REPLIES 3: Post-Draft DRAFT event? ’09-10 roster, enforcers, the No. 1 secret and Catherine Bell
Islanders Point Blank on Twitter
Note to Readers: Before we start with the Q & A, I wanted to run something by you. I was approached by a friend and reader who owns an establishment two minutes from the Coliseum about a Draft night event. Basic premise we discussed is calling it a Draft Celebration, starting at about 10:00 pm – after the Islanders draft party – and going until about midnight.
It wouldn’t be like the game-wine-and-interviews nights we did at Gabrielle’s, more like a time to unwind, vent and/or celebrate after the first round of the draft. Ridiculously inexpensive pints (like $1 tops), wings, a recap of the first round, discussion of what could happen in Day 2, some hockey talk among friends. Would have to be for guests 21 and older. Please let me know what you think in Comments. Thanks.
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If you missed the mayhem over the weekend, here’s the first and the second batch of answers. Besides the draft, the most popular subjects in the Reader Q & A by far have been free agency, the endless Rick DiPietro discussion and the need for an enforcer in the Islanders’ lineup. Below we try to cover all of the big three and then we close with one major question about the first overall pick.
Unrestricted Free Agency
There were several questions about the Islanders’ plans for free agency on July 1. Bring The Reign: “Any chance the Isles plan on signing a UFA to play along side JT if he is drafted, let’s say Gaborik or Havlat?” Jim M asked about Marian Hossa. Dedshark: “What ufa defenseman do you think the isles have the best shot of obtaining come july 1?” Others asked who this year’s miracle Mark Streit signing would be.
Point Blank: Garth Snow went on record near the end of last season saying the roster in ’09-10 would not be much different than last year’s. He may have been deliberately lowering fan expectations, but for now I would take him at his word.
Not the most exciting answer Snow could have given, but perhaps he was being honest and sticking to his plan to build from within. If that’s the case, an impact free agent signing would make more sense next summer. By then, maybe the Islanders will have a shovel in the ground and signs of progress on the ice.
So no, I wouldn’t wait for Jay Bouwmeester or any of the scoring forwards. Goaltender, yes. Mike Komisarek could get a call, especially since his price range will fall after an iffy season. Maybe a forward with speed and untapped upside that Ken Morrow and the pro scouts believe in. And naturally, the biggest addition to the lineup will be John Tavares or Victor Hedman or Matt Duchene.
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DiPietro, The Final Round
Ben: Aside from the fact that you like DP on a personal level, you “believe” he will play again. That is not a very strong statement of what is to become of DP. I feel there should be a new direction in goal and that DP is not the answer, but instead a wishful thought. If by somehow trading, buying out or whatever we can then make a serious offer to Anderson or Conklin. Do you honestly believe DP is the player in 2-3 years and beyond to help this team move to fame and glory?
Point Blank: I don’t believe anything, I don’t know anything. No one does, least of all the doctors, when it comes to DiPietro’s future. Lose the delusion of him being traded – no one’s trading for him – or being bought out. DiPietro’s presence on the salary cap does not prevent the Islanders from signing an excellent goaltender. If he’s healthy and finds his game after all the time away, of course he can play a role in the Islanders’ resurgence. The only mistake Islanders management could make is if they banked on it.
Joanny: CB – Are you secretly in love with DP? Come on, you are like a little school girl gushing about his looks. The Mrs. CB should be worried!
Point Blank: I sucked at reading comprehension too, Joanny, at East Street School in Hicksville. Please read again what I wrote. As for Rick, he was never my type. I saw Newsday recently had DiPietro on their list of 10 hottest athletes in New York, along with David Wright, A-Rod and the King. Whoopee.
My type is my wife Catherine, whom I’ve dug since I first saw her on the first day of our senior year at La Salle University. For a celebrity reference, I’ve always liked Catherine Bell from “JAG,” which is funny because I’ve never seen an episode of “JAG.” Perhaps both Catherines define what would be my type – everything I’m not: tall, fit, beautiful and female…not that there’s anything wrong with that.
#13: CB, any good tales of Battlin’ Billy Smith?
Point Blank: Legend has it that the wife of an Islanders doctor put her hand on his shoulder when she saw him in the hallway an hour before a big playoff game. As you know, Smitty was known for not wanting any human communication on game days. Without even looking to see who was there, Billy whipped around and whacked her hand with his goalie stick. Merely a flesh wound.
Smitty was a good guy when I got to know him at the end of his playing career, but the DiPietro character assassination in comparison is amusing. Billy didn’t have much time for anyone. DiPietro stays more than an hour past the end of the season ticketholders party to make sure everyone gets an autograph, well after the rest of his teammates bolt. Smitty won championships. Rick hasn’t even come close. In the end, that’s what it’s all about.
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Heavyweight Division
Joe wrote: CB, I read that Chris Neil was going into free agency. Would you say the Islanders might go after him? I think he would be a solid addition to the third or fourth line. Steve and others asked where Mitch Fritz and Joel Rechlicz fit in next year.
Point Blank: Candidly, I have no clue how the GM-coach partnership of Garth Snow and Scott Gordon feel about the importance of fighting or the full-time, regular season use of an enforcer. We know the Penguins utilized Eric Godard in most regular season games to stand up for teammates and punch and be punched. Eric did not play in the postseason but deservedly will get his name of the Stanley Cup for doing the dirty work for six months. The Red Wings did not employ a classic heavyweight.
What we know is that the Islanders do not have a strong-skating, reliable NHL enforcer currently on their roster. They did not have one last season. At best, Rechlicz is a prospect and more of a hitter/agitator than a heavyweight champion. Gordon seems to still be feeling out the whole fighting thing at the NHL level. His refusal to stir it up after Frans Nielsen was re-arranged by Mike Mottau was the most obvious example. Funny thing is, as a goaltender Garth Snow never hesitated to drop his glove. As a GM, besides his inheritance of a fading Chris Simon, Snow has not made the acquisition of an enforcer a priority.
On the other hand, there might be – might be – 15 tough guys in this league that are effective playing at least 10 minutes a game. Good heavyweights who can play in close games in the third period are hard to find. I would not assume the Islanders will have an 82-game enforcer next season, not based on the approach of Snow and Gordon so far.
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AND FINALLY, OF COURSE, THE DRAFT
Neil: Will the Isles be able to keep their pick a secret (it seems they’re going to try) until they make it at the podium or will it leak in the days prior?
Point Blank: Staying quiet about who you’re drafting is not a Garth Snow invention. It is Standard Operating Procedure for any sports franchise acting wisely and professionally. Know this: at most, five people on the planet really know the identity of the kid the Islanders are leaning toward selecting with the first pick overall. That, of course, is assuming even the Islanders themselves have 100% locked their pick in.
That’s why it’s humorous to read experts, bloggers, Point Blank commenters, message boarders and anyone else declare they’ve heard from “higher-ups,” “a close friend of Wang’s,” or “a player” who the Islanders are drafting. You think anyone from DiPietro and Doug Weight to Andy Hilbert is being told who the pick is? Do you really think even Scott Gordon knows right now? The circle is a very small one for a reason. The Islanders have taken it this far for more than two months. To blow it now without reviewing those trade offers everyone said the Islanders must consider would be a failure.
There’s no reason why they can’t be quiet. What will probably happen is that on Friday night, in a suite in their hotel in Montreal, three people will meet to finalize who the Islanders will pick first overall. In the meeting will be Charles Wang, Garth Snow and Ryan Jankowski.
Comments, and final day to submit questions for this segment. Thanks to everyone for being a part of it.
86 Responses to REPLIES 3: Post-Draft DRAFT event? ’09-10 roster, enforcers, the No. 1 secret and Catherine Bell
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Joey303 says:
I Looove Catherine Bell – can she possibly keep up with many of the Hollywood babes, and marry a hockey player? Preferably someone on the Islanders!! All kidding aside, the Isles IMO should look at a key free agent signing. Dont go nuts, and sign a key Dman first, a scorer 2nd.
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isles99 says:
komisarek is severely overrated. he is not going to be worth mark streit plus money. i dont care if he’s from long island either. we shouldn’t put together a team of local kids anyway if they aren’t worth it.
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My perfect offseason.
1. Tavares
2. Sign Craig Anderson for 3 yrs.
3. Keep 26, 31 and 37 and draft best player available.
4. Sign some tougher players.. We are way 2 small. I think we need an enforcer type who can play 5 mins a game. -
isles6 says:
The post draft thing sounds good, unless of course we are all being arrested for tearing down the building if they don’t take Tavares.
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Frank says:
CB, what player(s) would you trade up for if they were still available in the 15-20 range of the draft? Is Jordan Schroeder even a slight possibility? BTW I like your thought aout signing UFA’s next year… someone like Kovalchuk!!!
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Cb:
Which UFA’s(if any) do you see being resigned by the Islanders for next year. Snow did say the roster will have some minor changes, and was wondering if that also meant keeping some, if not all the UFA’s.
Thanks
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I’ve asked this question before, but I assume it got lost with the hundreds of other ones. What are the Islanders plans for their own free agents?
Should we expect guys like Hilbert, Thompson, Walter or Callahan to be Islanders next year?
Also: Do the Islanders have any plans for Mike Sillinger for next season? Do you think he wants to play in the NHL again? Could the Isles ask him to be part of the coaching staff?
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bob l says:
wish i lived in the area, i would so be there for the post-draught er…i mean draft party
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Marc from Troy says:
Re: Post-draft party? Yes, please. Wife and I are making the 4 hr drive to LI for the draft party, and it wouldn’t suck to know we’ve got something more to look forward to.
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BR says:
CB – With respect to goalies, are you hearing anything on Ridderwall and Weslosky (with respect to their development and future with the organization)?
As an aside, Chirs Neil was quoted by the Ottawa media this weekend saying that he is working out daily at the Sens’ facilities and that he intends on being with the team next year.
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Joe says:
Thanks for answering CB. I always thought Neil was the type who could play ten minutes a game and is a great veteran. Rechlicz can be close to that with some work, hopefully he makes the team.
Id attend the draft-after party.
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Alex says:
Can we get a Dan Bylsma inside story if you’ve got any?
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JP39 says:
Post #4 – I completely agree with you on your number 1 & 2…However, I slightly disagree with your #3 because I agree with your #4 haha…I just think we need to use those picks to move up in the 1st round and take a big defenseman or a big power forward like Zack Kassian to make up for the lack of size currently on this roster. Either way, drafting JT and siging Anderson would be two very solid additions, and probably a GREAT addition in JT’s case…
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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Coming to Long Island for the first time in 15 years for the Tavaras Draft Party, hell Ya I’d attend a Post Draft Party !!! I think we should only sign a UFA goaltender and leave the rest of the positions for the young and hungry.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
No need for enoforcers. If you are one you better know how to play. That is why Neils teams not resigning him. He wants big $$$> i would not pay for that either.
Isles need to draft Tavares and just draft draft draft with allt he remaining picks. If one or two of those remaining 7 picks in first 3 rounds materializes than its a HOME RUN.
BTW, Pens won Stanley cup b/c they drafted Crosby, Malkin and Staal. There defense was lead by Stay home Dman in Scuderi, and veteran in Gonchar.
Letang was selected 62 overall in 2005 draft. same year crosby was drafted.
Whitney (#5 overall in 2002) was traded off to Anaheim for Kunitz.
Moral of the story. dont waste High Draft pick on Dman especially if you have the #1 pick.
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JTorBUST says:
CB , where did you have in mind for the after party. I know RC dugans is down the block , first class establishment and the proprietors are huge fans and great supporters of the organization-
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Blizzard says: I miss Vukota. He was like a freight train and would drop the gloves with anyone. Usually dump them on the ice but I was there when he tuned up Domi and donned the belt!!! Maybe the wrecker can fill that role.
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kevin fitz says:
Is it June 26th yet?!?!? I can’t wait anymore!
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kevin27NYI says:
i like the wrecker. lets keep him.
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Pete M says:
Is Catherine Bell coming to the post draft party shindig? If so, I’m there.
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22Isles22 says:
I Cant Wait One Minute More……….
You’re Blog implies that my wife is obsessed with DP, my gf implies that I’m obsessed with JT
Who’s Right?
Potentially both, but for completely different reasons-
The Best Looking Thing to Me, is the Puck in the back of the Net, Red Light Flashing, Gary Glitter’s RocknRoll Part2Playing, Followed by a Bunch of WOO WOO WOO CHANTS-
“Play it Again Johnny”
SIGN JT
and yes provided JT is the Pick I’d be interested in celebrating afterwards with all the islander fans
(but if he isnt I may need go be alone and sulk)……..
JT91 or BUST!!!
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Dan L says:
I’d love to see Komi or Scuderi(I believe Rob is a UFA) in an Islanders uni this season. Not because theyre both hometown boys but because theyre both solid stay at home defensemen that wont necessarily put up points but will anchor our defense. As for an enforcer I think were fine for now, because their main responsibility is to go out there and protect your star foward. Okposo is a big boy and can take care of himself and Bailey hasnt yet proven himself a star that other players will target, thus needing protection. Should we draft JT however (and hopefully), then maybe the need for a solid brawler will come about.
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so 22Isles22, are you claiming to have both a wife AND a girlfriend?
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CB, you may have to re-calcluate the tavheduch #’s again, an interesting article on the nhl site just came out, and they seem to rule out MD and make it a 2 horse race again, lol, insanity i tell you…
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bcarey says:
My cousin and I are both interested in this proposed “celebration.”
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West Coast Fan says:
Flesh wound? That’s not how I’ve heard it. I thought it was a broken wrist or something along those lines…
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geduffer says:
Can’t make the post draft celebration. Can barely make the draft party as I am leaving for a Southern Caribbean cruise on Sunday, 6/28 and my flight to San Juan is the evening of 6/27
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Glenn says:
I’m in for the post-draft party… but will they accept an old school college ID? I had my wallet stolen and I’m currently rolling without a Drivers License until I get a replacement mailed to me.
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I have it directly from an e-mail from Garth Snow himself…he’s excited about the upcoming draft and the Islanders will be adding a great player to the roster. Do with that what you will.
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LOL- kevin fitz (24) Hahaha, when I read that I was wondering the same thing!
‘Yes, please’ to the post draft party idea… it would be great for us to have somewhere to talk with fellow Isles fans and (hopefully lol) celebrate after the draft!
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Vukota says:
Can’t wait until every kid on our team gets run over night after night and we get to watch the rest of the team tuck their tail between their legs. This team is soft & small, not exactly what you are looking for playing in this division..
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Todd says:
CB, Ive got a 2 parter for you.
First, can you give some insight on Garths daily routine as far as speaking to other GMs. Do you believe he is constantly calling and receiving calls or just once a day or once a week ? Is he speaking to the all or just a few ?
Second, can you give an example of an offer you think he would make and one he would receive and if there is a back and forth or what ? Please include any realistic scenarios if you can.
Thanks and keep up the great work because we love it and cant get enough. -
Defensewins says:
Hmm Komisarek. I really don’t want him, but if you are right with the implied thought that he will be cheaper than most think he will be due to his poor season, it wouldn’t be a horrible idea. I wouldn’t go above Streit money(4M per for X amount of years). He is a great big bodied defenseman who is probably friends with Streit, and is from L.I.. And with Sutton’s 3M off the books next year, paying 4M for stay-at-home Komisarek wouldn’t be a horrible idea.
Streit-Komisarek
Gervais-Witt
Martinek-SuttonNot horrible at all.
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Jethro09 says:
This DiPietro witchhunt is getting old. I can’t believe the amount of negativity surrounding this guy from people who post here and on other sites. Fans actually blame DP for his injuries and all the crap with the contract he signed.
Its amazing how short people’s memories are. Here’s a little newsflash for all the DP haters: Just because an idiot (Milbury) drafted DP #1 overall does not mean that he must be the best goaltender in the world. MA Fleury was drafted #1 overall and I don’t think he is regarded as the best goaltender in the league (not even top five). That being said, I agree with CB that DP is definitely a top ten goaltender in the NHL, maybe a top five when healthy.
And another thing, nobody put a gun to Wang’s head (that’s right, Wang, not Snow, because we all know who was responsible for that contract) and forced him to give DP a 15-year deal. And I seriously doubt anyone in their right minds would turn down a contract such as that if it were offered to them.
Everyone forgets, this guy is an all-star and an olympian for a reason. He’s not some garbage journeyman netminder. He’s incredibly talented and his actions demonstrate that he’ll do anything to play to help the Isles win. I don’t know what more you can ask of from your franchise goaltender, other that to stay healthy.
The bottom line is that DP is the goaltender of the present and future for this team, unless he is medically unable to continue his career and is forced to retire (which I doubt). The truth is, nobody knows what condition his knee is in and why its that way. It could be completely unrelated to the meniscus or surgeries he undewent. Before fans decide to buy out the remaining 12 YEARS of his deal and move on to an unknown, lets see if he can get back to camp and stay healthy. I have no problem going out and getting a “1A” goaltender to play 30-40 games along with DP, but to cast DP to the curb at this point is nuts.
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G. HOWITT says:
According to NHL.com’s draft experts, the Isles will opt for Tavares, the leading scorer in the Ontario Hockey League, most valuable player of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the World Junior Championship, and Central Scouting’s top-rated North American skater.
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With regards to an enforcer, I agree with Mick (32). This team is small and weak. And its young to boot. They need an enforcer that can play a regular shift to at least place a little seed in the Isles’ opponents’ heads that liberties can not be taken with the Isles’ young players. Next season, you will be running out a lot of young players (Bailey, Okposo, Neilsen, and hopefully Tavares) and don’t want to see them getting pummeled. If the Isles had a true enforcer on their team, the Mottau nonsense on Neilsen doesn’t happen at all, or at least an example is made of Mottau to the rest of the league that liberties are not to be taken.
As far as Komi goes, I think I’d rather have another Long Island-born guy: Scuderi. He was terrific this year in the playoffs and I don’t know if Pitt can re-sign him after signing Orpik to that deal last year. Maybe the focus should be on Scuderi?
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Smokey says:
I think the DP haters need to chill out. This will be a long process. Watch the kids grow and enjoy the ride. The Isles are about to take a huge step forward.
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IsleofNJ says:
New mock draft on the TSN website….. Good projections too !
Has us taking JT at #1 and Landon “Chicken Parm Jr” Ferraro at #26. -
I’d rather have Komisarek(pending the implied cheaper price holds true) than Scuderi. Komisarek is younger, bigger, better defensively, and they both offer about the same amount of offensive potential. With our two defensive defensemen gone within the next two seasons(Sutton after this season, Witt in two seasons from now), we are going to need someone to protect our goalie, may it be DiPietro, or someone else. And who could be better at doing that than the 6’5″, 240 pound 27 year old Mike Komisarek?
Give him a 5 year deal worth 20-24M dollars.
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Jeff Kuntz says:
Re: The After Draft get together
I’m flying in from Ohio to attend the draft party at the Coliseum, staying at the Marriot that night… (Then on to NYC on Saturday to spend the day/night there).. so I would be interested in attending an after-draft event..
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Nick says:
CB…that post draft party sound great…Plus, this is not the time to make long-term, decent money commitments to anybody…we need to draft JT and take inventory following next season, JT will win ROY, Lighthouse hopefully will be approved, then we attack the market, wisely.
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dave chyzowski says:
#36, i saw that too. even Adam kimmelman who on nhl.com usually spotted Ivan Drago Hedman #1 has changed to have Tavares at #1. looks like Kimmelman reads Point Blank!!
On a Tavares note, just read a great old article on him :http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3659559&type=storyhow after he scored 72 goals as 16 year old he played crazy amount of hockey, he was hounded by toronto media and other teams started focusing on shutting him down.. Umm. did anyone do this to Duchene as a 16 year old (eventhen his stats were stil half of tavares) There is no comparison. Tavares will light er up
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Another thing about all the goalie talk going on here…Wasn’t the whole point of signing DP for 35 years to reduce his cap hit. Right now we pay him 4 million a year, what’s the point if we go give 2-3 million to another goalie? Then we’ll all of a sudden still have DP locked up for 13 more years, plus we’ll have 6-7 million dollars slotted for goalies…I say keep Denis, if DP isn’t ready WHO CARES…suck again next season and make a run at Taylor Hall…
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On another subject, Loved everything Larry Brooks had to say, in this Sunday’s paper, The NY Islander’s of the early 1980′s, were The Greatest hockey Team Ever. And the “Best Hockey Rivary in the NHL, is Islander’s/ Ranger’s. The entire article was excellent. Only thing I did not like, was, his mention of Victor Hedman, as the Isles first pick. Other than that Larry’s colum was tremendous. But The NY Islander’s need to choose John Tavares #91 with their #1 Pick. Thanks Chris, Mark N/J
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303Joe says:
You guys who proclaim this team doesn’t need an enforcer really need to step back and see what’s going on. This is a young small team and hopefully with the addition of Tavares on draft will most defintely need one. As I’m sure JT will be run at plenty of times with no fear or retribution from anyone on the Isles. Sorry Jackman although an OK 4th liner is a human punching bag. Witt prefers not to fight, Sutton although big can’t fight and can’t stay healthy. Who is left the Wrecker maybe in a few years if he can ever get some skills to actually skate at the NHL level.
The one guy who would help and will probably be a UFA and can handle 8-10 minutes a game and not hurt you is Colton Orr. Big still young guy who is probably a top 5 fighter in the league. How many times did we see him take apart then Isles tough Eric Godard on Coliseum ice when they went at each other to many times. His game has gotten better over the year to the point he’s is an adaquate 4th liner and can fight wth the best of them. I was also hoping Chris Neil as a more talented guy that can ride shot gun with Tavares and give him some protection when needed. These 2 guys would go along way to giving this team some size and toughness.
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UIF says:
Agreed on the Smith/DP deal, CB. If Billy Smith acted the way he did and had never won cups or a playoff series with the Islanders, I’m sure fans would have had more of a problem with him. Conversely, if DP ever stays healthy and wins a series, let alone has a deep run in the playoffs, fans would probably feel his PERCEIVED sense of entitlement is a bit more justified.
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Thanks Kevin Fitz (24) and Chris TMC (31)
LOL
Talk about a poorly placed typo- especially since I direct Mrs. 22Isles22 to visit the site from time to time….
Yeah it wasnt as sinister as it seemed, CB had said “GF” in his blog about DP, I switched it to “wife” (or so I thought)- instead I botched it, they should of both read same “wife”-
I wish I was that big a player, but there is only room for one big time player of that magnitude on Long Island..
You guessed it…
JT
DRAFT HIM
Lets Go #91 Please and Thanks.
Me, My Wife, (and GF) all Vote JT91 in ’09
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Blizzard says:
I also think the Islanders need an enforcer. Preferably one who can play. I know they are hard to come by. We also need some overall team toughness. I want Kassian in the worst way. The last thing we need is someone taking out one of our youngsters “Neilson” and getting away with it.
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Vas says:
CB, great idea with the post-Drafy party. No beer though but champagne celebrating the drafting of JT!
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Strummer's Army says:
There is nothing wrong with Catherine Bell! I’m a big Marissa Miller (SI COVER 2 years ago) fan too.
The one issue I still have with Gordon after the season is I’m still not 100% sure he understands the toughness issue. He did get better towards the end of the year but just still not sure on him. Snow has surprised me. I thought we’d have the biggest/toughest team in the NHL and we have the smallest/softest. Big let down.
That is why it is so important to draft Kassian and then guys like Olsen, Moore, and Doughty and keep developing The Wrecker and Matt Martin. I do think Wrecker will develop into a serious heavy weight he’s just learning. He reminds me a lot of Godard but more talented and a better skater.
I think for toughness they should pursue guys reported to be available in Bieksa, Byfuglen, and Kesler. Kesler and Byfuglen will be wingers with tons of skill who are very capable of dropping the gloves.
Have to get more toughness on defense so Bieksa plus one. Neither Komi nor Scuderi provide toughness on defense so they’ll need to add one.
And the first time the Isles play the Devs someone better get hold of Mottau and break him.
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-Big Van Vader says:
Will be at the Draft Party and would LOVE an post Draft Party celebration/shoulder to cry on.
Get er done!!!Seriously, draft Tavares Snow or someone will be sticking out of the Jumbotron.
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Irish Isle says:
Im down for drafts after the draft
As for what to do after drafting JT, use the assets that you have and get size. On offense get Kassain. For D see if you can get either Despres or Olsen (I prefer Olsen in the 2nd). I really like Drew Dougherty @ 57.
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KO21 says:
CB stole Brad Pitts wife!!!
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Tony B says:
I hope the post-draft party is at an establishment east of the Coliseum, not west, if you know what I mean.
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Giaco says:
CB
1. Do you think the Islanders know RIGHT NOW who they are picking #1?
2. If so, do you foresee JT or Hedman jerseys/t-shirts being on sale on draft party night?
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Just had a moment to look at the new TSN Mock. I hate the way writers try to tie guys to teams because their Dad played there. Ferraro is too small and a writer should know the Isles are trying to move to big players and after taking Tavares they won’t need another center. I’d rather have Ashton or a d-man if they stay at 26.
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doc says:
You would think from reading this blog that the NHL is a league of goons and their only job is to run young talented players on the NYI with an intent to injure them.
And before everyone jumps on me… I know all about Neilsen… I hated to see it as much as the next guy… but the fact of the matter is; injuries happen in the NHL.
Doug Weight took out Brandon Sutter with a clean hit (viewed by Islander fans), but around the league and especially in NJ and in Carolina, I’m sure they didn’t think it was so clean.
Weight isn’t a goon obviously… and he really didn’t “pay a price” for the hit despite the fans of Carolina calling for one.
Hockey players are tough human beings. Tavares can handle himself (I don’t mean as a fighter, but simply as a hockey player playing a hard-nosed sport that he’s played his entire life… he knows the deal!)
And for the most part, enforcers respect the skilled players and don’t “RUN” them every chance they get.
DOC
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John G. says:
love the monty python reference “flesh wound”
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DOC from what i remember carolina fans saw it as clean but i guess we heard from different people. im the kind of person where if one of our guys gets hit dirty, there should be a physical reaction. i dont like when the isles get run or taken advantage of. you may remember conboy messing around with K.O. and streit? well the wrecker answered. i would have liked it more if he gave conboy a chance but im glad the wrecker did what he did and took care of business.
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art says:
CB I think you have it backwards when you say that a big time free agent signing makes more sense next year when THE LH PROJECT HAS A SHOVEL IN THE GROUND. I think the shovel inthe ground is morelikely to happen next summer if we pik up UFAs this summer and contend for a playoff spot this coming season. The excitement of a good season plus Tavares will be in the media all over and the politicians will notice!
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Tony F. says:
Garth Snow, please read posts #32,#37,#46, and #49. I think if anyone had seen 50% of the games they would understand we need players with size, people who body check, and someone who can win a fight or two. Physical intimidation is still part of this game.
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Andy Badger says:
CB: What’s your take on Tambellini? Personally I see him doing one of three things next season. 1. Prove himself as a skilled top 6 winger as he gets more talent around himself (draft pick + KO, Bailey, Nielsen etc. further developed). 2. Realize he needs to be a bottom 6 checking line forward to succeed at this level. 3. Fail and play the rest of his contract for Bridgeport.
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Art – your logic makes sense. However, purely hockey angles won’t work with the Lighthouse since, as a whole, it will rise or fall based on its value to the whole community. You’re right in one sense, though: a big splash would get more people interested in the team and may motivate people to become more informed on the Lighthouse. The politicians rightly should not care as much about wins and losses – but they care about voters.
I’m also with those who say stop the DP hatred – a 1A like Anderson or Conklin makes sense to take the workload off him, but the Islanders are a far better team when DP is healthy.
I’ll be in the city during the draft, so I’m not good for the post-draft party. The Isles traded Luongo/Jokinen and then traded down twice the last 2 drafts I attended – I’d like to stay away from a trifecta. Have fun at the bar, guys.
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CB —
As I sit here on the bowl and think to myself, if Garth was going to go out and make one big splash this summer…who would it be? He pulled off a great signing last summer with Mark Streit who teams would kill to have for his price-tag. I have come up with some players that I really haven’t seen you speak of yet, some UFA and some RFA. The reason why I mention these players are because of two reasons…
1. They fit Scott Gordon’s system. Plain and simple.
2. Every team needs acouple of vets. That’s what made Pittsburgh and Carolina so successful this year. You can’t be complete youth + Doug Weight
So here they are :
UFA
LW – Steve Sullivan , 34 yrs old
RW – Brian Gionta , 30 yrs old
RW – Petr Sykora , 32 yrs old
RW – Maxim Afinovenov , 29 yrs old
LW – Michael Cammelleri , 27 yrs oldRFA
LW – Ryan Clowe , 26 yrs old
LW – Jiri Hudler , 25 yrs oldI believe that Maxim Afinovenov could be a great fit here on the Island and revitalize his career here. His uptempo game and speed could really fit well on a line with Bergenheim, as well as giving Park a good partner on the PK. I think Gionta will stay in NJ and I think Cammalleri is just going to follow the money. He’s 27, so he’ll look for the long term deal where he can cash in and laugh all the way to the bank. Clowe, I think will stay in San Jose and Hudler I think is as good as gone. I just don’t see Detroit spending to keep him unless he takes a pay cut…which is stupid considering he had a career year. CB – Let me know what you think if you can.
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Ben says:
CB – thanks for answering my question about DP. I should have ended my clip with “considering his track record of injuries”.
#35 You bring up good points but I nor many people that I am reading on this blog are blaming DP for signing the contract, blaming him for being injured or questioning his ability to play top end hockey. Personally, when he is on he CAN steal games and worth every penny.He doesn’t have to be the best in the league. He can be a top 5 or 10 goalie and for 4.5 mil a year that is much less than most goalies of that performance level get.My concern is with his health – plain and simple. I am certainly not a doctor but you can go in just so many times to fix things before there’s not much left to fix. The demands of being a goalie on the legs and hips are tremendous.
I would love to have DP healthy – we get the keeper we need and strength in the back but as I have said in previous posts, my gut is telling me that we cannot rely on DP like we did before this past season due to his medical history.
As CB said, “The only mistake Islanders management could make is if they banked on it.” meaning DP being healthy.
We should be proactive and sign a quality 1-B keeper now (Anderson or Conklin) and if DP rebounds and is the man then we trade away whoever is !-B for an atractive draft pick if we need to.
I believe CB
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I would give Afiniganov a chance. A 1 or 2 yr deal. Maybe 1.5 mill per yr or so. He could possibly regain his scoring touch and hes certaintly a good skater.
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#46 completley agree. Lets meet with snow and tell him whats up. We need size and strength in the worst way***
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Jimmy Mac says:
Yea I wouldn’t mind Afinogenov. The only issue is he plays the right wing. Not sure if he could play the other side.
But he has great speed, and would be a great addition. He would look good with Hunter and Nielson.
Tambs Bailey Tavares
Bergy Weight Okposo
Afinogenov Nielson Hunter
Rechlicz Park Jackman
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CB – Here’s a question for you.
Too often players get labled for what the are capable of or not capable of. Skating is one of those areas we read about.”He’s a smallish player and needs to bulk up”. Heck, we’re hearing it already about JT’s skating as a reason for not choosing him for goodness sakes!
For bulking up, I remember Brent Sutter in one off-season picked up 10-15 pounds in the off-season to put a little muscle on.He was worried about loosing his touch but gave it a try and liked it.
Also, you read about Dara Torres of the 2008 US Olympic team and how she got herself into shape to perform so spectaculary at 40 something through a special conditioning program and I wonder, as thorough as the Islanders are in disecting the draft this year, what are they doing to improve each and every player in the off-season to prepare for next season?
I don’t like hearing that this player or that player year after year is not as good a skater as the next or that Andy Hibert can’t hit an open net.
What is frustrating is that most members of the team go their separate ways at the end of the season. I know they work out in the off-season but how do they individually work on their weaknesses and push to be a better player? What are the expectations by the team for each player so that when they come back the next season they are better players?
I think if the team held a high standard/high expectations for each player with realistic goals and the support to achieve them all of the players would show improvement each year -wouldn’t you?
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Kevin, I do agree with you that there should be accountability. If someone DOES run one of “OURS” then there should be a teammate to answer the bell. I don’t think it has to be a designated tough guy/enforcer though.
As CB pointed out… Detroit and Pittsburgh really didn’t have a true enforcer as Godard did not play in the playoffs.
DOC
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Thank you ISLESFAN999, I am glad I am not the only one who thinks this…crap, I only have one post left. Lets make it a good one.
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slapshot723 says:
Hey CB- I’ve heard you use Matt Clark’s name a lot. What’s your take on this kid and what the Isles’ opinion is on him?
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I will not be able to attend a post draft party draft party … My bro and I will have his boys with us .. and they are minors … draft is just as exciting for them as it is for us big kids. Sounds like a good time though.
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Staten Islander says:
all i can say is if they don’t Jt that night, that place is gonna have a lot of angry drunks there…..lol
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doc i agree with you one hundred percent but i feel until we get a team toughness act or some players that can fill that role (not that i want him or think were getting him but malone is an example especially when he was on pitt. with crosby) then i think we need a legit enforcer
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Well, if they do not select JT, Isles fans will definitely need beer to ponder why??? Then the anger will take place….so I have to agree angry drunking Isle fans will be everywhere…
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CB want to say thanks for your site. I check it three times a day! Although I sometimes get my postings over-ruled I appreciate the topics and enjoy what everyone has to say on these topics – thanks everyone.
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mike says:
I’m into a post draft extravaganza, especially if it’s a RC Duggans. The owner ( if the same guy owns it) is a huge Islander fan that I have seen at multiple draft parties throughout the years. Plus the place is pretty nice.
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Section 320 rocks!!!!!! says:
#46
I agree 110% I would prefer Neil to Orr however. I feel that way because I think of Orr as Ranger garbage. I would like Neil. I agree with fellow posters when one of our players get run I want the guy that did it to pay and pay worse then the guy he ran did.
#67
I agree on Max A. A few years ago he was a very good player. A one or two year incentive laden deal wouldnt be the worst thing in the world.
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westfall says:
Chris – here’s one story to balance out your comment on Billy Smith not making time for anyone: during the Dynasty years, the NHL used to hold a “Stanley Cup Luncheon” during the Finals in the “visiting” team’s City between games 3 and 4. Both teams would attend, the Cup would be there, and they would hand out some post-season awards like the Masterton and Jack Adams. In 1983, the Luncheon was held at the Uniondale Marriott on a Sunday. The night before, the Isles beat the Oilers in Game 3 to take a 3-0 series lead. I was 16 yrs old and was fortunate enough to attend the Luncheon with my brother. After all of the chowing down and the speeches, the ceremony’s MC, Jiggs McDonald, announced it was now time for the fans to take pictures and ask the players and other hockey VIPs for autographs. The words were about a millisecond out of Jiggs’ mouth when most of the Isles headed for the exit. Clark Gillies moved so fast my brother and I joked that Terry O’Reilly must’ve been in the parking lot. Only a handful of the Isles actually stayed to interact with the fans, but one of them was Smitty. He signed autographs, took pictures, and actually took the time to chat with me and my brother. This was in the middle of the Stanley Cup Finals! I know its a small sample, but on this one day Smitty was a prince. (PS – one other HOFer who signed for every fan was Bryan Trottier).
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IslesHostage says:
Smitty hung out and chatted between periods with my parents multiple times in the late ’80′s on after retiring. Always a great conversation and a smile. When ANY goalie on his game is in game mode, you have to be careful. Simple. How else do you motivate yourself to face 100mph rubber bullets?
I think the Billy Smith is bad/Rick is a saint is just a show of how goalies differ. Some are very introverted, some extroverted. Some mellow, some curt. Whatever gets you to make your game work.
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dking27 says:
Hey Chris,
I don’t know if you’re still taking questions, but here’s one for you. Does the hockey operations part of the organization (i.e. Snow, etc.) ever reach out to the PR department for advice/input in whether the team should sign or trade for a player? For instance, if they were interested in signing an Avery type player or when the Yashin trade went down, they might ask for advice if it would cause too much of a negative image for the team or if it might help or damage ticket sales. Thanks for all your great posts!
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Dadi says:
1. Catherine Bell
2. Victor Hedman
3. John TavaresI’m still hoping…:)
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Snowman says:
I’d definitely be in for a Post-Draft Celebration. Sounds like a great idea.
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Traveling all the way from Toms River, New Jersey to attend the Draft Party and some spirits after the Draft would be SWEET! Looking forward to hoist a few with fellow fans rather than the normal Devil/Ranger fans down here.
post-draft thing sounds like a good idea unless the draft runs later then expected and the isles are still holding on to # 26. Regarding fighters, doesn’t make sense to have a heavyweight who doesn’t contribute to the rebuild, but we should at least be able to stand up for ourselves.