Monthly Archives: March 2009
Greg Logan reports the Islanders have announced that Kurtis McLean suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon when he was injured during a pre-game soccer warmup on March 11. I’d heard in Bridgeport on Friday from a Sound Tigers player that McLean’s injury was serious and that he could be out 6-8 months, but I held out for official confirmation. I have yet to be contacted by the Islanders with the McLean update that Greg received.
A tough setback for Kurtis, by all accounts a good man and over-achiever who made his NHL debut and scored his first NHL goal this season at age 28.
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Brian Daniel Gallof – you know him as B.D. and a few former aliases - provides his take on what’s up with Kate and the Lighthouse crew on his new-ish, gotcha!-titled blog, Islanders Independent. It’s informative, inflammatory, hysterical…the kind of stuff we love. Okay, so he had the Islanders getting a pick and Jay Beagle (another fourth-liner, yeah!) from Washington for Guerin, but nobody figured that drama out. Welcome back, Mr. Gallof.
Me, I’m still trying to unearth what big news story will come out of Thursday’s Lighthouse meeting. Because, I’m tellin’ ya, there’s no way Wang, Rechler and Suozzi are just gonna show the “Meet Me at the Lighthouse Video,” hope a pep rally ensues and say goodbye. No way. Something’s gonna happen Thursday.
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As far as Yann Danis is concerned, the calendar year 2009 can take its time. His first child, a son named Jayden, was recently born. Jayden’s dad has just as recently established himself as a National Hockey League goaltender. And to top it all off, a new Islanders contract appears to be in his future.
“2009 has been very good to me,” Danis said after practice today. “I tell everyone that Jayden has been my lucky charm.”
In so many ways, this season has worked out even better than the former Montreal Canadiens prospect had planned. When the Islanders were the first team to call him last July 1, he was flattered. Just as crucially, Danis knew that the uncertainty of Rick DiPietro’s availability at the start meant there was a good chance the Islanders might utilize their third goaltender.
A one-year contract was signed, while Danis hoped he would get about 10 games of NHL action. In five years in the Canadiens system, the goalie only played six games.
“I always knew I was capable of playing at this level,” Danis said. “I was just looking for a chance.”
With 10 games remaining in the Islanders’ schedule, Danis has already played 24. He could get to 30 by the end of year. He is 9-12-2 with a 2.51 GAA and a .921 save percentage. He has proven, at the very least, that he is an NHL backup – and maybe something more.
“What’s impressed me about Yann is just how solid, how reliable he has been,” Islanders coach Scott Gordon said today. “He hasn’t had to be that 40, 50-save guy the last several weeks. He has developed a level of consistency. There isn’t any panic. Now he knows in his mind that he can do it. His numbers look good, and he’s kept our team in every game he’s played.”
The 27-year old Danis, who played four years at Brown University, said the key to his consistency was a stretch in January in which he started eight consecutive games. “That made me feel comfortable and gave me confidence,” he said.
Danis also cited the tutelage of goalie coach Mike Dunham and consultant Sudarshan Maharaj. “Sudsie brought me to Toronto for a full week before training camp, which was a big boost for me,” said Danis. “He is outstanding with technique. Dunny knows the league as well as any goalie coach and knows what it takes to play and to stay at this level. They’re a perfect complement to each other because they bring so much to the table in different areas.”
The next step for Danis is a new Islanders contract. A one-way deal – as opposed to this season’s NHL-AHL model – is a no-brainer. A one-year deal at around $700,000 seems logical and fair. For starters, Danis would be locked into his first full-time NHL job. If DiPietro is not ready for 60 games and Danis carries the Islanders for a long stretch and when the playoffs are on the line, the Quebec native would have a strong case for No. 1 goalie money next summer.
In the Islanders locker room at Iceworks this afternoon, Danis said contract negotiations are not his focus.
“There hasn’t been much serious talk about a deal from either side yet,” he said. “My preference is to just concentrate on finishing this season strong and see what happens. I’d definitely love to come back. The Islanders gave me my first real chance in the NHL and we’re growing as a team. The business stuff will work itself out.”
PRACTICE NOTES
The lineup at today’s 75-minute practice at Iceworks:
Tambellini – Nielsen – Okposo
Comeau – Bailey – Park
Hilbert – Thompson – Jackman
Doug Weight, hoping to be back in the lineup by the start of April, took the full practice in a jersey color of his own. Sean Bergenheim particpated in a few drills, but will not play Wednesday. Dean McAmmond was rewarded for his leadership and play with extra family time in Ottawa. Mike Iggulden and Joel Rechlicz are back with the Sound Tigers, who host Worcester tomorrow night.
On D: there was Witt, Martinek, Gervais, Hillen and Pock. Andy Sutton skated. Gordon said he is waiting for a green light for Sutton from the team’s medical staff. Mark Streit, getting plenty of rest on non-game days from the coaching staff recently, participated in half the practice.
In goal, Joey MacDonald was cleared to play and practiced today. He could get a start this week. Peter Mannino is with the Sound Tigers, leading them to victory yesterday over Portland.
Comments. The Queens/Lighthouse conversation continues in the next thread.
The Lighthouse public outreach is just three days away. Even Ellis Hennican thinks Kate Murray’s conflict of interest excuse is baloney. And with each week, Queens becomes a more realistic, attractive option. Did you know there is a Charles B. Wang Community Health Center in Flushing? Did you know Wang’s family moved to Queens when he was 8 years old? And, as we were often reminded when we worked for the Islanders, Queens is part of Long Island, which is part of New York.
It all fits together nicely, don’t you think? If I did PR for those Queens politicans and Chamber of Commerce folks, I’d recommend they show up at the Marriott on Thursday and let everyone know in a big way the Islanders are welcomed there. I bet Queens could have a state-of-the-art arena, equipped with a generous lease, done in 2-3 years.
Comments. Guidelines.
There is no debate, there is no story. Scott Gordon, his staff and his players are out there trying to win every game. They are coaches and athletes. This is how it should be. No one expects otherwise, no one is claiming otherwise.
We get it. We get it.
(There is the issue of the Islanders starting a first-year pro goalie last Sunday and Friday, a prospect so hot that…well, earlier this season he was sent to the ECHL in favor of Nathan Lawson and Tobias Stephan).
But nevermind that. The issue at hand on this Spring Sunday is whether it’s ethical by the standards of the Fan Code of Conduct for any Islanders fan to openly root for their team to, you know, reel in John Tavares or Victor Hedman.
Let’s make this perfectly clear.
You don’t get to label a fan of a team that hasn’t won a playoff series in 16 years “disloyal” for shrugging off a mostly-meaningless March win. (Hey, remember those big two points earned against Phoenix two weeks ago?)
You cannot preach about what a “real” fan is to any Islanders die-hard that sat through the six-week-stretch-from-hell from December 4 to January 19.
Supporters of a franchise with this level of turmoil the last two decades – and now, the uncertainty of where home games will be played in a few years - have the right to cheer for anything they want.
(Just a thought here. I wonder if the marketing and ticket sales staff at 1.800.882.ISLES are in the office praying for some late-season, character-building wins).
Again, it’s all good when key young building blocks are playing vital roles in games. Let me share a conversation with an Islander last week when I requested his perspective on the meaning of his team’s recent winning ways. The veteran made a very convincing case that his team and Scott Gordon were coming together in a special way. He also acknowledged the cynics, saying “People can think whatever they want about these wins. I like what we’re doing here.”
However, the honest veteran added two candid observations:
1. He could not say for sure that wins in March translate into wins next season.
2. He said, “You know, whether we win a game or lose it, the young guys are going to learn from the experience.”
Let’s remember (one last time) Gordon’s Game 42 quote about the focus on player development over the importance of wins and losses. I continue to have no problem with Gordon’s position. However, if the head coach is on record saying wins and losses in February, March and April matter little, are we really supposed to get all worked up because the boys stole one in Chicago?
Go ahead. Lecture an Islanders fan about loyalty – after 16 years, after this season, after another Kate Murray no-show - just because after everything that’s happened all they really want right now is a top-2 pick, Tavares or Hedman guaranteed. Go ahead.
THE TAVHEDUCH WATCH
It’s possible the 30-team National Hockey League will have only five teams finish the season below the .500 mark. All five teams just happen to inhabit Tavheduchpaajacowkane. At least they used to. With their victories Saturday night, we are taking Atlanta and Phoenix off Watch. Colorado is in San Jose today, Tampa Bay hosts Columbus on Tuesday, the Islanders host Minnesota on Wednesday.
1. Islanders 24-40-8 56 pts (10 games remaining)
2. Tampa Bay 23-33-16 62 pts (10 GR)
3. Colorado 31-40-2 64 pts (9 GR)
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4. Atlanta 30-37-6 66 pts (9 GR)
5. Phoenix 30-36-7 67 pts (9 GR)
POINT BLANK 2009 DRAFT TOP 5
March 22, 2009
1. John Tavares, C, London (OHL)
2. Victor Hedman, D, Modo (Sweden)
3. Matt Duchene, C, Brampton (OHL),
4. Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, LW, Timra-IK (Sweden)
5. Evander Kane, C, Vancouver (WHL)
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Photos by Rich Stieglitz
Random musings from my night in Bridgeport…
For starters, thank you to Jack Capuano, Pat Bingham and Matt Bertani for all the access. Thanks also to team prez Howard Saffan, PR man Kimber Auerbach and especially photographer Rich Stieglitz. All-access stories don’t work without excellent images like Rich provided.
As for the team, it’s clear they have something good going on. Winning, of course, will make anywhere seem like the Happiest Place on Earth, but it’s obvious Capuano has created a positive environment where every player has a chance to contribute.
The Islanders have signed Nathan Lawson, last night’s winning goaltender. The 6-2 Lawson played three years at the University of Alaska-Anchorage and spent last season in the East Coast League. After impressing scouts with the NYI’s ECHL affiliate in Utah, Lawson has taken over the starting job with the Sound Tigers. The 25-year old is 16-7-2 with a 1.78 GAA and .939 save percentage. From what I’ve heard, and what I saw last night, the Islanders would be in good shape if Lawson was their No. 1 goaltender in Bridgeport next season. He is talented, confident and poised.
Bridgeport’s best line last night: Sean Bentivoglio-Tyler Haskins-James Sixsmith. Yes, that may say something, but don’t let it take away from the hustle and effectiveness of those three.
Someone should write a story someday about Chris Lee. The Sound Tigers’ defenseman is an outstanding skater. He is also 28 years old, a converted forward, played four years of college hockey at that noted powerhouse SUNY-Potsdam and was carried off on a stretcher in an NHL exhibition game with the Islanders in September when Rostislav Olesz nailed him from behind. He played a great game last night and must be proud of how far he’s come.
Jon Sim was okay at best. He’s been the Sound Tigers’ top player in just about every game since his demotion, so he’s entitled to an off night. Maybe he’s saving up his goals for tonight against Providence and tomorrow against Portland.
Unless he was making errors, Jesse Joensuu was invisible last night. It could be an illustration of how a taste of the NHL for a first-year prospect has its temporary downside. He has not been effective since his return from the Islanders. Jesse, with Capuano’s help, needs to figure it out heading into the AHL playoffs.
For all the readers on this blog calling for Trevor Smith to be on the Islanders right now, he’s going to have to be more consistently good to deserve so many passionate advocates. He’ll need a good postseason in front of Islanders management and coaches to make his case for ’09-10.
2008 second round pick Travis Hamonic has come to Bridgeport and has begun a strength and conditioning program. Since he is not signed by the Islanders yet, the defenseman will probably not play in any games.
Robin Figren, scratched last night as he works his way into the system, could get in one of the home games tonight or tomorrow.
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When Dean McAmmond and the Islanders face Chris Campoli, Mike Comrie and the Ottawa Senators tonight, please join us in the Comments section for a three-hour conversation. Mike Comrie is out with the flu.
“NY Hockey This Week” is on Sunday from 5:30 – 6:30 pm on 1050 ESPN Radio. Don La Greca and I will talk pucks for an hour and take your calls.
In case you haven’t heard(!), the Lighthouse public outreach is Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Long Island Marriott adjacent to the Coliseum. If the RSVPs on Point Blank alone are any indication, try to arrive early to get a seat and – if you are inclined – to sign up to have your voice heard. Kate Murray is not coming, for fear of conflict of interest.
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And finally, a true confession. Among my least favorite brands of Comments are the ones that include the phrase, “Anyone who has ever played a sport knows…” C’mon, friends. When comparing any of our life experiences – or even high school and collegiate heroics – to major professional sports, let’s try to keep it real.
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Photos by Rich Stieglitz
Friday night, The Arena at Harbor Yard - With three games in three nights – and four in five – the Sound Tigers coaching staff is careful not to crush their players with video. Tonight, head coach Jack Capuano takes measures to bring his pre-game video session in under five minutes. He even brings a stop-watch with him.
Capuano and assistants Pat Bingham and Matt Bertani enter the Bridgeport dressing room at 5:30 pm sharp. In 90 minutes, the Sound Tigers have a game with playoff-seeding implications against Worcester. Over five minutes of video, Capuano provides non-stop narration on the Sharks’ tendencies in the following:
- Forecheck
- Transition
- Defensive zone coverage
- Offensive zone play
Worcester utilizes a 1-2-2 forecheck. “You don’t want to play catch,” Capuano tells his defensemen. “Once you go D-to-D, we’ve got problems. You don’t want to go East-West and let them get into their trap.”
Every 30 seconds or so, Capuano punctuates some basic commentary with forceful directions.
“When that happens, everybody get to the net”!
“Watch how fast that winger gets out! Be aware of that”!
“Stay on their D. Force ‘em! Force em!”
Capuano refers to one of the Sound Tigers’ forechecks as “our Islanders forecheck.” In pointing out a Sharks defenseman with a tendency for turnovers, the coach says, “He’ll fumblef–ks the puck a lot.”
It’s a spirited, fast-paced session, hours and hours of work by the coaching staff boiled down to five minutes. Maybe not everything goes to form – this is hockey, after all – but the Sound Tigers defeat Worcester, 2-1 on goals by Junior Lessard and James Sexsmith and 37 saves by Nathan Lawson. Bridgeport improves its record to 42-20-3-5 and takes a one-point lead over Hershey at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
After a night’s sleep, the coaches and players get ready to do it all over again for Providence on Saturday and Portland on Sunday.
5:30 pm: Capuano takes his team to the movies
8:50 pm: James Sixsmith scores the game-winning goal
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