Monthly Archives: September 2009
Sean Bergenheim is arguably the best of the under-the-radar, young home-grown Islanders. I’ve felt for a while that if his development didn’t work out here, there would be a long line of NHL GMs looking to steal him from the Islanders in a bad trade. It could still happen.
He’s had a contract battle that cost him a year in the NHL and rough adjustment periods (putting it mildly) with new coaches Ted Nolan and Scott Gordon. His relationship with Gordon, solid by the mid-way mark last season, still bears watching. Bergenheim will likely never be a 30-goal man, but if he can cut his minor penalties in half, he can be very effective.
After our interview, I noticed something on the official team site. You can write it off as the work of a non-hockey staffer, but it might be a sign that Bergenheim still has a way to go in management’s eyes. He is listed in the incorrectly labeled “2008-09 Depth Chart” (fixed since this story was first posted) as a fourth line left wing, centered by Nate Thompson and with Tim Jackman on their right side. The first line is Tavares-Weight-Okposo. Listed as the third line left wing, Jeff Tambellini ranks higher than Bergenheim. Rick DiPietro is the No. 1 goalie. If you subscribe to the theory that you don’t lose your job because of an injury, that’s okay.
Again, maybe it’s nothing. But my experience tells me stuff like that doesn’t get there – and stay there – by accident. A check of the other teams in the Islanders’ division reveals that the Flyers, Penguins, Devils and Rangers do not post “depth charts” on their team sites. If the Islanders’ depth chart on their official team site – for the last year, 80% commerce, 20% hockey information – should not be taken seriously, then why does it exist?
I spoke with Bergenheim over the phone last night while he was watching the U.S. Open on television.
I get the feeling you’re one of the Islanders the fans don’t know much about. Tell me something we don’t know about you.
Well, my answer for this question used to be that I was a figure skater before I played hockey.
Really?
Yes, when I was very little – like from about 3 years old to maybe 7 or 8.
Did it help your hockey?
Definitely. Skating is such a big part of the game. I was young, but I’m sure I picked up some things that helped my hockey. If nothing else, I skated and skated all the time.
For someone who loves playing the game as much as you, the long offseason must be excruciating.
It was long. Sometimes I’ve had the World Championships to extend the season for a month when we missed the playoffs, but I sat out the tournament this spring to be careful with my injury.
Is the groin injury completely healed?
Hasn’t been a problem at all. I worked out a lot this summer and have been skating a while. I’ve been back on Long Island for a week and skating almost every day. So far it’s been strong. The Islanders kept me out of the World Championships. They made the decision for me so my body could heal. It definitely was the right decision.
Did you hear much from Garth Snow and Scott Gordon over the summer?
Not at all. I know what I have to do. I’m excited about getting back. As you mentioned, it’s been too long since our last game. The games are the best part. I hope we don’t have an offseason as long as that one ever again. I’m really excited to start every season, but I loved the way we played for stretches after mid-January. Many of our young players showed a lot of talent and we came together as a team. I think we can continue from where we left off.
Did you think your play in the second half was the best stretch of your young career?
I don’t know. There were some others, but I was pretty happy with my play. For me, it’s about feeling confident in myself and my play within our team’s system. I play well when I trust myself.
Any idea what Scott has in mind for you this season? Know who your linemates will be?
(Laughs) No, but I’m sure everything will be for the right reasons and work out fine. This system can work for me. It’s up to me.
Have you welcomed John Tavares yet?
Just briefly on Monday after he skated. I have to say I’m really looking forward to him being a big part of our team for a long time. He’s a very skilled player.
Where are you living on Long Island?
In Glen Cove with my girlfriend. I love it here. Long Island is perfect for me because I love being near the sea.
Favorite places?
The beaches. I’ve been to the Hamptons a few times and enjoyed it there. Once the season starts, I don’t go out much except to dinner. I like to be ready for hockey. I guess I’m a bit of a movie fan, because I see many of the movies that come out.
Favorite one this summer?
The Hangover. Very funny.
The time I’ve known you, you’ve always had this very obvious appreciation for playing in the NHL. Although you lost the one season, you’ve always made it clear this is the only league you want to play in.
This is true. I’m very proud to be in the NHL. It’s the best league in the world. Don’t get me wrong; there are other great leagues. I was in Russia and Sweden and there are so many great players there, too. But nothing beats the National Hockey League. Playing in the NHL has been my dream since…well, since I can ever remember. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if I someday play somewhere else again, but my goal is to play in the NHL, win in the NHL and enjoy it for as long as possible.
Your parents are here to watch you play a few times each season.
Yes, usually about three times during the year. It’s a long time for me to be away from home, so it is nice when they visit.
Tell me about your family.
My dad runs his own computer software sales company and he also does some boat designing. His schedule is flexible and he’s the boss so he’s able to make time to visit me, which is great. My mom is an air hostess for Finnair. I’m the middle child; I have an older sister and younger brother. They get here once a season if everything works out.
What else do you like to do besides hockey?
I like other sports, like Formula One racing. I enjoy tennis, but I can’t play too aggressively with the hockey career going on.
Have you ever driven a race car?
I got to drive once with a Formula One star from Finland. That was a thrill. I know Teemu Selanne has tried some driving for fun. I hope to be in a rally race someday, but I’m thinking I should wait until my NHL days are over.
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After Pittsburgh won the Stanley Cup, some readers asked for my thoughts on former NYI assistant coach Dan Bylsma. I finally caught up with Dan the other day and wrote the story tonight for NHL Fanhouse. Please check it out when you have a chance and talk about it there. Thanks.
Chris Botta on NHL Fanhouse RSS feed
Matt Martin knows his new Entry Level contract means he can start his pro career in the AHL instead of playing an over-qualified, overage year back in Sarnia. But that’s not his goal when training camp opens in Saskatoon over the weekend. The tough 6-2 forward is looking to win a job in the NHL.
“I have to approach it that way, aim as high as I can,” Martin said when I called to congratulate him on his first NHL deal. “I’m going in with every intention of battling for a spot on the Islanders.”
Martin, the 2008th fifth round pick who has emerged as a strong prospect with Nystrom-Scatchard intangibles to go along with decent skill, followed the Islanders every day while with Sarnia of the Ontario League. Confident in himself without being cocky or delusional, he believes there is an opening.
“I’ve noticed we didn’t add a lot of size guys or power forwards over the offseason,” Martin said. “Maybe management did it because they like the guys they already had on the roster. I’d like to think I’m part of that mix. Now it’s up to me to actually prove it on the ice.”
He despised talking abut his protracted negotiations with the Islanders over the last year. From his friendly refusal to discuss them after a deal was finalized, it was clear 1. The process was an at times painful learning experience, 2. He didn’t get close to everything he asked for (hey, that’s business) and 3. He’s moving forward. “It’s nothing personal with me and the team,” he said. “Now the focus is completely on hockey.”
The contract was finalized because Martin was not going to enter camp with business hanging over his head. He completed the Sarnia trio over the weekend, joining Sting teammates and Islanders prospects Justin DiBenedetto and Mark Katic on the Island for workouts. “I’ll live with my friends and get a good week of skating in with all the guys before we leave for camp,” he said. “I’ll be ready.”
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Chris Botta on NHL Fanhouse RSS feed
Writer Jeff Z, Klein reports on how Islanders Point Blank was started, what the blog accomplished in Year One and what could be next.
I should know PB’s future in the next few weeks. Islanders President Chris Dey says in the Times piece there “might be an opportunity for another entrepreneur to cover the Islanders in a similar manner.”
I certainly never thought Point Blank would get to the point of being written about in The New York Times. As with everything, this doesn’t happen without the extraordinary support demonstrated the last 11 months by Islanders fans.
This morning at the Apple store in Roosevelt Field, I ran into a core player for the Islanders. I wanted to know how he was doing. Instead, he inquired about the blog. “I think it’s been a great thing for the team,” he said. “I know a lot of us really hope you continue it.” He said much more than that. My kids could tell how much I was blown away by the Islander’s comments. The response in texts, emails and calls from so many players and hockey people inside and outside the Islanders organization over the last month has been inspiring.
No matter what happens, this has been an amazing experience. Getting covered in The New York Times is hopefully the icing on top of a rewarding first year. Thank you…CB
Here’s my story for NHL Fanhouse on Zach McKelvie, defenseman, Boston Bruins prospect and 2nd lieutenant of the United States Army. Yes, he is the free agent I referred to in yesterday’s post. McKelvie told me he met with Garth Snow on Long Island, but opted to sign with Boston. Please talk about it at Fanhouse and thanks for the continued support over there.
This is why you have to bookmark Katie Strang’s site. Since only Newsday is covering the team full-time these days and she works hard at it, Katie will often get info like this first. Mercifully the deal is done before training camp. Now Martin can play in Bridgeport this season.
This Roberto Luongo column for Fanhouse brings the total of Islanders references to three in my first four stories for AOL. Guess we write what we know. It’s also the first time I have used the word “asinine” in an article. (Never knew it was spelled with one s). Please check out the Roberto column if you get a chance, and talk about it on NHL Fanhouse. I’m indebted for the support PB readers have shown over there.
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Hungry for More Newsday Coverage: Lunch with Greg Logan yesterday at Dodici in RVC. It was nice to see him and talk over some chianti and more bowls of pasta than there were people at the table. As you’d expect, he is very disappointed to no longer be on the Islanders beat. His hope was to bring his best on the Islanders for Newsday until the day he retired. Nevertheless, he was proud of the many stories he broke and shared over his three years on the team. He is looking ahead.
As I wrote when Katie Strang was named to the beat, I hope Newsday utilizes Greg as a columnist and feature writer on the Islanders. He retains invaluable sources and still has plenty of stories to tell. Even after meeting with him for two hours, I’m uncertain what Greg’s personal wishes are. From what I’ve heard from other staffers at the paper, he’ll be assigned all over the place – from boxing to NFL games. Starting in October, it would be in the best interests of Newsday and its readers if Greg brings his knowledge and more than three decades of experience back to the Islanders in a significant role.
There’s no doubt in my mind Katie will do a superb job and will blog relentlessly on the Islanders. Die-hard fans will be very pleased with her hour-by-hour accounts on the blog. Hopefully by the start of training camp the brass in Melville will also figure out how to make their website better than vintage 1998. But if Newsday is serious about bringing the finest Islanders coverage to its readers – two stories the last two days on the Rangers – the editors will use all of their best resources.
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Behind Blogger’s Eyes: A few readers have sensed a more “gloves off” tone to Point Blank since the blog is no longer team-sponsored. I guess that’s possible, or it could be just the pre-camp, no-transactions blues. I’ll also point out that no fulltime reporter on the team was as negative during last year’s nosedive as this one. I don’t need to link the stories, like the one where I compared management’s handling of Rick DiPietro’s injury to the shenanigans of my 8-year old twins. Or my borderline heckling of Coach Gordon. You can look it up.
If someone wants to question my four-decade affection for the franchise, I believe there’s still tape of my speech at the Aug. 4 Lighthouse hearing floating around.
As for the future of this blog, sorry for the drama but I still don’t know. As of today, I’d say 50/50. Hope to have resolution before the Islanders leave for camp. Trying, believe me. Appreciate so many of you hanging in and checking the site every day.
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Where Are the Signings?: Labeling the signing of Rob Hennigar as “brutally misguided” was admittedly a bit over-the-top, but let me explain. As most of you know all too well, the Islanders have not dug deep very often to sign free agent college, European or first-year pro prospects. (See: Wheeler, Gilroy and Bozak in college, David Clarkson out of junior, Leino and Salmela in Europe). When the Islanders spend, they have to get it right. This goes for even cheaper buys like Hennigar.
Jack Hillen looks like a pretty good investment, Sean Bentivoglio not. (Let’s go on the assumption the Islanders’ goal is to see these guys become everyday NHL players). Trevor Smith shows a little promise, as does Joel Rechlicz in a far different role. The pugnacious Micheal Haley could become a fan favorite, but again we’re talking about a fourth-line player. Nathan Lawson is a PB favorite, but right now he’s about 73rd on the Islanders’ goalie depth chart.
As in everything, you have your hits and misses. Rob Hennigar, scouted and signed to an NHL contract at age 25 after four years in the Canadian university system, was a miss. By trying to move him all summer and getting little in return, the Islanders conceded this. Hennigar is by all accounts a terrific young man. He tore up the East Coast Hockey League last year (15-44-59 in 38 games), so there is obviously some ability there.
The Islanders need to do better. This is not about young AHLers on at least their second teams like Mark Flood and Jeremy Reich and PB reader fave Matt Moulson. This is not about former Brampton forward Jason Dale, signed to an AHL contract and far from a standout at prospect camp.
It’s worth noting the Islanders attempted to sign at least one college free agent this summer. I spoke with one yesterday who said he met face-to-face with Garth Snow, appreciated the interest and liked what the GM had to say. In the end, he signed elsewhere because he felt his new team’s system was better for him. “I know some of the Islanders’ prospects,” he said. “They are very good. The Islanders are going to be fine.” More on this player tomorrow.
But in case you are keeping score, the total number of college, European or first-year pro prospects the rebuilding Islanders signed this offseason?
Zero.
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