COMEAU DIDN’T WASTE HIS PRESS BOX TIME
The game-day itinerary of a healthy scratch
Near the end of the Islanders’ morning skate in New Jersey on Friday, Scott Gordon had some advice for healthy scratch Blake Comeau. “Scott told me I should focus as much as possible on Zach Parise,” said Comeau, “and how he drives to the net.”
Parise may have gone point-less in the Devils’ 2-1 victory, but from watching the New Jersey star bolt straight for the Islanders’ goal every opportunity he had, Comeau got the point.
And on Saturday, in his first game back in the lineup after six straight on the bench, Comeau scored a goal, added an assist and was named the game’s No. 1 star in Islanders’ 6-3 win over Atlanta.
“More than his goal,” said Gordon after the game, “I really liked the play he made on Jack Hillen’s in the first period. After Blake made the pass to Jack at the point, he went straight to the net. In the past, his instinct sometimes has been to make the pass and stand there and watch the play.”
With both Comeau and Nate Thompson in front of the net on a 4-on-4, Hillen’s blast blew past a bothered Ondrej Pavlec and gave the Islanders a 3-1 lead.
To his credit, Comeau did not sulk or waste any of his half-dozen nights as a healthy scratch. I asked him about his routine during those games when he was out of the lineup.
6:55 pm - The 23-year old right wing would not arrive at the Coliseum until just before gametime. “I’m going in for a hard workout,” said Comeau, “but I think it’s important to give the guys playing their space.” When the Islanders hit the ice a little after 7:00, the workout begins.
7:05 - Under the direction of Islanders strength coach Jesse Demers, Comeau and his fellow scratches – the last two weeks included Rob Schremp and Freddy Meyer – go through a high-tempo lift and cardio workout. “We do everything in short bursts,” said Comeau. “Jesse believes it’s good to simulate a 40-second shift in a game.” While Comeau and company run, jump, lunge and lift, they keep an eye on their team playing on the many TVs displayed around the Coliseum weight room.
8:00 - As the sweatfest ends, Comeau is anxious to watch the game. During the first period, the extra players are informed where there might be an available Coliseum suite. “Watching the game from that perspective up top is very useful,” said Comeau. “It slows down the game a bit and you can see the entire ice surface. You take a lot of mental notes up there.”
When the Islanders are on the road, the extras don’t have the luxury of a home team’s training facility. Instead, they lift and bike after skating hard for the final 15 minutes the Islanders have the ice at their 11:30 morning skate. Said Comeau, “You draw the line between working hard and completely wiping yourself out. Sometimes you get the surprise call at 4:00 to be ready because one of your teammates may be sick or has an injury. You don’t want to blow everything you’ve got at the morning skate.”
While the players in the lineup head back to the team hotel for lunch and an afternoon nap, the extras have the day to themselves. On Oct. 30, before the Islanders played the Capitals, Comeau, Schremp and Meyer toured the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. “If you have the time and can do something worthwhile like that,” Comeau said, “you should do it.”
When the road games start, Comeau makes sure he’s in the press box before the opening faceoff. Asked about his favorite game-time snack, he earnestly said, “I try to stay away from the stuff in the suites and in the press boxes. You start digging into the chips and it could really be dangerous.”
Instead, he devours every aspect of the game. “Of course, you want to be playing,” said Comeau, “but we don’t waste our time up there watching. There’s always something to analyze, something to learn. Friday, it just turned out Scott wanted me to watch Parise. Great player, one of the best in the league. He shoots from everywhere, never stops working and takes a straight line to the net.”
On Saturday, Comeau did the same.
Comments on this story.
43 Responses to COMEAU DIDN’T WASTE HIS PRESS BOX TIME
The game-day itinerary of a healthy scratch
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I hope he gets it now. He’s actually a difference maker when he’s on his game. That standing around stuff drives me crazy because I know he’s got way more then that. I hope he continues to get the chances and that it fuels his fire. Great game last night!
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Steven says:
I want to see Blake in the lineup as well. Young players like Blake have to understand though they need to drive the net and be willing to get dirty to make plays. The goalies are to good to just stay on the outside. If your not willing to be hit and play tough you picked the wrong career.
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isles316 says:
I love Comeau. I really think he is going to be a very effective player in his career once he puts a few things together.
The Comeau jersey could be coming soon. -
Billy-no-not-Jaffe says:
Nice read on one of my most hopeful young Islanders.
I want Blake to get it and then make it happen. With his combination of good size and better than agerage skating, he could be a very useful part of the rebuild. -
mLem says:
I loved Comeau’s play last night, but I don’t think Freddy should be overlooked either. I thought he played a good game as well, and delivered an excellent hit in the second period. From where I was sitting it almost looked like he lifted the guy off his feet and slammed him down. I am very pleased with our boys when we play up tempo games, the rebuild can certainly shine bright on some games.
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mike says:
gordon has not liked this kid since last year He is better then alot of the guys gordon plays.
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WM says:
Another example as to CB’s Point Blank is the #1 resource for Isles news.
Thanks, as always, Chris. -
Eastonhockey says:
Sorry but to me Blake maces out as a 15 goals a year guy…on a good year. His ahl stats didn’t look good either. Nice that people Luke the kid but realistically we are looking at brad dalfarno part 2..best case. If the isles ever become as good ad the 93 isles Blake wouldn’t make the team besides for spare part call up type.
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Rachel G says:
Great story. I just wish Comeau was watching Zach Parise in an Islander uniform.
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Justin says:
I am most impressed that out of all the Museums to go to they chose the Holocaust memorial. Kudos gentleman.
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ken says:
very cool read. i could read the ‘behind the scenes’ stories all day.
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mike 8 says:
great stuff. cant get this stuff in newsday. and also I love how ppl here know comeau will max out at 15 goals, no one knows but he has all the tools to be a good player.
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DanNOLA says:
Another player who is in a pivotal year. Let’s see what you’ve learned and what you’ve got, Blake. I hope he gets some more playing time like last night and can open more eyes. Unfortunately, he’s got his detractors, and, truthfully, for good reason. He, neither in the NHL or the AHL, has shown what his full potential could be. I hope that changes.
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Chris Mc says:
Comparing Blake Comeau to Brad Dalgarno is totally off-based. If you want to compare Tambellini to Dalgarno than by all means. Dalgarno was drafted 6th overall and had way more expectations than Comeau has. And Dalgarno’s career was greatly affected by injuries.
Whats more ridiculous is that if Comeau is Dalgarno, how would Comeau only be good enough to be a spare part on a ’93 like team? Dalgarno was a 3rd line winger on that team who put up 32 points in 57 games, not to mention 2 playoff goals. Sounds a little more than a spare part.
Comeaus got a chance to be a 15 goal, 50 point player, which I would never complain about from a 3rd line player
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Staten Islander says:
I love it. Espcially the idea of showing him the video of Zack Parise. They should take it a step further, show the wrecker video of Clark Gillies, just saying.
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Funny how some fans think that every forward on a team should be 40 goal scorers.
15 goal guys have a role also, it’s called 3rd liner. Comeau was drafted 2nd round, has always been a good defensive winger. At age 23, his time to identify his game is diminishing, but he can be of value as a much faster Trent Hunter if he doesn’t reach his potential as a 2nd liner.
Gorton is trying to push him to his full potential. -
Comeau is one of the only forwards on the team that can handle the puck without getting knocked over and stolen.
He may not score 30 goals but he creates offense and Gordon is trying to teach him how to be more effective. -
Hud says:
Great read Chris, also, nice to see the Isles in the top 8 in the East.
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kevin27nyi says:
schultz, its not right to compare his numbers with jackmans or thompsons becuase they have totally different roles but sim? yeah he should be in and sim should be out
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2277 says:
glad he’s finally back int he lineup! Now all they need to do is sit Sim and play Schremp!
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Islesin2010 says:
Great story CB, never knew what the scratches did on gamedays, very interesting.
#13 Schultz- good stat, but what I do not agree with that is the fact that Jackman and Thompson are playing their roles. They aren’t going to light up the scoresheet. Whatever they can produce offensively is a plus. Comeau has the skills to be a point a game player, he shows it sometimes, and doesn’t others. That’s why it’s so frustrating watching him struggle and why Gordon knows getting Blake going could be huge for this team.
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Mario says:
Play comeau and schremp—NOT SIM!!!!!!!!!!
Also,
went to the soundtigers-wolfpack game last night. Rags farm team has at least 5 ready NHL players compared to our 3, Kohn, Macdonald, and Smith. -
dalcy says:
looking forward to your article about Jon Sim’s itinerary for a healthy scratch.
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Anthony says:
SIM busts his tail every shift, every game… He leads by example with his hard work; he draws penalties and wins loose pucks.
All you guys here are hypocites bashing him. You’re the 1st to pout about a lack a veteran leadership, and this guys laid it on the line all year. He’s in the line-up because he’s earned it; he DESRERVES it…
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kevin fitz says:
So who sits when Hunter and Weight come back, assuming Comeau is still playing well?
Obviously Sim is one. Who is the other? No one else has played their way out of the lineup.
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jonsson3 says:
Great Story CB!!
Who’s better than you? Where else could us Islander fans find a story like this?
NOWHERE. That’s where!Also , #13,#27, you’re right on the money with those comments!
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It looks to me like Blake Comeau has done a lot of growing up. He seems to have an EXCELLENT attitude about his current situation! I loved his interviews during and after the Atlanta game, and I love what he says here. Im very happy with him, and Im glad that Scott was there to give him positive encouragement when he plays such a good game.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
I agree. Comeau has skills. He fast skater, he hits and he has great shot. Problem is he is lazy and greats complacent very easy. Think about it. He got sent to ahl last year came back played hard then fell off again. This year same situtipn gordon benches him and he come back and plays great game. Let’s see him after he back for few weeks again. Let’s say I would not be suprised if he healthy scratch again this season. Same with tambs. 3 great games now back to figure skating for 60 mins.
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John says:
Anthony(#28) you’re 100% correct on that comment. He knows how to aggitate the other team and get them off thier game. Hes good at it. After each play he is in someones face talking some sort of trash and getting opposing players frusterated. He is playing hard this year finishing checks and skating hard every shift…you guys say sit him i think you’re wrong. Let the man play he hasnt done anything wrong and other players listen to him as well. Drawing penalties w/o taking any is a good skill to have.
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Dack1972 says:
#7 Gordon knows Comeau has the ability to be a lot better. Some of the players playing on the roster that you say may not be as good may be true but are playing their pontential and working hard. You can’t let a guy like Comeau coast specially when he has the potential/talent to do a lot better.
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The Real JD says:
IMHO its not that Sims game lacks effort it just lacks the speed to play in todays NHL and especially Gordons system.
I love the way Gordon has handled the Comeau & Tamby situations I think its important to take playing time away from the players and force the players to realize take nothing for granted. Carrying healthy extra NHLers on the roster helps b/c everyday at practice it serves as a reminder to what may happen if you get lazy and helps raise the competition level of the team. For the last few weeks we’ve had 3 healthy scratches (dman and 2 forwards) the level of play has been much better.
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UIF says:
Good read. Interesting to see what these guys do when they’re not in the lineup. Comeau’s got a habit of going hot/very cold, so we’ll see if the message got through this time.
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Willis says:
What a good story. It sure seems like Scotty Gordon’s approach opened Blake’s eyes. Let’s hope this time Comeau stays with it and remembers that standing and watching is not going to cut it and he needs to get and stay involved to be (and help his team be) successful.
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beatlebailey says:
There is no other source for Isles news…Newsday is the worst..Logan was a Pullitzer prize winner compared the garbage we get now..remember the islanders insider he would do for the web..we get NOTHING now…zero…they gave the Isles beat to an intern…THANK GOD for PB!
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pete debenedetto says:
The Isles have a very good problem….lots of good players and not enough spaces to put them.
Someone mentioned the fact that Jackman and Thompson don’t have many points….not their game folks. Nate is becoming a valuable faceoff guy plus a very good spark plug….as for Jackman….fights anyone.
Sim….points…not his game…..anyone notice how he took Antropov off his game? Sim is just annoying to look at, let alone play against.
Schremp…give it time…too talented to just waste….he’s learning Go Go as he watches.
Patience…………. -
I’m not the biggest Sim fan – he probably doesn’t belong on a PP unit, for example – but for what he is, he does a decent job. This isn’t a video game where the Isles can steal a bunch of great players in trades and have twelve top-six forwards. Even the Pens with Crosby/Malkin/Kessel often have Malkin take shifts on Crosby’s wing, and Kessel moves up to 2nd line, with PP and PK time.
Scott Gordon’s juggling a lot of guys who seem pretty interchangeable to most fans, and he seems to be getting good minutes out of the majority of them. Detlef’s the only guy left out so far, but considering how good Tambs and Comeau and Neilsen have played the past two or three weeks, I think he’s doing a good job, and deserves the benefit of the doubt.
FWIW, I like Jackman a lot. He is a great fourth-line guy, good forechecker, and usually knows where he needs to be. He goes to the front of the net. Even if he’s not always cashing in on all his chances (there’s a reason the guy’s a fourth-liner), he tends to create more than his share of them, and that makes the other team work in their own end, rather than in the Isles’ end. That’s good work right there. I’m glad the Isles have him.
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KO21 says:
I’m rooting for Blake and he has shown he has ability but I didnt see him crashing the net last game…His goal was an outside peremeter shot which gets caught by the goalie 99 times out of 100… I’m just saying, if Blake was crashing the net and or using his body to make hits I would’ve noticed…I didn’t notice much of him, expect for on his goal…
With that being said, I think Comeau has some good skill and could be the Isles 2nd or 3rd line winger if he puts his skills to good use.
All young players (and us old man hockey players too) can learn by watching players like Parise. Isles tape crew should give the young guys a dvd of Parise and throw in some footage of KO as well.
I agree with CB; no way should Comeau be sitting while Sim plays. Sim has been better but his future is not here.