PRACTICE: ICEWORKS, 10.20.08
Gordon’s patience is thick, but one change is made
11:30 am - For a while there, we were concerned Scott Gordon would remain committed to his forward line combinations for a week straight and surpass the unofficial record set during the first week of the interim coaching tenure of Earl Ingarfield in ‘72-73.
But Gordon did not disappoint.
Sean Bergenheim was on the left side of Doug Weight and Bill Guerin at today’s practice at Islanders Iceworks in Syosset. Jon Sim was placed to the left of Nate Thompson and Andy Hilbert.
“We have to find a way to get more offense out of Billy and Doug’s line 5-on-5,” Gordon said after a 90-minute practice. “That’s not to say Sean is the definitive answer, but we want to try a few things.”
Bergenheim has averaged a team-low 9:27 of icetime, but Gordon pointed out that’s because his playing time was cut in a few games when he struggled and also that the Finn isn’t on a regular power play unit. Still, the move to the Weight line could be viewed as an opportunity for Bergenheim. His energy and puck-chasing have jump-started lines before, most memorably his work with Alexei Yashin and Robert Nilsson in March of 2006.
Notes: Rick DiPietro took the full practice and said he felt great…Chris Campoli (shoulder-ish) participated in the entire practice, his first on his way back. Since his camp was cut short by the injury, the defenseman has a lot of catching up to do…
Gordon was happy to have a rare run of three straight days of practice, practice, practice. “We don’t get a lot of these,” he said, “so we have to make the most of them. Our problems have not been about what the other teams are doing. Our problems have been about us. We need the work.”
The early practice time of 9:00 am was to accomodate the Islanders Business Club Golf Event at Tam O’Shanter today…Before practice tomorrow, the entire team will be spread out all over Nassau and Suffolk for Islanders Literacy Day at a school near you…Media at today’s practice: just PB (not Pete Botte, but Point Blank) and veteran ace writer John Jeansonne of Newsday.
23 Responses to “PRACTICE: ICEWORKS, 10.20.08
Gordon’s patience is thick, but one change is made”
Please Wait
Good to see one of the young guns getting a shot on the top line, even though I feel that Tambellini would benefit from Weight’s playmaking, I am excited to see what Bergie can do. And Jon Sim is a 3rd-4th line player, so its good that he is where he belongs where he will not feel over pressured and can play his game.
I think Bergy could easily put in 20+ if he just had a better shot. It looks like he skates to the right places when he doesn’t have the puck.
It’s so funny that you have that song patience by G & R!! I’m listening to that as we speak..(not that anyone cares..lol) but I thought how ironic.
I like what he (Gordon)is saying, and watching the games I think you can see some improvements, I mean yea we’re still a little out of tune but practice makes perfect, I just hope it doesn’t cause more injuries.. can’t afford that!
The fact that Bergy has a team low for ice time is crazy. The kid plays hard every shift and while he doesn’t have a great shot he makes things happen. I think getting Sim off that line will help but I agree with Michael, we need to see if Tambellini can produce on a top line.
Great job covering practice and with the new blog. A welcome exit from the work world a few time a day. As you know, LOVE the Bagel Boss in Hicksville!
glad to hear #20 will be getting more time..if you can jump start yashin you can jump guerin ..#13 MIA
Great to hear Bergy may get a shot on the top line, he has all the tools to become a top player in the new NHL. I think he just needs some more confedence and respect to make the next step.
I’m really glad to hear that they got in practice early so they can go play GOLF.
4 points in 5 games! I say that deserves a round of golf followed by cocktail hour and dinner. Priorities are somewhat off here!!
Maybe I’ll get a “are you crazy?!” for saying this, but Bergy’s style, with and without the puck, reminds me a lot of Olie Jokinen, even if the results aren’t the same (though it took Jokinen a few years to really break out too). Maybe he’ll never get to that level, especially if he doesn’t work on the shot, but at times they look very similar to me.
Why would they return Fritz when the Stars/Rags are coming up?
Bergie started off last season taking penalties and not always taking the best shifts, as well- but he came around. I dont think it will take very much time this season for him to get into the swing of things.
All i know is we keep hearing about this System and guys trying to learn it or adapt to it(they are Professionals). Now we have seen this before (systems and Coaches)what is the problem here, will it work? Will the players or vets adapt to it? Why didn’t Gordon run practices strickly on this System in Preseason when they just did skating drills? And what Happens if it dont work or the players dont buy in? should we just say give it time? When; Allstar break, after the season? Please sombody make some sense out this! I am just asking for we have seen this before.
Would really like to see KO with some other linemates…I like Park but do we really want our top prospect playing with 3rd liners? How about putting KO with other players of his calibur?
How much patience does Gordon have? I wonder how long it will take for him to realize that Tamby really shouldnt be with the big team.
Not surprised that there wasn’t much media at practice. After all, Avery’s in NY tonight.
Agreed AZS, not sure why he isn’t playing on at least one of the PP units, if not one of the “top 2″ lines every night. He hustles to every puck, gets open, and has a great shot. Defensively he’s played well (Potvin singled him out for a back check against the Panthers), although I will say he didn’t look that strong on the puck against the Panthers.
Joe- Where did you read that Fritz was sent down?
Maybe we should put talent on the ice against the Stars and Rangers instead of Mitch Fritz? Just a thought.
Can we please put Okposo with someone other than Richard Park? Please!!!
Injury Update: True story - I am sitting at work and get a call from my coworkers husband who is out at the IBC (Islanders Business Classic)and in his group is Andy Sutton. He calls my office asking for me, and then puts Andy on the phone. Andy starts talking and I thought I was getting punked so I hang up on him. He calls back and he says who it is and I have a convo with him. Apparently he should be on the ice in 10 days (first hand info). Now I only imagine how far he drives the ball being 6′6″ and 245lbs…
The fact that so many people love Bergy really says a lot about this team. I mean, he’s going to be 25 years old this year and he hasn’t really accomplished much as an Islander besides some very modest numbers and billing a reputation a hard nose. Yet, people love him. Why? Because there really isn’t a whole lot to love about the youth on this team.
Scout- What talent?
Jaxx- TSN transactions page
Joe- I don’t see it anywhere?