MITCH FRITZ CONFIRMED
And other items from practice; Spear Cinema!
12:30 pm - Scott Gordon said after practice that Mitch Fritz will join his team beginning at Friday’s morning skate in New Jersey. The coach confirmed the news just as Fritz was packing up in Bridgeport and saying his goodbyes in front of Connecticut Post ace Mike Fornabaio.
Besides the AHL return of the ageless Mike Sillinger, another reason to check out Sound Tigers-Phantoms on Sunday could be the new line of Ben Walter centering Blake Comeau and Jeremy Colliton. That’s a trio of legit Islanders prospects, with Colliton playing some of his most consistent hockey of late.
Point Blank plans on being there Sunday. There aren’t any big football games that day, right?
Gordon on his players’ confidence after winning three in a row: “They beat a Vancouver team that’s playing very well and was outstanding against the Rangers last night, so there should be some take-away.” Asked if the next three games will be a good measuring stick for his resurgent squad, Gordon said he considered the next five a great test.
The coach on the improving-each-day Frans Nielsen: “In my interview process with Garth Snow, Frans was a key player I thought could make a successful jump to the NHL.” Gordon compared Nielsen’s development to his player in Providence, David Krejci, who’s now 4-8-12 in 19 games with the Boston Bruins.
Movie Day: Point Blank reader Nick sent us this video clip, alleging that Rob Davison speared Kyle Okposo during Islanders-Canucks on Monday after the Islander was called for a slash on Roberto Luongo. You make the call. Our call: when you slash another team’s captain and franchise, you pay the price. And Rob Davison is the kind of honest guy who’d be the first to tell you he doesn’t play enough for a suspension to have much of an impact.
Comments?
55 Responses to MITCH FRITZ CONFIRMED
And other items from practice; Spear Cinema!
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Brian from Massapequa says:
Can’t access the Nick’s clip here at work. We are blocked from You Tube. But if this is right after Okposo slashed Luongo in the 2nd period, I saw it clearly at the game and was wondering why there were not coinciding minors.
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Duh, yes it is, you said so. I need to read slower.
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Chris TMC says:
I am kinda surprised that the Isles are going to have Jackman and Fritz up at the same time.
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blitz says:
This is highlights that NYI desperately need to draft some muscle that can skate.
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jax says:
Sweet!!! Clarkson vs. Jackman & Rupp vs. Fritz both with in the first 10 minutes of the game. Tomorrow night is going to be a war!!!!
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Ryan says:
Do you think Sutter may try to get some payback for his son? Is that why Fritz is up – to protect D. Weight?
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That’s what I was thinking Ryan, plus it’s a big divisional game and it could get nasty
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Joe says:
The pre-season games were rough on top of that, Ryan. Plus, Buffalo sat, Laraque and Godard next week.
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UIF says:
That would be a horrible professional decision by Sutter, imo. He is coach of the New Jersey Devils…asking NJ Devil players to seek retribution for a player on the Carolina Hurricanes? On a hit that was clean and delivered by a player who has apologized to the point of annoying the Carolina players, and has never, through a long NHL career, been one to intentionally injure people.
I really hope Sutter doesn’t give those marching orders, and I really don’t think he will.
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guerin13 says:
maybe there is something to the sutter seeking revenge on weight story. that would explain why fritz is here instead of smith or comeau. i think sutter said he thought weight’s hit was dirty, even though it wasn’t, and he seems odd enough to tell one of his players to take a cheapshot at weight.
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Witt, Sutton, Jackman & Fritz. That’s a tough lineup we’ll be sporting tomorrow night. IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!! Plus if we lose tomorrow and I hear some clown blame the loss on Fritz I’m going to puke….
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Sab says:
No big football games this Sunday? C’mon Chris…don’t forget about the Grey Cup
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Andrew says:
jets titans!!! come on no way you could miss that.
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Buddyhackit9 says:
Fritz’ brother is playing in that Grey Cup Sab…. in Montreal.
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Strummer's Army says:
Dolphins vs. Pats.
So glad they called up Fritz!
Awesome job on the video the jerk clearly speared Kyle. That is the kind of thing Davisson never should have been allowed to have gotten away with.
I hope the Isles will be submitting it to the Jerk Colin Campbell so they can suspend Davisson. I then hope he gets traded to a team we play again this year so the Isles can pay him back properly.
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bCarey says:
it’s the biggest sunday in NY football since 1981. he was being facetious, you nincompoops. jets-titans. giants-cards. could be a huge day come 7:30 PM!
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Yes, Sutter would use his Devs team to get revenge for the CLEAN hit Weight put on his son. His comments right after made it even more clear even if you didn’t know him as a player.
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I don’t know…you’d expect those comments immediately after the hit. It was his son on the receiving end, after all. But I’m not sure how Sutter’s bosses (Lou) would feel about him exposing his players to possible suspensions or injuries over a player for a completely different organization…especially given that the Devils are already decimated by injuries and struggling to win games.
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There has been much discussion here about icing a tough team that also has skill. Here is my solution. The only one that may prove too tough to get is Lucic. The others can he had via trade. There are blank spots that can be filled with any surviving assets.
I listed untouchable assets after and then did a projection of what the team could look like next year or two years from now.Targeted players:
Ryan Kesler C Van
Kevin Bieksa D Van
Milan Lucic LW Bos
Byfuglien D Chi20 Bergenheim Kesler 21 Okposo
Lucic 12 Bailey 13 Guerin
Comeu 51 Nielsen 7 Hunter
28 Jackman32 Witt 3 Bieksa
25 Sutton 2 Streit
Byfuglien
8 Hillen39 DiPietro
35 MacDonaldUntouchable list:
Okposo
DiPietro
Bergenheim
Streit
Harmonic
Neimi
Bailey
Nielsen
Hunter
Figern
Josenu
PetrovOn this one Hedman and Doughty come via the draft. I picked Hedman over Tavares simply because if we have a top three of Kesler, Bailey, and Nielsen the team is pretty set at center but they should take the best player.
Petrov Kesler 21 Okposo
Lucic 12 Bailey Josenu
20 Bergenheim 51 Nielsen 7 Hunter
Figren Comeau 28 JackmanHedman Doughty
32 Witt 3 Bieksa
25 Sutton 2 Streit
Byfuglien
8 Hillen39 DiPietro
35 MacDonald -
kevin says:
YES!!!
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doughty??? he was taken by l.a. kings last draft? are you talking about someone else?
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Uncle Jr says:
quick Brent Sutter story …. when he was captain me and my bro went to a game …we were kids maybe 14 and my bro 12. We waited outside for autographs after the game. We waited close to 45 minutes in the rain (not a downpour but a steady drizzle) we were soaking wet. Brent finally comes out (my bro’s favorite player)… “Brent!! Brent!! please sign my yearbook” Brent says: “its raining” with no emotion and pushes his way through mostly kids. I couldnt hold myself. I said ” No Sh!t @sshole, i been waiting in this rain to get your autograph” All fans cheered like hell. Hated him ever since.
( I should note that every other player on the Isles signed that night … in the rain) -
Dmarie says:
Should be an interesting game, I want to see how Fritz does, (again) it’s kinda funny though to hear you guys say (I mean because they’re so young)that these dudes are the toughest line we have so far, can’t help it, sounds funny.
There’s so many reasons to check out the Sound Tigers, although the games with Sillinger will most likely be good games to check out, but go see the team in general it’s a really good night out of hockey.
I doubt Sutter is seeking revenge, and it really would be very unprofessional of any player it’s a rough contact sport, accidents happen, especially when you make yourself vulnerable, yes absolutely some dudes play dirty and if so? I wouldn’t worry to much about weight holding his own out there, he’s no shy boy.
Have a great afternoon everyone
ciao! -
drouin says:
Nice catch by Nick, definite spear. Don’t hold your breath waiting for a suspension. Not that a suspension isn’t warranted. If Davison were still an Isle and he speared a canuck we would be talking about the length of the suspension.
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Ya, Kevin. I am talking about a guy who is 6’8″ 220lb RD man, who plays on PK, PP, big shot, hits, fights, leadership abilities, very good passer. He is slated to go late first or early 2nd. I think regardless of who we take first Tavares or Hedman (if we are in position to do so) Doughty is my choice for the next pick.
Wow, what a horrible Sutter story or should I say what a horrible thing he did. Very disapointed in his actions.
I had a really good talk with Ed Westfall one day at what is now Tropicana Field in St. Pete. It is where the Lightning first started playing hockey. I had a job interview with the storm that day (that is right the day the Isles happened to be playing). After my interview I walked through the arena down to ice level. I know they thought I was a Lightning employee and thus a spy because they all started shooting pucks at the glass as I walked around. So I went back out.
Years, later after the game in which Loungo wouldn’t fight for his team. My friend, Nephews and I had a really good talk with Isbister (can’t get over how huge he is in person). He was very nice and my Nephews really enjoyed him. Scatchard was very cool too as were some of the other guys. Mr. Loungo was the first guy out of there with another player and guy who worked for the team speeding off in his rented mustang convertable (no crap peeling out of the player lot). My guess is they were all headed to the World Famous Mons Venus.
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Big Woop de doo says:
Strummer???
You’re story makes absolutely no sense whatsoever dude!Was there a point?
I’m just saying…
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Big Whoop.
My story was following up on anothers. It will make plenty of sense to some people. I’m just saying………. -
I got ya Strummer….. Makes sense to me
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Anybody notice that on the Tom Liodice’s site (The Tiget Track), he is reporting that Yann Danis has been sent to Bridgeport to get some work. and that Peter Mannino is coming to big club to serve as backup to McDonald. Interesting move. I thought Danis would start for the big club either tomorrow or Saturday.
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Brian says:
Looks like Danis is headed down for ice time and Mannino is coming up to sit… so Joey Mac for 3 games in 4 days..
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oh .. I was 2 minutes too late..
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
I guess we will see the REAL Sutter tomorow. Not to mention, he is a Dynasty Islander and has good history with this club. Is he a Cheap Shot or an Intelegent person? He had enogh time to think about it since the incident. Plus there are a lot of other hockey issues involved in his decision how to react. He is not only a father, but also a head coach of NHL club which is trying hard not to drop down with Broduer injured.
On the other hand, I’m much more concerned about the Sabers game. Dirty team with bad manors. I don’t want to predict anything, but if we rip them in pieces and win the game, this will be a hudge relief to the club and specialy to it’s fans. A lot of us took it personal after the last game. This nonsens should not happen in sport. The Legue is screaming about suspensions for attempts to injurie, but nobody even thought about it after the ice was full of Witt’s blood. Enforces is a good idea to protect your players, but NHL must participate in disciplinary actions more then anybody else! This is the sport with hockey sticks, pucks, goals and, yes, some occasional ONE-on-ONE clean fights. But not “throwing on the ice and crack your head open” sport!
Maybe some of you will not agree with me, but I think that the suspesions need to be much longer (15+ games) which will visibly hurt player’s salary and team’s performance. -
Consindering the way Mannino has been playing in B-port, I would not be surprised to see him get a start on Saturday or Monday if J-Mac has a stinker Friday or Saturday. Little bit of a reward for the kid.
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Vladdy Vladdy Vladdy are you kidding me? Suspend a player because he was involved in a scuffle where the guy fell and hit his head? Stop it…
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Slamming Witt’s head to the ice was clearly an accident, Witt lost his footing. It wasnt done on purpose. Now what I would like to see is an extra 2 minutes for ripping an opponents helmet off during a fight. That can lead to serious injuries. Witt was lucky to walk away relatively unscathed. But IMHO no suspensions are warranted in that 1st NYI-BUF game.
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Joe says:
Your dreaming if you think Bostons going to let go of Lucic.
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o strummer. i thougth u ment drew doughty but you meant taylor doughty. mistake. hope we get him. i heard about him. hes an animal
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ISLESFAN999 says:
Looking forward to these next few games with a load of toughness!!!….
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Strummer:
I’m just giving you a hard time bro… i understand what you’re saying… lol
I’m having a stressful day and trying to make myself laugh a little over here.
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Brian… there’s no way Mannino sees the light of a Long Island day.
J-Mac as you say, is allowed to have a stinker or two or even three without losing the confidence of his coach or team.
DOC
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CB when are you posting your interview with Nassau? Thanks and keep up the good work.
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Pride-N- Passion NYI Hockey~ says:
Hey strummer.. lookes as if logic prevailed on this decision huh?..lol
All good. Doc you were saying? Lets Go Isles.. Lets Go Islanders!!
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doc on Nov 20th, 2008 15:43:47 said:
“there’s no way Mannino sees the light of a Long Island day… J-Mac as you say, is allowed to have a stinker or two or even three without losing the confidence of his coach or team.”
DOC, not playing Joey every single night is not a lack of confidence in him, it would be a very common thing to happen. Most regular starting goalies in the NHL would not play so many games in a row, why should Joey MacDonald? I think that because of having Rick (and the other goalies we see most often being guys like Queen Henrik and Marty) means that many Isles have a skewed perspective on how often a goalie should play. If Joey MacDonald keeps starting game after game after game I will be pretty surprised. Sticking with him while he is red hot is one thing, but presuming that he will be in night after noight is something else entirely. Know what I mean? -
HilbertSnipe says:
BTW, that picture of Fritz and Clarkson in the thread below is absolutely hilarious. Who did you guys hate more? Clarkson or Janssen?!
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I agree with Chris TMC. Good point.
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Hey Jax,
I’m not gonna argue with you or anybody else. I’m just writing my opinion and respect the opinions of other’s. I’m not an American born and grew up in a different culture. Hockey is a huge sport in my native country. And there is a lot of respect between players to each other.
Just to proove my point, let me ask: How many Russian enforcers you have seen in NHL?
Personaly, I’m against fights in hockey, but if fans like it, so be it. Not gonna argue on that. But if there is a fight – keep it clean and let them do their thing.
And if any player has any personal issues against other player, keep it of the ice.
Again, not trying to proove anybody wrong and respect their opinions just becose we are on the same side as Islanders fans. -
Vladdy, sorry if I came off rude that wasn’t my intention. I respect your opinion. As as why there is no big time fighters in the Russian league? Like you said it’s a different game over there.
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Willis says:
Is anybody else a little worried about the team being just a bit slower with Okposo out, Fritz in and Witt just getting back and maybe not yet up to speed (sorry for the pun)?
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matt says:
I don’t think playing mannino is a bad thing if warranted. Jmac may need a rest and a bad game might provoke Gordon into giving him a break. Its not a question of what Jmac is allowed. The guy is playing amazing and hopefully he doesn’t need a break!
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Jax, no problem at all.
Trust me, it’s not easy to live in Brooklyn surrounded by Rags fans.
The reason why I’m being Isle’s fan is that I like the whole organization and what they are trying to bring to our screens. I think it’s much more important to be classy and proffesional in sport than to do what the Rag’s organization (players, media, TV commentators, ect.) is doing. Look how Rags(as an organization) are being quiet about Lanquist pulling himself out of the game.
For the team of this caliber alone with the coach it should be a Big Deal. -
Andreas the Badger says:
Willis – Yes, I am. But we should do OK against a slow, yet tough, Devils team that knows little about goal-scoring. Buffalo could easily be our first blow-out in a while though. I think Witt is ready to go and brings with him a huge amount of toughness right from the start. I’m worried about the reduction in skill and speed with Okposo out and Fritz replacing him. But hell, it’s a rebuild and I can enjoy a good fight over winning.
Judging from the video clip I wouldn’t say it looks like Davison tries to injure Okposo. I agree with CB, what is KO expecting when he in a somewhat clumsy move to reach for the puck accidently slashes the captain and best player of the Canucks? Plus, as Gordon said, Okposo was injured after he fell down to the ice in the 3rd.
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Its even harder to live on Long Island surronded by Rags fans!
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Guys remember Gordon said that it isn’t necessarily how fast of a skater you are in his system but that you do every thing at the players top speed. I think we’ll know in time. My guess is the better skater a player is the better the system is but he said it isn’t necessary.
Isn’t it awesome when logic wins out Pride-n-Passion? Some people just don’t seem to understand the game and all the parts of the game fitting into the larger picture. I can’t wait for the games this weekend. The team is making progress for sure and credit them for being able to do it without guys like DiPietro, Witt, Sutton etc.
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Isles Fan in Ulster County says:
People debate about how to get cheap shots out of the game, and then I see comments like CB’s “that’s what you get for slashing the goalie”. That kind of thinking allows these cheap shots to continue because excuses are made for some and suspensions are made for others. I have no doubt that if Davison was an Islander, the discussion would be about the length of his suspension. I do not trust Campbell when it comes to the Islanders.
Wow, Jackman-Park-Fritz is the toughest line we’ve had in a long time. Gordon always supported Steve Macintyre, glad to see he carried that view to here.