THE GREAT GOALTENDER DEBATE, PART II:
Looking around the league… Kings 4, Isles 3 SO
By Kevin Schultz
Point Blank guest contributor
The other day we took a look at some of the candidates closely related to the Islanders that are in the running for the backup/1A netminder position next year. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the options around the league (followed by the post-game).
Option C: Ray Emery
No, no, no, a thousand times NO.
There’s a reason Ray Emery is playing in Europe this year and it’s different than Dubie’s. Dubie wanted more money and the chance to prove himself as a #1. Emery is there because no NHL teams wanted to bring him on board. He’s a head case and can be trouble in the locker room. Need proof? He gave us some a couple weeks ago and a little more in the last couple days when he left his Russian team over a contract dispute. Furthermore, he would likely cost more than any of the aforementioned options.
With a young locker room and (what seems like) a cohesive one, there’s no reason to bring in someone who could jeopardize that (*cough* Sean Avery *cough*). Especially when his NHL numbers are nothing to write home about.
Option D: Stephen Valiquette
Quietly, this former Islander is doing a great job backing up Henrik Lundqvist at the Garden. He’ll be unrestricted this summer and he isn’t likely to be someone the Rangers will be concerned with re-signing. The Rangers have approximately $40 million already committed to 10 players next year and only four of them are forwards. The last thing they will be able to worry about is a backup netminder. That doesn’t mean they won’t re-sign him, but if he asks for more $, they likely can’t give it to him.
In limited action, Valiqeutte had a 2.17 GAA with a save percentage near 930 before he got hung out to dry on Friday night in a 10-2 loss. Why not take a flyer on him?
Option E: The Field
There are a lot of other names that will likely be on the market this summer. In Boston, both Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez will be unrestricted. Tukka Rask is still under contract. Fernandez is likely the odd man out and would be a very expensive back up and that’s assuming he would be interested in doing so. Still, someone to consider.
Philadelphia will have a similar situation. Marty Biron and Antero Niittymaki are both UFAs and, given their play, the Flyers would likely want to hold onto Niittymaki. The most recent rumors out of Philly seem to confirm this idea. Biron’s story is the same as Fernandez’s. Would he take a pay cut to be a backup? Probably not. Worth a shot if you can get him, but he has struggled a bit this year.
Let’s narrow down the rest of the field.
We can weed out the following for suspect play. I’d take any of options A, B or D over any of these: Fredrik Norrena, Andrew Raycroft, Mathieu Garon and Marc Denis.
The following are aging and/or have injury concerns:Olaf Kolzig, Curtis Joseph and Manny Legace (attitude may also be a question).
These guys have probably played their way into a starting job somewhere or will garner a contract offer that is out of the Islanders’ price range (i.e. not worth the $ or the fight):Scott Clemmensen, Dwayne Roloson and Ty Conklin.
The rest of the field that looks remotely interesting consists of Kevin Weekes, Dany Sabourin, Craig Anderson, Jason LaBarbera, Martin Gerber, Mikael Tellqvist and Brian Boucher. All viable options. None with the familiarity to the situation or, potentially, the willingness to accept their role as some of the aforementioned options.
The Verdict: Personally, I’d take MacDonald if he can shake off this injury and resume his impressive play. If Mac falters and Danis shines down the stretch, then go in that direction. As you can probably tell, I wouldn’t mind seeing Valley or Dubie in an Islander uniform again. Outside of that, there’s no reason to poke around too much in free agency when you have 2-4 solid players who are familiar with the organization, three of which are already in your good graces. That’s not to say free agency isn’t worth a look, but these four are nice selection and free agency would only further complicate things.
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KINGS 4, ISLANDERS 3 (SO)
I feel like I’ve said this a lot recently, but tonight’s game was a good effort by the Isles that ended with a loss. There was no first period slump this time, but the Kings proved to be too much in the end. And I’m going to be honest with you, I don’t have any great story lines with which to weave a story for you after this one. So, let’s take this recap a bit differently. With bullets!
- As you may have noticed, Scott Gordon’s shootout choices were interesting. He sent out three young kids: Okposo, Nielsen and Bailey. The first two made nice moves that got stopped and it looked from my angle like Bailey lost control of the puck. Probably the last thing you want to do in a shootout. None of them were able to score, and you’ve got to wonder how that’s going to sit in the dressing room with the vets.
- Both teams really played a spirited game for the first two periods, and it seemed like both lost their legs a bit in the third, more so the Islanders than the Kings.
- Yann Danis looked good in goal, but not great. Certainly wasn’t his best game and his rebound control was a bit suspect. However, he was the victim of some poor defense…
- …As a pair Jack Hillen and Joe Callahan looked very shaky in their own end. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it appeared as though they got split up for most of the second period. Not sure if that was coincidental or a purposeful move from SG. Obviously, I don’t expect these guys to come up and be game breakers, but it wasn’t pretty especially early on.
How about Sean Bergenheim? A heck of a game from the kid. He looked like he was shot out of a cannon the whole night and made some great moves in the offensive zone. Same goes for Kyle Okposo.
- Bill Guerin’s set up of Doug Weight’s first period goal was b-e-a-u-tiful! He must have eyes in the back of his head.
- For those of you on full throttle Tavheduch watch, take a deep breath, the Thrashers won tonight. The Islanders lead in the race is now five points. Ottawa is six back.
Your observations are welcomed in comment form.
66 Responses to THE GREAT GOALTENDER DEBATE, PART II:
Looking around the league… Kings 4, Isles 3 SO
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Strummer's Army says:
Gordon picked the right 3 for the shootout. Isles have to get bigger all over the ice.
LA is a team I wish they’d trade with. They have a few nice D and goalie prospects.
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SIR WILLIAM says:
Bergy sucks. It was his usual stupid offensive zone penalty that the Kings tied the game on. Typical lots of motion/ no results game for the first round BUST.
Another of the Islanders first round draft failures……SW
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Hey Kevin, your take on the game is very similar as my own. Though I think Jackman’s goal was the really beautiful one. I don’t think Big Valley is coming back to the Island. It will likely be one of the three that are already in the fold (that includes Dubie).
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I have to partially agree with Sir William about Bergie, however, I don’t think he sucks. Gordons biggest gripe with Sean is that he makes too many dumb penalties, and is not thinking defense first. This is just another example of what Scott does not want him to do.
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I wonder if Bergenheim needs to be in a situation like the kid line? Didn’t he score more on a line with Nielsen? Bergie explodes into the offensive zone, and gets the puck to the net, but he has no backup with Jackman and Park. Jackman scored on a funny fluke. Bergie doesn’t have any decent offensive threats to backup his explosions.
I loved the shooter choices. Don’t care that none scored because Nielsen and Okposo made beautiful moves. Bailey needs these opportunities, and his failure doesn’t hurt any playoff hopes, so get ‘em next time!
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relax, not even emery, we need a back up, rico start next yr, and lets not do broduer, back up has to play every 10th game no matter who we face. this is not of the yrs when goalies played, this is of the goalie relaxing. OLYMPICS go luongo hey rico nothing wrong with second to CANADA. STANLEY to long island
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duff says:
Bergenheim’s not a first round bust. If you were expecting 30g and 30a then that’s your fault.
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Rob says:
Geez we must be desperate with the names mentioned in part 1 and 2… embarrasing.. Dubie wasn’t the answer three years ago, now all of a sudden he is the answer… Emery is out of the NHL for two reasons… he’s crazy and his numbers fell off… Legace is washed up!
If we are that desperate, heck, I’ll throw out a name… before we took Dipietro and Luongo with #1 picks, we took a butterfly goalie in the first round that had a load of potential… ERIC FICHAUD!! Where is he?? Somebody dig him up!! -
admin says:
Eric Fichaud was not drafted by the Islanders…CB
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guerin13 says:
come on ty conklin, i want the winter classic! valliquette actually isn’t a bad idea, he’s played well. good news is that supply should be more than demand in the backup goalie dept this summer. we’ll find somebody good.
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mm30 says:
The only Goalie the Isles need is named DiPietro! If he can’t stay healthy we’re screwed…your not going to invest more than a mil at most to back him up and right now none of the prospects are ready to step in nor projected to be a number 1.
Also, Okposo is showing signs that he can be a dominant one on one player…if he adds some snarl to that game to create some room in the slot/crease area lookout!
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I’m in agreement that Okposo does not belong on the point on the PP. He doesn’t look to comfy there and I worry that playing him there may rattle his confidence.
As far as the back up goes I’d be willing to roll the dice on Fernandez. Dipietro’s status is very much in the air and we won’t know how well is recovery went until the next season. Fernandez is good insurance for the long and short term.
I have a feeling cause Macdonalg got all this playing time and played well he’s gonna want more than he warrants.
At least with Fernandez you can roll a tandem with him a Dipietro. I don’t think DP should play more than 55 a year.
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your right CB… my error… Fichaud was taken by Toronto in the first round.. Did we get him in the Jonsson deal?… Speaking of Jonsson.. I just read he was the 12th overall pick in 1993 behind our very own Brendan Witt.. the nostalgia… and even better was our second round pick that year in 1993… 40th overall… Bryan McCabe…..
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Good stuff Kevin- 09/10 cap situations
rags-40 mil tied in for 11 players and will need to sign Zherdev in the 4 mil range
isles-31 mil tied in for 16 players and yashin & bates
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Just out of curiossity, is anyone interested in what this draft holds beyond the second round?
I’m not so sure what it holds but I wonder if CB could enlighten us? We have three picks in that round and two of em are gonna be high second rounders.
I like the trade possibilities that Botta has been putting up. They are fun to read but in all the hooplah surrounding that and the top pick, no one is mentioning anything about our 2nd round possibilities.
This is going to be one of the most exciting drafts in the history of this franchise.
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Gordon’s gotta loosen up in the post-game interviews… he gives really short responses and has that “next question, I can’t be bothered with this question” face on…. That type of attitude is reserved for the Bill Belichek’s that have a bunch of championships under their belt…
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Eric says:
Robert Esche or steven Valiquete. Lets get a real goalie that can steal some games if Dp cannot come back. But to be honest, if dp is done for good, they need to go in another direction totally. Thanks Mad Mike.
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Chickendirt- considering we have three second rounders at the moment, and will possibly add more at the deadline..AND I just mentioned a few replies ago we took Bryan McCabe in the second round in 1993, YES I AM VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE SECOND ROUND!!
With that said, I have reached my four limit of posts, so my lips are sealed!!
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Westfall says:
The Isles acquired Eric Fichaud from Toronto for Benoit Hogue at the trade deadline in ’95. Don Maloney was the GM. The fans in Toronto were irate at this deal, because Fichaud was a solid prospet, but he sustained some injuries and the Isles – as with most of their young players in that era – didn’t develop him properly.
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MJS says:
Well, if the team is going to stick with any one of the guys that they already have I’d stick with Danis. J Mac was solid, but Danis has been better. The only problem with keeping either Mac or Danis is how they are going to be coming off of the bench. Danis was terrible in his few starts when he was backing Mac up and J Mac wasn’t so good in his recent return from injury.
On the other hand, without Ricky being 100%, and because next year’s roster will be similar to this year’s in terms of skill what does it really matter who the backup is? If the team is competitive next year then maybe try and trade for someone to be a backup. If Snow feels like going and getting a new backup, or set of backups, over the summer then he should. If he does, though, it should be with an eye toward the future. That means that he should either pickup a guy that’s had some starting experience and has a good enough attitude to backup forever; or he should go with guys on one year contracts that are either trying to re-establish their careers or are at the end of them.
As much as the team needs a solid, possibly alternate starter as the backup, should that be a position that Snow really worries about for the next season or two? Any thoughts CB?
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Islander505 says:
Bergie’s got to be leading the league in costly 3rd period penalties in the offensive zone over the last two years. (Although Simon had his share last year).
I’m not saying he sucks, and the last thing I’d wanna do is dampen his aggressivness, but C”MON Bergie…..get a clue out there..
Another game winning/tying goal whilst you’re sitting in the bin.THAT’S GOTTA STOP.
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Spinner9 says:
To me Bergenheim is the most frustrating player on this team to watch. I get captivated by his energy but he can’t finish any plays. I really thought he might break out this year a little, but a lot of what he does winds up being wasted energy. Despite his all out effort he seems to lack an awareness on the ice of what is going on around him. Poor ice vision or tunnel vision, I don’t know. Not to pile on but his penalties are really dumb, they are typically not out of desperation (like Guerin’s was) but instead come across as clueless.
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I think the Weight from Guerin goal was my favorite one this season. After the game, Guerin said he knew Dougie was there. Great playmaking.
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In terms of the “1A” goalie discussion, perhaps the Isles can pry Pascal Leclaire out of Columbus. He’s lost his #1 job with the Jackets to Steve Mason, but he’s only 26 and this guy had NINE shutouts last year. I know folks may say why pay the price (both in players to trade and the cap hit, which is $3.8m) when we have DP, but lets be honest: after what’s transpired this season, can we REALLY be confident that Rick will be 100% next season, if ever? I hope that I’m wrong, because I think DP is terrific, but we have to have a “1A” who can carry a young team in case we get a repeat of this season. Leclaire might not be such a nutty idea.
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Jason W. says:
tonight’s game was a good effort by the Isles that ended with a loss.
Thats all I want every game.. Play hard, good effort, and prepare for the future.
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Justin says:
I would think a goalie like Fernandez would come to Long Island because of DiPietro’s health. Although he would be a backup, there is a pretty good chance he would play 35-40 games or possibly many more. If we can’t get someone of that caliber, I say stick with J-Mac or Danis behind DiPietro.
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I’d rather see them trade for a goalie then most of the names out there. I mean a AHL goalie who is about NHL ready and has strong potential if MacDonald or Danis won’t be back.
Morency had a very impressive fight against Phil the other night. He was taking on a monster and devestated the guy.
Bergy is a talented player. Maybe his hockey sense needs a bit of work which Gordo can handle with some video sessions but most of the time his penalties are a result of hard work and trying to do too much. I’d love to see him play the remainder of the year with Neilsen and Hunter, that would be an excellent line.
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Bergy:
41 games 7 goals 4 assists -14 51 PIM
That’s 51 penalty minutes for a guy who never fights.
Another of Milbury’s “European” period stupid draft picks (Neilson, Noke, Bergy).
All first rounders. All busts…..SW -
Adam M. says:
clemmenson is a UFA after the season. Wouldn’t mind taking a chance with him for a year.
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Twisted Wrister says:
Hey everyone,
Long time reader, and first time poster.
I was reading Kevin’s analysis of goaltending options for next year and I couldn’t help but notice a name that was missing: Niklas Backstrom, the goalie for the Minn Wild who’s due to be a UFA come July.
He’s benefited from the Wild’s defensive style for sure, but the guy has put up some impressive numbers. Any of your thoughts on if the Isles should pursue? Is he too out of the price range? Even so, I would have thought he would have been worth a mention, b/c IMO he’s got to be ranked up there with the available UFA goaltenders this year.
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Backstrom wouldn’t be an option for the Isles because it wouldn’t make any sense for them to pay $4 million for a backup which seems like Backstrom’s price is going to be. He’s too good. Whoever becomes goalie 1A, if its not Mac or Danis, will probably be a $2.5 mil or less goalie. I’m pretty sure that the Isles couldn’t pull in an all-star goalie anyway, much less to be Ricky’s backup. Backstrom could definitely steal some games though.
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what about khabibulan. i thought he was unrestricted after this year. o welll. i wouldnt of minded him.
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Swan says:
Bergenheim is fine, at least he is continuing to develop. Other than his bad penalties, he is doing the other things. He’ll be ok, and hopefully a part of the future. Ditto Jackman, who is also developing nicely.
Contrast both with Tambellini or Comeau. Comeau, in particular, is the most frustrating and looks like he is developing into another bust (not Bergy). He skates well for a big kid, but hasn’t learned how to finish yet (if ever). Which means he needs to always be driving to the net, playing a north-south game and should be among league leaders in hits. Instead, he skates on the perimeter and is weak on the boards.
If he is only going to score less than 10 goals a season, he needs to model the rest of his game against Lucic or Hunter, instead of Tambellini.
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Bob says:
Could you imagine DP and Emry on the same team? Talk about two strong personalities.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Personally after considering it more after the first installment of the Great Goaltender Debate… I think it’s a bit too early to debate whether or not we need a 1A, B or even consider resigning Danis or J-Mac … We don’t even know what the deal is with DP yet.
Until that is more concrete I think our options are fully open. If DP is hurting by July 1st … or “not ready” … THEN we gotta play the field for an experienced starter…..
… Or … are we going to submit an entry into the 2010 Taylor Hall sweepstakes … So much is riding on the future of the Isles both on and off the ice … so every decision is an impact decision.
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JPinVA says:
Wow… the piling on Bergy is amazing. The kid is busting his (_*_) out there. He’s also stepped it up a notch on his PHYSICAL play. Did we all forget where the BULK (15Mins) of his PENALTY minutes came from… not a dumb hook, but standing up for a teammate in Buffalo.
Let’s not forget that he caused two PP’s with his hard work as well.
Bergie definitely needs to keep his stick on the ice, but there may not be a player better at digging the puck off the boards on this team. His stick and footwork in one-on-one battles on the boards is exceptional. He also does something tambellini never could, he has the stones to take it to the net.
He should be with Hunter and Nielsen right now. First base Andy has had a good year, but he’s ouddahere in July. This team needs to be bigger and tougher than Andy can be. -
Bob Bassen says:
Interesting that the Isles GM is a former pro-goalie. The fact that he signed Danis and Mac shows something I guess. The Isles have cap-room…I’m not too worried about the goalie situation. Bergenheim…yeah…can’t help but recall the contract BS of a couple of years ago also.
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UIF says:
Well, I’ve always said Bergy reminds me a lot of Jokinen, and look how many years it took for Jokinen to start putting up numbers. They skate the same, attack the puck the same, and pull the same moves cutting to the net with the puck. Jokinen has a MUCH better shot and is more disciplined. I just have a feeling we’d really regret trading him. Probably he won’t put up 30g/yr like Jokinen, but I don’t doubt he could do 20 consistently starting a couple of years from now…if they stop trying to turn him into a 4th line energy player and help him with his shot instead so he can finish all of the plays that he creates.
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Pat says:
Bergenheim seems like the kind of player to fit in the Flash Gordon system.
dumb penalties and what seems (to me) an inability to finish plays diminish his value – but I think his value to the team is as a third to fourth line player.
I do not question his hustle – and it rubs off on other guys. And I also suggest that he is a player whose best days are still in front of him……
but its all up to Sean. He has to stay healthy too. That he was drafted by NYI, makes him more special to me.
Pat
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Why are we “searching” for a goalie anyway. Goaltending hasn’t been an issue with JMAC and/or Danis. I’d give them 5 more games each, and make the better performer an offer for a 2-3 year two-way extension. This will give you room in july to find a number one if DP stands for Done Playin’.
Bergie is a solid 2nd-3rd line forward who will put up 10-15 goals. His true value is as a support player. He is useful on the PK, and he’ll warrant some PP time in the right situations. Don’t throw this guy away because he’s not scoring 20-30 goals. He has been solid on every line this year, and he’s not expensive at all. -
JMG27 says:
CB, I have an observation that I’m wondering if you can bring some insight. I know you have commented on the assistant coaches (or lack there of) in the past but yesterday I was at the game and I’ve noticed all season for the most part that behind the bench its always Gordon who seems to be w/ the forwards and 1 assistant coach behind the bench who seems to be w/ the defense. All seemed normal but I noticed that in the OT (and Im not sure how long he was there already) but there was a 2nd assistant coach behind the bench who seemed to be instructing the forwards. Any reason of why all of a sudden the 2nd assistant coach was behind the bench last night late in the game? I know its not a big deal but I’m just curious as to what the reasoning behind it is.
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bystander says:
” …but I don’t doubt he could do 20 consistently starting a couple of years from now.”
the guy is 25 years old now, not 19. he should already be at or near his upside by now. i don’t know about being a consistent 30 goal guy, but i did think he’d plug in 20 to 25. it’s disappointing because i really like the rest of his game (obviously minus the dopey penalties). i remember thinking hunter also would be a more consistent scorer. i thought he had good touch around the net, better than bergenheim. i’m glad hunter is still here, he’s been a really good islander, but he became a different player than i expected 5 years ago. i wonder if bergy will be like that too.
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isles316 says:
Rob #18 did you catch the end of the press conference when he and everyone else left laughing? I agree he isn’t mr. personality but he gives honest answers even though they are short.
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As for the goalies, if you go with option A then I like Danis. He just looks more like a goalie and stays calm and in position. MacDonald flops around more and gives up more rebounds and his numbers in his career are average at best.
If MacDonald could ever steal a game the Isles wouldn’t have had those two awful losing streaks.I’m still on the bandwagon for getting some more veteran help. A guy that can play 30 games or more due to an injury and have a calming influence on the team.
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stevedepot says:
Tough to read the complaining about Bergenheim.
He creates ice for himself even when dropped to a 4th line. On a rebuilding team, we need to ask ourselves this. Do you ride it out and hope he learns from his mistakes without stumping his work ethic and snarl until more talent fills out the roster, or do you punish him by shortening icetime or even benching him or ponder trading him?
I like Bergenheim, I don’t think he’s a bust because of his stats thus far. Take your hardest working players and picture them on solid teams and I guarantee you their stats look better as well as their habits.
If this was a team in playoff contention and Bergenheim was taking bad penalties that cost us games, I’d be more concerned but we don’t have many wingers willing to hit everything in site while going 100 miles an hour on every shift. Bergenheim is a keeper worthy of patience. His confidence and willingness to go to the net twice in the 3rd almost created goals. You stick with that player or you’ll lament losing him when he develops elsewhere. -
bystander – I get how old Bergy is, but this is also only his second full NHL season. First full season he put up 10, and will probably pass that by a bit this year.
I also tried to draw some parallels with Jokinen. Ollie was in his fifth full NHL season when he jumped from a career high of 11 goals to 36 goals. He was also at least 25 when he did this.
Again, I don’t think Bergy can put up those kind of numbers, or necessarily have an explosion out of nowhere like that, but I see enough similarities between the two players that I wouldn’t give up on Bergy just yet. Only my opinion.
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TuxTax says:
P.S. Can someone teach Comrie how to stick handle…
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On goalies – if Danis takes a two-way contract, then sign him. Bring in outside help on a one-year deal, even if you have to pay a bit (we keep talking about making minimum cap, if they’re not going to spend on a center, then why not a goalie short term until it’s clear DP is 100%?). If the recent past is any indicator — and hopefully it’s NOT — there’s a fair chance that the unnamed UFA (I’d prefer Conklin) and Danis will be the two netminders for a big chunk of the season anyway.
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UIF and Stevedepot:
i guess i came across too down on bergy. i like the guy. i guess i just expected more scoring by now. but you’re right that he could still develop that. no way have i given up on him or want him outta here. he can be an asset even if he doesn’t score (like hunter). if this team does get into the playoffs in the next 200 years when he’s still here, bergy might be a guy who comes up big for them.
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Cary says:
Joey Mac and Danis are and will remain solid #2s. I think the Isles should make a play for LaBarbera:
1. He’s young enough and skilled enough to grow into a #1 in case DP’s health remains shaky.
2. He’ll come cheaper than proven #1As.
3. If he puts up #2 numbers for us next year (or worse) – oh well, bring on the high draft pick.
We’re a lot more than a goalie away from contending.
As for Bergenheim, I see him as an effective 3rd liner and pest – no more, no less.
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Have to disagree with CB on Hillen/Callahan. I think they doing good together. We have to thank Isles for their efforts (not like Pitsburg was loosing games with purpose to get Lemuix).
To TuxTax: I wouldn’t teach Comrie anything, I’d loose him as soon as the chance comes up.
Bergy deserves better judgement than some of our bloggers gave him. I don’t care if he scores or not. The amount of energy and willingness he brings to the ice showes his character and motivates others.
Agree, there is some things to work on, but the positive base is there. Comeau is doing OK. He just need to use his shooting ability more.
Bottom line: It was a very good hockey game for both teams with no cheap shots, respect to each other, and some pretty goals. -
Cary Laberbara is terrible. The Kings wouldn’t be fighting for the playoffs if he played for them. He cost them about 6 or 8 points in the beginning of the season easy. He is awful, if the Isles get him I’ll lose faith in Snow.
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Dadi says:
Bergy is a great soldier! And the fact that SW doesn’t like him ( same with Comeau )makes me feel..good…
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I liked Dubie, but I just can’t see him carrying the load if DP has extended absences again. His size hurts him at this level, and teams pick up on his tactics when he gets extended exposure. (Hasn’t looked good yet with CBJ either.)
But I agree with the conclusion: The Isles just need to evaluate what they have first before recruiting a UFA retread. Hard to gauge our goalies with this defense, but if Danis’ save% stays where it is (.918 – a BIG ‘if’), I’d much sooner go with him over external unknowns.
If Danis continues to do well in a system that is not “defense-first,” that will tell us more than Valiquette or LeClaire-types who are sheltered by their systems. And can’t imagine Snow bringing someone in who could be a “legit” threat to DP’s #1 spot.
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Isles4cups says:
First it was Tambellini bashing and now that he’s not playing, Bergenheim is taking the heat. I know everyone is entitled to their arm chair GM notions, but give the kid a break a let him play. He’ll figure out in time what he needs to do, and if he doesn’t…
TuxTax – Comrie may not know how to stick handle, but he has a mean toe-drag!
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blitz says:
Why would NYI take on LeClaire and his contract when there is a bunch of UFA goalies this season?
Bad sign when a player was signed to a long term high priced deal and he LOST his job to a rookie. Now people think NYI should acquire such player. Unbelievable.
Ask TB how that worked out for Marc Denis…
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cgs878 says:
Callahan and Hillen are keepers. Get rid of Martinek and Gervais. Keep Joey Mac around if he’s healthy and Danis if he’s not. I wasn’t impressed with LA, they looked sluggish and skittish like the Islanders.
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The funny thing about Jason LaBarbera is that his numbers are more or less what JMac’s numbers are. The idea is that it doesn’t matter who the backup is for now, but when the team starts taking strides, then it is time to shell out some cash for a solid backup. And when I say solid, i mean better than J Mac, LaBarbera, and probably Danis; though I’d like to see Danis step up his game more this season and maybe next, because he’s showing an ability to steal games right now, and that’s the type of goaltending that winning team have.
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pollard park says:
without a doubt, i would sign danis on a two way contract. he is young and starting to become a good prospect. why would they sign a ufa like conklin or clemmonsen, to end up in tenth place instead of fifteenth? that doesnt make any sense!!! the rebuild is going to take at a minimum 2 years,so sign danis and stay young. wouldnt hurt to be real bad again next year and get a top 3 pick taveres and taylor hall in back to back drafts, not bad. GO ISLES!
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Hey cb or kevin, wouldnt ridderwal be an option? i was surprised he was not mentioned in this post. everything i hear about the kid is good, i would think he would at least be on snows radar for next year.
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CJCB says:
Emery is a coke head along with quite a few other old Senators and a current Ranger who played for the Sens around that time???
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Think McGratten as proof????
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Cruicky says:
“If MacDonald could ever steal a game the Isles wouldn’t have had those two awful losing streaks.”
Are you insane!!!!! MacD has been one of the stars in how many of the games the Islanders have been in this year. You Thankless Fan. I hope MacD tells all of you tahnkless Islander fans to go pound sand…..
Robert Esche…I’ve always liked the guy. Any chance the Islanders give him a look?