THE PRE-GAME SHOW: NYI at Ottawa, 7:30 pm
Bailey with KO…Tigers roaring…Gladwell…Predix
Tonight: Steve Mears confirms from Ottawa that Josh Bailey will center Kyle Okposo and Andy Hilbert tonight, giving Islanders fans a regular look at their two top prospects together.
Richard Park moves to the line with Jon Sim and Tim Jackman. (With Park’s presence, I refuse to call that the fourth line).
Joey MacDonald starts for the Islanders, Alex Auld (5-3-1, 2.08 GAA) for the 6-7-2 Senators. Overspeed takes on a big challenge tonight with Ottawa’s top two lines of Shannon-Spezza-Heatley and Alfredsson-Fisher-Winchester. The Shannon is the speedster Ryan Shannon, called up from the AHL yesterday.
All-Time Fiasco: Since their birth in 1992, the Senators are 35-12-11-1 against the Islanders, 18-6-5 at home. The last year that Islanders scored a hat trick against the Sens was 1993, when Derek King and Pierre Turgeon did the feat in different games.
After dropping the first 8 games to Ottawa after the lockout, the Islanders were 2-2 against them last season.
Sound Tigers Roaring: With their 6-2 win over Binghamton yesterday, Bridgeport is now 11-3-0-2. Sound Tigers leading scorer Kurtis McLean had a goal and two assists in the neutral site victory in Newfoundland. The 28-year old McLean, who played in Wilkes Barre/Scranton the last two seasons, is 6-12-18 in 16 games. The other goal scorers with Mike Iggulden, Trevor Smith, Jeremy Colliton, Tomas Marcinko and Joe Callahan.
“We’re just having a lot of fun,” said Bridgeport coach Jack Capuano this morning before boarding the flight home from Canada. “This is one of the youngest teams the Sound Tigers have ever had; our only real veterans are Callahan and (Mark) Wotton. They’ve been great leaders for us and there’s a lot of camaraderie. We’re working within Scott Gordon’s system, the guys have committed to it and it’s really paying off for us.”
Bridgeport’s interesting schedule has them playing their next games Sunday in Houston and Tuesday in San Antonio.
Gladwell on Pucks: In his new book Outliers, the pop-shrink phenomenom Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point, Blink) talks some hockey. The Canadian author cites the work of a psychologist who reported that a disproportionate number of elite hockey players in Canada were born between January and June. Gladwell advances a theory that being born in the first half of the year is a profound advantage in Canada, where the cutoff for junior hockey is January 1:
“A boy who turns 10 on January 2 could be playing alongside someone who doesn’t turn 10 until the end of the year,” Gladwell writes. The author notes the older boy has a far greater chance of making his all-star team, then starts to receive better coaching and is motivated to practice more.
Sidney Crosby was born in August. Eric Staal in October, Jordan is September, Marc (okay) in January. The Islanders should not even consider John Tavares, born on September 20. Poor kid’s behind the curve.
We looked at the Islanders roster for Canadians born in the first half of the year. The best and brightest are Blake Comeau (in Bridgeport), Andy Sutton (a big boy at any age) and Brendan Witt, who would likely snarl if we tried to run Gladwell’s theory by him.
Around the NHL: If Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmenson don’t sharpen up real soon, we’d be surprised if the Devils don’t make a move for a goaltender in the next week…You know, it seems so obvious that Brian Burke will end up in Toronto. And this means, of course, he will eventually land somewhere else.
Make your score predictions in Comments.
61 Responses to “THE PRE-GAME SHOW: NYI at Ottawa, 7:30 pm
Bailey with KO…Tigers roaring…Gladwell…Predix”
Please Wait
great job botta ,,that line should be fun to watch..go isles ..go jets
Gladwell makes a good point, but it’s absolutely ridiculous, as you point out. Either you have talent or you don’t, your horoscope doesn’t have much to do with it. Then again, I didn’t read the book or his supporting facts, so maybe I’m wrong.
Bailey should center KO and JT.
4 - 1 Sens tonight. Bailey’s first point of his career, secondary assist on a Campoli goal.
I am excited about tonight’s game…Being that I live in Ottawa, I will get to see them live for the first time this season… Looking forward to watching Bailey and Okposo together and see Bergenheim create some havoc along the ice.
The Senators are having major issues within their team, players were upset at each other from yesterday’s practice, breaking the panes of glass along the boards and a shoving match or two… This kind of practice usually results in a gangbuster game for a team or a big disaster….either 5-0 for the Sens or 3-2 for the Isles.
Regardless, I will be there with my Isles jersey on!!!
go botta
Not sure who Gladwell is but he did not come up with that theory and I can only hope he is not taking credit for it. It is a long standing reality within the canadian amateur sport system in Canada, back by many years of research by more than one individual. The entire sporting system in Canada is revamping their development system, based on many similar studies, all based on Long Term Athlete Development…
OTT 4 NYI 1; NYI offensive impotence continues…
What is this “hat trick” of which you speak? Oh wait, they are those things other teams get when they score goals- Im remembering now lol.
Seriously though, its really nice to know that thing are going well in BPT.
Why is it nice to know, do you think that will somehow translate into a solid Islanders roster…
Okay, I am definitely going to Bridge on Sunday the 23rd. I can’t stay away any longer.
And birthdate theories? Now you’re getting into my territory CB. :o)
Good stuff as always CB.
What are the chances the Isles bring up Kurtis or Igg’s anytime soon?
These 2 are really having a good first half so far. I would think at least one of them deserves a shot!
With the Sound Tigers rolling in the AHL and the previous success of Gordon, is it possible that the overspeed system is more geared towards the minors than in the NHL where the game is faster?
I mean we’ve see glimpses of what the system can do, but it seems like it cannot be sustained at the highest level.
Tim F, I agree. The game is faster. Further, what AHL scorer on the Isles has produced thus far, Tambs, ha ha ha….
What is there to say to anyone who thinks that a system based on going hard at another team and capitalizing on their mistakes is “AHL only”?
I guess Al Arbours system wasnt meant for the NHL either- since he couldnt win his first season here. they should have laughed him out of his job. After all, what did he and his system ever accomplish in the NHL?
I think the talent level for Bridgeport relative to the rest of the AHL, versus the talent level for the Isles relative to the rest of the NHL makes any comparison of the system difficult. The team is essentially trying to play Gordon’s system with Nolan’s players. I’m willing to wait until Gordon and Snow have a few long talks, and some moves are made to bring in more players that Gordon wants before judging the system. It’s a system based on speed and offense with players who are slow and can’t score…
At least this year the system will be ingrained into the organization, and then maybe they can bring in the right players to make it work more effectively and ship out the players who are not catching on.
The Isles were in their nascency, to make a parallel argument between the Isles of today (an established team) and the fledgling Islanders of Arbour’s day is a flawed argument.
Further, Chris TMC, is there any team that is not based on what you stated, to wit, “system based on going hard at another team and capitalizing on their mistakes…” I would venture to state that ALL TEAMS have that concept, it is not an idea that is exclusive to the Islanders.
In fact, the Isles are the team that makes the mistakes, and the other teams capitalize on our mistakes. So, they have a strikingly similar system, do they not?
I always think, and I may be wrong, of Gordon’s system as somewhat similar to Lindy Ruff’s, with respect to looking for open ice, long passes, pinching the D very liberally, and being aggressive in the defensive zone. I’m certainly not an Xs and Os person, so I can’t say exactly how similar the systems are on paper, but that’s just an observation I guess.
To that end, if you put Vanek, Roy, Pominville, MacArthur, etc. on the Isles, I bet Gordon’s system would look a lot better. Personnel goes a very long way, and maybe Buffalo could be somewhat of a glimpse into what the Isles COULD look like if they bring in the right people to make the system work, through the draft, and later, through trades and FAs.
Adding to my comments Chris on your article titled, The wait for Josh Bailey is over, response # 77 I also think the Islander’s should bring up Jesse Joensuu, Tomas Marcinko, Trevor Smith, and give them a try. I believe the NY Islander’s should be really looking to evaluate the younger prospects at the NHL level. Certainly can’t hert! By the way, I love that picture of Pierre Turgeon. Especially that Classic uniform. Nicest uniform in all of hockey. That should be their next third uniform, in the classic white, to be worn at home, on weekends. Make today’s new third the main uniforms. And get out of the changing the uniform business period. NY Islander’s 4 Ottawa 3, Go Islander’s, great work Chris, Mark
New York Islanders: 9
Ottawa Senators: -1
DAAAA ISLES!!
I remember the Isles winning a 9-3 game back in 93 or 94 in Ottawa. I think that’s the game Turgeon had a hat trick in. But it ain’t 93. The Sens have our number, 5-2.
i say isles turn it around with a 3-2 game win
I say 4-2 Sens…but regardless of how it turns out, Andy wins on the prediction, haha…DAAA ISLES!
Isles win 4-1.
2g for KO & 1 from both Tamby & Park
Joey Mac will be a rock tonight & has been great all season.
ISLES 4 SENS 3…..Okposo 2 goals baily 2 assisits other goals scored by Bergy and Campoli.
CB always gives us great stuff to think about, doesn’t he?
Go Sound Tigers! Glad they’re doing well and having “fun”, and where else have I seen that word used today???
Uh oh, prediction time. Nervous about the speed vs speed. Don’t have a real good feeling. But, since I’m always wrong, I’m fairly confident it won’t end up being Sens 7 - Isles 2 (yay!).
7-1 sens
CB - are McLean and Iggulden possible NHL players? Or are they career minor leaguers having good seasons?
It is good to see Bridgeport doing well, I am just hoping that some of these players will be able to transition to the Isles.
Good to see the bridge doing well.
It seems like every game 10-15 people on this board will predict big statistical games from KO & Tambellini. As much as I hope for both of these guys to explode offensively each night, I can’t bring myself to make those kinds of predictions when the two of them have combined for 5 points in 26 games
My prediction is as follows:
Sens 5, Isles 2. The Isles goals will be scored by Jon Sim #2 and Jon Sim #4, with assists from Jon Sim #1, Jon Sim #2, Doug Weight, and Jon Sim #5.
Do you think Joey MacDonald and Jeff Tambellini have a bet going to see who will finish the season with more points? Right now they’re tied with 1 apiece.
And MacDonald has played one fewer game.
I guess you like Jon Sim! LOL! Cant really figure out why? No offense but if he did half of what we were told he was capable of I think we’d all be happy with him. He seems to be good at drinking beers that don’t end with light. All kidding aside I think everyone just wants one if not both these guys to get going. I think they both will(I know I’m going to hear it for that!). Yes even Tambs I believe will get going soon. You heard it here first folks!!!!!
They said he was an agitator. The only thing that guy agitates is his stomach.
Historically speaking, it hasn’t been good times for the Isles in Ottawa. They could surprise, but something like a 6-1 drubbing seems more accurate…
Im expecting a pretty painful-to-watch game tonight. Im just hoping Tim Jackman friggin drops the gloves already, bunch of snoozer games lately.
im expecting a paiful game but it think this team will do nothing but try to win the whole game because it looks like they are sp desperate
Kukkonen on waivers do we take him?
Ottawa is nothing like the powerhouse they’ve been for the last two-three seasons the Isles have been up there. They’re shaky and I think an aggressive forecheck could get them nervous early on. They’re also without Ruutu after his elbow earned him a two game suspension following last game. I predict that the Isles score the first goal. It will be a close game and the ability to build on a good start and avoid a melt down in the third will dictate the outcome as far as the Isles are concerned. I’ll go with 5-4 Isles in SO.
As many others in here I think it’s to early to talk about the draft next year. But I will give my two cents anyway (since it was brought up). Hedman is playing big minutes in a league that is just as good as the AHL, but slightly less physical (because of the bigger rinks). He could be next years Luke Schenn with better offensive skills. With some luck Frans Nielsen could develop into a Drury-like 2nd liner and then Bailey can feed Okposo for the next 10 years. I think we need a stud D more even more strength down the middle.
I got a prediction.. Isles 2 Ott 7
4 -2 isles upset !!!!! jets 24 pats 17
i think CB should have an article with his take on who we should get if we have the number one pick. maybe some insight on each player. we could use a number one d but how can u pass up on scoring phenomenon tavares. either way it equals a true franchise player and some seats to fill. and maybe a few more top five or top 10 picks and we are cup contenders!!!!!
The reference to all the Jon Sim’s was that I believe that there are about 6 guys on the roster who are the same kind of “grit” players who have no chance of actually putting the puck in the net. Every team needs a couple of these guys. No team needs an entire roster of them. They are indistinguishable to me; hence, they might as well all be Jon Sim.
Well said Rob. Well said….
Let’s offer the caps a trade for Ovi. I think they would listen to some reasonable offers. If not, maybe go after Sid. And if all else fails, I’d settle for a Zetterberg. Then we can really start to get things going in the right direction. Yeah, we suck. I’ve resorted to bad humor.
i remember derek kings gat trick that night.. the trick goal was from their d-man mishandling the puck in his zone and king went in alone.. running the dvr now while im babysitting.. cant wait to get home and see ko and bailey together..
nice work chris
we could offer zetterburg huge money in offseason. like 10 mill
kevin on Nov 13th, 2008 19:03:30 said:
“i think CB should have an article with his take on who we should get if we have the number one pick.”
I wouldnt expect that kind of an article for at least 6 months.
Zetterburg is not worth 10 mil which means we probably would offer that to him. He is an amazing player but don’t think he is going to want to come here. Once the arena is done(hopefully)maybe we can attract a few UFA’s but I have a hard time believing any big name players would want to sign up for this circus. Maybe in the future hopefully. We can only hope!
true but maybe we can get mike cammalari and komi or JBO
bailey to ko yesssssss////sim sucks
good for okposo. good
good for Josh!
him too
Bailey just needs to trust himself and shoot a bit more when he’s in good scoring space. Other than that, this is the first time I’ve seen him and he looks better than I thought he would up to this point in the game.
Wow! Good for them!!!
Bailey looks better then half the players on the team.
What did Pock do? I flipped channels and didn’t see.
“Bailey…to Okposo, he shoots… score!!!!”
i get a good feeling inside when i hear that and knowing that i’ll be hearing that for years puts me in a very happy mood
kevin,
Zetty is injury prone. I’d rather not take the risk. No thanks.
I am going to be fair all around. It was a beautiful display of patience by Bailey to turn and feed the puck to Okposo who was open in the slot, and it was a great finish for Okposo, who got the much needed goal for the Islanders, and more importantly, for himself. Hopefully he can turn his confidence around a little bit and start putting them into the back of the net more often. On the other side, Bailey played pretty decently, At times, he seemed a little bit lost but I guess that comes with the first few games back. He needs to put himself into plays a little more instead of being a perimeter player, and he needs to shoot a little more often. Once again, it could just be rookie jitters, but time will tell. He plays a very smart game, and he has tremendous vision. I was more impressed today with him than I have been with Comrie all season.