A LOOK AT THE STATS
Some Preseason Analysis
by B.D. Gallof
Sure the preseason games are not the gospel to judge players and play, but it will tell us a few things.
For example:
Frans Nielsen is the leading scorer with 4 points in just 4 games. That is a pretty good performance thus far for a player who has a prime opportunity this season. He has responded with 2 goals and 2 assists. Frans only has 3 shots on goal. So he has been extremely effective with a 66.7 shooting percentage.
We all know the glimpses Blake Comeau and Kyle Okposo have provided. Nielsen has shown a third wheel to this youth vehicle that is quite intriguing with speed and effectiveness. 2 of his points were coming from the power play.
Speaking of kids, Trevor Smith has been catching eyes with 3 points in 4 games. He has 1 goal, 2 assists, and +2. A key word is floating around Mr. Smith…and that is “tenacious”. Could Mr. Smith lead to player another losing a spot ? Or just a clear path to Long Island if an injury is to happen?
How about some vets? Look no further than Trent Hunter and Jon Sim. They have been forces on the stat chart besides just on the ice.
Trent Hunter has 2 goals and an assist. He also has 9 shots.
Jon Sim has 2 goals and leads the Isles, along with Blake Comeau, with a whopping 10 shots.
These two vets will play a large part in steering the Isles fortunes this coming season. So far, not too shabby.
On defense, Mark Streit has made himself effective with 2 assists. He has also been acquainted with the penalty box with 8 minutes. He leads dmen with 7 shots.
Jack Hillen follows Streit with 6 shots. He has one assist.
The Isles defense is built to create offensive opportunity with speed and playmaking. We could figure that Streit was going to be put to good use here. Hillen has also shown some real possibility, knocking on the door.
Long Looks:
The Isles are taking long looks at certain players. Those who have played 5 games are:
Tim Jackman
Kurtis McLean
Jeremy Colliton
Mitch Fritz
Sure two are one type of player, two are another. Are Colliton/McLean and Jackman/Fritz competing for the same roles…if not now, later on? Playing 5 games isn’t just by chances. They are being looked at extensively for a reason in my humble opinion.
Reasons to be concerned?
Jeff Tambellini has played 2 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 plus/minus and has generated 5 shots. This isn’t much from someone who has torn up the AHL, has a clean slate with a new coach, and vying for a longterm future with a team.
Everyone has seemed to be concerned with the backup goalie situation (yours truly included). So let us take a look:
Both goalies have a 2-1 record.
Joey MacDonald has an average of 2.01 with a 91.1 save percentage. Yann Danis has an average of 2.32 with a 91.2 save percentage.
Both have had good showings in the preseason. No, this doesn’t say they will be the bee’s knees during the season as 2nd backstop. However, it does show that Snow’s faith in them might be well-placed after-all.
Conclusions?
All-in-all, these are just stats. It is another thing to look at the players during drills and practice. There is an interesting tale here nonetheless. It will be quite enlightening once some cuts are made very soon to what exactly is formulating as the 2008-2009 NY Islanders.
3 Responses to A LOOK AT THE STATS
Some Preseason Analysis
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Go Isles says:
Trevor Smith actually has 3 assists. He set up Trent Hunter against Florida. Wait till you see his cannon snapper.
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Great post BD!
Two things, Fritz is likely to start the season over the others after beating Sugden (now released). I love what I see from Fritz, good skater and sound positionally – massive right punches.
Tambellini isn’t VYING for anything, he has his spot. Perhaps his nerves and confidence are getting the beat of him as he has not the fear of being sent to B’Port.
I was at the bruins Islanders game and Joey MacDonald looked better than I expected. The goal he gave up to Chara was kinda weak, but he made a few real solid saves. I would feel alright as him as the backup. I haven’t seen Yann Danis play at all.