SEA CHANGE
Tonight’s win proves why it’s okay to get younger
After the Islanders’ 3-1 win in Ottawa - easily their best 60-minute effort of the season - it is more apparent than ever that the younger the team gets, the better off it will be in the long run.
With tonight’s very impressive showing, the team is 5-9-2. Last season, Boston and Ottawa took the last two playoff berths in the Eastern Conference. Both the Bruins and Senators finished the season 12 games over NHL .500.
Let’s assume it will take the same 12 games over .500 to earn a playoff spot this season in the East. This would mean for the Islanders to make the playoffs next spring, they would have to play the final 66 games of this regular season at 16 games over .500. Can the Islanders go 37-21-8 the rest of the way? Even with some key injuries, that’s not impossible. But squeaking into the eighth seed is not on the top ten list of what his franchise needs. What this rebuilding team needs is to act like one and take the next step in its development.
This is not to advocate a complete shutdown of the season effective immediately. But the Islanders should take these next 20 games between Saturday and Dec. 27 and continue to provide opportunities for their young players.
The time is right. Mike Sillinger needs at least a few more weeks to properly rehab from microfracture hip surgery. There’s some buzz that Mike Comrie is more week-to-week than day-to-day with his ailing hip.
You can call up Blake Comeau, the 22-year old that Scott Gordon and Garth Snow liked enough to be on the opening weekend roster. You can play at least two kids on three of the forward lines.
And don’t stop there. Pull no punches. If someone else doesn’t produce after a fair enough look, give a chance to Jeremy Colliton, a late cut in camp. If it’s decided Josh Bailey should go back to juniors - far from a lock anymore - replace him with a young player. Maybe Trevor Smith can get it done. (Yes, I know there is a 23-man roster and something called waivers. Management can deal with it).
Next week the Islanders have three straight days of practices from Tuesday to Thursday. Use this time and the first week of December for bonus sessions of Camp (Go-Go) Gordon. If a kid like Comeau is still regarded by management as a legitimate prospect, doesn’t he deserve more one-on-one time with the Islanders head coach?
None of this in any way should be perceived as disrespectful to veterans Doug Weight and Bill Guerin, who combined for a big even-strength goal tonight to make it 3-1 and send the message this third period would be different. They have done everything the franchise has asked and they have been ideal leaders and role models. Disrespectful is the notion the two veterans have to play on the same line or power play unit to be effective and important. All we’re looking for is to bridge the gap between the icetime of Weight (a forward-high 18:19 tonight) and Guerin with Bailey and Kyle Okposo (11:26).
As for the defense, it will get better with the return of Radek Martinek. Jack Hillen could use more AHL development and there aren’t any top prospects on the blueline like Bailey and Okposo, so there’s no need for radical change. (If Gordon would move Chris Campoli to the first-unit power play and unlock Weight’s grip on the point, we wouldn’t complain).
The fans would likely get behind an increased emphasis on youth. The Islanders, 3-3-1 on the road but 2-6-1 at the Coliseum, would be a fun watch as the pressure is lessened on the team and responsibility is increased to Bailey and Okposo, Bergenheim and Nielsen. Shoot, he team might - heaven forbid - even go on a roll.
Gordon is a fine coach. As tonight proved, his style works and can be exhilarating for his players to execute and his team’s fans to witness. Even if the Islanders do not win another game this season, Gordon is going to be the coach next season. Unless he completely loses his mind and trades Okposo and next year’s first rounder for Curtis Leschyshyn, Garth Snow is going to be the general manager next season and for years to come.
With that security, along with the trust of owner Charles Wang, Snow and Gordon have an opportunity that is rare in this game - of planning ahead while still competing in the present. They should take advantage of it.
The floor is yours. Comments.
49 Responses to “SEA CHANGE
Tonight’s win proves why it’s okay to get younger”
Please Wait
CB, I couldn’t agree more with your calling for the kids to get more PT (or should I say TOI). I think most reasonable fans will be perfectly happy seeing the Isles finish far out of the playoffs, secure a high pick, and in the process see some of our young prospects get a ton of ice time to develop their games and hopefully show improvement over the course of the season.
Okposo from Bailey. I sure like the sound of that.
“it is more apparent than ever that the younger the team gets, the better off it will be in the long run.”
Gotta give more ice-time Jeff Tambellini. He just needs more PP time to energize the team. Jeff is a player that needs to on the 1st line and the 1st PP unit. He’s an absolute beast. Then the Isles have to sit someone for Comeau, then they’ll be all set!
Tom, I disagree. Tamby has had his chance. There’s no, absolutely no, good reason why he should be getting first line minutes on this team as opposed to the players who work hard and/or produce. Tamby looks lost out there and if you look at it from a certain perspective, is lucky to be in the NHL.
“Okposo from Bailey”… yes, I’m sure Kyle liked the sound of that even more. This game was certainly VERY enjoyable to watch.
lets get comeau on this roster and never see mike comrie again! if i see him do that toe drag one more time i’m gonna lose it!!!!
it NEVER works. chris if u get a chance tell comrie to cut that toe drag out! its not fooling anyone!
Chris,Leschyshyn would be a nice addition to our D-line
I agree about Tambellini being lucky to be on an NHL roster. Some guys produce in the AHL and can’t in the NHL. Jason Krog, Jeff Hamilton are just two that come to mind.
I beg to differ with Tambellini. It is to early to call it quits on him yet, please, just give it some more time before calling for his head. The kid just needs a lucky break, and it’s so unfortunate that he just cannot get one from any which direction. One goal, one garbage goal, one beautiful set up, one good game, and the kid could gain some confidence and go on a roll. Patience!
Josh Bailey really showed something tonight, smarts. That pass was uncanny. 97% of the league would have taken that shot. What a nice play. And I think Tambellini needs a fresh start he just is not cutting it here..
Yeah, Bailey looked amazing setting up & making plays in front of the net tonight
Keep him here!
We should trade Tamby to the KHL for K. Petrov (after he heals)… lol… I’m just saying
Seriously though, it is a little too early to be jumping on Tamby (but by all means, GO AHEAD!) Midway through the season we’ll see if he can do anything in the NHL. If he’s not producing by then, well I’m just saying.
And if the NHL don’t work for him and he doesn’t want to be a career AHLer, I think he’d be able to put up numbers in Europe… I’m just saying
I like what I saw from Bailey these two games (especially tonight) but I think it’ll benefit him to go back to the juniors to finish the year there and come back here next year, I think he’ll be even better… I’m just saying
A question to all you great hockey minds out there. I find it difficult to be happy when the team loses, despite the possible long term benefits.(a shot at one of the top 2 picks)
Let’s just say that the Isles are hovering around the 8 spot around deadline time as CB suggests is possible, or finishes the season somewhere between 9-12. Having been picked to finish dead last, playing a majority of the season without its #1 goaltender and injuries to each of its top 5 defensemen for various parts of the season, playing some young players. Taking into consideration the direction of the team,(building from within and what seems to be an effective system when played correctly)does it not become a more desirable destination for a player.
Thoughts?
What’s all this criticism of Comrie about? He hasn’t played a game yet for the Islanders this season. Let’s give the guy a chance to get in the lineup before we crucify him, please?
What’s that? He’s played 14 games this year you say? I hadn’t noticed. I’m sure nobody else has either.
Did anyone see the pics of him on Puckdaddy’s blog about him and Duff’s Halloween costumes? They went as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. I say Comrie should’ve went as an Islander. His play is downright scary when he puts on that jersey. It keeps my 9 month old daughter up all night screaming.
Well written piece tonight Botta.
You can just see the talent that oozes out of Bailey and Okposo. It is so drastic because it has been a while since we’ve seen it in an Isles sweater. Hunter deserves to be an all-star.
For sure I’d like to continue to get younger. Let’s get a real good handle on who is a player and who is a trade asset and get it done.
Very impressive tonight. I think Saturday will be another good effort. The scary game is Van. They are big, fast, and have everything you need to win. It could be a game where the Isles get blown out but I hope not.
Two of the guys I’d love the Isles to get are Kesler and Bieksa watch for them. Interestingly Van’s new GM has trouble with the cap. He has to try to resign Ohlund and both Sedins and he’d like to sign Sundin. That tells me there is a way to pry some guys out of there.
Tambellini has nowhere near the skill level that Okposo and Bailey have. It’s not a matter of condfidence or anyting else, this game is all about skill and it’s what this team needs most. However, I still say Tambellini has the rest of the season to prove he belongs.
The problem with this team is they have to commit to the rebuilding process. They can’t go halfway or else it just won’t work. We need to acknowledge that at best we’re a .500 team. Instead of fighting for the last playoff spot and possibly making it and getting ousted in the first round, lets get the young kids some experience. Give them top line minutes, give them PP spots, let them take shots in the shootout. And above all else….
FREE COMEAU!
There is nothing gained by not winning!
If the team plays well… adapts to the “system”… gets it’s injured players back… and finds ways to win games… then so be it.
Isn’t that what we want? There is nothing to be gained by losing games this season and finishing dead last.
Tavares, Hedmen and who cares. There are tons of good hockey players to be had at draft day… and then to be developed in the farm.
Draft smart and develope.
DOC
KUDOS! to the following:
MacDonald - Awesome tonight
Hilbert - Determination and Desire
Bergenheim - Fastest player on the ice tonight.
Sutton - Nasty
Bailey - Poised
Okposo - Talented and improving game by game
Hunter - Competitor
There were some other stars tonight… but those were mine.
DOC
CB couldn’t agree with you more. I have wanted Comeau to be here from day one. Really love how Jackman has been playing, and I was taking flack for how much I wanted him up here, I think we should see Colliton and Smith and even Iggulden at some point this season
Strummer, love your passion as a fan but you gotta get over the Kesler-Bieksa thing. They are indeed very nice young talents, however you overlook the obvious. Who would they want off an Islander roster that would represent better value than they could pry away from any of the other 23 teams whom in this scenario no doubt are sure to be very interested when they all learn these guys are being shopped? It’s never going to happen cap space issues notwithstanding, Vancouver isn’t going to just give them away. If they move them they certainly will want to maximize their return. Somehow Comrie and a 2nd rounder won’t excite anyone. The only two players that would be of interest are Bailey and Okposo and somehow I don’t see that happening.
if this is a “youth movement” or a rebuild why is pock playing 12 minutes a game over guys like hillen?
BCarroll, I think Hillen is not playing because he is probably better off learning and getting pro experience in the AHL. Pock has been solid for a guy that is a fill in.
I would like to see Comeau when he gets healthy.
Pock and Skinner offer very little to this team for the future. Hillen has a lot of upside and based on what I’ve read and seen is a solid performer at Bridgeport, a team with the most points in all of the AHL. I’m not suggesting we bring him up yet, but the time is not far away especially if Snow really commits to Gordon’s system and the youngsters.
Tamby has to go one of two ways right now. Be completely cocky or be totally humble…The guy has some incredible hands but it hasnt translated well on NHL ice. I have seen some amazing things he can do with a puck at BPort and on the practice rink. But for some reason he is playing like a fourth line ghost at best. He needs to get around a dman one of these days and fake the hell out of a goalie to get some cockiness back. I am not writing him off yet, but he’s gotta stop shooting the puck into the defensemans pads in low percentage areas. Make a move, fake him out, do something!!!
Oh yeah and great game last night! Was that the Jets win or the Islanders win?
CB, what’s your thoughts on Greg Logan’s report about Jason Blake being unhappy in Toronto(something that hasn’t exactly been a secret for quite some time) and that a return to Gordon’s overspeed system would be a perfect match, would the Isles take a chance on blake if the price were right?
keep bailey and ko on the same line..please dont send bailey down..bring up trevor and lets get it going
An 8th place finish would be catostrophic. This team needs to finish dead last and get an elite prospect.
if toronto wants to dump blake they’re going to have to sweeten the pot with picks or prospects and expect little in return,like chi with ‘bulin.
I think IMO that we dont have to finish dead last. Yes, the #1’s are usually studs, but after that its a crapshoot. How the heck do the Red Wings do it with thier 3rd 4th and 7th rounders every year? Filipula, Zetterberg, etc. Its about talent evaluation, not where you draft. This Tavares, Hedman daily rant is getting old. Draft well, trade well, and well be fine. How many first overall’s were on the Ducks 2 years ago? Wings last year? We need smart drafting and smart trading. If the nucleus of what you saw on the ice last nite blends together over the last 60 games, it would speak volumes for their development, not finishing last to get whoever. BUILD !!!
Also, Is it in my head, or does it seem Canadien teams get EVERY call in the 3rd period? The Isles were shorthanded it seemed the whole 3rd -not to mention at the end, 6 on 3 -
Thought the Isles played a great, solid game last night. Everything seemed to go their way…Bailey is a player and you can already see the chemistry between him and Okposo.
However, did anybody else notice how poorly coached the Senators are?! Man, it looked like pond hockey! Three-man advantage and they barely register a shot on goal? It was comical watching that team play last night. Props to Gordon for completely outcoaching.
My thoughts…
If I never see Comrie in an Islanders uniform again….i’d be happy
Give Tambellini until New Year’s…personally….i’m beginning to doubt whether he’ll ever “get it”
Doug Weight is the perfect tudor for Josh Bailey.
Imagine the the deadline if Weight and Guerin continue to put up these numbers.
Frans Nielsen’s new nickname…”The Frans”
No wonder Nolan was canned! Do you see how much production is coming from Tamby? All that confidence he got from his undeserved 2 year deal, to his undeserved 1st line roster spot he was GIVEN, to his PP time he was GIVEN. At a 110 lbs, Tamby should be a underwear model.
Great effort, it was nice to remember what playing a full 60-minute game looks like. I’m glad to see the team playing so well, though I think in the end the overall lack of talent will probably land us with a lottery pick. I agree, though, that isn’t exactly an awful thing.
When you’re talking about potential trade targets and such….I agree I’d love to not see Comrie in this system again. Let’s not forget, Nolan played him last year even when he didn’t deserve it. This year, Gordon and Comrie haven’t seemed like they’re on the same page, and Comrie was sleepwalking worse than Spezza did last night (could be due to his injury, but if he was injured he shouldn’t be playing). There are rumors courtesy of last night’s NHL on the Fly that have Higgins unhappy in Montreal….maybe we could trade 2 young guys to bring a young LI native home? And if Vancouver is dumping guys, I’d love to bring in either Kesler or Mason Raymond. Raymond can fly and he can easily score 25-30 goals in this league when he develops properly. I don’t think getting 23 or 25 year old players interferes with the youth movement, especially since those guys are guaranteed to be here the next few years.
One more thing…if Bailey has a few more games like he did last night, we’ll have a very tough decision on our hands.
Tom, I think that’s an overly-simplistic view of what happened. Nolan and Snow clashed because Nolan didn’t like to give the young guys playing time. Bailey the last 2 games is a perfect example…after Bailey took 2 offensive zone penalties in his debut game, it’s very likely Nolan would have limited his minutes in yesterday’s game. Tambellini has to sink or swim on his own, but the general impression (that I share) is Nolan did not give him enough of an opportunity to succeed.
Now that I’ve seen Tambellini a little more, these are my thoughts:
Tambellini and Gervais to Montreal for Higgins
OR
Tambellini and our 3rd to Vancouver for Raymond
I completely disagree with Botta’s comment that getting into the 8th seed is not high on this team’s list of priorities right now. That is exactly the problem with this team, they are not trying to win. Getting into the playoffs, whether the 1st seed or 8th seed, would be the best thing for these kids. They need to learn how to win. In fact, it concerns me that when we lose, the only people who look upset are the veterans like Guerin, Weight and Streit. The youngsters always have this look on their faces like oh we lost, oh well, there is always another game tomorrow. That is a terrible attitude to have. If the team does not care about winning, why the heck should I spend 70 bucks to go see them play, while they continue to get paid their hundreds of thousands of dollars to do nothing (yeah, tambellini i am looking at you). How anybody can still defend this bum is beyond me. If the team put any one of us on the ice, how much worse could we be than tambellini? boy that one assist he has, really has been a difference maker for this team. give me a break.
Jason,
I agree with you on playoffs. Will we make it? Prob not, but it wouldnt be the worst thing to make it with this bunch, and have them learn how to win. 2 years ago, the 8th seed with a veteran club ( Smyth, Blake, Zednick, Yash, Satan) was not the best. This year it would not be so bad. Remeber, kids take years to develop, a few good trades for young kids in return for OUR draft picks can work just as well, if not better!!
Why would Montreal take a 6th defenseman and a 25 year old AHLer for Higgins? Would you make that trade if the roles were reversed?
I don’t think they have any goal in terms of placement for this year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not trying to win. Give the kids playing time and unload the vets that don’t have a future here…If that leads to a playoff team, great. However, the main goal of this season should be to develop our young guys, regardless of the outcome. To me, trying to contend for the Cup in a few years is much more exciting than trying to fight for our right to get bounced in the first round of the playoffs.
Just a suggestion on the Higgins thing, not like it would actually be the deal. My main point there was that after seeing more of Tambellini I don’t think he’ll find himself as an Islander and they should see if he can be used to get us a better piece.
Also, we have the second-worst record in the league right now, and beat the team tied for the fourth-worst record in the league. I agree they looked sharp last night, but let’s see them put together some sort of actual semi-convincing winning streak against goalies not named Alex Auld before we talk about the playoffs. Baby steps for these Isles right now, imo. A solid 60-minute effort and some more familiarity with the system were nice things to see last night.
Nick, I sort of agree with you. There were a couple of games after Gordon talked to Tambs where it looked like he was going to start playing more physical and going to the areas he needs to go to find success. But he’s reverted the last few games. The only thing I’d say is he should have most of this season at least to show what he’s got. This way there are no excuses about “not getting a fair chance,” etc. If he goes to another team and does produce, let’s at least keep him long enough to never have to lump him in with all of the other guys who didn’t get a long enough look here before being shipped out. On the other hand, I don’t think we have to wait as long as we did with Brad Isbister, ha.
Baby steps, baby steps. It was Bailey’s 2nd NHL game. I’m fine with he and Okposo receiving around 12 minutes to start (and ice time is never so precisely planned to-the-second), and increasing it from there as warranted, particularly via powerplay time.
As for Weight, he may need some more film time to see what’s gone wrong recently, but he can be a success at the PP point.
Botta, I just spit water all over my desk when I read your line “Can the Islanders go 37-21-8 the rest of the way?”. I have to say, I love your optimism. It is the sole reason I come back to this site daily. There isn’t a snowballs chance in hell we even win 30 the rest of the way but the kids looked good last night. Thanks for giving me a good laugh today my man. Keep up the great work!
I wish I’d been able to see more than the last period of the game but look forward to seeing more of Bailey and Bailey/Okposo tomorrow.
Great article CB and I agree with your thoughts about giving more opportunities to the kids. However, there is something to be said for letting things sit for a while in order to gel as well, isn’t there? Just not sure that THIS 20 games is the time to shake things up even more. For some reason my head says wait a while, season’s still young and we’re not really making a run for the playoffs so much as “seeing what we have”. For this next 20, I’d let the injured come back (Marty, Witt, Silly?, and yes, Comrie) and I think that in itself will change a few things. As people above have said, baby steps.
With the whole 8th seed thing, I for one would be very happy if whatever group we end up with gets to 8th. They don’t make it out of the first round but the experience they get fuels their desire for the future. Just getting there would be impressive to me, for all that’s happened over the past 5-6 months or so. Not to mention exciting.
Did any body noticed - without Comrie - it was no slowing down in Islanders skating, almost no confusion on the ice in last 2 games? Does he fits the System?
Just waching an thinking…
Bailey looked great. Hard not to get excited about the kid playing with Okposo!! I hate to jump the gun here but it would be an amazing thing for us fans to watch those two play together(Iknow I’m getting wayyyy ahead of myself). Bergy looks amazing, don’t know if anybody has noticed some of his playmaking ability and skating lately. The kid definetely has some amazing skills he just needs someone to finish off some of his plays. Is it me or is Weight the new Comrie! The guy made at least 3 errant passes that were turned around for scoring chances. Not a good game for him, and Gordon,get him off the freaking point on the power play! Tambs, hate to say it bad game though I still say give him time. Someone said above he just needs a goal. I agree and everything else will fall in place!!! Wow, can’t say enough about Bailey and Okposo!!!!!!
Tambellini will finish this year, and the rest of his contract with the Isles. You heard it hear first.