THE PRE-GAME SHOW: Ottawa at NYI, 7:05 pm
Martinek back…ESPN show…more of your Qs
The Islanders have taken dman Radek Martinek off Injured Reserve and hope he’ll be in the lineup tonight against Ottawa. The Islanders welcome back their best all-zone dman just as Thomas Pock begins a five-game suspension for his elbow on the Senators’ Ryan Shannon.
The team released a statement accepting the punishment given to Pock. “We understand the league’s position in respect to cracking down on hits to the head and we agree with their objectives,” said GM Garth Snow. “It was an unfortunate incident and we hope Ryan can return to the ice quickly.”
Personally, I can’t wait to see what Chris Pronger gets the next time he elbows someone.
Bettman on the Radio - NHL comissioner Gary Bettman is the scheduled guest when Don La Greca and I co-host “NY Hockey This Week” from 5:30 - 6:30 pm on 1050 ESPN Radio.
We’ll do our best to get something different out of him regarding the Lighthouse Project.
Tackling some more of your questions…
TP wants to know if I EVER see the Islanders thriving under Charles Wang and Garth Snow.
A: As long as they stick to their plan, there is the great potential that they will do a lot more than just thrive.
Brian B asks if the Islanders are in playoff contention, would they consider moving prospects not named Bailey and Okposo for a player who could help them this season.
A: In that scenario, I’m sure they’d take a look at it.
Marc N. asks if the Islanders could ever have a day when the arena is 16,000 strong every night. He points out how the Devils have a good team and brand-new barn and they are struggling - especially on weeknights.
A: My feeling is if the Islanders had a few stud young players and grew into a consistent contender, every weekend game at the Coliseum would be a sellout without fail and you’d get around 12-13,000 on weeknights. The difference maker to take the weeknights to near-capacity is if the Islanders can continue to make progress in the corporate sector with programs like the Islanders Business Club.
JKP asks how much influence Charles Wang has over hockey decisions.
A: The same just about every pro sports team owner has over their GMs. If a decision involves the writing of checks with a lot of 0s, it’s always a good idea to run it by the boss. If you’re asking me does Charles call Garth and say things like, “Hey, how about we get that Robbie Schremp”? the answer would be no. Apparently, only Lightning ownership is that involved.
Uncle Jr. and others want to know if Brooklyn is an option for the Islanders.
A: I don’t think Brooklyn is much of an option anymore for the Nets, or anyone else.
Isles fan in CA asks if I have any good Rangers-Islanders stories.
A: I could tell you about the time a Rangers player went after an Islanders executive in the hallway about 45 minutes after a game. I could also tell you about the time a Rangers executive lost his mind for a split-second and started yelling at an Islanders enforcer as he was coming off the ice after a brawl.
That’s the kind of stuff I should save for a book. Can’t throw it away on a pre-game blog on a Saturday when not nearly enough people would read it!
Comments. Game Predictions. Bring ‘em on. See you tonight.
70 Responses to “THE PRE-GAME SHOW: Ottawa at NYI, 7:05 pm
Martinek back…ESPN show…more of your Qs”
Please Wait
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!! LETS MAKE IT 2 IN A ROW!!
Botta you freakin’ tease!!! How can ya throw out those juicy Ranger tidbits and then nothing! There is a name for bloggers like you!
When Bettman is on your show please ask him about how uneven NHL justice is and why he allows Colin Campbell to run his personal beef against the Islanders.
so does that mean were not getting shremp lol! i tried. i totally agree with guy above. would be nice to hand it back to ottawa after all these years !!!!!! cant wait to see martinek again. i wonder if there will be any bad blood. how long did kovelov (sp) get for elbowing tucker a couple years back? probably 2 for star treatment
pleaaase ask about cambell please
Thanks for the “tease” Chris. When is the tell-all book being released? Count me in for the Pre-order. I bet Jill Knee would’ve have gave us the story.haha
Horrible tease CB. Cannot wait to hear details on that one. Not sure if you are still going to take questions, but do you think there is any chance the Nets can be back here on LI and if so would Wang be involved? Do you think something like that can also help move the lighthouse project along? Also how much longer are the Isles in their TV deal with MSG? Any chance they can ever be with SNY?
Thanks. Keep up the great work.
Question for CB or anyone that knows the answer. If Bailey plays his 9 games and is sent back to his junior team, at the end of his junior teams season can he be called up to play in the AHL? I know that he is only allowed NHL or Junior now but what about at the end of the season? Doesn’t the junior season end earlier than the AHL, and would that make available to play in the AHL playoffs? If that scenario does play out and he only comes up to the AHL at seasons end, does it count against his contract starting?
I’m not sure, so don’t flame me if I’m wrong guys, but I think in order to play in the AHL a player has to be at least 20 years old so, I don’t think Bailey could play in AHL this season either way… again I’m not sure about this, I’m just saying
hurrapop i am 99% sure your right
I know it is bad, but I know in the long run it is better if the team loses, to get one of those top two picks (ie (Tavares, they need the goal scorer/offensive star more than anything). I know this is true, because in the past when the team lost, it would annoy me. Now, I just say one game closer to the top pick. That being said, I rather see the team lose with youngsters that get better, than vets that will try to figure out a way for the 8th seed. Means nothing…
ive changed from wanting tavares to wanting either cowen,tavares or hedman in no specific order. next year though i want taylor hall. rebuilding takes 3-4 years if you do it right. so yes i am thinking to far head but idc. with that type of young talent we could rival the best. btw, taylor hall and tavares would be one of the best double punch combo. possibly better than kane and towes and not as good but damn close to ovechkin and semin and malkin and crosby. not to mention adding okposo and that is one hell of a line. or we get hedman and ryan ellis and that is an amazing defensive pair. or weither it is hedman and hall or tavares and ellis, we win in these two drafts if we come in last. hopefully we dont hear the tavares/hedman sweepstakes this year like what happened with crosby.
btw, ellis is probably going number two next year. he is on the same team as hall and is a defenceman
maybe not malkin and crosby especially since there not on the same line
chris, is the NHL just f’ing with islanders fans putting rick dipietro on the all star ballot?? does the league follow the season at all? its kind of embarrassing that his name would be on the allstar ballot when he played in what 3 games this year? they should put mike comrie’s name there too!
lol micheal. he should be back by the all star game. stret=it should be in too though.
And while they’re at it… maybe in 2009 the Islanders can draft the next Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies, John Tonelli, Billy Smith, Dennis Potvin, Bobby Nystrom, Dave Langevin, Thomas Jonsson, Stephan Pearson, Bob Bourne, Duane Sutter, Brent Sutter and then maybe we can win 4 Stanley Cups in a row again… That would be cool.
DOC
kevin: It doesnt matter if Rick is playing again by the ASG… he has to play a certain number of games (20?) by January or something like that… and Rick isnt going to do that. He will not be able to play in the ASG even if he WAS voted in- which he wont be.
every team has to have someone in there and it would probably be dp over hunter. also, how is he not going to be able to play 20 games by that point? he is coming back in probably 2-3 weeks then we’ll be overplayed because thats how our org. does it.btw doc, im just trying to be realistic. look at pitt, they were bad for 5 years in a row. we are going to get either hedman or tavares this year and next year i expect were going to be just as bad, resulting in us getting either ellis or hall. your just being stupid. i guess its fair to say the drafts dont matter until we get our new arena though. looking forward to that.
every team needs representation but how do you put DP on the all-star ballot with a straight face? they must make these ballots up in august or something, and not make ANY changes once the season gets under way. it makes the NHL look foolish if u ask me. put 2 guys who actually PLAYED this season on the ballot.
Rick played 2 games so far this season and lost them both. There are 22 games left before January, kevin. If the cutoff is Jan 1st (IDK if it is) Rick would not get 20GP in before then even if he started in net tonight!
Rick is no all-star this year- no matter what- and Id bet money on that. But we will see if you are right or if I am right… time will tell.
Great work… even with the tease.
I won’t have access to the interview (due to the “inVA” part of JPinVA) but I really think that Bettman needs to address the inbalance of justice issue.
I do have a question regarding the current lineup and the Gordon system.
I think that Gordon’s system is a solid philosophy for the AHL because it is a cost effective method in terms of energy vs effect. In the NHL the amount of energy expended is disproportional to the amount of offensive chances they net.
I really think that Gordon should structure the system to allow the lines that are successful with it to wear down the lesser units of the opposition… rather than kill themselves for 40 minutes… then have a complete physical and menatl breakdown in the second half of games.
About the lineup…
We all kind of figure that when Witt and Marty come back Pock and Skinner are done. Will Meyer push Gervais to the AHL, or will the Isles go to a 7 man rotation with one in the press box?
Who do you think is more valuable in the lineup (Hilbert v Fritz)
My case…
Hilbert’s time is easily is made up by giving Park, Bergy, KO and terribellini more responsibility.
fritz will basically put more fannies in the seats in January and February than Hilbert has in his whole Isle career.
I agree Fritz is way more valuable then Hilbert for so many reasons.
It is my understanding once Bailey’s Junior season is over he would be eligable to play in the AHL much like Comeu and O’Marra did recently or Josenu did last year. However, I think he is staying with the Isles the entire year.
1) He is giving us what no other center is.
2) Hopefully Snow will be trading all the older assets and we’ll need him to play.
Doc? love your thinking, great players! the best! it would be awesome to have that time again, winning 4 cups!
With this team? rub a lamp! I know the guys are trying to make things happen, and I hope we show up again tonite!
As for the ASG? I voted Streit, Hunter and Joey Mac, because I think he has done an amazing job. DP(this time around) is no all star, I don’t think his name should be in the hat.
CB? just a comment about yesterdays (Fridays ? Day). In regard to my question about the team still being in tack as is next season? Don’t feel bad you didn’t shoot me down when you said No friggin way, lol! I was actually hoping and happy to read that, it’s what I thought but wanted to ask. So basically all this work to “rebuild” this team with these players under Gordon’s new system means what?
Of all the years I’ve been an Islander fan, I have to say the last few have been the most confusing and sad to watch.
Thanks for replying to all the Q & A. The blog is awesome, have a great day, enjoy the game! Go Islanders!
Ciao all!
CB, this goes without saying, but you have to ask Bettman about the inconsistencies in how guys are punished for various indiscretions in the league. I’ll throw the the exact question under which I’d love to hear Bettman squirm:
“How are we supposed to take this league’s disciplinary measures seriously when marginal players are punished much more severely, and much more often, than the league’s stars? Should this not lead us to question the credibility of at least one part of the league?”
As far as the Lighthouse thing goes, what will the Islanders’ nickname be after they relocate to Hamilton?
18 year olds can play in the AHL. The restriction comes from playing in juniors. If a player has played in juniors, then his minor league rights are owned by that junior team until he starts a season at age 20 (officially overage).
I’m relatively sure that if a player’s junior team doesn’t go to the playoffs, they can be brought up by the NHL team and loaned wherever that team sees fit (AHL, ECHL, etc.). This isn’t likely for Bailey, though, as his junior team is expected to go deep into the playoffs this year.
JPinVA,
1050 ESPN Radio does stream online. NY Hockey This Week in VA!
Here is my question for Bettman on NHL Discipline.
It seems Colin Campbell only has that job because he was socializing with NHL Executives while coach of the Rangers in Manhattan. His uneven and biased brand of discipline infuriates and confuses fans, media, players and teams yet he has not be fired? He seems to be carrying out a personal vandetta against the Islanders (list examples) and then follow up with the scenario where he went in the press and made a HUGE deal of Witt saying something in the press and saying Witt should call him to talk it out like men and then 2 years later he still has never returned Witt’s phone call and ask if that is the kind of professionalism Bettman tolerates with his employee’s and could that be the reason the NHL is not as successful as other sports.
1. DP was an All Star last season hence why he is on the ballot this season.
2. No junior player can play in the AHL unless they are 20 years of age. The reason some other prospects were able to do it after their junior season ended was they turned 20 during the season. Bailey just turned 19. Players from Leagues overseas (Joensuu for example) are exempt from this rule.
3. Streit not being on the All Star Ballot is a joke.
I cannot believe fans think Fritz vs. Hilbert is even an argument.
If you CANNOT see the value of Hilbert… then you just don’t know anything about HOCKEY!!!
DOC
Hilbert is a fine AHL player. He skates around fast, often gets in his own players way, doesn’t hit anyone, doesn’t score, stands around while Witt, Bergy, and Thompson are getting taken advantage of by Buffalo. If your serious about winning you can’t have guys like Andy Hilbert on your roster. Plain and simple.
Every team needs an Andy Hilbert…
Please people…I understood the hatred when he was on the first and second line….but now that he’s playing in his proper role?
Leave the guy alone….he busts his a$$ every night out there….he deserves the ice time he gets.
IMO he deserves more ice time than Comrie…
Any chance the Isles grab Paul Bissonette on waivers fro mthe Pens? Good fighter and team guy, better skater than Fritz.
I don’t hate Hilbert and he is fine for staying on the team this year because we need to lose and get the top pick but I gaurantee you if we waived him no other team would pick Hilbert up. He is one of the AHL players that we have on our roster. When they are serious about winning Hilbert won’t be around and yes, I’d like to see Comrie moved too. It just isn’t a good fit for him here.
I’m staying over my girlfriend’s house tonight - she lives in Brooklyn - the game is on MSG +2 …anyone know the channel? MSG.com says 51, but the channel guide on the actual tv doesnt say the game is there …anyone with Time Warner that can lend some assistance would be a great help!
What do you attribute all the thrid period collaspses to? Bad coaching? Lack of talent? Something else? I could understand a bad team but it has become such a pervasive occurance that it has become very worrisome that it’s something deeper. Just would like to get your thoughts on it. Thanks!
If you are serious about winning -as opposed to whining - then Hilbert is precisely the type of 3rd or 4th line player you need on your team. THE MAN LEAD THE TEAM IN PLUS/MINUS LAST SEASON.
He had the 3rd most minutes amongst fwds on the PK. There is more to the game of hockey than smashing a guys face in or scoring goals.
And if you think Thompson and Witt can’t take care of themselves then you and I are watching a different game.
chris i was gone so i would not respond fast enough but i did not know there was a cut off for games by a certain time but i will say this, is there a way for us to tell the league that they take off dp and put on streit. also, i dont think they do it in august otherwise thhey wouldnt of chosen hunter. maybe they did for his team leading 29 assists last year but he has been our top scorer this year which is SWEET!!! also, why are people like komiserek and robyn regher (sp) in it when they are just shutdown defenceman. you can make the argument about scott stevens but, i would rather see other players in instead of shut down d
like mark streit for example. also, i like hilbert this year but saying the whole plus/minus is not your best argument seeing as this team was tanking last year. hilbert is great on the pk and is actually showing some speed and energy this year
well thompson’s bout wasnt that bad but witts head got smashed in. i think that he should gotten in there like bergie thoguh but othwer then that there wasnt much he could do
wow. i meant though and otherwise. sorry for multiple posts
I understand it’s impossible to compare players from one era to the next etc etc etc. I’m not trying to compare the player individually…
But just as the 1970’s and 1980’s Islanders needed players like Lorne Henning and Billy Carrol and Wayne Merrick and Steve Tambellini and Hector Marini and others, the future winning teams and every winning team needs players like Andy Hilbert.
Stop expecting him to be Sydney Crosby and appreciate what he is.
I guarantee that the Islanders coaches and every other coach in this league would want players like Andy Hilbert on their team any day of the week.
Without players like Scott Brosius, Chad Curtis, Shane Spencer, Charlie Hayes, Joe Girardi, Ramiro Mendoza, Jeff Nelson, Mike Stanton the Yankees don’t win the World Series 3 out of 4 years…
DOC
doc are you really comparing scott brosius to andy helbert? i’ll give you chad curtis but come on scott was 1998 world series MVP, hilbert is no mvp. scott hit like .420 in the world series in 98.
brosius is the man, he deserves better than an andy hilbert comparison.
I don’t expect Hilbert to be Sydney Crosby. I expect him to put the puck in the net when he has a wide-open opportunity. After the last two years of angry text messages and e-mails regarding Hilbert’s offensive poop-show, I’m very willing to let him leave and replace him.
Just because a guy tries doesn’t mean he’s an NHL player. I could go out there and try really hard, too.
Hilbert and whoever else was on the ice (Streit?) when Thompson, Bergy, and Witt got jumped should have thrown down. Didn’t have to win but should have thrown.
Hilbert was signed off the 19 games he played with Crosby and had inflated stats. They thought he end up being Jason Blake (a not so great player else where but comes in and scores a lot for the Isles). It didn’t happen. Hilbert survived this year despite reports every where of guys like Jackman, Collitton, and numerous other guys with the Tigers now out playing him in camp and preseason because he played for Gordon before and that is why Gordon got Thompson. They didn’t earn the jobs but Gordon rightfully felt he needed a few guys who knew his system to ease the transition but we do have better guys in the organization who could play now. Hilbert isn’t Crosby and he isn’t Henning or Carrol either. He flat out is not an NHL player.
We have some players on our roster right now who are flat out AHL players. That will change in time and when it does we’ll get back to winning. However, I think it is sad Colliton played well enough to have a spot and lost out to 2 Providence Bruins.
HEY CB
WHATS WAS IT LIKE WORKING FOR MILLSTEIN AND GLUCKSTERN?
Komaserik is a inccredible defenseman. One of the hardest hitters in the league. Hilbert has been playing well this year and is fine in a 3rd or 4th line role. Having him as a 1st or 2nd line player is ludicrous and that is where I think alot of the hatred comes from. Jackman has been playing ell aven though I’ve been one of his biggest crtics. He is doing much more with this call up! Getting the kids trained in the system down at the bridge seems to be working well which is great to see. I doubt we will be able to sign Komi even though he is a home town kid but if we did that would be an incredible signing.
Oh and Kevin, I replyed to your comments in the last topic by the way don’t feel like pasting right now!
AZS,
If MSG+2 doesn’t come on channel 51, check 199. That’s where Time Warner in Manhattan had it earlier in this season.
DP is on the All Star Ballot because he was an All Star last year. The ballots are set up before the season even begins, isn’t it? Bottom line is you can write-in anyone you want, so if you like Streit, write his name in. I don’t expect to see any Islanders starters though, with the way Quebec fans have been flooding in votes for their players!
MY question for CB: Will the Isles make a permanent switch to the vintage Third Jersey style for their jerseys next season? It seems everyone prefers the look and coloring of this jersey, why did the Islanders even bother with the ‘new’ jersey style last season?
Matt, Alan Hahn told me before the Komisarik draft that Komisarik’s Mom badly wanted him to play for the Islanders. Sadly she passed away since then but you’d have to think a draw for Komisarik would be to play closer to family because after losing a parent you understand how short your time can be with the other. I’d say his relationship with Rick among other Isles that if he does hit free agency we could get him home and how great would it be to have a Long Islander playing for the Isles!
I have the NHL Center Ice TV package since I live in Austin, TX. I saved my recording of Thursday’s game so I could post this bullshit cynical low blow the Senators TV broadcast took at Garth and the Isles on Thursday. The intro piece said, “Garth Snow holds a masters in administration. He jumped from the end of the Islanders bench directly into the GM’s chair. He shocked the hockey world with his business savvy and golden sixth sense by making Rick DiPietro the franchise player. As a business case study, it was a brilliant premise. In the violent reality of hockey, however, it was an expensive, some say, fool hardy speculation. DiPietro has had two hip surgeries, concussions and is now out with knee issues. The only egg in the basket is broken. The Islanders should be the tonic to ease Ottawa’s sub-.500 pain.”
All of this was over footage of Ricky in pain, the contract signing press conference. I really hope we sweep these bastards tonight.
Strummer it would be amazing! To hvae him here would be a good thing. Anyone who doen’t realize his value would have to get their head examined. He is one of the best Dmen in the league and will probably only get better. We would have to open the vault to get him. I’m going to say that Montreal will have him locked up before seasons end unfortunately.
You can tell people 34897532498 times that Garth had nothing to do with Ricks contract, some people just wont listen. But who needs truth or facts when theres SenatorsTV to record?
Eric, OMG I couldn’t agree more. I had been at the gym and dinner and came into the game in the 2nd period. When I watched the tape of the game I enjoyed hearing how cynical and condensending the Ott broadcast was to the Islanders and how dejected they were at the end! You could just hear how crushed they were in their voices.
Nothing better than crushed Canadian Press!
I agree Matt, Komisarik would be an ideal fit for this team. Any team (Montreal included) is going to need to open the vault. The thing is unless he is totally happy there then he doesn’t have to sign before testing FA. There wasn’t a d-man as good last year in FA and the money thrown out was nuts (by the way Streit looks like a bargin!), so if I were Komisarik I’d want to reserve the right to see what FA would bring me in terms of opportunity.
My other perfect d-man fit would be Shea Weber of Nashville. PP specialist, PK, fighter, hitter, leader just awesome. He was paired with Witt when Witt was there. Weber I don’t think is gonna be a free agent but that is the direction I want the team to go in. He is Witt with very good offensive skills.
Streit was a fantastic pickup. The Canadian press is eating it on that one. Gotta love it. Off to the gym. Good day everyone! Lets go Isles!
if the canadiens dont lock up komi, what will be the price and for how long do you guys think? i say we lock him up for a 5 year deal worth 4 mil a season. its expensive but you have to imagine what others will offer.
o strummer, i think they locked weber up so thats unfortunate but if they keep going for players like this then this team will be tough to beat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vePzUshzpws
eric - i’ve noticed that a lot of the canadian media loves to take shots at the isles. sometimes we give them a reason to but usually we don’t. i really do think it has to do with jealousy over our 4 cups. it’s like they’re furious with us for winning cups before the leafs or sens did. nothing would be sweeter than if we won another under snow.
Kevin,
I know Komisarek and Streit are two totally different players, but if Streit fetched $4.1 mil over five years when people were sour on his defense, then I’m guessing Komisarek is at least in that range.
I think there would probably be more interest in Komisarek than there was in Streit because of Komisarek’s age and his growing reputation, so I’d probably put him at around 5 mil a year. Scott Hannan got 4.5 in the 07 summer, so I’m thinking Komisarek would at least start there, but probably end up at around 5-5.5 mil.
Just a final thought (by me) on First base Andy vs the Beast.
Andy is definitely a key role player on the team. I understand that. My point was that when thompson returns they will probably lose Jackman… and Thompson, Park, Bergy and Nielsen are all Hilbert type players but they all have added value. How many of those guys do you need?
especially when Andy destroys offense, rather than create it. Andy needs another change of scenery.
Fritz is like having a nuclear missle in your backyard. You may never have to use it, but it’s pretty nice to have. Plus, FRITZ does something that Hilbert just can’t do. He EXCITZES the fans. With every hard check, or borderline slash people start looking to the bench…”when is he going to tap Fritz?”
It’s just my contention that this team needs Fritz more than they do Hilbert… especially if they could get a 2nd rounder or a 220 lb AHL “D” for him.
He is a good role player that is solid on the dot as well… so either one of those prices is not out of the question. Plus he’s cheap. But where does he fit in with the Isles who need balanced scoring over three lines. He just can’t finish, unless he actually gets the puck, unchecked in the crease… and even then he’s only .250.
You should understand my point Anit-HILBERT fans…
I prefaced my post by saying it’s impossible to compare players… and i’m not saying Hilbert is Brosius… what I am saying is that on a team with Jeter, Bernie, Clemens, Mariano etc… that it was players who aren’t the stars… like Brosius, Hayes, Spencer etc… that play key roles in winning games and championships.
I realize that many here are too blinded and or thick to understand a simple point. So I apologixe for being “confusing”.
DOC
“apologize”
JP in VA well said.
Kevin I 100% agree. I dare Sydney Crosby to cross our blue line if three of the guys on it are Witt, Sutton, and Komisarik. Lights out kid!
A super value guy we should get good offense, great skater, huge hitter, ferocious fighter etc. is Kevin Bieksa from Van. He has a foot injury now so ya want see him Monday but youtube the guy and check out his stats. Van’s new GM had cap and resigning issues and Bieksa was available at the draft for a 4th rounder. Snow should have jumped all over it. The GM actually said on tv they were shopping him for a 4th rounder. Most of us agree on what the mold of the team we want is. Hopefully Mr. Snow is starting to see it. I know Janikowski is seeing the need for bigger defense now that they are loaded with small speed guys.
Wheter we go Tavares or Hedman in the draft the next pick we make (even if we have to trade up to the back of the first round) is Taylor Doherty. 6′8″ 220lb RD who can skate and do it all. He and Hedman could be the top pairing in a few years. Imagine that 6′7″ 231 and Doherty’s size at their draft age? Give them a few years to finish growing, what a top pair. If it is Tavares we still need Doherty. This draft has him going 22 the other has him going 3rd pick of the 2nd round. http://www.mynhldraft.com/2009/NHL-Draft-Profiles/Taylor-Doherty
Komisarek is going to fetch more than Streit that is one thing you can count on. Free agency will drive up his cost even more. The kid has so much upside he is probably going to be worth it. Last year when the rags were playing them and were up 5-0(and wlost 6-5) that kid began leveling people and changed the whole momentum of the game. He has got that Phanuef like quality to him. Yeah I know he doesn’t have the offense but he’s a game changer. Plus it would be good to have a local kid playing for us. It’s incredible how much hockey there is on LI and there isn’t more home grown talent! Hilbert is fine as a 4th line player and has definetely playing a better game this year. Believe me I’ve never been a fan of his but he has def stepped it up a bit.
can someone get cj pappa some caffeine before the games..this guy is so mellow his interview with jackman between periods was so bad.
The thing about Hilbert is he would probably be more valuable on a better team. He plays his role very well with the Islanders, however we are so lacking in scoring his offensive deficits really show through. On a team with a potent offense he would only be asked to do what he does best and they wouldn’t need or expect an offensive contribution.
Wait, doesn’t Hilbert have 3 goals already this year? And it’s early! Anyway, I’m with Doc on this, if we didn’t have Hilbert there would have been sooooo many more points for so many of the opposing teams. I’m talking since he’s been with the Isles. He does his job well and comparing him to Fritz is apples and celery.
CB, I hope to be able to read your book in the not so distant future!