THE WAIT FOR JOSH BAILEY IS OVER
2008 first-rounder to make NHL debut today
10:16 am - From the site that yesterday brought you “Don’t Wait For Josh Bailey,” presents this 24 hours later:
Josh Bailey is probably playing today for the New York Islanders when they host Philadelphia in a Veterans Day matinee at the Coliseum.
Looks like Mike Comrie’s surgically-repaired hip may need a game or two of rest, so the Islanders will use the opening at center as an opportunity to take an NHL look at Bailey, the ninth overall pick in the 2008 draft.
We wrote in this space yesterday that Bailey, if at all, might get a game or two before the Islanders - appropriately - return him to Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League and a possible spot on Team Canada at the WJC. Comrie’s hip check-up with the medical staff appears to have changed that. Now it’s on Bailey to prove whether he deserves a longer look.
The bottom line is that if you wanted to see the NHL debut of the Islanders’ first round pick, it seems safe to acquire your tickets for today’s game.
Comments?
85 Responses to “THE WAIT FOR JOSH BAILEY IS OVER
2008 first-rounder to make NHL debut today”
Please Wait
Sweet! I’m looking forward to it and am hopeful Comrie gets better - like DP, playing injured = crap for the team.
sweet!!!!!!!!! i have tickets to this game too!!agree with cain. wait till they are 110% also, scott parkers contract was terminated. they say they will need a heavyweight on game to game basis or something like that. that hasn’t been the case especially when we play tough teams like today against philly. if the skating is the problem then sign parker to a 2 year 2way 1.2 million.even if its not for this year then maybe we can use him next year if management is not happy with fritz ( can’t see how except sskating) parker has been in this league since 1998 if i am not mistaken. played like 200 more games then fritz too. only prob might be with witt but that was a while ago ( youtube scott parker goes nuts witt) funny video.
I am looking forward to Bailey’s debut but why not let him do a 3 game conditioning stint at Bridgeport and call up Colliton or Walter for today?
scouts i totally agree. this organization needs to take it safe. he has been practicing but still thats not like a game. bridgeport would be perfect. btw, anyone notice how much bridgeport is lighting it up this year??? GO PROSPECTS!!!!!!!!!!! one second to last thing is that ” The Sheriff” is 6′5 and 240 lbs. he is 4-0-1 last year according to hockeyfights.com . last thing is that maybe they should of had a promotion of bailey to sell more tickets
Parker has concussion problems and his contract was terminated because he didn’t want to play in the AHL.
We don’t need that.
I think a game or two can’t hurt his development. He has worked hard and this could be a reward. And if he is awesome he can stay. But I like the fact that he was rehabbing on the Island and not at some jr team. His health is our long term concern. here’s to the future.
great info botta,,, keep it coming
I am a bit worried about him being “rushed” as some kind of marketing ploy. Or to justify the passing up of Filatov back in June. That said, I will trust the decision because one, these people get paid to make them and two, I can’t see the whole story from behind a keyboard so I will give them the benefit of the doubt here. Good Luck Josh!
ik cain but give him a shot. i dont think he’ll do it twice
Lets just hope he doesn’t get hurt by one of the Broad Street Goons.
seroiusly klynch
I don’t know that this was a marketing ploy. I only say that because there was no real build up to him playing today. I think that he’s just ready and with Comrie out today was just a spot that made sense.
Curious to see what kind of ice time he gets and whether he’ll stay on the line with Jackman and Sim …certainly excited to see him play, and I hope he shows he’s ready to hang around for the year …
Hockey is a physical game and I don’t think we as fans can really worry about other teams hurting our players. The reality is that anyone can get hurt playing any team at any time in their career on clean hits …so lets just sit back and enjoy the game …
Maybe Snow/Gordon didn’t want to put too much pressure on Bailey in his debut, a big marketing campaign could lead to a big letdown if he looks lost out there.
i dont want him for the whole year. let him develop in the ohl. okposo got rushed and he is not producing. i knew we should have left him in the ahl. o well.
I agree with “Scouts?”. Its better for them to let him get some NHL minutes without all the hoopla.
true but this franchise is sinking and we need to get what we can.
i’m looking forward to seeing bailey but unless he looks amazing, he should be sent to windsor after the 9 game tryout.
Welcome to The Show, #12…Good luck, kid!
I think KO will be fine …he’s not putting up the big points - yet - but he’s tied with the #1 pick Stamkos in points …KO has shown signs of being a really good player …
Whether Bailey produces or not he’ll gain experience this year when in reality we should all be hoping the Isles finsih dead last to atleast garauntee themselves the #2 pick …this is the perfect time for KO and Bailey and Neilsen and Tamby to be getting these minutes
stamkos is not getting the minutes or oppurtunities okposo is. okposo is or was on the first line and is getting more then 12 min a game. i think ko will be fine to but just saying that it would be better if he got smoothed in not rushed but we can all agree he is gunna be something special
Good Luck Josh. I’ll be by the glass.
I agree Kevin …I guess that was my point …I think KO has shown me enough in the games so far this year to make me feel good that given more time to mature and a better caste around him he’ll turn into the guy we want him to be …I go to every game and he stands out when he’s on the ice
Let the kids play at the NHL level. This team isn’t going anywhere any way. Why not let Bailey get experience at this level. He could learn to adjust to the speed and hitting of the NHL. We have the time since I do not project this team getting better for at least two to four years. If he goes back to junior and plays great against half of the kids who won’t be drafted it is no big deal. If he goes to Bridgeport he still has to come up to the NHL and everyone says it is faster and harder hitting. So let him learn from the get go.
hopefully we get the first rounder or top three like pittsburgh did, malkin crosby fluery staal were all top three
bailey, petrov, okposo, ( tavares, hedman, cowen) figrin and Dp. also hillen and skinner and kohn can turn out well. not to mention our own datsyuk and zetterburg. by that i mean that we got justin DB in the 6th round and he is doing amazing there
o and by my 25post i meant that we get it 2-4 yrs in a row
We need to see Bailey today. We are rebuilding..that’s what rebuild is for. To see young exciting hockey. Too bad Josh is a middling prospect and not a finisher. Don’t know who will score that he can assist on. Oh well, Remember how the Isles said we needed a scoring winger for Yashin. Times haven’t changed now we need a scoring winger for Bailey. Is it KO. He looks quick I think he’ll be fine.
I don’t see the point in putting Josh in today. Let him develop properly in the minors. Islanders are not going to be great this year, so bring Josh in when the time is right and he can make a contribution. I can’t help but think of Tim Connolly when we talk of Josh. Tim had loads of talent, but I believe was hurt by the Islanders rushing him to the NHL.
All I know is, Bailey already has as many goals as Tamby. Glad Tamby’s on a one-way contract…
I think the fact that the Isles aren’t going to be great this year is the exact reason to let him stay this year. Let him gain experience at this level. Someone earlier made the great point that him smoking guys in juniors isn’t going to really help him …let him stay …
I don’t think Connolly was hurt here …he went on to play well for Buff …we just didn’t hold onto him long enough …but I think those days of giving up on prospects too early are over with
The idea that the franchise is “sinking” is stupid. You can’t sink through the bottom. There’s only one way to go and it’s up. Let the kid play a few games, get a taste of the big time, and then send him back to Windsor to captain the best team in the OHL. What is the problem with that? Even if he goes pointless there is still a viable point in letting your first-round draft choice play some NHL games when the opportunity presents itself. Some Islanders fans need to chill out. There’s no allegiance at all with some of you. It’s sad.
Good news, I’m eager to see this kid play.
Here’s what the lines should be:
Bergenheim - Weight - Guerin
Park - Nielsen - Hunter
Tambellini - Bailey - Okposo
Sim - Hilbert - Jackman
derek, those lines are not half bad. would be good to see bergie jump start weight and geurin. not point wise but energy wise
Derek,
I like the lines, but I think they may put Park with Okposo and Bailey for defensive purposes. One thought, what if Bailey and Okposo light it up in this 9 game trial? Do you keep him up here and continue with the chemistry or do you send him back? I say keep him no matter what happens.
I’m thinking Gordon wants to put a veteran on Bailey’s line. Look for Park to fill that role while Tambs continues with Nielsen and Hunter.
Martinek - Campoli
Sutton - Streit
Gervais - Skinner
on the back end?
Good luck rook!!!
Comrie looked hurt all season, he is much better then he is playing.
Tambellini - Bailey - Okposo sounds like a great line for the future. I don’t think they can go with that now though due to inexperience. I also don’t think the Isles will see Tambellini’s full potential in our uniform. He’ll be another Jokinen who has to go elsewhere to start producing.
i think we’re all anxious to see this kid play, i just hope proper expectations are set. if he gets 6-8 minutes, a shift on the PP and simply gets a taste of the speed and skill at the NHL level then it’s a good move.
MikeD,
I hate to say it, but I think you’re right on there. Tamby’s got the skills, I just don’t think he’s going to put it together in an Isles Jersey. I really hope I’m wrong though.
I’m completely sure that putting Bailey in for a few games is a smart idea. I is a great opportunity for him to feel the difference in NHL against OHL. And when he’s going back to OHL for “developing”, he will know what areas he should work on the most.
I also think we are all can’t wait to see why Snow and the Isles drafting committee wanted Josh so much.
He is ready, why can other high picks play immediately, JB can as well. No need to handle him with kid gloves. Let’s see what he has.
I am so excited to see Bailey play! He is one of the gems in the Isles system. I think we all agree that moving forward there are good prospects and young players we just have to get more and wait for them to develop. I would have prefered Bailey taking 3 games with Bridge before playing for the Isles but will be glued to the tv.
I can’t believe they haven’t called up Fritz!!! They are playing one of the two nastiest and toughest teams in the NHL and they don’t call up Fritz? Unreal.
I’m not sure what I think about the move, honestly. I wish Bailey was able to play in Bridgeport this year, but I guess he can’t because of age or something? No harm in letting him get a couple of games in for the Isles, I suppose. I just think it’d be smart to send him back even if he performs admirably in the NHL. Let him lead his team and further develop the leadership skills that apparently sold the Isles on him as much as his ability on the ice.
I can only listen to game via the website here, but it sounds like Bailey is involved when he’s on the ice…making good passes and deflecting shots. Is that the case for those watching the game?
I cant tell either except I’m at work watching it on CBS Sportsline. All I know is that we have a lot of shots on net and no goals to show it. What else is new.
Lot of people there today at hempstead?
And the Islanders radio broadcast has been replaced by…static. It’s still streaming fine, there’s just nothing coming through but occasional crackling. Quality.
got to love this organization - even nhl.com got tired of them - just cut out their coverage of the game. might be less painful this way.
The Flyers broadcast is streaming fine. I get to listen to their announcers say things like, “Well, these Islanders are still NHL players, so the Flyers can’t get too comfortable.”
These Islanders are not NHL Players.
The Isles are 0-7 on the PP thus far; they have had TWO(!) 5 on 3 PP’s, one of which was for a full two minutes.
PP is a disgrace, Josh Gratton has pushed the team around, they look soft and lost.
DISGUSTING!
short handed - figures! want to end your losing streak? - play the islanders. want to further your winning streak? - play the islanders. fully accommodating.
This team is not a “work in progress,” there is nothing to work with.
hey am i the only guy in the world that thinks we need a new coach..or gm . why do we assume these guys are competent??? 2nd year in a row WE CANT SCORE GARTH!!!
Bailey needs to go to juniors for this yr..
It is getting late early.
As an aside, who is this perpetually happy new guy the Isles have hosting their intermission show, CJ Papa?
SEND BAILEY DOWN!
NYC, CJ Papa used to do intermission reports at the Coliseum for the fans at the game for the last couple of years. People here like him from what I’ve read in past threads. I rememeber looking forward to laughing at his glaringly obvious keys for the next period, or whatever they were called then. Stuff like, “To win, the Islanders will need to start scoring goals.”
So what was the deal today for those who were able to watch? Sounded like there were plenty of shots. Was Biron that good or were the shots that bad? Sounded like Bergy had a pretty good game?
i am getting sick of this.
Thanks, UIF. Well, another loss. (sigh)
The shots were not difficult shots, they were mostly at Biron’s chest. Do not be deceived by the amount of shots the Isles took.
This team blows, good game by Bailey costing his team any chance of winning with 3 minutes left. These guys play like fairies, knocked around the whole game without Fritz up there. Too many shots, not enough decent scoring opps.
It’s funny how many people on this site have no idea how a rebuild works.
Does a rebuild take fifteen years?
how did bailey play?
The kid made a mistake. He’ll learn.
They might want to hurry the rebuild before they end up in Toronto!
Bailey looked decent today. He just needs some polishing.Strong on the puck and looked good on the faceoffs he took. Give him his nine, then send him down. Let him get experience and let him try next year. He’s a 19 year old kid still learning. Don’t jump on the kid after one game, especially if this is your very first time seeing him play. Ever. (or like many of you did before the game)
Everyone on this website wanted a rebuild, every single person. It has been discussed by everyone either here or on another forum that we need a rebuild since we hit our slump last year, and to be honest, now we have what we want. This first year is supposed to be a painful year! And to say that we don’t have anybody to make that rebuild happen is a joke. Bailey played decently today for an 18 year old in his first professional game, minus the unfortunate penalty at the end which cost the Islanders an opportunity to tie the game. Thats what learning is! It is making mistakes now, so when the Isles are a contender, they don’t make them then. Nielsen looks great, Tambellini finally started skating a little bit today, and even Okposo was doing his job along the boards and trying.He should still be in the AHL for God’s sake. I don’t get why everyone has to be so negative. It would be best for this organization to go 0-82 this year so we are guaranteed either Hedman or Tavares to continue this rebuild, and to have really early picks in the second and third rounds as well. As it is, we have 4 picks in the first 45 if Boston continues to struggle. The fact some people are calling for Snow and Gordon’s heads and wanting change is just ridiculous. THIS IS A REBUILD! It’s supposed to be bad the first year, get used to games like this until next season, and it will be even worse after the trade deadline when Guerin, Weight, Comrie, and possibly Sillinger are gone! We all got what we wished for, and I am happy that they are finally going to do it right.
Ugh. For another year our PP can do anything. I as well was listening on-line until the feed cut out, then switched over to the Flyers feed which was muffled as all Hell. Great way to spend a Tuesday afternoon. Anyway, as much as I will spend my time watching and listening to the team that I love, their lack of scoring is unbearable and sometimes I have to walk away from the computer. All I ask from this team is give me something exciting to watch. The loses aren’t that bad during a rebuild when I’m still entertained and have reason to hope.
*can’t do anything.
I’m with ya, Justin. Waiting patiently, lol.
Hey Chris, I do believe the Islander’s are going in the right direction, by way of the “Draft”, with that said, I believe two players the Islander’s should go after, beginning with a player they should have never traded, Robert Nilsson, in Edmonton, He has great speed and a player that to me would fit into S. Gordon’s system perfectly. Trade say, Blake Comeau. The player I believe the Oiler’s would have gladly taken rather than Nilsson, but according to Ted Nolan, Comeau was the best player on the Sound Tiger’s, a player he did not want to give up. Where Robert Nilsson on the other hand, was a player that would not fit into his system. I believe the upside of Robert Nilsson is great. Secondly I believe the Islander’s should push hard to get Eric Nystrom from Calgary, I think Eric coming to the NY Islander’s where his great father accomplished all he did, and playing hockey for his favorite hockey team, back home, would again bring the best out of Eric Nystrom. By the way Chris, Eric is now wearing #23. Keep up the excellent work Chris, Mark/NJ
something tells me justin does not have season tix.
Oh Bailey Back, theirs our answer!!!
Bailey looked exactly like what he is: a rookie playing in his first game. He won his first face off and it was down hill from there. He got stripped of the puck which led to his first penalty and looked nervous, especially when he got his first legit power play time in the second period(not that he was alone regarding the pp). Admittedly its hard to tell with just one game of 4th line minutes under his belt, but I think the kid needs to go down. He just didn’t seem ready.
Agreed. But it’s not a big deal. Most 19 year old kids can’t play in the NHL. Only the Crosby’s, Ovechkin’s of the world can.
I feel bad for Bailey in the last two minutes with the flukey high sticking penalty. We play in Ottawa next give him one more game. Then thanks kid, you had your cup of coffee in the NHL drop him off in Windsor on the way back to Long Island and let him win a Memorial Cup as captain and a gold medal for Canada.
You’re right, its not a big deal. He is none of those. Just wanted to give a counterpoint to posts which said he played well. He honestly didn’t IMHO. Give him a taste and then get him out of here. Losing games like this team is going to do this year will do nothing for his development.
Josh did as good in his first game as any kid should be expected to do. One penalty was his fault and the other was WEAK, made some good passes, winning faceoff%, fine with me. Keep it up, Josh (for 8 more games, anyway!
)
Something tells me Justin has had four season tickets for the past eight years, it’s just that he tries to remember that he wanted the rebuild, as did every other fan, and therefore he is being patient and allowin this season to be as terrible as he thought, and in three years, his patience will be rewarded, as will the Islanders.