuck. That team will be competing for the top of the division by the end of the season. I just hope that the Isles are doing the same.
To 'themass'... big-time congratulations. I can't tell you how truly awesome it is to see somone else that is so hockey-crazed that he's wishing his own wedding came during a better time in the schedule. You're an idol.
LOL... I second that.
KH:
If that project gets off the ground I will be happy. I have been a proponent of transforming the asphault ocean into something better for a long time. That schmaltzy presentation looked nice, if only it would get built and live up to its promises.
I don't think anyone here cares about your comp time. Bring back Hahn, you're flat-out unreadable. You only tell the good and anything negative always has a postive spin on it. We want the truth, you don't give the truth. Get Hahn back in here.
Cincy/KH-thanks fellas...I'll be in the bahamas from 10/31 till 11/8 (nassau of of course...lol). I'm hoping I can get access to Itv to at least see hi-lites. No need to worry Mrs mass is cool with it. Respects how I feel about the isles...for now. At the least I hope I have cellphone reception to check this site on my blackberry. If not, I'll have to find some other way to pass some time ;)
Enjoy your honeymoon Mass, the Isles will keep it going while you're sunning. The week off will let a few aches and pains heal while allowing the lines and special teams more time to fine tune. MAB will likely get a chance to redeem himself IF Berard is out the two to three weeks I was predicting. I might want to consider leaving him on the sidelines and putting Johnson back on D because the forward bit wasn't too funny. Someone wisely pointed out Guerin did most of his damage with the remainder of the Beemer Line so let's not give up on it yet. Gallant is definitely the right man to guide the D and has made the most of the Campoli /Gervais combo. Now if we can just add a proven scorer, the rest of a development year will be a pleasure to watch. Yes, a playoff spot with a competitive team would be nice but the development of the franchise for the future continues to be the main goal.
Ok good solid start to the season and I along with Garth am not surprised. Except one player and that is Hilbert. As you know I heralded him this summer. I thought he would break out this year and have a 20 goal season. "Ahem" I retract that. He is Awful! what a waste of a player. He could not throw the puck in the ocean nevermind score. He plays hard is a good two way player but this guy cant score a lick. NOT A LICK! This is troubling me. I want to say let tambellini play in his place but he is the same player. Tambelleni to me cant make that next step. He scores in the AHL but cant get it done in the bigs. However, Hilbert needs to get it going. That third line is not producing anything yet and for the islanders to be a team that makes the playoffs and goes deep they need scoring on all four lines not matter what. I know Hilbert is a "Nolan" guy but patience will have to wear thin and something should be done. I would say if he is slumping dont be surprised if a move and Comuea is called up. I like Comuea and could fit nicely. lets go islanders
Congrats Mass.
While in the Bahamas go to Atlantis. Took my family there last year. They got great restaurants and a casino that you can WATCH SOME HOCKEY :) :) :) !!!!
If you are a cigar smoker, there is a fabulous restaurant that will roll you a cigar while you are eating. The name escapes me, but I will get it for you when my wife wakes in the A.M. The Mrs. will love the restaurant as well.
Boy am I glad we've got MAB and Johnson on the roster right now. I promise not to mention the possibility of another injury to another Isles player all season, as I seemed to have jinxed Berard with a previous post about defensive depth.
In case it has taken anyone by surprise, I am a firm believer that we will only go as far as the D - including Ricky - will take us. I think we have enough up front to score 3.5 goals a game (on avg), which should be plenty if we can minimize the penalties and keep the D-men fresh throughout the course of a game and the season.
I understand that folks feel we need more scoring, but I think it was best said above that we need the 3rd line to pot some goals. I would hate to see MAB or Johnson traded given the penchant for injuries on D. Let's keep these guys, make them practice hard, and stick them in when someone needs a rest (or is hurt). If they prove themselves in the course of this, great. If the Isles can't get scoring depth from the guys we have, bench them, and bring up Comeau or Tambellini from the Bridge. If we still have problems, let it ride via trade! I see the Isles taking until at least Xmas before they make such a move, which will give plenty of time for this team to gel, and the garbage to be weeded out.
D-money - 100% agreement.
The third line definitely has to get it going offensively. I think their problem lies in the fact that they are called on as more of a checking line. They skate hard and forecheck hard. Soon enough that will = turnovers = goals. I wouldn't mind seeing Comuea either. Drop Hilbert to the forth line and skate Blake with Silli/Hunter. If Bryan is out for a couple weeks split time with Johnson and MAB. Just a thought. Or they could always go with Johnson as the six D and MAB on the forth line. Play MAB a little even strength, and keep him ready for PP opportunities.
kickindthejunk: You probably mean Bates, not Blake. Don't know man, I liked this guy very much but last two season were disastrous for him. He deserves a chance but it might be waste of time by Isles. Anyway, only time will tell.
Benching MAB might be a shrewd move for a couple of games - he will respond. With Berard, MAB and Campoli, we have three solid defensemen for PP situations - it's clearly enough. The questions is, whether three offensive players are not too many for even strength situations. This is up to Teddy, but I will stay with all three of them in the lineup plus Witt, Martinek and Sutton (and I am really sorry for Johnson because he deserves to play but it's good to know we have one of the best 7th defenseman in the league).
Forward lines are another questions. Tank might be fine, but not on 1st line - to me, he is a typical 2nd or 3rd line player. I like Hunter more on the first line with Comrie & Guerin. 2nd line with Satan-Vasicek-Bergenheim is great, 3rd with Fedotenko-Sillinger-Bates might be also OK but would lack scoring (that's why Hunter is there right now).
Anyway, lines juggling is just for fun, the most important message is: AVOID ANY TRADE YET!!
I don't buy this "MAB learning a lesson" stuff. I don't think he's lazy at all, just flat out not good at playing defense. He wasn't good at it in Edmonton, and he wasn't good at it last year when he came over here. Plenty of people here pointed that out over the summer, in between all the garbage comments. We overlooked it because his shot helped an anemic PP. Logan even wrote about his defensive lapses when we were looking at Souray, and he noted that MAB has more speed to make up for his bad decisions than Souray does.
Sitting him down is not going to magically make him a competent defenseman. He's always been and always will be completely one-dimensional: A big shot. Heck, last year the guy could never even hold the puck in at the blue line on the PP, if you remember. Yes, the shot is nice, but not essential to the PP with the back line we have now. We all knew the Islanders would be a defense-first team, and we need all of our defensemen to be competent in their own zone. MAB does not fit that at all. Nothing against the guy - he was a big lift to the PP when we really needed it last year, but with the amount of time the Isles spend in their own zone waiting for a mistake by the other team, MAB is much more of a liability than an asset.
Souray is another story. He's an average player in Edmonton, it would not be any better with him in the lineup. MAB is OK to me, maybe not Nolan-type-player (same with Miro Satan) but he will perform ... sooner or later and he will contribute.
Mass:
The restaurant is GREYCLIFF. Off the charts good with an amazing wine list.
As for MAB, we have no choice. Until Berard is back he has to play. The last game against the Devils, before Berard was hurt, he was playing like MAB anyway. Giving up the Blueline twice and making poor decisions. He is the best we have for now, so let's deal with it. Use him on PP and pair him with a stay at home defenseman at even strength.
Our success hinges on the Satan line playing all out every night. If they play the way they did against NJ, we have two solid lines.
Martinek staying healthy is a MUST this season. He is having a great year!
MAB may be the 8th "D" right now. And he might remain in the press box. The Isles DO HAVE A choice. There's no reason they can't go with Witt/Marty, Sutton/Campoli, Gervais/Johnson.
Putting MAB on the back line with Sutton is like spotting hte other team a goal.. unless he's improved in practice.
Even if he comes back, he doesn't see the second pairing with Sutton, He more than likely will replace campoli with Gervais, and Chris will move up for more TOI with Sutton.
They have a week to work that out in practice. 8 "D" and Dustin Kohn in Bridgeport is a luxury they wish they had last year.
But the first pairing has to stay healthy...
Has anybody been to any Sound Tiger games. Is anybody making any noise there?
If your going to Atlantis pack some dough. You can't get a drink for under $10.00. Dinner is always $150.00 +. But it is an awesome place and you get internet & cell phone service, it's just like being in Florida.
On the topic of Hilbert; he has been awesome on the penalty kill and our PK is in the top 5 so far (much improved over last year). I think his ice time may drop and he may find some more time on the 4th line if the team struggles with goals moving forward. But Hilbert will play on this team the entire year. If Nolan has to shake up the 3rd line to get it going you might see Bates there. What is up with Sillinger? He has no goals and the opportunities do not seem to be there. He contributes in so many other ways but as a 25 + goal guy, he needs to get going just as much as Satan needed to get going.
MAB is a +11 for his career and even in the playoffs. He was trying to be a one man team out there, and just needs to play smart hockey. Stop trying to move the puck up the middle of the ice and stop trying to deek through 2-3 guys on the rush. If that pattern continues then yikes, there will be more games like Toronto. But if he cleans it up he will be an assett like last year. Special teams are the biggest part of the new NHL and a guy like MAB is an assett. The question is will he be an assett playing on our team or an assett in help pulling off a trade?
If Atlanta doesn't turn things around in a hurry then I can only imagine they would be interested in moving some players much like Philly did last year. Just a thought.
Has anyone watched the NHL Netwok yet?
JP/Steady: The one certain thing about D pairings is we do have a dilemma but there are some options. My immediate thought is to continue with MAB in the pressbox and moving Johnson to a defensive pairing. Campoli and Gervais are playing very well together and Campy previously played well with Marty. I'd try Campoli quarterbacking the PP with Marty till Berard returns. It sends a good signal to Campy for a job well done and lets the coaching staff see how viable an alternative it is with Berard hurt and MAB watching.
Miggsey~
Do you think Campy has the shot to QB the PP? He has the hockey sense, but I am not sure that wrist shot can cut it? Maybe !
As for Atlantis if you are gambling the drinks are free :) ... Just drink beer though, b/c as with all casinos water down the booze! The restaurants are well worth the price.
Isles just announced that Berard is out 2-4 weeks.
Congrats Mass--I think!!!!
Miggsey - I agree - a Johnson/Sutton pairing would probably make Sutton look even better, as he would be able to spend his time focused completely on his side of the ice. Plus, on the PP, we have forwards crowding the net and setting stuff up now - something that never happened last year. Granted, though, some of that is due to what's going on up high.
Coral Springs: "Has anyone watched the NHL Netwok yet?"
In the mornings I watch it. Extended hockey highlights of every game with analysis afterwards. Combined with watching games on Center Ice at night, I feel like I have a war room to rival Toronto.
I've only had the NHL network on once in the evening so far. There was some special on Nash and what he does off the ice. Meh...I guess it's good for people to see that "hockey players are real people too" and stuff like t