Monthly Archives: September 2009
10:30 am - Via Newsday, the Islanders say they do not want one-dimensional hockey players. (They didn’t have a 20-goal scorer last season. Where are we drawing the line on dimensions?). However, according to the official team site, the following will face Calgary tonight: Joel Rechlicz, Micheal Haley, Matt Martin, Jeremy Reich, Nate Thompson and Tim Jackman. John Tavares is not playing.
9:00 am - Yesterday, I wrote a column for FanHouse suggesting Dion Phaneuf play in tonight’s game between the Islanders and Flames in Saskatoon. (He’s not, of course). Today, Calgary Herald columnist George Johnson – with about 30 years experience and credibility on me – takes the issue several steps further. It’s a must-read. Comments.
6:30 pm - Frans Nielsen to undergo arthroscopic surgery on right knee on Monday. Team says he’ll be out 4-6 weeks.
4:47 pm - Kyle Okposo is said to be resting at the team hotel in Saskatoon. He did not join the team at their training camp facility today.
3:43 pm - My friend Elliotte Friedman (follow on Twitter) of Hockey Night in Canada spoke with NHL officials and was kind enough to share his notes with Point Blank: “The league said they reviewed the hit by Phaneuf on Okposo extensively. They determined that it was not a late hit. They said the hit was not ‘unsuspecting.’ The league determined that Phaneuf did not target the head and that he did not leave his feet or launch himself.”
2:45 pm - The NHL will say they’re looking at the tape to determine if Morency got to Phaneuf via a legal line change. It was a legal change. But this way the league keeps Morency away from Saturday’s game, and Phaneuf will not be playing. In other news, Casey Cizikas returned to the OHL, the still-unsigned Travis Hamonic to the WHL.
For FanHouse, my take on the Phaneuf hit. Also, a roundtable discussion on whether it was too much for the preseason.
12:55 pm – The Islanders just announced that Kyle Okposo has been diagnosed with a mild concussion. The team said results of a CAT scan clear Okposo to travel with the team back to Saskatoon.
12:30 pm - Tweet from @KatieStrangNYI okposo was taken to the hospital in an ambulance to be evaluated; was talking and moving hands so initial signs r good
11:30 pm - Posted by Adam Gretz of FanHouse, here is Phaneuf’s hit on Okposo.
On Twitter at 10:50 pm – @ nyipointblank Bob Nystrom reports on Calgary radio that Kyle Okposo called his father during the second period to tell him he’s all right. Okposo was crushed by Phaneuf as he was skating with the puck through the neutral zone. Reasonable speculation would be a possible concussion. If true, could be any degree of severity, but it’s a good sign that Okposo called home. Comments.
What was it like playing with first round pick Calvin de Haan last night in Edmonton?
Calvin made some really good plays besides the goal he scored. I thought he showed excellent poise for his first NHL preseason game. It was a lot of fun working with him. He’s going to have a very long NHL career.
Had you been partnered with de Haan at all during camp?
No. First time was the warmups before the game. That’s the exhibition season for you. I’ve played pretty much non-stop with Mark Streit.
The first time you met Calvin was when you were at the Islanders’ table for the draft. What was the experience of seeing the draft from that side like?
It was amazing being there, in my hometown of Montreal. There was so much excitement. As a player, I got a rare chance to see what (assistant GM) Ryan Jankowski and all the scouts work on when they’re at the table. I welcomed John Tavares and Calvin to the Islanders. It really was a great night.
Now that you’re a seasoned veteran and an incumbent, what do you hope to get out of these preseason games?
To me, it’s all about getting ready for the opener on October 3rd. It’s been a very long offseason. This is the time to shake off the rust. I know the system, I know how to work with Mark. I just want to work on all aspects of the game so I’m ready when they really count.
How important is a strong start for this team?
Huge. I have every expectation we will be good from the start. There are no excuses. Everyone was brought back. Just about everyone should know the system. A good start is crucial for us.
Are you anxious to see how your defense responds with everyone back?
They’re back and they are healthy. I like our guys. Having Andy (Sutton) and Freddy (Meyer) back strong is a chance for us to prove ourselves as a group. I’m excited for that. We also have added two top goalies in Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron which will make a big difference.
Did you hear much from Scott Gordon before camp on his expectations for you?
Not really specifically about that. Scott and I talk a lot, but I know what I have to do.
Looking back, what do you credit for your strong second half last season – the best stretch of your career?
Confidence. You hear that all the time, but it is true. I have to give a lot of credit to Scott for working so hard with me. Playing with Mark Streit was also a big deal. Mark pushed me hard and gave me a lot of tips about playing in all three zones.
Where do you feel you need to improve your game?
To be honest with you, I have to step up in every area.
Since you were a big goal scorer in junior, I was thinking you’d like to contribute more on offense.
Well, yeah! That would be nice. I’m working on it.
Comments.
12:01 am - Islanders PR maven Seth Sylvan texted this update: Doug Weight and Sean Bergenheim suffered strained groins during tonight’s 3-2 loss in Edmonton and are day-to-day.
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