Monthly Archives: April 2009
Globe & Mail columnist David Shoalts, Torontonian of skill, integrity and honor, reports that John Tavares will join the Islanders or any other team that drafts him. My favorite part of David’s piece, though, is the scout who says Tavares may not be a franchise player but predicts with certainty he “will score between 40 and 50 goals a year in the NHL.” Franchise player or not, sign us up! Draft Comments here, NYI blueline in next thread.
A week ago we reviewed the forwards who may or may not be Islanders next season. Today, we look at the defense.
The Incumbents
All are under contract for next season. All will be back.
Mark Streit and Bruno Gervais: The Islanders’ best player this season and the Islanders’ most improved player this season. If you subscribe to the theory that great players make those around them better, Streit’s impact on Gervais has been substantial. Said Scott Gordon: “When I started this job the consensus was Bruno was a 6th or 7th defenseman, but he’s definitely elevated himself. I’ve really been impressed by him. He worked so hard this year to become a better all-around player.”
The key for Streit: as the Islanders improve with each season, can he maintain – or elevate – the high standard of play he set in ’08-09?
Brendan Witt and Radek Martinek: Witt, the shootout specialist, couldn’t believe his skepticism in November over the system lingered in the press and on the blogs for months. Okay, we’re past it. Still, next season Witt has to be more effective, physical and consistent. Martinek has to be more healthy and consistent.
Andy Sutton and Freddy Meyer: Sutton came into this season in the best shape of his life and ended up playing only 23 games. He brings size and intimidation around the goal crease that the Islanders sorely lacked. Meyer only played 27 games but was a good fit for the uptempo system and scored 4 goals. He told us last week that he could have played some games at the end of the season but the team chose to be cautious. “Everything’s going in the right direction for our team and I want to be a part of it next season,” Meyer said. He will.
The Richard Pilon Factor
As veteran Islanders fans know, the gritty defenseman – Bill Mazer on Channel 5 thought he was French and called him Ree-SHARD Pee-LAHN – was injured all the time. I once asked an Islanders hockey operations man how could he ever put Richie on the pre-season depth chart. Perhaps it would have been a better approach to consider any game Pilon played as gravy.
So call it the Rich Pilon Factor (RPF). With Martinek missing a large chunk of games in four of his last five seasons, and with Meyer and Sutton coming off injury-filled years, the Islanders must enter training camp with at least 8 NHL defensemen. They need health and depth – and, oh yeah, more talent would not hurt.
The Grand If
Since they have not declared otherwise – even Ken Morrow after the Lottery victory made it sound like a two-horse race – we cannot completely rule out the Islanders using the first overall pick to draft Victor Hedman. If they do, it’s fair to say Vic will be in the Islanders’ top 6 next season.
(I feel another round of comments coming. It’s really not necessary. By now we all know how each and every one of the tens of thousands of daily PB readers feels about the subject).
With their second first round pick in June – either San Jose’s at 26-30 or closer to the middle of the round if they broker a trade – the NYI could grab an A-calibre defenseman. But barring hitting the jackpot, the youngster will be at least a year away, and more likely two or three, from NHL effectiveness.
Challengers
Jack Hillen: A restricted free agent and likely looking at another two-way contract which gives the Islanders’ roster flexibility. Hillen has made a solid case for time in New York next season.
Andrew MacDonald: Has the opportunity to stake his claim with a big-time performance in the AHL playoffs, and was strong in the comeback last night in Pennysylvania. Needs to keep it up.
Prospects
Our ranking of the franchise’s top defense prospects currently not in the pros:
1. Aaron Ness - University of Minnesota…turns 19 next month…at least two seasons away from the NHL.
2. Travis Hamonic - Moose Jaw (WHL)…19 in August…at least two seasons away.
3. Mark Katic - Signed last week to entry level deal and will play for Bridgeport next season…turns 20 next month…(you got it) at least two seasons away.
This is a solid trio of blueline prospects, with Ness possessing the most upside and Hamonic more of a “sure thing” to someday take a regular shift in the NHL. Besides Hillen, maybe MacDonald and some depth call-ups from Bridgeport of veterans (such as Joe Callahan) or draft picks not quite there yet (Dustin Kohn), the Islanders will not receive immediate help from the prospect pool.
Free Agent
Thomas Pock: Picked off the waiver wire from the Rangers at the start of the season, Pock will not be back.
July 1 UFAgency
After striking gold with Streit, will the Islanders go after another major free agent for the blueline? Especially if they don’t draft Hedman, they could make some calls. With the team rebuilding – and with 6 dmen on one-way contracts – I don’t see them attempting a serious recruiting effort until the summer of 2010.
But it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try. Although the Islanders will have little difficulty reaching the salary cap floor, they do have some dough to spend. It’s possible the acquisition of a franchise player like John Tavares could spur management to try to step up the rebuilding program with a big signing.
Potential unrestricted free agent defensemen on July 1 include Francois Beauchemin, Jay Bouwmeester and Johnny Oduya.
Once said to be worth more than $6 million a year, Long Island’s own Mike Komisarek had a poor free agent walk year with the Canadiens. The Islanders will not get a hometown discount, but perhaps the 6-4, 240-pound Komisarek is now in the salary range that makes sense for Year 2 of the Islanders’ rebuild.
Despite his step-back season, he is a terrific, battle-ready defenseman. He is the kind of heart-and-soul performer the Islanders could use more of and would be an immediate fan favorite. A deal similar to Brendan Witt’s and a shade under Streit’s is not unreasonable and could be a win-win for Komisarek and the Islanders. Keep in mind, this is the final year of Andy Sutton’s deal and the NYI will need to replace his size if he is not signed to an extension.
More likely, the Islanders only make a depth signing in the summer of 2009. For this discussion, “depth” is defined as an experienced player who could be a 4-7 defenseman on the Islanders. Potential UFAs in this category: Adrian Aucoin, Brett Hedican, Steve Montador, Mattias Ohlund.
The Final Forecast
When camp opens in Saskatoon, the Islanders’ blueline will include their 6 returning defensemen, one veteran UFA in the depth category and Hillen, who will be signed to a new, multi-year two-way contract.
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8:55 pm – I just spoke with Bridgeport coach Jack Capuano as he was boarding the team bus for the ride home after the Sound Tigers’ come-from-behind 5-4 win in overtime tonight in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Some of Capuano’s thoughts:
On the comeback: “We haven’t quit all year. This team just does not quit, so I can’t say I was surprised we came back from down 4-1 and with a lot of adveristy in that second period. Walking into this building down two games, where the Penguins have one of the best home records in the league, and with all our injuries…well, this was just outstanding. We have a lot more work ahead of us, but I’m proud of their effort.”
His pre-game approach: “I told the guys right before the game, “We can’t win four games in one night. We just have to keep battling and battling until the end.’ And you know what? That’s exactly what our team did.”
On Sean Bentivoglio: “So great to see a kid like that rewarded. Benti works so hard and it hasn’t always dropped for him. But he’s played real well the last few weeks. In the overtime, Jack Hillen fed him a perfect pass and Benti took care of the rest. The coaching staff is so happy for Benti because we know the effort he puts in every night.”
On Peter Mannino: “The true mark of a good pro goalie, that’s what he showed tonight. We gave up the four goals in the second period and it could have turned into a nightmare. But Pete made a huge save at the far post on Nick Johnson late in the second period and then we made it 4-2. He was perfect in the third and in overtime. That’s what winning goaltenders do.”
On the pro debut of NYI draft pick Justin DiBenedetto: “I just met with Justin because I wanted to give him immediate feedback. He made his professional debut tonight under pretty trying circumstances – on the road in a must-win game in the playoffs. Dibo has incredible hockey sense, puck skills and hands. He played a regular shift, must have gotten at least 20 minutes. I can’t say for sure because like the Penguins we’re a little beat up and bruised and I don’t know if we’ll get anyone back. But Justin did plenty tonight to earn a shot at Game 4 on Wednesday back at our home rink.”
What needs to change for Game 4: “Nothing, really. I don’t mean there aren’t some aspects we can be better at, especially the power play and PK. But I like our approach. Our team identity all season has been to play with passion. I don’t expect that will change.”
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8:02 pm – Sean Bentivoglio scores at 9:48 of overtime to complete the comeback and give Bridgeport a 5-4 win in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The Penguins now lead the best-of-7 series 2-1 with Game 4 in Bridgeport on Wednesday.
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7:30 pm – Tonight it’s Bridgeport’s turn to mount a third period comeback on the road. Down 4-2 in the third period, the Sound Tigers get goals from Jon Sim (11:51) and Joe Callahan (15:46) to send the game into overtime. Gutsy.
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6:55 pm - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton scores 4 goals in the second period to take a 4-2 lead heading into the third period. Jon Sim and Andrew MacDonald have the goals for Bridgeport, who are on the brink of playoff disaster after such an impressive regular season.
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Plenty of changes for Bridgeport today after dropping Game 1 and 2 to the Penguins at the Coliseum in the first round of the AHL playoffs. Kyle Okposo (World Championships), Mike Iggulden (upper-body injury) and Pascal Morency are out. For his hit on Iggulden, Tim Wallace of the Penguins has been suspended for one game. Goaltending switch: Peter Mannino in for Nathan Lawson.
Good test for OHL scoring forward Justin DiBenedetto. He’ll make his AHL and pro debut today for Game 3 on a line with Rob Hennigar and Jesse Joensuu. 2007 draft pick Max Gratchev – unsigned by the Islanders and on an ATO with Bridgeport – also debuts. Dennis Packard in for Morency. We’ll have a story on the game tonight. Faceoff for Game 3 in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is at 5:05 pm.
Comments.
An outstanding two full pages of Islanders coverage in today’s Newsday.
Greg Logan on Garth Snow saying he’s “not inclined” to move the first round pick.
Mark Herrmann looks at the options with the first overall pick and has anonymous executives and former players critique Snow’s work so far.
For added measure, Larry Brooks writes in the Post that when Brian Burke made his power play, Snow said he wanted the Leafs’ 7th overall pick for the NYI’s late first rounder and some seconds.
And Matt Gilroy is just like almost every other professional athlete. He took the highest contract offer and then gave a bogus reason. Matt tells Mark Herrmann that MSG is “the greatest arena in the world. That’s a big reason why I decided to go there.” Oh, that’s why.
Some excellent reads today. I got my butt kicked. I need to have a good next week.
Comments.
Written by Kevin Schultz
The news on Mike Iggulden isn’t good. The team is calling it an upper body injury and it’s not likely that he will play tomorrow in W-B/S. “I hope [the league] takes a look at it,” Coach Capuano said during his post-game media session. He went on to say that the hit should be a “suspension since it was a blow to the head and the league is supposed to protect the players.”
That wraps it up for me from NVMC and CB will take the reins back tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who checked in and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
OT, 15:06: A shot from the point goes wide and bounces back off the end boards. Chris Minard is in front for the Penguins and puts it in the net. Penguins win 5-4 and go up 2-0 in the series. Game Three is tomorrow in Pennsylvania… Your three starts in descending order are Chris Minard, Dustin Jeffrey and Kyle Okposo.
End of Regulation: We’re headed for bonus hockey today. Sound Tigers will be on the powerplay for about 80 seconds to start the period with W-B/S’s Lovejoy in the box… Official attendance on the night is 5,903. I lost that bet.
3rd, 12:40: Mike Iggulden has not returned for the third period. Andy Wozniewski scored on a wrister along the ice from the high circle to cut the lead to one… And just as I type that the Baby Pens have tied it up on a goal in transition from Ben Lovejoy.
Second Intermission: Between chuck-a-puck and the gatling t-shirt gun, I can’t say I’ve ever seen so many random flying objects in a hockey arena… With a few minutes to go in the period, Jesse Joensuu gets knocked hard into the boards. The referee immediately signals a penalty for boarding and the first person over to stand up for Joensuu is Kyle Okposo. The only goal of the period came for the Sound Tigers on a 3-on-2. Jack Hillen centered a pass that Jesse Joensuu chipped home and it’s 4-2 Sound Tigers after two.
2nd, 11:49 to go: Mike Iggulden had to be helped off the ice during the first minute of the period after taking a hit along the end boards in the Scranton zone. He looked a bit woozy and has not yet returned to the game.
Attendance seems to be in the same neighborhood as last night. The lower bowl is much more crowded but I would guess the final number is going to be about the same. My money’s on 4,700.
First Intermission: It’s raining goals here in Uniondale! We’re through one period and the Sound Tigers lead by one. They scored the go-ahead goal off of an unecessary penalty by Chris Minard of Wilkes-Barre. He got into some rough stuff after the whistle sounded and that led to a power play goal from Mike Iggulden, the recipient of a nice Trevor Smith centering feed.
Earlier in the period, a penalty by Kyle Okposo led to a Penguins goal from Dustin Jeffrey on what seemed like a second or third rebound. Okposo instantly made up for it by scoring one of his own less than half a minute later.
1st, 9:48 to go: Andrew MacDonald fires a shot from the point, the rebound gets loose in front and after a few whacks at it from Michael Haley and Pascal Morency, Haley is able to put it in the net to tie the game. The goal seems to be a wake up call for the Sound Tigers who looked a bit sluggish to start the game. They immediately have had a few scoring chances after the goal. And to follow all that up, Kyle Okposo heads to the box for hooking.
1st period, 19:30 to go: W-B/S breaks in on a 2-on-1 during their first rush of the game and Paul Bissionette feeds Dustin Jeffrey in front for a goal on the first shot of the game. Probably the worst way for the Sound Tigers to open up after a loss the night before.
The disco ball here at the Coliseum is doing its thing and that means it’s almost time to drop the puck.
Lineups and lines are the same as last night with the exception of Adam Henrich replacing Janne Pesonen for W-B/S. Pesonen is out with an undisclosed injury.
Written by Kevin Schultz
Last night’s Sound Tigers’ game at the Coliseum seemed a bit odd, like out of some kind of alternate dimension where the NHL employs a relegation system similar to that of European soccer (over there, the worst couple of teams in the league standings get bumped down a level, while a few teams from below move up). In fact, it was almost an exact set up of what that alternate reality would look like.
The Islanders, coming off a last place finish in the NHL get bounced down to the AHL and played host to the W-B/S Penguins. The Coliseum is about a quarter full with the fans in attendance loud and passionate. A handful of concession stands are open and a good chunk of the home roster are familiar faces to the Coliseum crowd. It was all out of some kind of odd sports/sci-fi novel.
Of course, that’s not exactly what happened and the NHL would never employ a relegation system since the teams in the AHL act as feeders to, and many times are owned by, their NHL counterparts. But I’m still allowed to have a bit of an imagination.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Last night wasn’t a bad experience and was a great chance for Islander fans to see a team they may not get a lot of looks at otherwise. It was just that the way things have gone this season, it was an all too familiar sight. During the second period, the arena host of the Sound Tigers — they brought everyone and everything with them, even the goal horn — asked a fan a trivia question: how many players have suited up for both the Islanders and Sound Tigers this season? Twenty. That’s almost an entire roster.
You’re Welcome, Pittsburgh: Former Islanders captain Bill Guerin is still hard at working helping his old team. He had two goals last night against the Flyers including the overtime winner to put the Penguins up 2-0 in their first round series. If the Pens can win two more games, the Islanders conditional pick obtained for Guerin at the deadline will turn into a third rounder.
Comments.
Kyle Okposo leaves Sunday for Switzerland, where he’ll play for Team USA at the World Championships. More than using these two games with Bridgeport as any kind of tuneup, Okposo deperately wanted to help lead the Sound Tigers to a pair of victories. Now he’s determined to leave with the series tied.
“I wanted to be a part of two wins, but it’s going to be a long series,” Okposo said Friday night in the Islanders/Sound Tigers locker room after Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s 3-2 win at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. “We played well 5-on-5, especially in the second half. Their power play was better. We’ll learn from the experience and do everything we can to get Game 2.”
Okposo, the 2006 first round pick who played all season in the NHL, re-joined Bridgeport for practices on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for his two-game cameo in the AHL playoffs. “It’s a plus for me, of course, to be in game shape when I get to Switzerland,” he said. “But I really like this team (Bridpeport) and I think we can do good things. The work ethic is really there.”
Okposo flies Sunday, joins Team USA at its first practice on Monday and on Tuesday plays his first exhibition game against Switzerland and its NHL all-star defenseman, Mark Streit. Among his new teammates, Okposo knows Jason Blake, Jack Johnson and Keith Ballard. “It should be a tremendous experience,” he said.
But before he leaves the country, he wants to even the series between the Sound Tigers and the Penguins.
Comeau Could Go: Islanders forward Blake Comeau (fractured wrist) told Point Blank after the game on Friday night that he hopes to resume skating next week. If the Sound Tigers get past the first round, Comeau could join the team for the rest of the AHL playoffs.
Comments. Kevin Schultz of Barry Melrose Rocks and AOL has your coverage of Game 2 on Saturday, live from the NVMC.
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