Monthly Archives: January 2009
In the town of Sarnia, Ontario (pop. 7,000) can be found a trio of young hockey prospects that the New York Islanders need to make big decisions on. Mark Katic, Matt Martin and Justin DiBenedetto of the Sarnia Sting are all recent Islanders draft picks eligible for the pros next season. Whether one, two or all three make it to Bridgeport as early as next season will be determined over the next few months.
BIGGEST UPSIDE: Mark Katic, D, 5-10, 190, turns 20 in May.
An Islanders third round pick in 2007, Katic is a puck-moving defenseman with the kind of tools that should make him a good fit with the franchise’s go-go philosophy.
His critics say he has yet to reach his potential, that he should be more dominant at the OHL level. His advocates believe he’s a good student who will develop in the Islanders farm system into an NHLer.
This season: 7-24-31 in 43 games, fourth in Sarnia scoring.
SUREST THING: Matt Martin, LW, 6-2, 200, turns 20 in May.
The quintessential late bloomer, Martin was selected by the Islanders in the fifth round last June and the team is very happy with the step-up in his play since.
He has become a threat in juniors as a scorer and a fighter, and his leadership (Martin is the Sarnia captain, while Katic and DiBenedetto wear As) has been cited as a big reason why the overachieving Sting are contending for home-ice advantage in the OHL playoffs. He doesn’t have many critics, while most observers tell you he has an excellent shot to be a heart-and-soul third liner in the NHL.
This season: 24-23-47 in 43 games, third in Sarnia scoring.
BIGGEST MYSTERY: Justin DiBenedetto, C, 5-11, 20 years old.
Presenting the top 3 leading scorers in the Ontario Hockey League this season:
1. John Tavares, London: 35-33-68 (projected top-2 pick in 2009)
2. Taylor Hall, Windsor: 28-38-66 (projected top pick in 2010)
3. Justin DiBenedetto, Sarnia: 33-32-65 (NYI 6th round pick in 2008)
What’s wrong with this picture? Nothing, actually. The Canadian junior ranks are filled with the ghosts of top scorers who never got a whiff in the NHL. In 1980, Bill Torrey and Jim Devellano drafted a center in the third round named Dave Simpson. In 1981-82, Simpson scored 67 goals and 155 points in 68 games and was named CHL Player of the Year. He played four years in the minors and never played again.
What makes DiBenedetto an intriguing prospect is that the knocks are not on his size (he’s 5-11 and strong and wide enough) or skating (not the prettiest, but he gets there). No, the kid they call “DiBo” sometimes drives observers a little batty with his inconsistency. Those skeptics are starting to go away. Last year, they credited his production to playing with Steven Stamkos. They have no one to blame it on this season but DiBenedetto.
As for the inconsistency, isn’t that what coaching is for? Isn’t that why you have a development program? Isn’t that why Bryan Trottier is there to teach and Eric Cairns is there to make sure the kids are doing their homework? Is there any question that the rebuilding Islanders are going to sign the talented center and develop him?
Sign Deadlines: Katic needs to be signed by the Islanders by June 1, 2009. Martin and DiBenedetto must be signed by June 1, 2010. All are eligible to be signed this year and begin their Islanders development in Bridgeport for the 2009-2010 season.
Prediction: Maybe none of the kids are world-beaters, but all could be significant contributors on a winner if properly developed. The Islanders will eventually sign Katic and Martin and DiBenedetto.
ETC: Little news from Islanders practice today. Mark Streit is back from All-Star weekend and will sign autographs at the team store in the Broadway Mall tonight beginning at 7:00 pm. Yann Danis was in goal. We’ll have a better idea at tomorrow’s practice who should be good for Thursday’s lineup in Atlanta.
Comments.
Independent Lighthouse Project advocate and Point Blank reader Nick Classic has started his own blog, Let There Be Lighthouse. While my ramblings tend to be more surface – Kate’s in over her head, Billy Joel doesn’t play there, Type A free agents won’t sign up for the current facility - you can count on Nick for details, details, details that you won’t get here.
Add Let There Be Lighthouse to your lineup. He’s also the best source for petitions and upcoming meetings while I’m trying to track down prospects in Sarnia. According to his bio, Nick is a 20-something resident of the Town of Hempstead. I can confirm he is not an employee of the Islanders, Rexcorp, the Lighthouse Development Group or any company associated with the project. Just a guy who cares a lot.
Best of luck to Nick. Comments.
As he continues his lessons post All-Star with Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey and the rest of the kid Islanders, Scott Gordon is well-represented in the league by several young players who credit the coach for bringing them along.
Prior to his breakout this season, David Krejci developed under Gordon for a year and a half with Providence of the American Hockey League. The 22-year old Krejci spoke to Point Blank last week of the major impact Gordon had in his preparation for the NHL.
“Scott was my first professional coach,” said the Czech Republic native, “and he helped me so much with the transition from junior (Gatineau of the Quebec League) to the pros. He taught me the importance of taking care of our own end on defense. We had a lot of one-on-one meetings where we looked at video and he helped me understand all the little details that can make you a great player.”
For an offensive whiz like Krejci – 17 goals and 35 assists in 47 games with the Bruins this season – it was surprising to hear the kid talk of how he was aided by Gordon’s psychological approach to the game.
“Confidence is a big deal for me,” Krejci said. “That’s important for a scorer and I think Scott realized that early on. Right from the beginning, he trusted me and believed in me. He told me what he expected from me, which was a lot. I appreciated that.
“It’s nice to see so many of his young players from Providence doing so well in the NHL. I’m glad Coach made it. He deserved it. If the Islanders give him the time, he will get the job done.”
In an interview with the Boston Globe, Chicago Blackhawks Young Star Kris Versteeg said his year-plus with Gordon in Providence was invaluable.
“I really enjoyed playing for Flash,” said Versteeg, traded by Boston to Chicago for Brandon Bochenski and now flourishing in an up-tempo system. “He’s unbelievable. I think he almost kick-started my career again. He put me out there in situations that, in my first year of pro hockey, I never thought I’d get to play in. I wish him all the best.”
But sometimes you can get an even better read on a teacher not from Grade A stars like Krejci but from an overachieving B-level student. That’s why when the Bruins were in town last week it was important to hunt down 5-11, 190-pound defenseman Matt Hunwick, a former 7th round pick.
“One of the biggest reasons I’m here is Gordo’s hands-on approach,” Hunwick (with his hands on Kyle Okposo, left) said in the Bruins’ locker room at Nassau Coliseum. “There’s a whole bunch of guys in this room who will tell you that, starting with a star like Dave Krejci.
“Especially for the Islanders’ young players like Okposo and everyone else coming through the ranks, he’s going to be so good. He’ll stop practice and explain everything. He’ll break it down for you one-on-one with video. He’ll teach. Assuming he gets the time to bring their young players along, you’ll see the benefits.”
But the big question is, can Gordon’s go-go approach work in the NHL?
“Of course it can. It does,” said Hunwick. “Although we’re not mirroring Gordo’s system here, we’re playing much more up-tempo now. And one of the great things about what he preaches is that you really learn how to play as a team. That’s how it worked in Providence and I’m sure will work again for Scott at the next level.”
ETC: The Islanders returned to practice today at Iceworks. Four players who missed games prior to the All-Star break practiced today: Doug Weight, Trent Hunter, Andy Hilbert and Chris Campoli. The team practices tomorrow morning at Iceworks with returning All-Star Mark Streit. With the Islanders’ next game not until Thursday in Atlanta, it’s unlikely the lineup – who stays in Bridgeport, who goes – will come into shape until at least Wednesday.
Comments.
Getting to your questions over All-Star Weekend on the state of the Islanders, the Lighthouse, prospects and a whole lot more.
Several readers have asked if there is going to be another Point Blank Night.
Yes, there will be at least one more. Save the date of Tuesday, March 10 when the Islanders play in Toronto. We will have the run again of Gabrielle’s in Rockville Centre. Free wine, appetizers, the game on three HD screens, a few giveaways and hopefully a special guest or two.
I know there were some offers from other places, but frankly I never got the feeling we’d get the hospitality that I know we’ll get from Gabrielle’s. Last thing I want is to be in some place where they’re looking to change the channel and wondering where all these Islanders fans came from. Perhaps if this venture continues, we will move PB Night to other counties. But for now, more details to come on March 10 in RVC. Really hope you can join us.
*
Justin Marques asks about Doug Rogers, an Islanders 4th round pick in 2006 who – rumor has it – has told someone who has told someone that he is considering turning pro after this year.
True story. When I got Justin’s question, Rogers’ prospects looked dim. Rogers is in his third year at Harvard. He is a 21-year old center. Going into the weekend he had 0 goals and 7 assists in 18 games. Just as I was about to post this entry, I learned he scored a hat trick on Sunday against Dartmouth. Exams at Harvard ended last week, so maybe he’s ready to go on a tear.
I’m not sure if Justin’s report is true or where Rogers plans on turning pro, but it may not be the Islanders organization. In fairness to Doug, Harvard has no offense (his 3-8-11 in 19 games is second on the team), so hopefully he gets his shot here or elsewhere.
*
Matt wants to know why Charles Wang hasn’t bought out the lease with SMG.
The lease is between SMG and Nassau County. That said, I’m sure there were discussions. If SMG’s offer is so astronomical that the Islanders continue to lose big money, it makes no sense. And then on top of that, you still need to find an arena manager.
*
isles1972 cites Larry Brooks’ article about Tampa Bay hearing from two teams about Steven Stamkos and wonders if the Islanders might have one of the teams.
If Garth Snow wants to start negotiations with Kyle Okposo and his first pick in 2009, then they might have been.
*
SWebb 62 wants to know how former Islanders goaltender Tommy Soderstrom is doing.
As far as I can tell, Tommy (left) is doing just fine. Hey Tom, if you see this, shoot me an email. The fans want to know what’s going on!
*
Will wants to know how John Tavares or Victor Hedman would fit in Scott Gordon’s system. He also asks if there’s any way Jason Blake comes back.
Will, the only way to answer the first question is thusly: I would only hope that wouldn’t be a problem. Don’t know if you heard me on the 1050 ESPN Radio show on Saturday, but I mentioned that Islanders fans should not assume Tavares would be their first choice if they’re lucky enough to get the first pick. Yes, I have speculated it would be JT, but it is far from 100%.
As for Blakey, love the guy but would hope not. As they attempt to move forward, the Islanders need to move on.
*
cgs878 asks if the Islanders ever run bus trips to see the Sound Tigers in Bridgeport.
Not that I’m aware of, but for this and other franchise questions I often get in the email, try the Customer Service link on the official team site. If the Sound Tigers make the playoffs and the Islanders return most of their kids there for the run, they should host a trip.
*
Mark wants to know if the Islanders are having a specific game this season where fans can show their support of the Lighthouse Project.
Again, check on the Islanders’ site, but expect the team to go big with their upcoming Town of Hempstead Night on Saturday, Feb. 21 when they host New Jersey. No way Kate Murray drops the ceremonial faceoff. The Town of Hempstead Supervisor bailed last season when it wasn’t nearly the hot topic it is now. Still, I’m sure the Islanders have something planned.
*
isles72 asks how Kevin Poulin is looking this year.
Poulin is a goaltender from the Quebec League drafted by the Islanders in the fifth round last June. A scout I spoke with today tells me he is a solid prospect. They like his size (6-2) and ability (.909 save percentage).
*
About half of the Commenters were critical of my proposal of Bill Guerin to the Rangers for Petr Prucha and a conditional third round pick that could become a second round pick.
Within those 120 or so Comments, I made a few responses of my own. Three days later, if I could change anything about that entry, it would be to simply re-order the assets the Islanders would get back. My proposal was on the heels of a Larry Brooks column and was offered on the assumption that the Rangers were the only possible destination for Guerin.
In my opinion, critics of the proposal are making too big a deal – positively or negatively – about Prucha. Again friends, know this: if the Islanders can get from an another team more than a conditional 3rd and a 26-year old who has scored 30 goals in the league for Billy with his no-move clause, I look forward to hearing about it. Chances are you may very well end up with nothing for Guerin.
*
Derek wants to know if, with all this Lighthouse turmoil, Garth Snow will be a player in the unrestricted free agent market.
It may seem like a copout from me, Derek, but I don’t think I can give you an educated opinion on that just yet. Although the Islanders are out of this year’s playoff picture in record time, there are still many major storylines to play out. Topping the list are Lighthouse news and which pick they get from the lottery. Even in a regular year, I don’t see the Islanders inking top-tier UFAs until they have a first-class facility of their own. But if you’re asking me if the Islanders will dig deep in July for a Mike Komisarek or a front-line wing, I honestly could not tell you in January.
*
Joey303 asks if the Islanders could swing their three second round picks plus Mike Comrie and Bruno Gervais to Ottawa for Jason Spezza.
Kill my Rangers proposal all you want, folks, but I see a lot of deals like this one offered in Comments and my email Inbox. The quantity for quality thing just does not work out. Bryan Murray has to bring back at least one major piece for Spezza, probably two. Joey 303, you haven’t offered any.
*
A few readers asked if the Islanders have plans to bring in a veteran hockey ops person to oversee Garth Snow.
No.
*
There were several comments about veterans such as Thomas Pock and Jon Sim taking icetime that could be better distributed to prospects like Andrew MacDonald and Trevor Smith.
No major argument there, but I would give it a little more time. MacDonald and Smith are not hurting themselves playing in the American Hockey League.
*
Sir William asks for my candid answer to his question – because I guess I BS a lot: is the condition of the Islanders’ facilities that important to the players?
You better believe it, Sir William. The issue is not with the players you cite who liked it here – Yash, Peca, Osgood, Witt, Sillinger. The first three were acquired; they did not have the choice of signing with the Islanders. Witt and Sillinger are good players, but were not Type A free agents in the primes of their careers.
That’s the issue. Most stud UFAs, we’re talking all-stars before their 30th birthdays, will not sign up for the prime of their careers in the arena that time forgot. All you have to do is step foot in just about every other arena in the league to know what I’m talking about. To those who understandably want to bring up the two-decade dominance of the Detroit Red Wings, you’re talking about apples and oranges. The Wings have signed players like Rafalski and Hossa to keep them at a championship level. The Islanders need impact players to help them get there.
*
Billy O and others asked if I’ll be doing this blog for a long time.
I appreciate that. I hope so. Fact is, the only commitment right now is through the end of this season. I honestly do not know what happens after that. Of course, I’d love to find a way to continue Point Blank for years to come. C’mon, if the tear-down and rebuild that I have endorsed doesn’t work out in 3-4 years, it’s only fair you get the chance to continue to tell me what a dolt I am!
Thanks to everyone for their questions. Comments.
Last night was everything I could have hoped it would be. Just amazing. And to top it off, we got the win and it was nice to see my old teammate Alexei Kovalev get the MVP. I’d like to thank everyone for reading and for all the nice Comments over the weekend. I really appreciate it.
My flight from Montreal to New York is this afternoon and I’ll re-join my Islanders teammates at practice on Tuesday. Here are my answers to some of your questions related to All-Star Weekend. I’ll see you at the Coliseum on Saturday.
Strummer’s Army: Which of your current teammates do you expect to be All-Stars some day?
There are many. I’m sure Rick DiPietro will be back to the All-Star Game. Some of the young guys like Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey definitely have the ability to be all-stars. It is up to Kyle and Josh to work hard and keep both feet on the ground. If they do, I believe they can get here.
The Losers: Summarize your All-Star experience in two words.
Unforgettable weekend.
Chris TMC: Who did you enjoy meeting the most?
Sidney Crosby was great to meet. He is very down-to-earth. It was nice getting to know Thomas Vanek and speaking German with him. I shouldn’t single anyone out because it was a thrill to meet all of them and everyone was so kind to me.
Glenn: What was the most enjoyable moment of All-Star Weekend?
The introductions at the Skills were a very big deal and the reaction from the Montreal crowds to me was tremendous. Tonight the intros were shorter but they were still memorable. It’s during the intros that you’re standing there and realizing this amazing thing is really happening.
19 Isle in NJ: Were the players sharing any tips or tricks on the ice with each other at practice?
Not really. Most of the talk is about your teams and how everyone is doing. There isn’t a lot of shop talk. It’s mostly about the teams. Everyone knows how bad our injury situation has been but they know that we’re going to be okay.
Mike from Oceanside: After the fall on Saturday, what player broke your balls about it the most?
It wasn’t that bad. I guess maybe since most of the guys don’t know me that well I was left off the hook. What did happen though is they showed it all over Swiss TV and I got about a dozen messages from buddies back home breaking my balls about it.
Cari: What did you think of Ovechkin’s stunt?
I thought it was pretty funny. It was cool. It surprised a lot of people. I think having a superstar like Alex who brings so much fun to the game is a great thing for the league.
djd: Can you recruit Mike Komisarek to play for the Islanders?
Ha, I talked to Mike but I didn’t talk to him about that. It’s too early. I don’t know what his situation is with the Canadiens. He’s a great guy and an outstanding player and I’d love to have him as a teammate again.
Bryan: How seriously do the coaches take the All-Star Game? Do they talk strategy at all?
The only message from the coaches was to enjoy it and to not worry about any mistakes. The coaches keep it simple. They pretty much stuck with the same lines and D pairings. I was with Jay Bouwmeester. That was a lot of fun. He’s an excellent all-around player, another guy who it was great to have as a teammate – if only for one night.
Comments.
Let’s not make the Lighthouse issue just about the Islanders.
Whether you love his music or not, we can all agree that Billy Joel is the Bard of Long Island. He’s in our blood. Even if a song like “My Life” makes you ill, you can hear a hidden gem like “Until the Night” off 52nd Street and have pride that Joel reps the Island as proudly as Springsteen does Jersey. And those Shea Stadium shows, man, he could not have handled them with more grace.
Like the Islanders, Billy Joel is Long Island. I’m proud to say we were taught by the same chorus teacher at Hicksville High, Chuck Arnold.
But maybe you can explain what the following stats mean.
The last time Billy Joel played the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was on October 13, 2002. The four-show stint was part of the Face to Face Tours that The Piano Man has done with fellow pianist Elton John. Billy and Elton are back on the road in 2009 with stops in 20 cities: Jacksonville to Fargo, Toronto to Anaheim. But alas, nothing yet scheduled for Uniondale.
The trend continues. Since those concerts at the Coliseum with Elton in 2002, Billy has played just about everywhere. In 2006, he played 12 dates at Madison Square Garden. (Saw one of those…best he looked and sounded in 15 years). On Dec. 6, 2007 he sold out the Sprint Center in Kansas City. Among his 40 dates in 2008 were 10 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
And still, no visits to the Nassau Coliseum. The last time there was a Billy Joel-only concert at the old barn on Hempstead Turnpike, Ziggy Palffy was still on the Islanders. The date was May 4, 1998. Sure, he grew up a Rangers fan. He’s going to be 60 in May, nothing wrong with that. But consider this: in the time since he last headlined the Nassau Coliseum, the Bard of Long Island has played 18 sold-out gigs at Madison Square Garden.
Billy Joel is not alone. U2, the iconic band of a generation, last performed at the Coliseum on March 9, 1992. Back in the old days, Bono used to make a point on stage of thanking Long Island. He would reminisce how the dearly-departed WLIR brought them to Long Island’s more than 7 million people, giving them a footprint in a major market before their world domination. Now they don’t come near the Coliseum – well, unless you count their many visits to the Garden and the Meadowlands.
For a dose of reality, Google Billy Joel’s tour itineraries during this decade. He’s played virtually every NHL barn, except his home rink. He’s even played London, Ontario.
To think, there was a lot of uproar when Garth Snow suggested it was difficult getting high-end free agent hockey players to commit to the Coliseum. The Biggest Star in the history of Long Island won’t even commit to the Coliseum.
Here’s hoping Billy Joel does in 2009. In the meantime, figure it out. Don’t ask me why.
Okay, on a lighter note, each Comment must include 1. your favorite Billy Joel song and 2. your pick for his most underrated song. My choices: “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and since I already mentioned “Until The Night,” I’ll take ”And So It Goes” as most underrated.
Sunday, 12:20 am: A second postcard from Islanders all-star defenseman Mark Streit…
“For starters – yes, I am okay. I was not hurt when I fell. Not even a little bit. I did not have to go to the hospital for X-rays. Sounds like a bad rumor. Thank you to everyone for their concern, but I’m okay.
“Today was about soaking up the experience. I got two of my All-Star jerseys and I brought them around to all the players to sign. One I’m going to auction off in the summer for a charity I’m close to back home in Switzerland. The other I’m going to keep for myself so I can always remember this weekend. We took the team photo today, so hopefully I’ll get plenty of copies of that.
“The ovation I received from the Montreal fans was really great. It tells me there are no hard feelings and they appreciated my time with the Canadiens. I know some people wondered what the reaction would be, but the fans were amazing. It’s kind of funny how they still boo Kaberle from Toronto and they boo the Boston guys, but I thank them for being so kind to me. The entire city and the NHL should be proud. All of the events, the major ones and the stuff behind the scenes, have been first-class.
“It’s been sweet getting to know the players. You know, I came here on Thursday and really didn’t know anyone. The guys that I do know, the all-stars on the Canadiens, obviously they are not staying at the team hotel. But everyone has made me feel comfortable, part of the team, like I belong here.
“I spoke with Sidney Crosby today for the first time. What a nice guy off the ice. I got to know Thomas Vanek from the Sabres. He’s Austrian so we spoke German to each other. That was very cool. The weekend so far has already become one of the highlights of my career.
“Sunday is the big game. It will be an easy day because there is nothing else on the schedule – no morning skate, no meetings, no media availability or photo shoots. I’m looking forward to sleeping in and then having a very late breakfast with my mother and father. I’m sure the game is going to be a thrill.
“If you have a question about the All-Star Weekend that you’d like to ask me, put it on Chris’ blog. He’ll run the top 10 questions by me when we catch up late after the game. Talk to you then.”
← Older postsNewer posts →
