PRACTICE, NVMC - 3.6.09
Team photo, McAmmond and roster decisions
The Islanders took their team photo this morning on the ice at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Most notable about the set-up was the Islanders’ (wise) decision to take the picture in their vintage Third jerseys.
It was a particularly meaningful moment for veteran center Dean McAmmond, who grew up in Alberta an Islanders fan. He was such a big fan, the cake at his 13th birthday party was adorned with the Islanders’ logo.
Asked if McAmmond is in consideration for a return next season, Islanders head coach Scott Gordon said, “He’s fit in well and has grasped everything we’ve thrown at him very quickly. He also can still skate with great speed. He says he’d like to come back and he’s done everything possible to put himself in a favorable light.”
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Joe Callahan, Andrew MacDonald, Jesse Joensuu and Joel Rechlicz were returned to Bridgeport, some of them not for long.
Figure on Callahan and Joensuu being back in the Islanders’ lineup for their home matinees on Saturday against New Jersey and Sunday against Phoenix. If both play tonight for the Sound Tigers, they’d be looking at 4 games in 4 days. Maybe they won’t play tonight for the Sound Tigers.
Depending on the health of some Islanders roster players, MacDonald (or another dman) and Rechlicz (or another forward) could return to the Island for the weekend. Thomas Pock may be closer, while Richard Park, Nate Thompson and the suspended Brendan Witt took part in the kind of exhausting post-practice skate that signals they’re not playing tomorrow.
Witt sits out the final two games of his ridiculous punishment and will return to the Islanders on Tuesday when they play in Toronto - of course, a date better known for being Point Blank Night II at Gabrielle’s in Rockville Centre.
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Scott Gordon on the play of Joensuu, initially penciled in to play all this season (and likely next) in the AHL:
“It’s night and day for Jesse from how he looked in training camp. His skating, his foot speed, his positional play…Jesse’s made huge strides in every aspect of his game.”
As he never hesitates to do, Gordon credited the coaching of Jack Capuano and his staff at Bridgeport. “I think we’re around 39, 40 players that have been in our lineup at one point this season,” said the Islanders coach. “Whenever we get a player from the Sound Tigers, I never have anything to worry about. They’re conditioned, taught in the system. The link between the two teams has been outstanding.”
Comments.
77 Responses to “PRACTICE, NVMC - 3.6.09
Team photo, McAmmond and roster decisions”
Please Wait
Mitch Rechlicz? Intentional?
joensuu hasn’t looked out of place in the nhl on any shift yet. got a goal in his first game and looks to have a nose for the net. speed as well. i hope he makes the team next season. comeau’s play last night was a big step forward for him as well.
What’s the word on the Isles adopting the third as their official home uniform for next year? If they do that, I guess they’ll be introducing a new road jersey? They should just keep the current home jersey as the alternate if they make the switch back to the retro. The current uniform isn’t bad, its just not as good as the retro.
Deano has definitely proven that he can still play. He fits the system and has the ability to lead. He’s been to the Cup finals, damn you Pronger, and can help guys like Nielsen and Bailey learn certain aspects of the game. I wouldn’t mind giving him a shot and a one year extension.
I hope they sign Deam McAmmond right away! How nice it is to have a vet who wants to be there. He’s played well and he’s proud to wear the sweater. So he’s not Ovechkin, he’s the type of veteran you want there helping the rebuild.
Jethro, I say they ditch these current orange sleeved Uniforms, unveil the white version of the throwback as their roads and call it our Uniform for next season. Redo the 3rds and debut them in 2 seasons.
The key is that it looks like Dean wants to play for the Isles….being that he’s fit in so quickly means he should be looked at for one or two more years with an A on his jersey and, like derek says, can mentor our young centers….pretty much replacing Silly’s role….
CB,
“Mitch Rechlicz”
HAHAHAHAHA
If you bring back McAmmond do you let Hilbert go or keep both?
i’d bring back Dean McAmmond on a one year contract. he’s been around but not really an impact player. But, he’s been around - he knows his stuff (plus he wins most of the faceoffs).
damn right it was a nice touch to use the 3rd jerseys. all better reasons to use ‘em full time! can’t wait to see the “road” jerseys for next season.
Rechlicz should be recalled again, he can go with Rupp, he looked decent yesterday too.
Hey CB, how many of Comeaus points this year have come against the Rangers? I think he may be our best producer in those games…..
Jethro:
I believe I read somewhere earlier this month, possibly at Uni Watch, that the Islanders petitioned the NHL to make their current thirds their full-time jerseys beginning in the 2010-11 season. Chris would probably be able to confirm or deny this.
Either way, they’re going to have to wait until all unsold stock of the current style is exhausted, you can bet that Reebok/NHL/Isles aren’t going to want to eat the production costs on that…this was also the ostensible reason that Chad Johnson couldn’t have his Ocho Cinco jersey this year.
i like the coach more and more. maybe i’m grasping for positives but i get a feeling that the more kids he has to work with the less hindered he feels by older guys. he seems more comfortable and confident lately. he probably wishes there were 50 more games this season.
I would think that McAmmond would be slipping into Sillingers role, not Hilberts. I like what he has brought sofar… and if Sillie is not playing anymore (as sad as that is because I love Sollie) I think McAmmond would be very nice to keep around. Id go with him, Witt, and Weight as our primary vets.
I just cant believe he is 35- if he talked to me at a show or whatever Id swear he was not a day over 25 lol. I guess Im just used to how most 35yo guys look on Long Island.
I found it, 4GP 2G 2A this year, not sure about last year. not bad though 1/4 of his points this year against Rangers. He def ups his game for the rivalry.
Matt Brosseau (13): that is why the current primary should be the third jersey and not be abandoned completely. I think that would be a really reasonable way for them to do it.
I’d rather they sign McAmmond too. I don’t know who is available as far as aging veterans this summer though. He looks like he still has some speed. Plus, his profile says he can play LW too.
Love the Retro Jersey…but i am still a fan of the White Jersey at home….I hate that the NHL changed that rule.
Hi Chris. I was wondering if Utah plays the same system. Joel Rechlicz looked good. Did he learn the system in Utah or did he learn it in his short time in Bridgeport.
Along the line of the roster. I wonder what people think of the fact that after this long as GM,,,,
Snow will carve his legacy by the moves that he makes this trade year.
He could be a god or a goat, It could potentially be the turning point for the Islanders. Good or Bad…
I would like to see Dean back next season. Another team photo for my office wall “shrine.” Nice.
Would love to have McAmmond back next year. Certainly has fit in nicely.
I love how the kids in Bridgeport are playing / learning the same system as the big boys. For the most part everyone who has come up from the Bridge has fit right in and been able to contribute.
One of the reasons, with a successful 09 draft and a healthy DP - this team may not be that far away from contention.
TMC:
Ugh. What’s the point…there’s nothing exciting about the current primary that should be made into third third jersey. The apron strings, the dark blue, forget it. I say just get rid of that design altogether and go with the current thirds as primaries.
This change could happen, I’m told, as soon as next season but needs NHL approval (good luck).
Here’s an idea: the new third jersey crest should somehow encompass a lighthouse. It would be good PR for the actual Lighthouse, whether it’s approved or whether the approval is still outstanding. I thought the fisherman was horrible but the lighthouse shoulder patch was quite good.
22 - Will you have Jon Sim photo-shopped in??
McAmmond has really come in and done a nice job. Maybe with the exception of the Hilbert hit last night!!! Overall, he definitely brings enough to the table to get himself a 2 year deal here.
Botta……..”Witt sits out the final two games of his ridiculous punishment”?????????
I’m sure Niklas Hagman and his head don’t think so. Once an Islander always and Islander I guess……..too funny.
i wouldn’t mind bringing dean back for a year, he’s looked good. the vintage 3rds might be the best thing about this year. i can’t wait until their the primary home jersey along with a vintage road white. i hope the lighthouse patch is brought back too. capuano and his staff have done a good job of preparing their kids to play up here. jj must be exhausted after all the hockey he’s played this week.
Matt Brosseau (24): The point is that if the NHL is concerned with jersey sales, and that might in any way hinder a change to the 3rd jersey as the primary, it seems to me that they will sell a lot more of them if they are the Isles official third than if they are simply discontinued and no longer worn. Having them still be the official third instead of junk might be what makes them agree to let us switch the jerseys… at least until the supplies are gone, then they can see if they want to continue on with it that way. See what Im saying?
TMC:
Yes, in that scenario that would make perfect sense, although (and I’m not intentionally trying to be difficult) the current away whites would still be an issue as third jerseys don’t usually have home and away versions.
Agree with everyone about McAmmond. He has done much more then expected. But I wouldn’t be rushing with the judgement to sign him or not. Too early. Let’s see if he is consistent enough.
Hey did anyone notice the Isles fan behind the bench wearing a fisherman logo jersey during the Isles/Rags game….you got to be kidding me right? I though all those jerseys were either burned or given to the salvation army
Joensuu was a pleasent surprise. Made some nice move and is a big body. Even the Wrecker skated well and at 6′ 4″ it will be fun to watch.
Avery is a time bomb… He will hurt The Prentenders, its just a matter of time
I have been very impressed with Jesse Joensuu, my friend described him as “noticeable” on the ice and I agree. He has nice size, and you would think as he ages he will pack on some muscle, but more importantly, he seems to have the vision and desire to find the “good ice” and make plays that attack the net and puts his momentum into the defender. He also plays with speed, KO seems to do the same, and I am hoping Bailey will develop the same “inner arrogance” and began to be harder to move off the puck.
I have to say that last night was very spirited, attacking in all aspects of the game - if we can get the right talent (youth and veterans) and bring that intenseity every night - this team could go places.
I like McAmmond, I would like to see him and Weight resigned
Callahan could be a nice shut down defense, he seems to be getting better and better each game
Joensuu should stay until playoff time for the Bridge, the kid has played well in his two games up here so far and deserves to show that he can compete on a consistant bases in the Show
Richie 66 — #32 — it’s amazing how many of them you see at the Coliseum. It’s not like hundreds, but you’d expect to see none. Not the case.
A little trivia — here is the probably flawed list of players who wore the Fisherman jersey, and never wore anything else. To do so, you had to play in the ‘95-’96 season, and no other time.
Wendel Clark
Alexander Semak
Marty Straka
Bob Sweeney
Darby Hendrickson
Danton Cole
Jason Herter
Andreas Johannson
There are a few others, but I’m out of time!!
Very few posts in here about D-Mac. I’m going to throw this out there to give the negative nellies something to talk about. GREAT pick up by Snow getting Mac and a 1st round pick for Campoli and that waste of space Comrie! Thanks Garth, You make mistakes like any other GM but this wasn’t one of them.
Richie lol, I saw that kid and did you notice his buddy was a Ranger fan? How embarrassing, friends with a zombie AND wearing the worst jersey in NHL history. Someone smack that kid so he comes to his senses!
re -32
try finding a fisherman jersey on ebay that doesnt have a ridiculous price once the auction is said and done .Might be hard on the eyes but they are a collectors item
I’m an Islander fan in Tampa and you should see how many of those awful fish stick jerseys come out for the Isle vs Lightning. I really like Dean, if he keeps up his play I would sign him to an extension. I love the 3rd jerseys I can’t wait to get my hand on one and be the envy of all the fish stick jersey guys down here.
MR4742 (39) - When Garth does something right it was an accident, and everything else is his fault…or so it seems from the posts. very few are willing to give credit where due
I think that a movement needs to be undertaken to have a bonfire outside Nassau Coliseum and have all existing fisherman jerseys thrown into the fire. Burn them all. That jersey is the constant reminder of unbelievably dark times.
Richie (32): I definitley noticed that. And somebody will correct me if I’m wrong, but that seat is smack dab in the middle of the AWAY bench. the last time they played the Devils and the camera was on Sutter all the time there was a hot blonde (who was mentioned on this blog) in the seat. All I have to say is, “Kid, PLEASE, let your father take his secretary to more games!”
I’d be on board for Dean coming back, but please do not bring back dean and weight. One or the other or neither… but not both.
If anybody recalls the energy the kids had when Stirling was fired and Shaw coached a young AHL team at the end of 2006… we were all expecting 2007 to be a continuation of that growth.
Nokie to Boston. Bergie to Europe. Shaw done. In came Nolan, guys like Sean over the Hill and the circus music. Let’s not have a replay of that.
I’ve really been encouraged by the way the team’s been skating lately and creating opportunities. The problem is despite the effort we just don’t have a lot of finishers at this point. Hopefully some of these youngsters will develop into finishers but they are not there yet. I think they outplayed that other NY team last night for a majority of the game. Initially, I was kind of hoping the Isles would draft Hedman because I really beleive in the “build from the goalie on out” theory. However, they seem to play decently on defense (with the exception of some periodic coastly mistakes) even though they have been decimated by injuies (and now suspension) on the back line. Now I’m starting to believe a true sniper is what we need. Is Travares the guy? I hope so.
i think Joensuu good nose for net and did good job bouncing on rebounds. He does need to work on his speed though. he was slow.
Also when you are driving to the net as power foward, lean in and take it all the way to net to try to make a cut and try to beat an NHL dman. its not the AHL.
either way, he developing nicely.
I would be fine with McAmmond as well as Weight for another year. Hilbert it hink if you can resign him on the cheap you get him. I think Jackman is more of priority than Hilbert.
No more Tavares vs Hedman debates. If we have 1st pick its Taveres, if its the second pick its Hedman. End of story.
Without looking it up. Give me top 2 drafted dman drafted since 2004 that has been huge impact on his team today.
No same excercise. Think of top 2 foward drafted in since 2004 and what they have done for their teams.
Does that clarify it for everyone?
I have a fisherman jersey. #4 McCabe; in fact I have all of the incarnations of the Islanders jerseys…like it or hate it, it’s part of the franchise jersey history. I trot it out for a joke once in awhile. Otherwise it stays in the nether regions of the closet where it belongs.
nice to see a 6′4 big boy playing on the island. it’s been awhile. one day he’ll be parking in front of the opponents net on power plays.
did anyone at the game notice how freakin huge Antropov was. holy crap. He made everyone around him look like dwarfs.
CB, can you give us an update on DiPietro’s rehab? Is he at least skating?
#14 I totally agree with you. You can notice this with the improved play by the young players.
I’d like to see Deaner signed for a 1 year extension. The Isles still need a veteran presence… they have a long way to go … but the pieces are falling in place.
I just saw last night’s game on Tivo… the Isles looked like they were all over the Rags the first half of the game but just ran out of gas. The BPST players played well … but I think they played lots of games this week and seemed a bit out of synch with vets … could be a by-product of NHL speed vs. AHL speed.
I think a great PR promo would be if you have one of those awful fish stick jersys you should bring it to NVMC and they should give you 50% off the new 3rd jersey and all fish stick jerseys collected that night should be set on fire for all to enjoy.
46 - Drew Doughty has had a huge impact, and was just drafted last year. Ask any kings fan, they will tell you. I am sure he is playing more than 20 mins a game too.
I agree with Jethro. Jethro has gotten more and more fired up as this season has gone on. He wasn’t nearly this frustrated earlier in the year. JK buddy.
Also, was Garth Snow just on WFAN or was my buddy messing with me?
Doughty is sick. My friend is a die hard Kings fan and that is the jersey he is getting and that is the player he loves the most out of a very likeable young core of players.
Doughty can do it all. Just wait till he gets more expirience. LA has so many great defense prospects in their system, Tiebert, Hickey, Vionev(spelling?)who all played in the WJC.
Just a thought… if you want to see improved offensive play and creativity out of this team maybe they should fix the ice.
Nobody has mentioned it here for a while, but there seems to an inordinate amount of skipping pucks and falling players at the coliseum.
And can somebody please get Kyle a better skate deal. He either can’t keep an edge or his ability is seriously flawed. He falls more than Chevy Chase doing Gerald Ford (sorry… dating myself).
Antropov is just as big as he was in toronto… but most of the time in toronto he didn’t have Jack Hillen and Andy Hilbert trying to clear him out of the crease. Sometimes size is relative… take it from somebody who’s relatives are jockies and joe pesci look-a-likes.
Dalcy, I like the way you think… he may never be the all around player that Simon (start gagging now) was, but he can become an NHL player with a few weeks under cairns, then maybe Parrish can return the favor(to snow) and spend a few weeks with him over the summer. If he holds a camp then enroll Hunter, Okposo and Joensuu as well. Even though he had coffee cans at the end of his legs there were few better in front of the net than Parrish.
Simon, if anybody remembers back that far, at a low point in the teams PP productivity was pretty productive on the second unit. Fire away.
Don’t know about Snow on WFAN but I bet Chris can get him on his readio show soon.
I think we should be cautious in how much we read into the team’s recent performance. We have not had to play in any high pressure games and it also stands to reason that some teams are likely to play down to their perceived level of competition.
Having said that one of the things I feel good about is the fact that player development is taking place in a consistent and uniform manner, meaning that all of the young players are being groomed in the same system. This is precisely what has made the Devils so good for so long and why they are able to sustain injuries, defections, etc. and still compete at a high level every season.
So far, none of the call-ups appear to have been completely overmatched or out of place and most have fit in well. This is a tribute to the management team and one aspect of the organization for which Snow should get a hell of a lot more credit. It is easy to have a vision…not so easy to execute it particularly when everyone is screaming for your head. Garth has been resolute - unlike his schizophrenic predecessor.
Don’t forget Luke Schenn, who the Isles could have had. He’s making some noise, and is already a solid NHL defensemen. Flashy ? No. But solid.
Lets be honest, if the Isles come away with either Tavares or Hedman, we have to be happy.
You can’t even order an authentic third jersey on shop.nhl.com anymore. I’ve been trying since November, but no dice. Got plenty of the authentic home and road jerseys though. Shows how popular they are
JP .. Excellent point about the ice at NVMC … I think the ice at the rink I play at is better than the NVMC’s ice surface …. granted … that ice goes thru a hell of a lot more torture than the ice that I play on just based on the size and skill of the players … but the ice I play on is used almost around the clock.
I’m wondering if the coils that make the ice at NVMC is aging … and Nassau County doesn’t want to invest in new refridgeration equipment pending the outcome of the Light House Project.
ISLE IN NJ - I have written about this before and you are absolutely right! Coliseum ice is in good condition about 10 - 20 games a year when the thermometer outside drops below freezing with low humidity. Other than that the ice conditions are terrible there. The ice is all pocked up and it looks like frozen raindrops on a pond. Thats why the puck dances around all the time. I have always wondered if the crappy ice at the Coliseum causes bad play because they are used to great ice conditions at Iceworks where the puck floats?
Doughty - well that remains to be seen. B/c remember i dont want out rebuild to take as long as LA. LA has been rebuilding for long time. they have that other kid too jack johnson.
All im saying is when i think immediate impact top picks. I think Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin. Even Kane and Eric Staal.
So yes. debate was how to take #1. I say Tavares. You draft Hedman with the second pick. Either way its a good problem to have.
#15 - don’t worry, he wouldn’t.
Wow- nice comment, Shoe. Are you implying that Dean is some jerk that doesnt talk to anyone when they say hello or is that just some dumb unprovoked shot at me? Sheesh.
We gotta keep Rechlitz!!!
TuxTax (64): If it was the bad ice that caused poor play, then it would follow that they would have a better road record than home record… and lord knows that isnt the case lol.
CB-can you clarify why Rechlicz and others are sent down to BST if they are not playing and will be called back for weekend games? thanks
Re: (70): Not to answer for CB, but I know the answer to this one: Its a financial thing. The players get paid a lot less when they are there. Its what all the teams do bookwise.
TMC
Actually, it is a PROVOKED shot at you. I am not 35, but on behalf of every 35 year old LI guy, I am sure they are not particularly thrilled with you either.
HELLO TO VLAD FROM BROOKLYN! about time u posted again!
appropo of nothing but reading all the posts about the fisherman jersey made me think of that when applebee’s opened in lindenhurst they had a Islanders display up on the wall and the centerpiece was a Wendell Clarke Fisherman jersey. weird/
Hello VLAD from Brooklyn!!
Shoe (72): If you think that most 35yo guys on LI look at least ten years younger than their age, good for you.
Back on the Jersey’s, when the league allows, I would make the main uniform the uniforms worn during the Stanley Cup years, the Mitchell and Ness version of the 1980 was done very nicely. the blue is right on, and the orange is right on. I would do the neckline like the current V-Necks done currently. example, Chicago Blackhawks. On the Whites, I would have the NHL material at the base of the V done in white. I would also have the Islander’s Crest done like they were before, also to me the Crests should be 10 inches, no larger, like they used to be , looks much classier. Check out the Boston Bruins Crests, 10 inches. They look great. The current crests are way to large. And the Thirds should be the current thirds. Get rid of the current main uniforms ASAP, their horrible. The jerseys worn during the NY Islander’s Stanley Cup run, were the sharpest uniforms, the Islander’s ever wore. The Classic White’s that use to be worn at home, a rule they should change back, to me were the Classiest uniforms in the History of the NHL. Thanks Chris your work is excellent, Mark