BLACK SUNDAY, OR DAY OF HOPE
A Peak at Players Sticking Around Past the First Cut
Today, Islanders prospects and wanna-bes are traveling all over North America, dispatched to Bridgeport camp or returned to their junior clubs. There are a few in limbo, injured and technically un-demote-able. Then there are the contenders – trying their best not to smile so giddily today while walking around Roosevelt Field - that have been told to be at practice at Iceworks tomorrow.
Bridgeport coach Jack Capuano will likely receive close to 20 players today, including some prospects that especially impressed the coaching staff – including Jesse Joenssu, Trevor Smith and Michael Haley. He’ll eventually get a few more once they clear waivers and/or get healthy. Those matters could be cleared up as early as tomorrow.
For now, Islanders fans will want to know the names of the players sticking around so far for the big camp on Long Island. The Islanders will be quick to point out that players can come up or be sent down over the next two weeks. Besides the players on one-way contracts and perceived incumbents Kyle Okposo and Blake Comeau, here is today’s list for Survivor: Long Island…
Josh Bailey
Jeremy Colliton
Yann Danis
Mitch Fritz
Jack Hillen
Tim Jackman
Chris Lee
Brett Skinner
Brandon Sugden
Here’s my question to Islanders fans tonight. Besides the players on one-way deals plus Okposo and Comeau, who is the one additional player you’d like to see make the opening night roster? Please place your answer in the Comments space…CB
32 Responses to BLACK SUNDAY, OR DAY OF HOPE
A Peak at Players Sticking Around Past the First Cut
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Sean says:
I really would like to see Sugden in the lineup. I think his story is too good to pass up right now. If he isn’t a glaring liability on the ice let him play a few games. We do need protection and Sim doesn’t seem like the fighting type. Even if it is only for a few games let the man have a shot at the nhl.
I also agree though to give Josh Bailey 9 games to see what hes got. The more you look at that pick of Bailey the smarter Garth Snow seems too be.
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islesfan says:
Sugden we need an enforcer badly. We have no tough guys. We need either Fritz or Sugden. Let Bailey play juniors 1 more yr
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DubieDubieDoo says:
Chris,
First off outstanding job with this page. I hope you can keep up the pace, but there’s been oodles of great stuff to read over the first five days.
I’d like to see Hillen stick around. The kid impressed me last year and I’d like to see more of him with the big club.
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Neil says:
Wonderful read. I vote for Jack Hillen. Part of going with and youth movement…and meaning it is taking a chance on young player and then letting him prove it; rather than always the other way around.
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Joe says:
I would like nothing more than to see Sugden end up as our enforcer.
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If Campoli is out for any length of time, my vote goes to Jack Hillen. I really like what he brought at the end of the season last year.
Otherwise, I think Tim Jackman deserves another shot. If he really has stepped up his fighting ability, his skill level puts him ahead of all others for 4th line duty.
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Dan says:
I would like to see Bailey get his 9 day trial run but no more then that. I think Hillen has good skills but don’t think he makes the cut simply because I don’t see Gervais being sent down….but he will be the first call up. So bring on the enforcer of choice: Sugden.
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DaveWolf says:
Sugden. 100%.
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Jeff says:
I agree with a previous post from sean…I think that Sugden should get a shot as long as he isn’t a “glaring liability” because i think it will help our other prospects become more comfortable quicker to the NHL level knowing that someone will have their backs at all times. Also, I feel it would be a very classy move by the Islanders organization to allow Brandon’s father the opportunity to see his son play in the NHL, based on his condition.
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SUGDEN SUGDEN SUGDEN WE NEED PROTECTION FOR ALL THE ROOKIES.. WE ALSO NEED PROTECTION FOR DP AND TO MAKE SURE NO ONE RUNS OVER OUR PLAYERS. HAVING A TRUE HEAVYWEIGHT WILL GREATLEY BENEFIT THE WHOLE TEAM!!! SO I SAY SUGDEN OR FRITZ WHOEVERE IS A BETTER SKATER AND A BETTER FIGHTER!
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Rick says:
As much as I would like to see Bailey make this team, I have to go with Sugden. One thing this team has been lacking for some time is a real enforcer – sorry to all you Stevie Webb fans but he wasn’t one. The last good one we had was Mick, and that was a long time ago.
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Bob says:
I would like to see Bailey as he can stay up to 9 games and still go back to juniors, at least until Sillinger comes back. That will give us (fans and Isles) a better idea for next year, and for himself as he will know what he needs to do better to get to the next level. In addition I would think a big guy whomever is the best player should be on the roster for those games where you have a goon on the other side, so that Sutton, Witt & Guerin don’t feel they have to fight the world and can concentrate on hockey.
Congrats to you Chris as your blogs have become a must read (even better than Greg Logan) Thanks and keep up the good work
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james brannigan says:
HILLEN FOR SURE. Brains over brawn everytime will win more games. Sugden is a waste of a roster spot.
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The Mick says:
I agree with most of the guys who left comments here. I’d like to see Josh Bailey stick around. If not Bailey then Hillen.
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kevin says:
bailey for 9 at the end of the season. mitch fritz or sugden for an enforcer. hillen as first guy after someone is injured ( not campoli/ this is make it or brake it for gervais for starting job)if someone is hurt on offencethen get either jackman or colliton (depending on position. btw godard was our last heavyweight that fought a lot then cairns and webb was JUST a beast at checkin
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Eric Shaw says:
SUGDEN. The Islanders are a class organization, give Sugden his chance. The kid has heart. And a fierce hook. We need both.
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Mike from Queens says:
I don’t know. I haven’t been able to see any of the games on television….
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Jeremy Colliton was a high pick from this club selected in 2003 they have invested years into with elements lacking among the wingers and that’s size which we saw a few times (leveling Sydor) and he charged the net from center ice at Msg last season with a chance.
Islanders badly need this pick to break through.
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Travelchic59 says:
Hillen or Colliton
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Cinematic says:
I badly want an enforcer too so I guess I’m inclined to say Sugden. I can’t help but think we have something very special in Josh Bailey though. Hillen seems solid as well, but if we’re crowded there…I guess he’s out. I still say Sugden, but no idea how Gordon will use the 4th line. Also – interested to see Jackman’s fighting skills, I honestly thought he was a weak fighter, always off balance.
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Pat C. says:
SUGDEN FOR CERTAIN….
Brawn over Brains, especially when we are talking about a 4th line shift ,
A shift of shall we say 40 to to 45 seconds.translating roughly to 3 shifts or so a period X’s 3 +what maybe 4 minutes a game max?
If the N.Y. Islander Philosophy is To Give Bailey a real shot at making the club this year?
Then I would assume they will consider putting him (Bailey) on the second or third line that.
This would then create a “ripple effect” through the 4th line?
My Opinion as to the solution for keeping Sugden or fritz?
Hilbert…..
To me he becomes the odd man out if this were to happen.
Yes Im aware of the argument those will make for Andy,
I agree he has developed into a gritty Penalty killer.
though he is going to be pushed this year in my opinion to hold on to his 4th line role in favor on this club.
Now if Sillinger is able to come back from hip surgery?
we slot down park as 4th line center or
3rd line?It will Depend on Silly’s condition and gas left in the tank.
either way to be in that scenario we do
not miss much in my opinion.you still have bergenheim and comeau to juggle around as well
Last Point on this…
Hilbert If i recall,
was supposed to be a contributor on our offense..If Andy only connected on half the chance he has with various partners and line Combinations over the last few years he would be a 20+ guy for us..
That would have led to many Hilbert jersey’s appearing at the nassau colisuem.
Fact of the matter is Andy Hilbert is a 4th line Grinder.
One that is expendable considering what in my opinion,
is an ever bigger need right now, toughness.Dont get me wrong Andy Hilbert worked and continues to work hard to carve out a small niche’ in the nhl.
I respect him for that. yet i just feel
there is a place for a skating Sugden,who can keep up with the other 4th liners in the league and occasionally drop the gloves maybe even pot one or two goals a year?
I say sugden because .. Fritz at 6’8 is rumored to be a slow awkward skater . (have not seen any tape of him)
If this is the case Nhl 4th line fighter or not may be a strecth for him
From what i remember Sugden’s wheel although not a speedster in any way, are better then fritz.
Jackman.. to be a dark horse to play the gamnes on the 4th line when there is no true #1 heaveyweigght in the line up!
Toughness & Fighting Is still one of the a key Ingredient left in an NhL hockey game going into this 2008 season’ they will drop the gloves in the regular season and they will fight!
Agree with me and others or not.
as the Ole’ time SW known a s Sir William said on his points of view
“Get over it”.He needs to get over it thye are still fighting at the NHl level and their are still enforcers in the league…
Part time for some clubs full time for others.
For this year especially the agrument can be made we need it to be 75% full time 25% part time.
(we are young and old and w e may be run out of the building on some night scoreboard and fight card)
So to go along with the sand paper and grit that fills out a hockey club in the nhl these days is one that should be addressed sooner then later.
lets get back to the question for a minute Chris asked
In response to this question, some of us who responded picked others for this spot!
Mentioned are the following two and why i disagree (for Now)
1.Bailey….
A “Great Prospect” who I hope, will bloom into an all around second line center for our future!!The agrument i make is simple.
Why would Bailey not be better suited going back to juniors. thne staying up at the nhl level this year,(10 games maybe)
whole season not yet.the goal after his junior season this year ,
Bridgeport if they make make Ahl playoffs.that would be a nice challenge to see at 19 what he could supply in terms of skill level in helping our farm team bounce back after a dissapointing season as well!
Either way I wish him luck!
I guess we all do as Islander fans!!
If he turnes out like they think,
im sure we will all be happy.Yet rushing him right in the lineup?
I.e Like Crosby, Malkin & soon to be Stamkos.I think this might be asking a little too much a little too early.
Those afore mentioned kids are Very special, exceptions to the rules in the Nhl..
Again My thought is let the Kid finish his learning curve naturally.
Let him get more seasoning and growth & obviously alot more Ice Time
Finishing his last year in juniors and a small taste of Bridgeport would be a natnatural progression to me!
2.Hillen…..if he’s as good in camps as some suggest,
and is ready to compete as the 7th Defence-men,
then maybe Gervais,
depending on the severity of Campoli’s injury,
should be the odd man out?I agree with some including Chris Botta.
or was it logan? or was it on the Islander Preview I watched with Jaffe?LOL …(Forgive me end of a long day)
Well Regardless of which of them it was, one was quoted as saying…
“We, (meaning The Islander Players, their Fans, & their ownership)
are still waiting to see who exactly Gervais is… 0 goals last year 13 assist’s ?? Offensive D-man??
Hard Checking Defensive D-men??
Well going on three years now do not see much of either if you ask me.Best Glimpse of what Gervais is or
could be in perfect world coould be to the Isles?Most would agree that follow this club that happened in the Buffalo playoff series two years ago this spring !
Gervais had what many of us believe and agree on was one of his best games ,
If not his Most Important game with the N.Y. Isles.
He played solid D that night,he banged even scored a big goal as well.
Yet in the end how long do we keep a rooster spot tied up for him?
Based on Gervais body of work at the Nhl level thus far?
Time is Running out Quickly in my eyes.
You be the judge of that.
So why not as we try and grow,do it with a symetrically well rounded team ?
I think even the most of us optimistic of those involved with this organization ,
realize most if not all the current draft from last year are at leas a half a season to a couple of seasons away from cracking the top 3 lines.
Then play very limited time up on a 4th line basis…
(too bad hilbert was not a kid)
to meanother guy how look do they keep this guy while he showes limited returns?To me its a no brainer, Sugden!
I do recognize that,
the exception will be when we play a finesse team.One with out a NHL caliber
“tough Guy”9Obviously we will sit him or sound him down for a couple of games when htese match up’s occur .It appears by looking at current NHL rooster’s…..
Maybe 1 out of every 4 club is devoid of any real pugulist)
During these games, “no problem” Put in a call up throughout the season give the kids a shot to see how they do.
I think Chris is asking us this question
for because he realizes it will come down to a philosophical opinion as to which guy they keep and why?I would be curious as to what his opinion is? He knowes even more then us being in direct contact with the team over the last almost 20 years?
Wow Great Job Hanging in there Chris.
Good luck on this endeavor and what ever else your are doing!Last Point here Guys
No one Argues with one Issue,
that being this…Our Success in large part is now solely
in the hands of a few…Ownership… Charles Wang ,
The GM Garth Snow his coaches & scouts.
I believe in Snows plan in the End he has choosen a road and I hope for all included it turnes out well!My only concern is seeing the forest through the trees.. and realizing to get to that bontiful forrest, we may need to chop down a few trees first,
Instead of letting them fall on our players and risking injury;)
Dear Ny Islanders…
Those of us who bleed Blue & Orange”, believe in one thing…Despite a 25+ year draught with out a stanley cup.
Even though it’s been 15+ plus years without as much as a 1st playoff round advancement!!
We are still with you either in the stadium or watching from home.
We see one goal as well the Die hards want to win , Arguably,
the Hardest Championship in all of Pro Sports&
It’s Time To Complete the Drive For 5!
We the fans know,
there will still be growing pains & small dissapointments as we wait to get back to what we once were many years ago.
we are patient and have been, if your a real fan you have no choice.“NEW YORK ISLANDERS”….
Debate it or not,
at the very minimal,
Going into this 2008-09 Hockey season there is still plenty of Enforcers patrolling the Ice @ NHL arena’s
4th line or not!To Be it Boils down To Pride!
“we do not want to pushed around we do not want to be re-active to what could happen we are going to be Pro-active in saying The New York Islander Hockey Team will make an all out attempt to mirror what a complete club should look like .
“A WELL BALANCED TEAM”. A Team until the rules are finally clarified one way or another that can handle any style of game that the opposition wants to play…
It’s The right thing to do for our team & our fans!
The Cup may be a few more years away,
Bottom line The “Pride & Passion” ,
that many of us life long N.Y. ISLANDERS Hockey fans have always felt needs ot be felt again lets get some pride going before we take care of the passion!This could all happen soon.
Maybe as early as October 11, 2008 at the Old Barn in Uniondale. (i hope so)when the devils and clarkson takes the Ice , and display their pride will we show ours??
Mr Wang, Mr Snow, Mr. Gordon ,
Do you Here us?I will be in the stands for the opener for my 12 of the last 13 years.
all told i have been to over 145 games regular season and playoffs from 1988′
till current(have all the tickets to prove it!( just trying to show my pride n support)
win or lose the Islanders are my team forver!!
long Island is my Home, yes we are all Islanders , so show us you hear your fellow Islanders the grunts of the team
(the Fans);)Then Maybe me & some others will jump on board with the full committment you are asking for a little sooner then we had planned?
(instead of sitting on the Couch cheering or yelling into the tv) c’mon we’ve all done it;)
We shall see..
Good Luck N.Y. ISLANDERS 2008-09′Sincerly;
PAT C. -
admin says:
Pat C: I love ya, but that’s not a comment – that’s a blog. Get your own! Just kidding. Thanks to everyone for getting involved…CB
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Buddyhackit9 says:
FRITZ! Sugden gets all the publicity with a heart warming story, but Fritz is a giant and has worked just as hard over the years fighting his way to the top of the AHL and earning a chance at the NHL level. On top of that, you have a man that is second to none in his commitment to his community and helping others. Fritz is a finalist the last 3 seasons for the the AHL man of the year award and he won it 2 seasons ago.
See more here: http://theahl.com/news/league/index.html?article_id=6577
If you have a true Heavy that can patrol the ice for your younger players and someone that is a huge asset to the community/dressing room, why wouldn’t you go with Fritz?
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Dmarie says:
It honestly doesn’t matter to me who starts opening night or any other night for that matter, I just want to see guys stepping up and some good hockey being played.
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Paul says:
No question, Hillen for sure! He proved himself in the Garden vs. Rangers last year, is kicking butt in camp this year. Islanders need skill, brains and offense – - Hillen has all three.
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Chris says:
SUGDEN!Hands down the 1 thing the Islanders can do to get me interested in this team again!
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Lee says:
Sugar Sugden. We need a fighter and an enforcer. He’d become a cult hero on LI.
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Marty says:
Smith
I would like to see Josh Bailey sign a pro contract and play nine games to see how he levels up. After that, demoting him to the juniors would be good because he would still have three years on his entry level deal. As for the player to stick around, it’s a toss up between Hillen and Sugden. Hillen showed some great promise last year and he might begin to make Gervais expendable. As for Sugden, I would like to have an enforcer around for the protection of the youngsters on the team, however, he must be able to keep up with the speed of the game, as Gordon said.