THE BEST SINCE POTVIN: Streit’s single-season performance is the finest of the last 20 years
UPDATED at 1:30 pm - Some Streit numbers, courtesy of Eric The Legendary Local Hockey Statistician. Eric, if you’d like to reveal your full identity, please do so in Comments. (Not sure if you wanted to):
By Eric
While Chris doesn’t like numbers, I do 
Here’s a few Streit-isms from two recent posts…
1. Mark Streit now has 52 points. He’s the first Isle in 2 seasons to crack the 50 point level. Comrie led the team last season with 49.
2. Streit also now has 37 assists. The Isles haven’t had a 40-assist man since Yashin had 43 in 2001-02.
3. Streit leads the team in both assists and points. No Isle defensemen, other than Denis Potvin, has led the team in points — Potvin did it 4 times. Potvin (4 times) and Poti (once) are the only defenders to lead the team in assists. Streit is one goal behind Okposo for the team lead in that category — no defensemen has ever led the Isles in goals.
4. Streit needs 5 goals and Okposo 4 goals to reach 20. The Isles have never had a season without a 20-goal scorer. Palffy had 22 goals in 1998-99 to lead the team — the lowest in a full-season for a team leader (Ferraro had 22 in 1995 lockout season).
5. Mark Streit had two goals and an assist Sunday (all on the pp), raising his season totals to 15-37-52. The 15 goals are a new career high (13 last season). He is 2nd among all NHL defensemen in pp goals (10) and tie for third in points. He has 3 goals and 3 assists in the last 3 games, recording points on 6 of the Isles’ 8 goals.
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by CB
12:30 pm - No matter how you view it, Mark Streit is having the best individual season by an Islanders defenseman since the days of Denis Potvin.
Streit is the real thing - a top NHL defenseman and the best unrestricted free agent signing in the league last summer. If he signed for $2 million dollars more per season, it would still be the best UFA signing of last summer. That’s how remarkable a year Streit is having. His play at both ends of the ice is no longer being ignored by the rest of the league and the media.
This site, as you probably know my now, is not real big on statistics. The preference is always to go with what our eyes are seeing. So let’s put it this way: I worked for the Islanders for 20 years, witnessed some outstanding seasons from defensemen like Kenny Jonsson, Adrian Aucoin, Roman Hamrlik, Bryan Berard and Vladimir Malakhov. None of those individual seasons were the equal of what Streit has accomplished this year.
When you consider the Islanders with Streit are currently last in the league, while Jonsson, Aucoin and Hamrlik were all part of the franchise’s revival in 2001-2002, Berard won a Calder Trophy and Malakhov was on the ‘92-03 squad, that’s saying a lot.
Streit has 15 goals and 37 assists for 52 points in 65 games this season. Although we’re not an apostle of the plus/minus statistic, you cannot ignore that Streit is a plus-7 on a team that has allowed 48 more goals than it has scored. He is averaging more than 25 minutes of icetime per game.
His season ranks with the best statistical years by Islanders defensemen of this generation. This includes Hamrlik, who was 16-30-46 in 2000-01 - another last place season. Aucoin was 13-31-44 in 2003-04, his free agent walk year.
The best all-around season by an Islanders defenseman in recent memory came from Jonsson when the Islanders ended an seven-year playoff drought in 2001-2002. The Swede’s numbers (10-22-32) may not have been exceptional, but his play in all zones was worthy of Norris consideration.
In this corner, Jonsson’s ‘01-02 is the year Streit must measure up to. Despite the huge difference in team success, Streit’s marvel of a season deserves the nod. Jonsson gets the edge in Islanders career performance, while Streit has plenty of time to show what he can do when the games really count.
In the 1990s, there was Berard (8-40-48) and his Calder-winning season of ‘96-97. Vladmir Malakhov had 52 points in 64 games in the Islanders’ wonderful ‘92-93 season, and 57 points the year after that. But Malakhov did not match the consistency and pure defensive play Streit has displayed this season, much to the surprise of Montreal management.
Doug Crossman had a 59-point season in ‘89-90, Jeff Norton had two 50-point seasons in the late ’80s. Still, with appropriate amounts of respect to all of the Islanders’ puck-moving defensemen of the last 20 years, none of them took over a blueline like Streit has this season.
And to think, there are still 12 games left. Can Streit get 8 more points and get to 60? Whether he does or does not, it won’t change the fact that this is the best individual performance by an Islanders defenseman since Denis Potvin roamed the ice at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The Islanders were given today and tomorrow off. Comments on Streit here. If you missed it, jersey information in next thread.
113 Responses to “THE BEST SINCE POTVIN: Streit’s single-season performance is the finest of the last 20 years”
Please Wait
Best signing this year in the NHL! Nice job Snow.
Nice article CB and spot on. Streit has not only been far and away the best player on the Team, but one of the top blueliners in the NHL this season. Too bad he won’t get much Norris consideration, given the state of the Team.
His physical play and strength in the corners is very underappreciated. It’s good to see he is beginning to get noticed around the League.
A brilliant signing by Snow. Hopefully, Streit could be reunited with Komisarek next season. And maybe they could feed the puck down low to both Okposo and Tavaves on the PP. Let’s finish last!!!!
I’m become more and more amazed every game i watch…He really is awesome.
mark streit has been hands down the best ufa signing…..campbell got more money, so did redden but streit has outdone them all. outside of mike green (whos is his own universe when it comes to offensive d-man, streit is the next best thing). streits numbers and play in the defensive zone has been comparable to names like chara, lidstron, markov, rafalski, and boyle this year. hell, just his numbers alone are better than those players mentioned above. if the isles can draft tavares and sign komi and another star winger (hossa, dear God), they will have a great nucleas in place along with mark streit for the next 5-7 years. gratuliern mark streit! Viel Gluck fur die Jahre!
great signing by Garth Snow. watching mark streit on a nightly basis has been a real treat.
awesome article cb…its pretty sad to how everyone put down is defense play before the season started mind u i would say his d play has been one of the best if not the best of islses dman this season
One of garth’s first real signings, huh? can we put to rest the theory that high end guys won’t come here now? Maybe, garth wasn’t making any offers to those guys anyway..Who’d want Redden or Gomez @ 7 mil a year anyway?? Or an oft injured Breire @ 8 mil, heck even Smyth isn’t worth what he had gotten from the Av’s anyway.
I love to watch Streit carry the puck. He does it with so much confidence. Glad he is an Islander!!
and ps…..get him a d-partner for next season and there will be good if not drastic overall team improvements next season….not to say to bruno geravis hasnt matured unbelievable
All I can say is Wow… knew he was special the first time I saw him play. Snow should consider given him a contract extension. Lock him up for a few more years so he doesn’t escape like so many of our other friends did.
Rarely in free agency you hit a home run.Streit has come in, made the best of the situation a has established himself as the veteran leader. If the Islanders name a captain for next year, he’s the leading cadidate. It’s toon soon to give it to Okposo and Witt is not going to be around long enough.
Great article Chris. I always look forward to your updates. As usual, you are spot on. This was a great signing by Garth and scouting by Jankowski and staff. Letls hope they nail it again this offseason.
Hey CB, the Isles made the playoffs in all 3 of Aucoins time with the Isles.
They made it in 2003-2004, we lost to Tampa in the first round.
Good catch, Lornie. Fixed…CB
I was really praying for a hat trick for him. That would have been the cherry on the sunday sundae.
agree 100%…assuming he continues to play this way (and why wouldn’t he unless injured), he’s the franchise’s 2nd best two-way defenseman…”C” next year
Streit is having an excellent season. The worst thing about it is he’s doing it on a 30th place team. I pray when the Isles get good in 2011-12 he’s still playing at this level. THAT’S when things might get fun.
Mark– keep it up! The Isles will need a 60 point season from you 3 years from now! Don’t age & don’t get injured!
Mike Green will probably run away with the Norris this season, but at least Streit is in the conversation.
Streit has been a real joy to watch this season. Montreal’s loss is our gain.
Great skater, puck - handler and PP quarterback with an amazing shot.
Really wonder how anyone could let this guy get away.
although i want john tavares, mark streit is a big reason why drafting hedman would not be a bad thing at all. a streit-hedman pairing would be delectable.
At the start of NHL Live LaGreca, Hradek and Olcyk were heaping praises of Streit. If you missed it they replay the show at 5 PM.
Great players are those who make the players around them better. Mark has certainly done that. I see Bruno really learning the little nuances of the game from Mark. He’s been much more effective lately and he looks a lot like Mark when he’s carrying the puck through the neutral zone. Great signing!
Jim (#8), I think you are wrong. Even recently, there are a number of premier free agents that took less money from other teams rather than come to Long Island (Smyth, Drury, etc.). This Team will continue to have difficulty getting high end guys to come here.
Snow did an excellent job identifying Streit and Weight. Clearly these were among the top FA signings this year. But, Streit was not considered a top free agent before he signed here. He was not in high demand because of his perceived one-way play and at least one team was interested only if he was willing to move to wing.
I give Snow a lot of credit. Hopefully he can identify some other undervalued FA assets this off-season.
CB,if the team gets Tavares in the draft do you think they will make sure they blow Komisarek away with an offer? That way they will get stronger @ 2 positions. If they get Hedman instead do they still go after Komisarek? or do they go after a younger foward in free agency? I don’t think they go after a top notch foward in FA market.
Streit’s confidence with the puck reminds me of Leetch (ugh). Over the last month, we have seen him dominate. Yes, dominate. Glad to see the league has recognized that he is a star, and nice article CB - And to think 2 weeks ago at the deadline, there were actually posters who had him in possible trade scenario’s
It’s a delight watching Streit this season.
My view of Streit has evolved like this:
1. Yeah… He is a good attacking defenseman…
2. He is good in the offensive zone also.
3. Then I notice that he has real toughness, and plays a physical game.
4. Now, I am seeing a true leader out there.
5. The past few weeks, he has even elevated his offensive game. He reminds me of Brian Leetch (I know it’s a taboo to mention his name here), when he carries the puck into the offensive zone.
Streit simply rocks.
Thank god, something better to talk about then chasing down last place (ugh). I will know the team has made progress if 11 months from now no one is suggesting trading him for some really good draft picks.
I don’t understand the fascination with Komisarek - he has 7, that’s right, 7 points this season. Streit is infinitely better than he, and to talk abouit Komisarek as a substitute for Hedman is wrong, in my opinion…
I think he should be our next captain. He is the antithesis of the signings of Wade Redden and Ron Hainsey.
He was a great add last summer, no doubt. You had to love his Bobby Orr immitation on Saturday
Gervais has played the best hockey of his career since being paired with Streit.
I want to know what they put in the water in Switzerland for such a small country to produce so many outstanding athletes!Way to go Mark!! It has been a real treat watching you play this year.I wonder how many other players there are in professional sports that, if given a chance could turn into stars like he has.
MT275 (#26) - thats exactly who i was thinking, he is starting to remind me of Leech, the only Ranger I ever gave respect to
Akeem,
i didnt say Komisarek was a substitute for Hedman. I said it strengthens up the d position. please reread.
#23 - you are 100% correct.
Forget Komisarek. He’s worked too hard to sign with a team in flux. He’ll sign with a winner.
Not that Komi is terrible or totally awesome for that matter but, is the entire basis of us fans wanting him to come here only because he’s a LI boy?
I’d rathr go after Derek Morris than Komisarek.
My FAs of choice, in order:
Johann Franzen
Eric Cole
Peter Sykora
Ales Kotalik
David Moss
Steve Sullivan
Best since Potvin- absolutely remarkable. But from my POV comparing Mark Streit to Kenny Jonsson is a huge compliment as well. It is a comparison unquestionably worthy of making. That is how happy I am with Mark! Streit is an absolute joy to watch play. He also seems like such a humble, team-first type of player who gets genuine joy out of the good play of others and pushes himself (and therefore his teammates) to be better. I cant tell you how many times I have watched Isles games with my friends and one of us (often me lol) exclaim, “GOD I am so thankful this guy is an Islander!!!” while the others nod in agreement. It really is true!
When I heard the talk on NHL on the Fly last night about how its too bad Streit wont get the amount of Norris considerations that he deserves, it hit me right in the heart and I couldnt help but smile from ear to ear. It is wonderful that others are seeing what a valuable guy Mark really is. He deserves every bit of praise that he gets.
#37 I like your choice in FAs except for Franzen….I think he’ll resign in Detroit even at a discount if necessary…rest of them I like though…most of them had for probably at reasonable prices and won’t over shadow the young guys growth
Komisarek, in my opinion, is a quicker, younger Brendan Witt. If we land Tavares, it would be better to try and blow Bouwmeester out of the water with an offer. Bouwmeester is a true number one, and if we pair Bouwmeester with Witt and then pair Streit with Gervais and lastly Hillen with Sutton, we are talking about a legit defensive corps! Obviously landing Bouwmeester is almost an impossible task for Snow, but it’s fun to think it’s possible. If we land Tavares, I would love to get a quality winger to play with him. Hossa, Franzen, etc. would be a nice winger to start with. Snow obviously needs all the luck in the world to pull that off.
Streit’s definitely a good hockey player. Out of everyone on the Isles, he looks the most natural on skates. No awkwardness or choppiness to his stride at all. I like that he moves side-to-side a lot on the point too to find either a shooting or passing lane…something the team could never get Bergeron to do while he was here…so while Bergeron may have a harder shot, it was unfortunately rendered useless more often than not.
it’s amazing how wrong the habs were about streit. they completely tossed him aside. losing streit has had a huge negative effect on the habs. it’s remarkable that we landed him. great job by snow here. streit really does deserve norris trophy consideration.
While Chris doesn’t like numbers, I do
Here’s a few Streit-isms from two recent posts…
1. Mark Streit now has 52 points. He’s the first Isle in 2 seasons to crack the 50 point level. Comrie led the team last season with 49.
2. Streit also now has 37 assists. The Isles haven’t had a 40-assist man since Yashin had 43 in 2001-02.
3. Streit leads the team in both assists and points. No Isle defensemen, other than Denis Potvin, has led the team in points — Potvin did it 4 times. Potvin (4 times) and Poti (once) are the only defenders to lead the team in assists. Streit is one goal behind Okposo for the team lead in that category — no defensemen has ever led the Isles in goals.
4. Streit needs 5 goals and Okposo 4 goals to reach 20. The Isles have never had a season without a 20-goal scorer. Palffy had 22 goals in 1998-99 to lead the team — the lowest in a full-season for a team leader (Ferraro had 22 in 1995 lockout season).
5. Mark Streit had two goals and an assist Sunday (all on the pp), raising his season totals to 15-37-52. The 15 goals are a new career high (13 last season). He is 2nd among all NHL defensemen in pp goals (10) and tie for third in points. He has 3 goals and 3 assists in the last 3 games, recording points on 6 of the Isles’ 8 goals.
Nice breakdown, Eric (43).
I missed the game yesterday and watched the highlights on NHL Network. Usually they pick one player to talk about before they move onto the next match. They were spot on picking Streit for the close up. He -along with the youth movement- is making the Isles fun to watch. He must really love the system!
Streit will garner some Norris votes but will be denied, much the way he has denied opposing fowards this year. Watching the confidence with the puck, even under pressure has been a pleasure this year. What was Montreal thinking when they had him on the last pairing or even on the wing last year?! Next year, he will post greater #’s with Tavheduch in the lineup. A Norris may be in his future. He has my vote for “C” next year. As far as UFA’s, I like Franzen,Cole,or Hossa, then Jay Bo or Komi. Good job and good luck Garth!
just hope he can put up these numbers and more in a couple years (when it matters) and stays HEALTHY!
I hope that the voters for this award see the clip of Streit burning our old pal Zdeno for that goal in Boston on Saturday.
Reminds me of the effort that Adrian Aucion gave us - and Kenny Jonsson too.
Just goes to show you - Pro Scouting is becoming just as important as Amateur Scouting. Kenny Morrow knows a good D-Man when he sees one - as it can take one to know one.
Lets not forget Kevin Haller and Gary Galley
I dont expect him to win the norris but being one of the 3 nominees isnt too far fetched
lmaooooooo kevin haller and gary galley
Streit kicks butt! Guy has been nothing short of fantastic. Never did I think he would be playing as well as he is. Definetely the best signing of the year. Good job by Snow on this one!
I really think with the number Streit is putting up with the Isles that it just shows how good he is on defence. I think the people who vote for the Norris trophy winner keeps that in mind when they vote. I would even say that is could be given consideration for the MVP since he is one of the most important players for the Isles and shows it night after night. As far as free agents go if they want a decent pay day the Isles are one of the few teams that could offer that right now. Maybe these players will look at what the Isles are up to and think to themselves that they could get into something good happening on LI. Besides I think Garth and CO. are looking for certain types of players not just big names to fill the roster.
CB, great article. Agree on the comparisons. As Streit this year, Kenny never got the recognition he deserved.
UIF (#41)
I agree that Streit looks great on skates, he has definitely worked his butt off to get to where he’s at. But you have to give credit where it’s due, Marty is BY FAR, the best skater on this team.
Nice to see that some of the mainstream hockey media are acknowleging Streit as a potential Norris nominee…
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2009/03/16/8765191-sun.html
How much Norris consideration is he going to receive?
Montreal sure blew it on this guy, and you can see how him leaving hurt them. I have to admit when I saw how much we paid this guy initially I thought it was an overpay, but he has been nothing short of fantastic.
what’s really cool is that while the matzo man is a humble guy he seems to be getting even better as more and more attention is paid to him. as if even he is only now realizing how good he can actually be. aucoin had a couple of tremendous years here, while being a true workhorse, and jonsson was an elegant and really smart player, but this guy definately is the best two-way backliner this team’s had since #5. i had no idea about him. what a move by snow!
This just shows you that Free Agents will come here if paid. Streit came because the Islanders out bid Montreal, he did not come here because of the building or the LightHouse for that matter.
He’s been fantastic. Going into next season Streit, Witt, and Gervais I think are locks. How do you think Hillen, Martinek, and Sutton fit in? Do some get dropped for UFA upgrades? My money is o the slow and injury prone Sutton. The way I see it Hillen has stepped it up and Martinek is so cheap his injury problems aren’t a problem. I’d love to add Mara or Morris as mid tier guys who bring some size, experience, and mobility.
derrik morris is one of the most overrated dman in NHL> he is terrible
i dont get the facsination with Komi either. I thought he would be great pickup if we traded Witt but not point in having both. I dont think he worth the price tag he going to be commanding either.
Streit definately will finalist. too bad Green running away with it though.
dont forgot we have Sutton too.
Streit, Witt, Sutton, Grevais, Hillen and Martinek. thats our 6.
#58-Matzo Man? Who is Matzo man?
Streit is unbelievable and our #1 d man for now and the future.
Free agents wont sign here until there is something solid to go on with the Lighthouse Project.
I remeber projections for my fantasy hockey team on defenseman. All I saw was now he is on the Islanders and there is no way he will approach the numbers he had on Montreal last season. Everyone was wrong. This guys point total, plus minus, and all around play are certainly the brightest spot for this team this season. Needless to say I drafted him anyway cause I am such a homer……now I am laughing at all my Ranger fan fantasy comrads. Great stuff!
Don’t forget about Freddy Meyer…
I don’t think Snow will make many pickups this summer. I say stay the course and grow from within. If the team plays really well and we are in playoff contention come next March, he can make a big splash then.
The amazing thing about Streit’s +/- is not only that the Isles have been outscored by 48 goals this year but that Streit is such a fantastic power play scorer and any numbers he generates on the PP do not count towards his +/-. Therefore, his +7 has to do solely with his 5 on 5 performance in which the Isles have been pretty much hammered. Except, apparently, when Streit’s on the ice.
Wow, Norton, Crossman, Malakhov forgot all about them. Streit was a great signing. I wonder what his stats would be with better players around him.
Interesting how Montreal fell apart this year and that says a lot about their management, wheter their fans can stuff a ballot box or not. I wonder if Komisarik notices his coach getting fired, his team falling apart, several of his teammates involved with shady folks and thinks it might be time to follow his former teammate to LI for a better opportunity?
Also, Andy Hilbert should never be on the PP.
It was mentioned on the Blackhawks pregame that Streit seemed to have voiced his opinion on the lack of effort that there may have been in the Bruins game.And it seems that from a team who could just get it to be a close one and lose they did the exact opposite and won the day after…Now I know half of the win was due to Manino and Streit but as passionate as Streit is maybe he displayed some leardership qualities in encouraging the team to win…jus sayin
everyone should go to the main isles website and vote for Streit for the Nystrom award–Can you name anyone else who deserves it more this year?
This highlights something I have said for years: We need a real goal scorer. No offense to Okposo and Streit, but when those 2 guys fail to combine for anything close to one defenseman’s single season point total (101 by Potivin in ‘79), your team has issues scoring. It isn’t just this year either. Who is the last pure scorer we had? LaFontaine? Turgeon (more of a setup guy than a goal scorer)? Ziggy (so streaky its ridiculous)?
I agree with Eric and CB. Great job by Streit to stay focused, to continue playing when the team was in a stretch of losing something like 18 out of 20 games, to play through and around a couple of his own injuries as well as playing with different defensive partners on what seems like a nightly basis.
DOC
I know that fans from around the NHL will laugh at this, but how does Mark Streit not get serious consideration for the Norris? His numbers are on par with the top d-men in the league, and he’s doing it on the Islanders, not Boston, Detroit or San Jose. I think Streit’s deserving of consideration and certainly should be a nominee for the award.
Streit has had an incredible season. I said it back when I first heard about the signing. Great signing by Snow… I dont mind rubbing it in Rag’s fans faces either. *cough* Redden *cough* Either way I’m rooting for Streit to win the Norris this year.
Keep in mind, though, that he only leads the team in points because the Islanders have no one else to compete with him…not to take away from the great season he’s having, but he’s got no one else to compete with.
Good for Flash for having Streit on the ice for the whole last 3 minutes that he can have his hat trick. How many UFAs who work their tales off every single shift, like he does, have you guys seen?
I remember Streit’s interview right after signing with Isles. He said that he has a lot to prove to himself, to the Team, and everybody else. He has done it so far!
@ NYI84: You don’t have to just say that, it’s becoming more and more visible. Plus with the effort he brings to every game, he has rights to present his voice in the lockerroom. Smells like future Capitan before Okposo growes and become one.
Mark Streit for the Norris.
Legendary? Aw gee. Thanks Chris.
I have been the statistician on Islander (home) telecasts since 1982. Some of you may remember my work on The Skinny which was published on NYI.com during the 2003-04 season. When Howie and Billy joke about “their actuary”, that’s me (or Billy’s dad).
You can find the link to my appropriately named blog by clicking my name.
The blog was referenced today on greatesthockeylegends.com as one of the “Five Hockey Websites You Need To Know About”.
Now, thanks to CB — you do!
#63 google it
streit’s matzo.
i think penciling in sutton as a solid regular for next year is assuming a lot. the man has not been real durable these last 2 years, to say the least. to get more than 50 games from him will be a bonus. and i like the guy.
it’s funny when Garth Snow does something really good like sign Streit everybody loves him when he trades Guerin for a fifth,possibly a third round pic they start crying.fans are not GM’s we don’t know what goes on behind the scenes i truly believe that Snow know’s what he’s doing just let him do his job, anybody can critisize anybody elses role in this organization were to caught up in what happened in the past to let anybody do their job properly
Isle in LA (66)– Islanders will have to sign some FA’s, simply because they’ll need to get over the floor in the salary cap structure.
Mike (72) — I understand what you’re writing in principle, but comparing Streit and Okposo in his first full year to Denis Potvin in 1979? Think about that power play with Bossy, Trottier, Gillies, Persson, etc. In addition, keep in mind that the late 70’s was a much more higher-scoring era than today.
Streit was an unbelievable signing this offseason. He is an excellent defenseman to have on this team. I can definitely see Streit being a Norris contender. Garth’s next moves have to be getting rid of the injury prone players on this team such as Martinek, Sutton, and Sillinger. Replace them with younger players in Bridgeport and draft well this year starting with that franchise player (Tavares or Hedman) and this team is headed in the right direction.
Rabbi,
We’re not sure where the salary cap floor will be next season. With the league in economic peril, things may change a lot next year.
And, by the way, HAPPY PASSOVER.
Boy oh boy do the Canadians look silly letting him go and not realizing his potential. One reason why he left was because they had no faith in his defending skills. They put him up as a forward most of the time. How potent would the Isles power play be with Streit and Hedman on the point? I would offer an extention next year if he has another performance like this one. This is a big piece of the puzzle to building a winner!
What in the hell would us islander fans do without chris botta’s site
THANK YOU CB
sorry chris i guess i swore a little on my last comment since it’s under moderation i ment only the best intentions
Streit is an awesome defensman. We are very lucky to have signed him. He is our best player and definitly an ALL STAR!
As much as I’d love to see him get the Norris this year and i’m rooting for him to get it. We all know who is gonna get it this year… Mike Green.
good job Eric it doesn’t go unknoticed(sp)
and Bruno is playing well since the Campoli trade so lets give Streits latest partner a little credit also.
Streit, Hillen, Witt and/or Sutton that is all you can count on for defense next year. Everyone else has to go and 2-3 new guys need to be brought in.
Go Thrashers!!!!!!!
Akeem (85) Most of the effects of the economy won’t be felt on the NHL cap until ‘10-’11. Next year’s cap is expected to be the same or change slightly. Islanders have only $30mm committed for next year, with 15 players already signed. They don’t have to sign Hossa, but they will have to sign a player or two.
PS — Thanks for the holiday wishes(although I’m not a real rabbi :-)).
Atlanta up 2-0 after 1!!
Nice.
Great article there CB … and a pretty durned good collection of stats by Eric … Mark Streit has a very good chance of hitting 60 points in the final 12 games … he’s only picked up the pace since the All-Star game. Can you imagine his production in a year or two when the Isles are an improved team?? He may become a point per game D-man … very very rare these days.
Just turned on VS…way to be ATL!
derek (54-ish) - Point taken on Marty. Also a very good skater.
4-0 ATL!!!
jay dugan - i wasn’t focusing on your post per se in asking about the komisarek vs. hedman question, just the general sentiment on this blog that the reason the isles should take tavares not hedman is because they can sign komisarek - im just saying, he’s not gonna bolster our blue line like Hedman
PS - I know we shouldn’t have personal conversations here, but I just have to: does anyone call you hacksaw jay dugan?
If Isles are smart, they could be really good in two years. Given how far cap should drop in 2010-2011, they would be wise to sign older vets to 1 year contracts and only be $1 over cap next year while kids develop, hopefully something with arena gets done, and get another high draft pick. They could then be big player in two years when the carnage hits and teams have to get rid of good players. By that time adding few good players could put team over top.
Chris, should do piece on this strategy when we get to off-season.
Sorry, meant they should be $1 over floor next year.
If the Isles couldve tanked last season, streit wouldve had the perfect partner in Atlanta’s Zach Bogosian. That kid is unreal. Too bad we took a second line center instead
If we get a point per game the rest of the way, that’s 68 points. That’s a big if.
If Atlanta holds on to win, they’ve got 64 points with 12 to go. Which means they could finish below us only if they got three points or less (if we finish with 68).
So I think after tonight, we really don’t need to worry about the Thrashers anymore.
The team to truly worry about is Phoenix. They have not been competitive over the last 3 weeks, and wouldnt the league love to hand over Tavares to the great one
Tom Poti - hahahahaha
Yeah, looking at the Coyotes schedule is terrifying.
They play the Sharks 3 TIMES! They play the Ducks three times, not like they’re that great, but still. They play the Avalanche once, and since they’re another team for us to worry about, that’s a good matchup.
But yes, I agree…Phoenix is a big concern.
And I don’t think the league would necessarily want Taveras there. They’re supporting the payroll already! What kind of bonus is he going to need to sign?
Unlike last year’s draft, we must keep the pick especially if it’s #1 or #2. I target Johan Franzen in the offseason. Winning breeds winning
(92) Ya know i noticed the same thing. I liked campoli alot but it always seemed like gervais was always just shoved aside as being campolis shadow. Now that he isnt being over shadowed by campoli gervais had a chance to take the spot and he sure as hell did great.
I think the league knows where Tavares needs to be, Long Island, and I think maybe they will rig it so he is
106/108 - About Phoenix - they have 8 out of their remaining games at home where they actually have a winning record. I know they are a different team since the deadline, I worry more about Tampa. And if we as Isles fans like the way we are looking, how about Thrashers fans? 6 in a row for Atl.
CB can u see if you can get an update on Dipietro, i’m a little worried that there hasn’t been any news on him.