NOTEBOOK: Face it, the roster is (mostly) set…the enforcer argument…Oct. 3 is huge…NYI fan in Egypt
When I wrote earlier this week about the Islanders’ lineup, it received a lot of reaction like, “You didn’t leave space for a late free agency pickup or two,” “Don’t forget about the fighter we’re going to add,” “Hey, you said there would be a training camp invitee” and many retorts of “Yeah, but they’re not done.”
I may not have been clear enough. For all intents and purposes, the Islanders are done. They may add a player to the roster, but it’s not going to be anyone that tips the balance of power in the Eastern Conference. There could be a camp invitee, but it’s a stretch to hope it will be anyone with the character, leadership and third-line ability of Richard Park.
So again, don’t read too much into my lines, but here’s the 2009-10 opening lineup. Barring a shocker, this is the squad.
Tavares – Weight – Okposo
Bergenheim – Nielsen – Hunter
Comeau – Bailey – Park
Tambellini – Thompson – Jackman
(Realistic competitors: Sim, Moore, Rechlicz, Joensuu, Smith)
Streit – Gervais
Witt – Martinek
Sutton – Meyer/Hillen
(Realistic competitor, if there are injuries: MacDonald)
Roloson
Biron
NOTES
The Fight Game: I have never been Mr. Hockey Fights Dot Com, but I will say this to the many fans out there who believe the Islanders should not waste their time or money adding a legitimate enforcer. When the Islanders get down 3-0 some night in the first period, and either no one drops the gloves – a la NHL tradition for about 100 years – or an Islander barely holds on against a heavyweight, I want to be sitting in the Coliseum stands next to you.
It’s okay for a rebuilding team to lose some games. It’s not okay to field a team that thinks they can’t compete in a fight. Look, I don’t love a lot of the fighting in the NHL either. I find some of it really embarassing. But I didn’t make the rules. As much as I kid Brian Burke, there’s a reason he loaded up in Anaheim, a reason he beefed up in Toronto. The man understands how to build the collective psyche of a team.
Satan’s Deal: I think Miroslav Satan is going about it the wrong way. Miro needs to accept that he is in career revitalization mode. Make that career resuscitation. Telling Katie Strang of Newsday, “I’m not saying no to anything right now” makes it apparent no one is asking anything of Satan. Instead of trying to pretend that he’s looking at the Islanders as one of several options as if he is a desired commodity, Miro should consider the honest, humble approach.
“I’m here in Iceworks in August because I’m determined to get my career back on track,” Satan could say. “I was a good player for a long time but I’ve had some setbacks. From being sent to the minors to playing in the Stanley Cup-winning game, I learned a lot last season. I know I can contribute. I will do whatever it takes to show a team l’m a good role model and still a very good player. My wife and I made a home on Long Island because we love it here. The Islanders were very good to us. If they gave me the chance, I would be appreciative and I wouldn’t let them or the fans down.”
And if he was fortunate enough for the Islanders to offer a one-way contract for a smidge above the league minimum, Miro could show his sincerity and commitment by accepting it. Or he can return to Europe. Either way, I don’t see why the Islanders would make him part of their program.
The First Big Game of the Year: If I could sit in the stands with my sons for one event in a New York-area arena or stadium between now and the end of the calendar year, it would not be to see my Yankees play the freakin’ Angels of Whatever in the playoffs. It would not be to see the beginning of the Mark Sanchez era with the Jets or Giants-Cowboys. It would not even be Springsteen “closing” Giants Stadium as if it were an iconic hall like Radio City for cripes sake.
Nope, it would be for Penguins at Islanders on October 3. Although I have been labeled Debbie Downer in some parts of the Country for my realistic take on where the Islanders should finish this season, there should be plenty of nights of exhilaration. The Islanders can have a successful season if most of their important young players develop at a proper rate. There are also nights on the schedule when the Islanders have to put on a grand show.
The old barn on Hempstead Turnpike will be jammed for the season opener. It’s already a very hot ticket. The game will mean little to Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. It should mean everything to Scott Gordon’s Islanders. They may not win – there’s a wee bit of a talent discrepancy – but it will be unforgiveable if they don’t leave blood and sweat all over the ice.
Like the Capitals in the year before and after Ovechkin, the Islanders must be absolute PIAs to play against. Opponents may get two points off them, but they should have to limp back to their locker room after doing so. Most of you will agree that, on paper, the Islanders do not appear to be that kind of bruising team. To see what they are made of, it starts on October 3.
Reader of the Week: Islanders fan Michael R. was in Egypt recently and sent over these photos. Now that’s dedication.
Comments. Comment Guidelines.
76 Responses to NOTEBOOK: Face it, the roster is (mostly) set…the enforcer argument…Oct. 3 is huge…NYI fan in Egypt
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Staten Islander says:
Thank you CB, excellent as always. I can’t imagine who they might get as an enforcer as a camp invitee, the definatly need one though. The division was tough before, now its brutal
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Since72 says:
Point taken in your arguments for an enforcer, particularly with regard to team psyche. I would only comment that the Islanders would do themselves a world of good as a developing team if, to a man, they brought some snarl onto the ice. Having a heavyweight who can drop them with an opposing heavyweight doesn’t mean all that much with respect to getting pushed around as a team. I want opposing teams to leave the ice thinking “those are some tough SOB’s.”
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peter debenedetto says:
I’d rather have the guy in the Egypt picture than Mitch Fritz taking a roster spot.
You said it CB…be a PIA to play against. We should want this team to be the one that opponents say “don’t look past these guys tonight”. I hope this team is competitive and grows….I for one will support the efforts and growth of our young players.CB– When does the HallMcFarlandwhoever countdown begin???
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Mike L says:
Thanks CB for helping me get my IPB fix. Now I know I’m in the minority and I will get criticized, but I believe having an enforcer is an overrated idea. If you want a guy who can’t skate, can’t stickhandle but is a good heavyweight fighter, then Mitch Fritz is waiting in the AHL. I prefer guys like Sutton and Jackman. Sutton is big and logs minutes on defense. Jackman is not a heavyweight and not the best fighter, but he can create a spark by mixing it up with other middleweights, and play the pk and deserves more than 5 minutes a night.
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Swan says:
I think the lines are about right. Maybe Park swapping with Tamby, although Park is the better player.
It’s a big year for Tamby. A much bigger year for Gordon.
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I think you’re right on with the lineup.
I just would rather opt for a more exciting 4th line, one we could actually utilize with regularity.
Joensuu, Rechlicz, centered by Park maybe? and move Jackman or Tambellini to the 3rd. I wouldn’t mind Bailey and Weight flip flopping as the season progresses.I want to go to opening night, but still won’t buy a ticket until I hear what’s really going on with this site.
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Blizzard says: No question this team lacks toughness. There is a code in Hockey, like CB said. Always has been. If someone runs JT who is gonna take care of buisness? Jackman? Sutton? Jackman isnt a deterrant and we will need Sutton on the ice.
We can bitch and moan about not signing any talent but not addressing the enforcer issue is down right reckless IMO. Pitt didnt throw Crosby on the ice with out any protection. Its gonna be a rude welcome to the NHL for JT this year.
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WM says:
I’m excited about this coming season not b/c I anticipate a winning one but to hopefully see a bunch of guys forechecking and backchecking their butts off and sticking up for each other.
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I haven’t seen any evidence that Gordon can build a cohesive team that will stick up for each other.
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beatlebailey says:
camel looked to be suffering in that pic
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Hud says:
Same team plus Tavares, Biron and Roloson. Better goaltending, a few more goals from JT, hopefully a few more wins. Let’s start this thing.
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Training camp cannot start soon enough, so that way we will at least find out who was invited to camp. Doesn’t matter if they make it, just new news would be helpful. Steve Webb where are you?
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Tavares #1 says:
This was the best part of this article.
“As much as I kid Brian Burke, there’s a reason he loaded up in Anaheim, a reason he beefed up in Toronto. The man understands how to build the collective psyche of a team”.
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Matt says:
not to be a debbie downer but I hope they are terrible this year because they will be a better team in a couple of years for it.
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Alex G says:
CB, you have been writing more frequently lately, does this mean that somebody is picking up PointBlank?
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Jim says:
I believe the Isles absolutely need a true heavyweight enforcer. It’s one thing to lose a majority of your games, it’s another to let teams walk all over you and be the laughing stock of the league. I agree that at the end of the games that the Isles loose, the opponents should feel it was NOT an easy 2 points.
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robby d says:
I think our lineup is better this year than last. The only forward I will miss is Guerin. Wish we still had his leadership and goal scoring.
All our kids are a year older, stronger, and experienced. They all will improve.
Tavares certainly isn’t going to disappoint. Doesn’t matter who he plays against! His hands are magical and his shot is lethal. Not to mention his winning attitude, determination, and leadership.
Our defense is good and hopefully stays healthy.
Our goaltending took a huge upgrade over last year. We picked 2 starting goalies. Last year, we had 2 backups at best.
I think we will be presently surprised but there will be growing pains. Growing pains we can deal with. Overpaid and overated like our past teams hurt the worst.
I, for one, wish the season started yesterday. And, I’m not just saying that because I’m a Mets fan, lol.
Lets Go Islanders!
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Mike R. says:
It is me in the pictures in Egypt. I went in April. It really wasn’t too hot, I took these pictures during the morning.
Beatlebailey: Those camels are worked all day long for tourists and I am sure they do tire out. If you are referring to my weight, then yes I know I need to lose a few pounds but you could be a little nicer. Don’t give us Islander fans a bad name. -
Joe says:
I am all for the complete rebuild. We have some really nice young talent. I already purchased my 20 ticket flex plan. The only thing i do not like and what will happen is when teams take runs at our young players and nothing happens to them like last year with Neilsen.
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Bedell says:
It will be an interesting year and hopefully have some fun and exciting moments. I really do wish that we could get an enforcer but if we don’t its not the end of the world. Also btw Mike R, very cool pics. Way to represent, bud.
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dan from va beach says:
Mike R,
I think you handled that WITH CLASS!
Good for you!
Nice to spread ISLES cheer around the world! -
Smitty says:
Islanders will get Laraque on waivers prior to the start of the season. Laraque and Brashear will then take the battle of New York to new heights.
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Doug says:
CB,
Thanks for your update on the Islanders roster but I still think they will bring in a forward before training camp. I wouldn’t be suprised if they sign someone similiar to tho the suprise we got when the Isles signed Biron.
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UIF says:
I hope Tavares is at center, personally. I don’t see the point in taking your future franchise number one center and making him play the wing…so that Nate Thompson has a spot in the lineup.
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Ricky says:
CB,
I read your recent post about the Isles being near the floor of the cap. Seriously, what is the point in that? There is NO justifying that whatsoever. If Charles Wang actually cared about the team, and wanted the team to become competitive he would have at least invested some money into the roster, rather than keeping it at the league minimum. Instead, all Wang cares about is the Lighthouse project, so that should take a backseat to winning.
I saw your recent projection of the starting roster, and its one big joke. That’s what you get for being at the salary cap floor.
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hale says:
to post 27…who is out there??? their is nobody worth overpaying for; no reason to spend money for no reason…wait till next year when the cap goes down and players like briere get bought out…then jump…
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Camp surprises:
I believe Matt Moulson might end up being the biggest surprise at Islanders camp this fall. Keep an eye on him.Tough guys:
This team may be ready to go with Rechlicz/Jackman in this department, with management giving Witt and Sutton a tap on the shoulder that they too should take a chunk of the fisticuffs duties. -
Strummer's Army says:
In the Navy there is a term called “Hazarding the Ship”, used when a captain has put the ship and it’s crew in danger. It is something a captain can be court martialed for. I say Garth Snow is guilty of this! If he thinks he can play even one preseason game with the roster above then it’s time to start drug testing NHL GM’s. Garth has not prepared his team to compete. I think someone should punch him in the mouth everytime he uses the phrase (our goal is to win the Stanley Cup) because as much as I like the rebuild and the goalie moves the handling of Dipietro’s injuries, the training staff, and him totally ignoring size and toughness during his entire tenure as GM is disgusting. He gets a grade of F minus in those areas.
He is going to get Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, pick a goalie and everyone else killed! Some of their careers may never be the same.
What’s Snow going to tell us after Pronger ruins John Tavares knee and then beats the hell out of Trent Hunter who jumped in?
Garth I respect many of the moves you made but your being an ignorant jerk in regards to these issues. You think your smarter then the entire rest of the NHL who has beefed up in size and toughness. You are the only GM who has not.
I’m tired of listening to you and Gordon’s lame excuses “I wasn’t going to send a guy out their cold”. Really Gordon how about the entire rest of the season when you played the Devs?
We are all sick and tired of watching guys like Hunter, Witt, and Jackman get the hell beat out of them.
We surely don’t want to see a pathetic player like Satan brought back.
DO your job and add some fighters before Okposo has his career ended.
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joey bagodonuts says:
Fights in hockey today are not the same as they were years ago. Having an enforcer is overrated. Too many fights today are pre-arranged. You need people that are willing to drive someone through the boards on every shift…someone that will get in your face when you send ice shavings onto your goalie. I’d rather a few of those guys over some one dimensional heavyweight fighter that drops the gloves for no reason whatsoever.
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MT says:
I just hope there’s a lot of blue and orange in the stands and not black, white, and baby blue on Oct. 3.
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Irish Isle says:
I truly believe the Isles need to have an enforcer. We need to have someone protect JT. Furthermore, if you were to analyze the +/-’s of the team; team size would have to towards the very top of the -’s.
Also as far as the lines go, I would swap Bailey w/ Nielsen. I know I maybe in the minority but I dont see the hyp in Nielsen.
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coral springs isle fan says:
Miro, Miro on the wall, I will be the worst off-season signing of them all.
No way Garth signs Miro Satan. It does not make sense.
I never made a prediction, but I will throw 9th place out there. You have to consider that the young guys will be hungry to prove themselves and that is something the Isles have not had in some time. I think the goalie situation will help with more wins but most importantly I think health is the biggest issue. For two years running this team has been banged up. I want to see the top six d-man play together for a stretch of time. They never managed to do that last year. Playoffs are a possibility if Ricky is healthy early enough. I think his ability to handle the puck helps our “D’ tremendously. I think they can compete for a playoff spot and if Doug Weight can say that then so can I. Bergenheim is my wild card in it all. If he can put the puck in the net and play the way he did down the stretch then we have something cooking.
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Schultz39 says:
100% on your enforcer piece there Chris. There’s nothing more frustrating when we’re getting wiped up on the scoreboard and our best fighter (be it Jackman or Rechlicz) then gets wiped up in a fight.
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Jerry says:
CB:
I agree with you re roster being set. I also think your defensive combos are spot on, but I hope you are way off on your #1 line. Why would you move Taveras to wing for a 39 year-old vet who is essentailly on borrowed time. You keep the kid in his comfort zone by playing him at his regular position. If they were to even consider the wing, I would hope they would put him on the right side as that is where he likes to set up on the PP anyway.
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Alex O says:
Not to be a Wang Apologist (Im not he is going for development $ with the lighthouse) but if you had already lost millions (and I believe him because oponents of the lighthouse would have already pointed it out to us that he had not) why would you spend more than the cap floor. this he is such an evil guy for not spending to the cap max is just unfair. I dont want people telling me to overspend my $ so therefore I do not tell people how to spend or loose their $. There is not any UFA’s right now in the market that will put us over the top as a Stanley cup contender (We are nowhere near and the people left just plain arent that good, if they were they already would have had a team) so therefore why would we spend for the sake of spending???? Do you really want Tanguay here so we could win 4 or 5 more wins??? Id rather we see if a player like Joensuu can be an impact NHL player for us by giving him a legit try at the NHL level than getting 5 more wins with Tanguay (That is assuming Tanguay would even come here). Lets be honest, the Isles were dead last in the NHL last year, why would any impact UFA come here except for a massive overpayment whicg would get us into Rangerlike cap contract problems. I hate loosing as much as the rest of you but lets be honest they are not spending any more $ We are not the Rags and we will not spend to the cap just so we dont get called cheap. Some teams spend to the cap, some dont. Im used to it. Im hoping for the best (a compatative team which is in the playoff hunt in March) but expectiong the worse (A bottom 5 position with a lot of good signs towards the end) as far as the goon issue, overated, what we need is a 4th line that goes out everynight for its 5 to 7 minutes and hits and hits a lot. and a third line thats willing to use their body. The last time I saw neither Malkin nor Crosby have a bodyguard out there all the time, heck Goddard barely saw the ice out there. So lets not get carried away with a role for a player which wil be out there for less than 5 minutes.
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Who does Detroit have to enforce and make the cup finals 2 yrs in a row?
Isles will be fine. It’s Rechlicz’s job to learn and lose.
I agree with post 5. -
Pablo says:
I think your realistic take and your opinion on an Enforcer are pretty much dead on. It is just that some are ignorant and don’t understand the history of the game!
If fans don’t want to look at this roster on paper and understand that they will be at the bottom of the league, they are just fooling themselves.
With that said, I do think their is reason for optimism for guys like Bailey,Okposo and Tavares. Other than that your in dream land, and until the Lighthouse gets built “IF” than we might have hope, which still is not a Stratergy. -
Bob Bassen says:
I just hope *The Kids* have been LIVING in the weight room and drinking protein shakes morning, noon and night. Not saying I want them in fights every night but sooner or later they are gonna have to stick up for themselves and start chucking em!!! Strange that The Islanders past on Artyukin…offensively as good if not better than the *other* heavyweights playing,imo. Hmmm…oh well.
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Leviticus says:
CB I still believe your logic is flawed. Add the 4-minute per game and in that 3-0 game he gets into a fight with his misconduct with the other teams ‘enforcer’ (horrible term, nothing is enforced—goon is more accurate) and you are still in the situation you described. Do we need to add some size and general toughness? Yup, and as we continue to add skill that will have to be addressed. So, let’s see what JJ brings to the table, let’s see if haminic and Martin are ready in a couple of years, and let’s see if that kind of player shakes loose next summer as the cap is about to drop. But, let’s not rile everyone up withinking that you’re going to solve this by putting moulson on the first line (rediculous notion), or basically play with 3 lines by having rechlitz and another no talent guy on your 4th line. And I agree with the post that asked about detroits ‘enforcer.’
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Bob says:
If this is truly the roster, then all the predictions of the Isles finishing 9th-12th in the East are nuts. Look at the defense!!! That is the worst collection of d-men in the league and I don’t think it’s close. This team is a LOCK for a top 3 pick. Also, to all the fans who keep saying they hope they finish 9th or 10th, you do realize that is the worst possible scenario for this franchise?
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isle5 says:
When the Islanders where in Egypt’s land, Let my Islanders Gooooooooooooooo!
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Chris Mc says:
Anyone with half a brain knew this was going to be the team hitting the ice this season. The only place that was even in question was Nate Thompson but he mustve seen Gordo get into some mischeif in Providence and hes holding it over his head.
Id like to seen Okposo on the line with Bailey and Comeau. I know some of you are down on Comeau, but you cant deny that the 3 together have some chemistry.
And I thought last year was the put up or shut up year for Tambellini? Is he really getting another shot. I’ll echo some of the other readers when they say Id rather see Joensuu or Smith given a shot instead.
Oh and for anyone who busted on Mike R and his pics. Grow up. Im sure youre a bunch of Adonises yourselves.
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Sean says:
I dont like when people say Detroit doesnt have an enforcer. The wings dont need one with all their skill up front. I think maybe 2 or 3 players would crack their line up
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Marc from Troy says:
Re: CB’s projected lineup… Probably damn close to exact. Probably. Couple of things, however:
1. Remember that Thompson was just signed to a TWO-way contract for this yr – not like the one-way we were stuck with last season. Because of that, there’s at least the chance that if someone else impresses @ camp, it doesn’t have to be Thompson’s contract holding them back.
2. Must have missed Moore being signed. Is there really any reason to believe he was signed as anything more than B’Port filler?
Would be nice, however, if we could actually wait and see what team breaks camp before we lose our minds about the roster. If this is it, we shouldn’t be surprised, but I think there’s still the chance they pick up someone else’s cap casualty before all is said and done.
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miket239 says:
great piece on Miro. i wouldnt have minded getting him back, but now i dont want him. let Josh Bailey get THAT much more ice time and let Miro go kick it in europe…and leave his house on LI vacant for a bit.
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Islesin2010 says:
CB- correct me if I am wrong but it seems you are having a more difficult time letting IPB go then you first suspected. If I am anywhere close, thank you know who! We need you and this kind of coverage forever. You’re the best in the biz
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John from ATL says:
CB- Thanks for another posting. With the Mets in the tank, its been a long summer. Can’t wait for the season.
I think the team will be a little better this year, mostly because of the goalie upgrade. But, they will have the same problem they had last year and the Mets had this year. Lack of Depth. They will be fine if no one gets hurt. But, there will be injuries and that’s when the warts will show. When Witt, Martinek and Sutton go down, and they will, the replacements will be Meyers, MacDonald and who…?
This team will also have a lot of trouble scoring unless the kids take a huge leap forward in their development and Tavares scores more than an expected 15-20 and only on the PP.
Either way I’ll watch most of the games and start the count down for a lottery pick.
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Justin says:
My biggest concern is the depth on defense, meaning there is none. It’s a given that Martinek and at least one or two other d-men will get hurt at some time, it happens every year. That’s where the problems really come in because the Isles never haver quality depth on defense in their system.
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#20 apologies Mike R I was commenting on the camel and not you but it sure came across that way..put me in the box for a chris simon 10 minute major….:-(
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Sorry for the double posting but, CB does have a point in the lines he has listed.
That is, the Isles have four centers (Weight, Tavares, Bailey and Nielsen). But, they need all four to get top 3 line ice time. I would think the Isles would want to put Tavares at center because they would want him to become the #1 center of the future. And Bailey as the #2 center. That’s why I would move Neilsen to left wing. Then they would have Bergenheim, Nielsen and Tambellini on the left side. Okposo, Hunter and Comeau on the right side and Park or Thompson as the fourth line center. Who plays with who does really matter.
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MileHighIsle says:
Is Thompson more talented than Haley? I’d rather have Haley up and make the team tougher than waste that spot with Thompson. A HW enforcer would be nice to have, also.
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Battfist says:
Anze Kopitar-One of the LA Kings young studs, here is what he said about Moulson:
Kopitar praised Moulson’s instincts. “He’s always dangerous in front of the net,” Kopitar said. “Just give him the puck around there and he gets a good shot away. He’s really smart on the ice too. Responsible defensively.”
He has a realistic shot at playing a lot of games this year for the Isles.
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isles316 says:
I like this roster. I also think Moulson from LA might crack the lineup. He looked pretty good for them in his brief role.
This team should show a lot of heart every night and there are a lot of interesting stories this year.
How much will Okposo improve on his 18 goals? Will Bergenheim stay healthy and can he be more consistent? Tavares? Bailey? The Isles have a lot of question marks with the answers leading to more upside. I think this team surprises people and hangs around awhile and plays meaningful games in march. -
#39…..Detroit’s entire make up is tough. They have plenty of people willing to drop the gloves.
Comparing the Isles to them is pretty ridiculous.
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It’s a shame we can’t mix Tambellini’s youth and Speed with Miro’s hands and skill – Miro’s done – he worked well in a grinding/veteran based Nolan system, but he has no place (nor pace) on this “young” team – I always liked Miro, but it’s easy to face facts. There is a reason the Pens won the cup and players like Satan and Sykora could barely break the lineup. As for Tamby – jeez – I hope the kid breaks out this year and surprises us – wouldn’t a SURPRISE be nice right about now?! – oh well – Wishful thinking!!
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As much as I feel the Isles will pick up an enforcer on waivers if they feel Wrecker isn’t ready, the enforcer issue is a bit overblown.
As many players say, there are alot more cheap shots in the game since the instigator rule was introduced. An enforcer can’t just grab any player and start pummeling them, the foe must be a willing combatant. Do you whiners think that Steve Ott or Sean Avery would fight Laraque after they pasted Tavares into the boards? Heck, even Lucic wouldn’t fight Laraque last season after beating Komisarek in a fight and injuring his shoulder. Laraque followed him around all game the next time they met, and Lucic wouldn’t go – and he’s about 6-4 250! So, please stop using the argument that Snow is an idiot or thinks he is smarter than the rest of the league. Getting a huge enforcer is not going to stop Tavares and company from getting run. It will be the middle-weights who can skate with him that will end up doing the most damage. And they are more likely to fight Jackman and the Wrecker than Laraque or the Boogeyman. -
Joe in Massapequa says:
Smitty, very well said. I also agree that the enforcer argument is overblown. If someone takes a run at JT, we take a run at their scorer/youth. I am not saying to play dirty but you have to do what you have to do. Unfortunately I don’t believe this will happen judging by the outcome of the Mike Mottau/Frans Nielsen situation…
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For those who keep bringing up Detroit, I guess you missed that second to last playoff game against Anaheim where Zetterberg, Hossa and Datsyuk got jumped and beat up by Niedermayer, Perry and Getzlaf. I’m sure Detroit is still pretty pissed off about that. In fact they made an offer to Colton Orr this offseason. Mt point is, even Detroit (as good as they are) still regret not having someone out there that would recent something like that. I don’t know about you buy If rather not see Bailey. Okposo and JT in that position without anyone to keep the opposition honest.
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That last comment should read “regret not having someone out there to prevent something like that.” Im posting from my blackberry and sometimes it has a mind of its own. (54) I totally agree with you about Haley. I’m sure he’ll get a look in preseason. His development was stunted a bit last season due to injury, so its an important year for him. He’s a great spark plug and responsible player. He’s small but one of the toughest kids I’ve seen in a while. Search his fights on youtube. He rarely loses a fight. Check his fights against the much bigger Kevin Westgarth and Richard Greenop. Those two guys tower over Haley and he disposed of both of them. Give him a look Gordon!
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4195 mary says:
I really don’t believe you need a 4 minute per game fighter any more. That’s old school. What the Isles need is more players like Park and Jackman, workaholics who never give up. If you could combine Park’s work habits and hustle with, say, Satan’s natural talent, just imagine. At this point in their careers, Laracque and Brashear and whoever else is out their serve no purpose. I want a guy like Cheechoo with tons of heart, hustle, and some talent. I know those guys don’t grow on trees, but players like that win Stanley cups.
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neologizer says:
I’d take Miro over tambellini any day. How can you say there’s no ice time when tamby is out there.
Buy Tamby a port jeff ferry ticket and put Miro on the roster
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CJCB says:
I really dont think i can sit through another Enforcer less year. They need to use Rechlitz or someone else from day 1 and use him all year. Just adding one in for certain games does nothing to give your team a “tough” image or label. If you want to be called a tough team to play against in need to be there ALL the time. Plus like it or not fighting sells tickets and is why i have not been to many games in 2+ years. Bring back the bench clearing brawls, i miss Goalie fights!!!
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StevieL says:
Bring it on! I just bought my Oct 3 tix online at Ticketmaster. Cheap seats are sold out! Can’t wait! Place will be rocking!!
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Karl says:
Whats the deal with none of the cheap seats being available? I cant even find single cheap seats for some of the value games. Theres no way the isles have sold out all the 20-30 dollar seats against teams like Edmonton on a week night. I was hoping to find some of the cheaper seats for Thanksgiving Eve against the Flyers and did not think it would be sold out by now. Anyone know whats going on?
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BringBackNyles says:
CB, come on I like the Isles but Opening night a hot ticket? That;s a joke….this is available on ticketmaster as I type this:
Section 101
Row A
Seats 1-8
Description Price level 4Or
Section 317
Row O
Seats 1-8
Description Price Level 10 -
It was a bite strange purchasing tickets today. I kept getting the same two sections and seats when I was purchasing tickets. I had to take one of them…but thats ok. As long as Im in the building Oct 3rd!
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Brian B says:
This is the same roster essentially that last year played pretty well for the most part the first two months of the year…for the first 2 periods of games at least. If they can play the system for 60 minutes and keep leads, I think they could definitely be around .500.
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Playing well at the beginning of the year and playing well when it really counts are two different things.
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TO be honest i cant watch a Detroit Red WIng game thet are BORING!! I would rather model my team after a stanly cup winning Ducks team from a few years back. I highly doubt that Dteroit would have lost the either cup had they had an Enforcer in the lineup over one of their 4th liners who everr they might be. The reason i dont know who is on their 4th line is because i DONT CARE. You take an Enforcer like Rechlitz and all of a sudden you put him at rallies and such. Why? Is it because hands down they ALWAYS become fan favorites. Why?
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A couple of years back i bought tix for the home opener and Godard was on the roster i went to the game only to find out he was a scratch against a tough team(cant remember the team)who had an Enforcer. I would NOT have bought the tickets to the game to see Justin Papineau, so i again will have to wait till i know that Rechlitz will be a regular in the lineup.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
CB- Unfortunately the line combos you put out there are probably what we are looking for come Oct. 3rd … which takes me to the next subject…. ENFORCER!!
Snow has to be kidding himself if he’s going to put that SOFT lineup out against a much TOUGHER Atlantic Division / Eastern Conference. That just isn’t the proper environment for the kids to advance in their development.
I’m like you CB … I don’t go to hockey games for fights … I love a good scrap … but I love a fight with purpose … and love when a hard nosed player can produce and yet strike fear in opponents while on the ice.
Heck … at this rate I’ll take Chris Simon back over Satan.
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Isles fan showing colors in the Valley of the Kings … Love it!! -
a REAL hockey fan says:
Nice job CB — Sorry to break it to all of you but the Islanders need some more beef, size and toughness — Ill take another heavyweight over some euro who DOES NOT play hard everynite and does ballerina and figure 8′s.. Im not saying all euros do that, BUT ALOT do. the team needs another heavyweight and big physical presence with this young team!
I have said it before and ill say it again, the Islanders usually have a history of tough teams, ive been a fan for over 25+ years and the Islanders were RARELY if ever pushed around, i HATE when my team loses on the scoreboard and physically. the Redwings are not the example to follow, most people want speed/skill/skating and YES PHYSICALITY, the Detroit snorewings are soooo boring to watch! YES there a good team for sure, but holy sh!t i simply cant watch a game of them, (and NBC shows em all the time) – seriously there are BORING to watch.. ZZZzzzsss..
Great job CB, i hope the Isles wake up and add some toughness and size with this young team b4 its to late, CMON GARTH WAKE UP! JT cant get roughed up as a 19 yr old and *IF* he does, ISLES FANS WILL SCREEEEAAAMMMMM and not tolerate it…
That is heart, BIG heart wearing the Islanders Jersey in Egypt.