OKPOSO EMBRACES BRIDGEPORT PLAYOFF OPP
Islanders 3, Coyotes 2; The Tavheduch tightens
The Islanders’ season ends five weeks from today, but the hockey season may not end for the best player to emerge so far from the franchise’s rebuilding program.
Kyle Okposo has been placed on the list of eligible players for the American Hockey League playoffs. If Bridgeport can secure a berth, Okposo will be asked to play a major role in the Sound Tigers’ pursuit of the Calder Cup.
This would be a unique circumstance because Okposo, who will turn 21 during the first round of the AHL playoffs, has played this entire year in the National Hockey League. However, the Islanders have decided the playoff experience is crucial to Okposo’s development. Showing the maturity he’s displayed throughout this challenging season, the young right wing says he fully embraces the concept of an extra month or two in the minor leagues.
“I’m going to play hard wherever I go,” said Okposo, who had a goal and an assist in the Islanders’ 3-2 win today over Phoenix at the Coliseum. “If I go back to Bridgeport for the playoffs, I’m going to give our team everything I’ve got. The Sound Tigers organization and the coaching staff played a big part in getting me to the NHL, and I also have a lot of friends on the team. The chance to maybe take on more of a leadership role, plus get the experience of the playoffs, is exciting to me. If I’m fortunate to get that opportunity, I’d be foolish not to embrace it.”
And if the Sound Tigers qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs, Okposo will have company from the Islanders’ roster. Blake Comeau, who was a full-time Islander for the second half of last season and the final three-quarters of this one, is on the clear-day list and is craving for a shot to re-join the Sound Tigers in mid-April.
“You always want to be in the playoffs,” said Comeau. “We won’t be there this season with the Islanders, but this is a chance to get some invalauble experience in the A.”
Comeau knows what he’s talking about. Three springs ago, he was on the Bridgeport team that lost an intense seven-game series to Wilkes Barre/Scranton. As Comeau said today, “Playing in a high-pressure environment like that is important for any young player.”
BRIDGEPORT PLAYOFF LINEUP
A Point Blank Projection
Forwards
Blake Comeau – Ben Walter – Kyle Okposo
Trevor Smith – Kurtis McLean – Mike Iggulden
Jon Sim – Jeremy Colliton – Jesse Joensuu
Junior Lessard – Tyler Haskins – Sean Bentivoglio
Tomas Marcinko, Michael Haley, Mitch Fritz, Joel Rechlicz and Co.
Defensemen
Andrew MacDonald – Dustin Kohn
Joe Callahan – Jack Hillen
Mark Wotton – Jamie Fraser
Chris Lee
Goaltenders
Nathan Lawson
Peter Mannino
Notes: Yann Danis and Tim Jackman are not eligible for the AHL playoffs. Both would have needed to clear waivers and the Islanders opted not to take the chance. Lawson has been signed by the Islanders and is considered a legitimate challenger to win a job as a No. 1 in Bridgeport and eventually push for a spot in the NHL rotation.
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THE TAVHEDUCH WATCH
Every team in the Tavheduch sweepstakes that played today won, leaving the idle Tampa Bay Lightning to gain ground on everyone. Vinny, St. Louis and Stamkos. Oh man, would Victor Hedman be perfect for the Lightning.
1. Islanders 22-37-7 51 pts (66 games)
2. Tampa Bay 21-32-13 55 pts (66 games)
3. Atlanta 25-35-6 56 pts (66 games)
4. Colorado 29-36-1 59 pts (66 games)
TW Notes: The moment we ran the 60-game Watch last week, a few readers posted their equations proving how the Islanders were a virtual lock to finish last overall and be guaranteed the first or second pick. Most started with something like, “If the Islanders play .500 the rest of the way…”
That algebra stuff is all well and good, but it has nothing to do with post-trade deadline hockey. What if the Islanders’ strong play at home carries over to the road? What if they continue to earn 6 out of every 8 points? The Watch will keep you up nights, that’s what.
As word circulated about Rick Tocchet getting a contract extension, the Lightning lost at home to Carolina last night, 9-3. Didn’t that happen with the Knicks and Isiah Thomas? Watch out for the Bolts.
Welcome, Colorado Avalanche, to Tavheduch. You should have traded Ryan Smyth. So long, Chris Campoli and the Sens. Hedman won’t be chewing up any of Campy’s power play time.
POINT BLANK 2009 DRAFT TOP 5
March 8, 2009
1. John Tavares, C, London (OHL)
Tavares had 3 goals and an assist today in a 4-3 win over Josh Bailey’s old team in Windsor.
2. Victor Hedman, D, Modo (Sweden)
3. Matt Duchene, C, Brampton (OHL), right
4. Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi, LW, Timra-IK (Sweden)
5. Evander Kane, C, Vancouver (WHL)
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ANDY’S AGONY
Andy Sutton could return to the ice soon; the question is whether it’s worth it. He’s almost healed from his foot surgery of two months ago and is ready to start practicing. The reasons to return? Mostly to prove to himself and his team that he’s back.
“This has been the toughest season of my career,” said Sutton, who has played only 23 games this season. “It would be great to get back practicing and maybe play in a few games. But I also understand the other view.”
The other view is that there’s no point in risking further injury just for the sake of playing games when his team is not in the playoff hunt. “We’ll talk it over with the doctors, trainers and coaches and decide what’s best,” said Sutton, who came into camp in the best shape of his life and had much different plans for this season.
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GAME NOTES
After scoring just 2 goals in his first 44 NHL games this season, Jeff Tambellini has now scored 3 in his last 4.
Mike Iggulden, passed over countless times when the Islanders’ injury epidemic hit, has 3 assists in 2 games since his recall from Bridgeport yesterday.
Josh Bailey’s goal to make it 2-1 was his first NHL goal scored at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Today’s official attendance was 13,413, bringing the weekend total to 29,000 – not bad at all considering the lack of playoff push.
Another superb performance by Yann Danis, who may get every chance to prove it all over again in September in Saskatoon.
Darren Pang, in the press box today for Coyotes TV, on Okposo: “Great skater. He’s so strong on his feet. You don’t realize how good he is until you see him in person.”
Phoenix 2006 first-rounder Peter Mueller was a healthy scratch today. Speaking of which, where are we on the whole Okposo-Mueller debate?
Comments.
120 Responses to OKPOSO EMBRACES BRIDGEPORT PLAYOFF OPP
Islanders 3, Coyotes 2; The Tavheduch tightens
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big jim says:
atl won again today!!
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MickeyBoy7 says:
I dunno about this playoff stuff…why not let him call it a great stepping stone season and go home. Risking injury for some minor league playoff experience is not worth it.
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AM says:
Is Mueller in a Nilsson like dog-house in Phoenix? or is just not developing?
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Pete says:
If that is the case with TB you would have to think they would pick Hedmen over Tavares. On the other hand, Atlanta could use Hedmen but they would def pick Tavares
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BillyIsle says:
With 14 goals now, and on pace for 18. Will Okposo reach the 20 goal mark this season? Place your bets people.
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StevieL says:
TB is a disgrace. They will not win 5 more games this year! It will be a horse race to the finish. I am thinking that if we drop out of the 1 or 2 , Snow may leverage that second #1 to try and move up! If we draft lower than 3 it will be really disappointing!! We have to be rewarded for this lost season!! The kid’s look great but we still need that big horse!
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doc says:
I also do not like the idea of okposo and comeau playing at Bridgeport. But that’s what hockey players do… They want to play as much as much as they can. I appreciate their willingness…
DOC
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DINO says:
Tampa Bay Is Very Bad
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valentino says:
Send anyone and everyone down that doesnt have to clear waivers for the playoff push. We need to finish last. Period.
Tavares or Bust -
BC says:
If anyone doesn’t know, John Tavares set the OHL career scoring record today with 215 goals. I understand the idea of building from the defense, however I believe that Tavares will become a better player than Hedman. The best place to compare the two would be at the WJC, where they were playing on an even playing field. At the WJC, Tavares completely outperformed Hedman.
I am also glad to see guys like Tambellini and Bergenheim starting to develop. At the beginning of this season our rebuild was based around Bailey and Okposo, however now it appears Tambellini and Bergenheim have begun to develop.
Bergenheim has 14 goals in only 53 games now, however I could seem him and Okposo pushing for 20. 20 goals on a team 30th in the standings could easily translate into a consistant 30-35 goal scorer.
I’m still not 100% sure about Tambellini, although he has played very well of late. Better to wait until the end of the season to decide how much of his success from Bridgeport has carried over.
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Matt says:
I agree Doc. Its good to see their willingness. Their heads are evidently not to big for their shoulders. It is good to see but like you said I was willing to believe they had moved past that level in their development. But like CB said maybe it will be good to get the playoff experience even at the AHL level? I know it is ridiculous to worry but as an Islander fan you get this bad feeling of a serios injury too! That would be HORRIBLE! You would have to think guys would be gunning for him to make a point!
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dally mac says:
If Tavares score a hat trick today, he has just broken a 33 year old record. The most goals ever scored by a Junior player in a junior career. Jeez, jezz let’s root harder for more wins. We don’t need a player like that.
I love the idea of these guys going for a Calder Cup together, hope we can get some of these games on the internet somewhere. -
BC, AGREE!, AGREE!, AGREE!, I just hope our GM does. Also agree on the other points though I always thought Bergy was going to be good. I’m just happy it is going to be with us and not someone else!
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Kyle and Blake definitely have the right attitude as far as I am concerned. Good for them, and I will go see them play in the playoffs if I can get up there!
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Dmarie says:
Good game! And I’m so happy to see Tamby playing so well..I knew he had it in him…Way to go! Keep on keepin on!
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Sending Blake and Kyle down for the playoff push will only continue to help their development. I think it is a smart move. Any word on Figren? Wait to you see this guy! I think the 2006 draft was the best draft the Isles had in a very looooong time.
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Jim says:
That’s nice Tavares broke the scoring record, but the list of top OHL scorers isn’t exactly a who’s who of NHL stars. Jason Dawe is #11 and Jon Sim is #15 all time.
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King says:
It’s very hard to make predictions on who is going to finish last. But what is going for the Islanders right now (them losing) is that they have a huge road trip coming up. With Bridgeport making a playoff push the players on the Islanders that were called up are going to have to go down and start to perform down there. This too is also very good for the 1st overall. As for Tampa Bay and Atlanta my opinion is that Atlanta is going to over achieve and make a push for 3rd worst possible 4th and Tampa is just doing so bad because they are in a slump and they have very bad goaltending along with defense.
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Not a bad way so say ‘thank you’ to the guys in BPort for all their help this season
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jon from nj says:
Nice to see the Isles winning…but….I don’t want to lose sight of what this season is about (Tavares/Hedman or bust). Frankly, with a look at who is running Tampa Bay (head coach and ownership), I wouldn’t put it past that team to tank-it on purpose. Yeah, i said it.
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@ 21: Well, given that head coach and ownership, it’s also had to see them succeeding in that strategy. Or, if they got #1, they’d probably take someone not even on CB’s board… Not really, but they are that unpredictable.
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Peter Puck says:
A little history lesson
Back when Hector was a pup and CB was in grade school the top 2 prospects in the draft were a stud centerman who scored 114 goals in 2 years of junior – faster than Tavares and a stud defenseman who threw crunching body checks,
Oddly the 2 teams drafing 1 and 2 were in the same towns as the 2 teams that would draft 1 and 2 this year.
Ans by the way the press was unhappy with Mr Bowtie for taking the defenseman over the forward who was going to put rearends in the seats.
And the very next year in round 2 at #22 who is roughly where our second pick is this year we took a flyer on a kid that everyone said was too small to ever play in the NHL. Another dumb move according to the press! -
Coach B says:
Atlanta goes to Colorado Tuesday night. Tampa Bay and Atlanta still have 2 games head to head and Tampa has 1 with the Islanders.
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Izzy Franchise says:
I wish these m*ther f***ers would stop winning!
thank god for the tough road trip comin up! lol
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Matt Duchene is no longer a lock to go third in the draft. Evander Kane has been flying up the draft charts.
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nystrom23 says:
Tampa finishes last they take hedman with out a doubt #1….if we finish 3rd for the bottom for some reason…duchense wouldnt be a bad prize considering the kid has #1 center potential
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kane is a little small though only downside about him…..competes really hard though
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Glenn says:
Side note: anyone see that the Isles are now on the books to play an exhibition game next season in Hockeyville, a.k.a.
Terrace, British Columbia? Are they going to plan ANY exhibition games on LI? lol. -
hathead68 says:
It’s official, I’m starting to get really nervous about this Taveduch watch business. I was rooting hard for the Islanders to win the lottery last year so we could draft Stamkos. I hope I’m not the only loser who watched the lottery drawing on TV? Have to say I really like Bailey though… he’ll be a terrific 1B to Tavares 1A, should the hockey gods smile on the Islanders! We’re do for some love! CB, how about your projections as to how the draft will shake out depending on who wins the lottery? I think Tamba Bay and Colorado would hopefully take Hedman, Atlanta could use him too, but would probably take him to center Kovalchuk,and Ottawa I think would also take Hedman. Maybe a case this year with a franchise center and franchise defenseman 1 and 2, teams would draft on need and it wouldn’t really conflict with taking BPA. I think the Isles need JT more than they need Hedman. What are your thoughts? Sorry for the long post.
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anyone have any info on d-men that can go between 15-30 in the draft?
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considering bets are they will take a d-man with their 2nd first rounder
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nystrom23 – Defenseman Taylor Doherty could be a beast late first or early second round. Forward Zack Kassian could be a terrific mid first-rounder IMO.
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nystrom23 – Doherty 6’8″ 220, physical, good skater. Kassian 6’3″ 208 goal scorer, power forward.
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Joe says:
We really have to stop this winning thing.
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Mike Olivo says:
Relax people, the team is playing well but with only 3 of the next 16 games against teams with under .500 record, we aren’t going to win that many games. The road trip is brutal and this team has been brutal on the road. Glad to see some home cookin’ for us fans that still like going to games despite the record.
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If hes anything like his brother, Id like Zack.
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don’t want to hog the board, but both are apparently good fighters too.
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Islander505 says:
Say it ain’t so Snow…
NO KO and Comeau to the minors..
“Playoff experience” my arse, it doan mean nuttin if the Isles never get there.
If KO gets hurt, that set the Isles back another year.
If KO suffers a career ending injury…you will NEVER GM in the NHL again.What are you thinking?
KO is AN ISLANDER…..not a Tiger.
Why don’t you simply buy them skydiving lessons in the off-season?
What’s next? Joba Chamberlain pitching for Columbus in their playoffs?
Eli Manning playing in the Arena Bowl?NO NO NO NO NO
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Y seen Kane play. He plays big.
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Jim (18): well the list of career leaders in the OHL is obviously misleading, but the reason for that is the all of the players on that list played in the OHL as overagers.
In Tavares’ case, he had an extra season as he was granted exceptional player status, and since he missed the cutoff for last years draft he gained another.
However you cannot dissagree that Tavares has scored in every season in the OHL. In comparison, Jon Sim had 9 goals in his first season, whereas Tavares in his 4 seasons has totals of 45,72,40,and 58 this year. Yes there have been players who have been great in juniors and not had success in the NHL, but you cannot be scared of Tavares because of what other players have done.
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Defeseman Stefan Eliot, Saskatoon (WHL) is an offensive defenseman who could go around 21-26. Isles would have to trade up a few spots with their last first round pick.
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glenn says:
hey chris.
1) Is ben walter in any part of the team’s plans whatsoever?
2) Is Bailey eligible for playoffs down in bridgeport?
3) Was at game today. 13,000 people? seems like there were a few thousand people short of that number. Is that tickets sold or actual bodies in seats?
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db says:
6-23-2 road record with 10 of the last 16 on the road. i like what the kids are doing but i really hope they start losing. and their road record is my only hope.
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Why are the same people who were so gungho and wanted to send Josh to the WJC against sending Kyle and Blake to the AHL? I dont get that at all.
We cant be all like “Oh no, what if they get hurt?” I mean, what if one gets hurt riding a bike in July?
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sounds good….anyone think with all the picks they have they could get that second pick into the top 10
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isles3113 says:
I think they could get down to maybe 10 and since Jared Cowen has and will be out for the year, maybe he might go down in the draft… Just a thought
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Chris TMC…getting hurt riding a bicycle is an unforeseeable and unpreventable incident.
Extending a kid’s season who has NEVER played more than 82 games in a year for the sake of the “experience” and NO OTHER GOOD REASON is Russian Roulette.
Hey, let’s really stack the deck in Bridgeport and send DP!!!
He could certainly use the work, and a case could be made that his “playoff experience” is lacking. -
You want playoff experience KO??
GET SOME WHERE IT COUNTS. -
Mike says:
What is up with there new goal song?? its terible.
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jaf10 says:
I’m thinking if tampa got the first overall pick theyd pick tavares because they would trade Vinny for young awesome Dmen. I wouldnt mind JT or Hedman but later rounds im hoping for BIG guy on the blueline or a big powerforward.
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And Chris TMC???
There is HUGE difference between playing for your country and playing for Bridgeport.
I was one of those who didn’t care one way of the other if Josh went to WJC. A case could of been made either way.I don’t see that here. “Playoff experience” in the minors doan mean nuttin.
That’s my 4 for this blog entry.
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@39 Was anything you said written in English?
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Face' Brute says:
Agreed #21, these are meaningless wins. If somehow we don’t wind up with Tavares, this season will be just another chapter in the sad (recent) history of this franchise.
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HEDMAN IS AWESOME ALSO GUYS. Its not a bad thing to get Hedman and i bet if we get the first pick we will choose Hedman.
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Mario says:
Bridgeport beat RAGS farmteam 6-3 today. Awesome game. They first overall in the AHL and looking very good. Would love to see KO and Comeau play but maybe not worth the risk of them getting hurt.
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Stephen McEwan says:
Can you really worry about an injury. I mean face it thats part of hockey. They could get injured playing any one of the games from now till the end of the year.
As far as who the isles should pick if they do have that 1st overall pick I just would rather see what is supposed to be a superstar scorer. The island needs it so bad.
Late 1st round pick they’ll probably land in the ball park of the sweedish defenseman Rundblad. But won’t know where that pick is gonnna be for a lil while now.
This road trip there going on isn’t an easy one if they finish .500 on it that’d be impressive.
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JPinVA says:
I’ll take up 505′s argument because he’s out of bullets.
Once those guys EARNED their stripes this year there was no need for the Calder Cup Playoffs. I PROMISE there is no more intense game at the AHL level than the rangers in either venue.
But some career AHLer can end a career with one can opener.
If that should happen to KO Snow would have his assistant starting his car in the morning.
If they want to lessen their chances of winning another game just rush Sutton and Weight back, call up Sim, and give Hilbert even MORE PP time.
I never thought I’d say this, but I’m really looking forward to Witt coming back as well… FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS.
That being said, I would definitely have the recent call-ups down there… and bailey if he’s eligible. -
As long as the Sound Tigers make playoffs, whoever they send down, I’ll watch them. (And hope no one gets hurt!)
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And onto today’s game thoughts…
1. Danis is starting to really pull away in the race to be #2. thank you Montreal, best gift since Aaron Asham.
2. If we are “kicking the tires” on dean mcammond, I sure do hope that Snow is telling his agent, “I have to talk to my manager, I know I can do 1 year for $2M, but 2 years @ $2.2 is gonna need his approval.”
3. Re: Bergy’s penalty. to the naked eye that looked like he laid his stick on the back of the yote’s calf. Jaffe says, “that’s an old trick”. Either Jaffe is the Scherlock Holmes of NHL color guys or Jaffe is FOS. I’ve never before heard that explanation on a bad tripping call. -
Jeff Speight says:
Anyone read the sunday Post, great article where the columnist reported that Trent SUTTER broke his ankle and will be out for the season. Do these guys even follow the sport, all they do is repeat over and over that the Isles are the worst team in the league. They might have the worst record but they are definitely not the worst team.
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Queens says:
How is KO eligible to go to the AHL and not be subject to waivers? Am I missing something or is it because he is still on his NHL entry contract. And why not send Bailey down as well and get him some experience, or is there a contract issue blocking this as well?
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Lawrence Teller says:
After the Leafs, every team we play is in the playoff race – I will be curious to see how we do.
For the entire 1st overall pick until now, I have wanted Taveras. That changes tonight – I want the D-man, Hedman.
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Nova Scotia Isles Fan says:
If there is anything that I complain about this season is the decision not to allow Bailey to play for Cnada in the WJC. There would be nothing short of the Stanlet Cup Playoffs to match it in terms of intensity and experience in high pressure situations. Unless you are Canadian, you have no idea the presure those kids were under. Calder Cup playoffs?? pppphhhhphaw!!! I wanted Bailey to have that.
That is why I think Tavares is so special. If anyone wants to see performance under pressure and poise in a young kid, check out the last 45 seconds of the Semifinal game against Russia.
Down by one, goalie out. The hopes of a nation on their shoulders. Puck comes to Tavares on the boards by the right hash. Most players would have spun and fired a harmless shot on goal, but he knew that would just be desperation, so he just flipped it toward the net on the backhand. Russian D misplays it and its in the net to tie with like 3 seconds left.
That’s the poise I want to see on the Island. It was phenomenal. That’s the prize this year gentlemen (and ladies), and its well worth the pain, especially if the kids we already have are ready when he gets here.
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4. Tambellini is really starting to get it. thank goodness too. He’s gonna be here another year whether we like it or not. The person who probably loses in this deal is hilbert. With Park signed for next year there is no reason for all three of them.
5. Iggulden and Joensuu are what this team has needed for years. I really like Hunter, but if he likes NY he’d better not sit on his contract. Those two are gonna push him hard… and that’s a GOOD THING. He needs to open an office at 7 Slot Street. -
Will Teese says:
I dont have a problem sending the guys down to play in the playoffs, injuries are a part of the game, and as was already stated, could happen at any time.
As far as bailey goes, he is not eligible because you must be 20 years old to play in the AHL, thats why it was either staying with the big club, or going back to Windsor.
With the number of points we have now, and the number of games left, id say even if we continued playing this good, we’ll still finish in the bottom four. Thats fine with me, only because the kids are showing what they can do. Look how they handle the devils. Seeing guys like bergy and okie play the way they are gets me excited for next year.
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JJ looks good but needs another year at BPort to work on his skating. He still needs some work.
Like his game so far though.
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rb says:
wouldn’t Okposo (and Comeau, if considered good enough) be better served by playing in the World Championships? Don’t they still play WC after the season?
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SIR WILLIAM says:
Snow is right to do this. You can’t worry about injury. Hockey players play hockey. The more experience these kids get the better they will become.
Young Major League baseball players go down at the end of the Major League season and play winter ball. It’s the same thing.On another note, is anyone that uses AOL having trouble posting? It seems hit and miss. Sometimes I get through and other times not. And no, Chris has not editied me, according to him. Just wondering if any others have had trouble….SW
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I thought KO would be eligible to play for Team USA at the World Championships … he’s a Team USA Alum at the WJC and would be a perfect fit.
Personally I think KO and BC don’t have much to gain other than ice time in the AHL playoffs … risk of injury the way this season has went scares me.
If something happens to KO or BC Snow will be run out of town even if he does get to draft Tavares.
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Pritchett54 says:
What is this mueller okposo stuff. I know Mueller was picked right after kyle, but mueller had 22 goals last season and has 12 this season. Can we hold off patting our selves on the back for at least another season please.
I never understand why teams start to play so much better after veterans are sent away and guys from the minors are sent up. It happens all the time and has happened to the isles before.
I am less impressed with all the guys we just called up this past week, Immoden(sp?), mclean, etc. What makes me hopeful is the fact that some of our young draft picks like Bergy, Nielsen, Okposo, Bailey and Jonssuu look solid. Jonssuu has been a very small sampling but I like what I have seen.
Is Danis for real? The guy has been playing great.
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Also, Billy Guerin with a goal and 2 helpers today…glad to see him doing well with Cindy Crosby
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call up junior lessard and put him inbetween the pipes… doubt we’d win many games like that
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WarrenG says:
TOtally didnt even notice the Trent Sutter in the post, but in todays Palm Beach Post it says Rangers broke Brodeurs win streak and not the Islanders. WHat the hell is also with NEWSDAY, its been almost 4 hours since the Isles won and all they have on their site is the AP press release sayin they won. DOLAN is truely screwing all us Islander fans!!! I still dont get them in HD on center ice, makes me hate the Rangers MORE!!!
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Dadi says:
Joe #37, whose brother is Zack ?
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BR says:
WarrenG (76) – I watch on Centre Ice here in Ottawa. I think I’ve seen one or two Isles games in HD all season. Last year they were nearly all available in HD.
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Erika says:
I don’t see how AHL playoff experience will help with NHL playoffs–maybe to a certain extent. KO, Comeau and others will only risk injury, though they may help the Tigers win. It didn’t work last year with Old MacDonald’s Farm being yo-yoed back & forth. Remember that? They must’ve been worn out.
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Jimmy Mac says:
It’s nice to see the team doing well.
If for some reason they do happen to move up from the bottom spot, don’t forget the lottery.
In a perfect world we pass Atlanta and Tampa, then win the lottery…lol.
As for KO going to play in Bridgeport, I don’t agree. He hasn’t been there all year.
I think the kids take a month off after the season, then hit the weights, Bailey couldn’t fight his way out of a wet paperbag. He needs 10 pounds of muscle added to the that frame.
This team needs to get healthy.
We already know we have the best AHL team, we are already beating NHL teams…lol.
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mrlbem says:
The Newsday article is up on the website. John Jeansone covered the game. Nice quote in there from Yann Danis who says that they are all fighting to make next year’s team and how they all, Yann included, want to be back. I sign this kid in a heartbeat, whether to back up Ricky or to play a significant number of games. Talk about your diamonds in the rough. He looked horrible in his first few games early in the season–what a change.
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beaker says:
if they do send the kids down, and they happen to win the championship, think what that will do for their chemistry and experience. even though its only in the ahl, it will make them hungry to win next year. all they know from the past two years is losing and if they win they will only want more. and people who are worried about them getting injured, then whats the point of playing the kids know if theyre for our future. no, you play the game to get better, no matter what level. they can only gain from this experience
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FIsles says:
People have only themselves to blame if they put their hopes on Tavares/Hedman and the Islanders can’t draft either. That is why you don’t focus on fantasy drafting in the middle of the season.
The Tampa franchise indeed is a joke. What else can you say about an organization with growing odds to finish last for the second straight season despite all the star players and money spent last summer? The mind boggles at the incompetence. They also traded their best (healthy) d-man this week, so they’re now playing without their top 3 d-men. But if they get the #1 pick, I think they’ll either draft Tavares and trade V4 or trade the pick for a huge package of players and picks. Too much Tavares hype around to take a pass.
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Rob says:
The isles start a very tough road trip so lets not get ahead of ourselves just yet about the whole winning thing
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TuxTax says:
Whats the chance MSG Plus broadcasts Sound Tigers playoff games. I would tune in for that…Mearsy and King or Jaffe could do the commentating.
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Vinny says:
The Islanders desperately need some big players who will protect their teammates, and make a difference on the Ice. Today they were hitting and throwing the Isles players around and they wouldn’t even hit them and retaliate. Every time the Kid lines comes out something amazing happens, very happy to see that. Lets go Isles!!
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dalcy says:
maybe its the Don Cherry in me, but if Hedman was canadian or american i would be more apt to want him. i know, i know “but Niklas Lidstrom blah, blah, blah…” He had Chelios, Yzerman, et al. i am just wary of european defenseman as true leaders.
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That is one of my problems with Hedman as well dalcy. He also got out played at the WJC and was pretty much a non-factor. Some scouts I read have said he does not utilize his size well. I don’t want to be stuck with a big softee while Taveras is tearing it up on another team that will be unforgivable plus we already have one big softee on the team. IF we have the opportunity to pick Taveras I think its a no brainer which means Snow just might chose Hedman.
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Tux Tax #85, Snowball’s chance in hell. But the AHL does have a video player. I’m sure they will be streaming the games.
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goislesgo105 says:
I was really not impressed with the ‘Yotes at all. Thought they played with no passion and the Isles’ “kids “really outplayed them. Seemed to me the Isles just wanted it more. Where were all of the young “future stars” they are supposed to have? Hockey Futures rates their farm system much higher than the Isles but I thought our “kids” looked way better. Their future is Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes??? Was not impressed at all. What’s going on Wayne???
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jonw says:
I do agree with some posts saying the playoff experience can help some of the eligible players ,but don’t think it’s a good idea. Just like Bailey not playing for Canada in the WJC. There is nothing that some of these guys can gain by playing ahl playoff hockey that will directly translate to nhl success.A player like JJ is a different story.The more competeive hockey he plays the better he’ll be.
As for the TAVHEDUCH watch someone might have to come to the realization that this team is not the worst in the league.If they didn’t go thru all the injuries they did, then they most likely wouldn’t be where they are. I understand that’s not the case and they are currently in last place but anything short of someone pulling a Nancy Kerrigan on Yan Dannis do not be surprised if they dont finish there.
You know your in last place when the goal song becomes a hot topic on the blog.I agree with most.It is horrible. It sounds like some outdoor bar band.Heres a suggestion.Drop the lights hit the spotlight and blare the fog horn.Make this barn what it used to be.Make the third jerseys their regular ones and bring this franchise back.oh yea and please…no not good enough…PLEASE stop the gigity. I love family guy just as much as anyone else but it has no place in hockey. -
While I don’t hate the new goal song, I liked the old Gary Glitter one better. It always seemed to be a huge part of watching a game at the Coliseum. I agree with the previous post about the “giggity” after the goal song. I don’t know who decided that it would be a good idea to play that, but it definitely has no place in hockey.
Whatever goal song, I hope to hear it a lot in the coming years thanks to Tavares, Okposo, Bailey,etc. -
Always draft the offensive star with TALENT first… and teach defensemen how to play defense.
DOC
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yea but you dont pass on a franchise d-man. he could be the next phanuef or lidstrom. its a tough decision, hopefully what ever they do works out. i dont think anyone will complain if they tavares is scoring 80 points for another team is hedman is getting 50 or 60 for us and dominating on d
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Booten says:
If we have to opportunity to roll the dice on a possible New York Islander’s version of Crosby, I’ll take that over the potential NYI’s version of Phaneuf.
Please, no Daigle comments!
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karl says:
gotta love seeing the kids skating with …heart and having no floaters on the rink(comrie)new goal song is awful…go back to rock and roll please…now
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I don’t know if people realise it, but during the WJC here in Canada, they did a whole segment on Victor Hedman. They talked about his huge 6’6 frame and what a giant of a man he is even at just 18 years of age; however the segment went into the fact he’s called the Swedish Chris Pronger. The comparison stopped there though. He refuses to hit. He said I don’t need to I play like Lidstrom and I’m not changing my game for anyone. So yeah, you have a giant of a monster on your back end who will quarterback your powerplay, make a great first pass, and has skill with the puck beyond belief. But he won’t use his size to throw the big hit and does not plan on being a Witter on the back-end even though he could be with his size and talent. Just one little knock on the big man they call Hedman.
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JayK says:
Nightmare scenario: TB finishes last. We finish second to last. A team 3-6 wins the lottery. We draft 3rd.
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the bomber says:
i have to say that what is going on in bridgeport this season is pretty special. that team has been raided by the isles all season long, and for them to still be in the position they are in the league is nothing short of remarkable. this is especially true in light of the fact that every “expert” claims our organization is completely devoid of talent. capuano is doing some job down there, and maybe gordons system aint so awful since they too are using it…
chris, wheres the picture of broduer behind the ice girl? you took it down? i need that picture to tease a devil fan client of mine!!
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I don’t want to throw cold water on the Bridgeport success, but I think the link between AHL dominance and NHL dominance is a tenuous one. I think the “expert” claims about our organization should not be dismissed too quickly because of the Sound Tigers’ success. It has been great to see so many guys come up and do well, but seriously, how many do we think are the type of stud players who could be the core of a Stanley Cup championship team? Iggulden is their leading scorer; anybody really think he’s on track to be even a 20-goal guy in the NHL on a regular basis? So it is an impressive hard-working collection of guys who, for the most part, are moderate talents on an NHL basis. I’m very happy for them, and hope they win the Calder. But I question how much of a relationship there is between AHL success over a few years and then NHL success a few years later from the same core of players.
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jonsson3 says:
Tampa Bay should be re-named to Tankin Bay
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JayK (98): LOL, thats your “nightmare”?
I may be presuming here, but Id bet money you have never watched more than a game or two of ANY of those kids play, tops. Someone elses “nightmare” in 1977 was picking some scrawny kid 15th overall instead of picking first and getting that years star player. If only the Islanders had drafted a sure-thing like Dale McCourt instead of having to take some kid named Mike Bossy. Right?
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TimQ says:
Gary Glitter is a serial child molester so I’m against putting any money in his pocket by playing ‘Rock and Roll’.
From Wikipedia:
In 1999, Glitter returned to the public eye when he was sentenced to four months imprisonment and listed as a sex offender in the UK following conviction for downloading thousands of items of child pornography. His reputation was greatly tarnished, and, though he continued releasing new music, Glitter’s popularity declined sharply. He moved to Cambodia but was permanently deported from there in 2002 for suspected child sexual abuse, to Vung Tau in Vietnam. In 2005, he was arrested by Vietnamese authorities, was tried and convicted of child sexual abuse charges in June. He was released from prison on 19 August 2008 and returned to London three days later, after being refused entry into Thailand and Hong Kong.
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Cruicky says:
97 – is correct. Watched the WJC and the big d-man had major issues when the body contact began. He is soft and will not fair well in the NHL. You can’t teach 6’6″ however, you can’t teach heart and guts hockey. Draft a Canadian.
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the bomber … I’ve been wondering that for months … The Isles have raided the BPST’s roster all year and they still managed to have been a top tier team in t he ‘A’. Could it be the NHL experience the players got that gave them an edge.
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One last note on TavHeDuch … Tavares is undoubtedly the real deal… He’ll be lighting up the NHL with regularity … he dominates … and when he’s playing with NHL talent … he’ll only get become more dominant and make other players around him better.
Hedman is not going to take control of games like Tavares does. He also lacks a little bit of Tavares’ edge. We have to draft 1st … The Isles haven’t had a dominant forward in over 15 years … which coincides with our last playoff series victory … Palfy was excellent on a bad team.
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i didnt exactly make the link that the isles are all set due to the bridgeport success. i think that the true star of that team could be gordons system because in a league where there is no talent gap between them and the rest of the league (like the one the islanders have) the system is holding up remarkably well, even with guys in and out of the lineup. forgetting the forwards, i think hillen, mcdonald and callahan have really improved due to their time down there.
i do agree though that this doesnt mean squat for the isles success, just impressed how they have continued to thrive despite the big team plucking guys from them all year long….
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2 thumbs up for Sim, took the demotion very well. Went down and lite the lmap. 4 goals in 3 games with a 1st and a 2nd star. He proved very quickly he does not belong in the AHL. Good job. Now he will lead them to the Calder.
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Jim Clark says: If Tampa Bay really wanted to tank the season, they’d bring back Barry Melrose.
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We gotta lost a few games now. I really like the way the team is playing but we could use tavares!!
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A nightmarish scenario is anything that has us not picking Tavares.
It makes me sick to my stomach to know we’re not gonna get him. Luck wise or conspiracy wise…it just plain sucks.
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dose says:
97 dally mac on Mar 9th, 2009 05:08:36 said: they did a whole segment on Victor Hedman.
” …and I’m not changing my game for anyone.”this could be a little worrisome if true, but who is “they.” i’d like to see the piece myself.
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Bob Bassen says:
OT: Went to the Isles/Ranger game and the Bruins/Flyers game in Boston last week. Surprising, but the music that is (annoyingly) blasted during every stoppage of play (and warm-ups) was quite a bit better at The Barn. Way too much good music out there these days than to have to play *Welcome to the Jungle*, *Enter Sandman*,* We will Rock You.* etc. etc. Now I know why the military plays the same song over and over to make a prisoner *talk*. Anyway…The Garden is luxurious but man is the Coliseum a great place to watch a hockey game!
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mt275 says:
#109… Tempa doesn’t need Melrose to tank. Tocchet probably has a few bets out there for getting the number 1 pick.
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Basically what i got out of the TSn segment on Hedman is he is a 6’6 “No-Hitter.”
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stevedepot says:
“JPinVA” post # 62 (3. Re: Bergy’s penalty.)
If you’ve played hockey, you’d understand why Jaffe called it a an old trick. Bad tripping call?
I was at the game, saw Bergie place the flat end of his stick blade behind the Coyote forwards knee just above the calf. By PUSHING forward, just a little tap can throw a guys stride off and if he’s turning or stopping it can trip him up and in some cases cause serious injury when they’re near the boards.Waybe Gretzky perfected a different “OLD TRICK” back in the 80′s when he’d skate up behind an opponent and us ethe same method, only on the top hand of a guys stick, pushing it forward and that split second where the guy lost control of the puck, Gretzky would gain a step, lift their stick and steal the puck.
Today, that would be called interference. Anyway, sorry for the ramble, that was the right call, not a bad penalty but good for Bergenheim going to a bag of tricks…only good when you get away with it. -
Smitty031 says:
Forgive my ignorance but what is Tavheduch??
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smitty031 #117
Tavheduch stands for Tavares-Hedman-Duchene, the supposed top three players in this years draft, so the tavheduch watch is just us keeping track of the draft position of the bottom 5 teams. -
ah very good.
i see Tampa Bay will playing the role of the Pittsburgh Penguins this year.
I am predicting TB finishes last and we finish 2nd last. I have no idea why TB is so bad with all the talent they have on that team. If that was us with all that talent and finishing last in the league everyone would be saying how much of a joke organization we are. oh well. great weekend though