PRACTICE: Iceworks, 11.9.09: More Progress for DP
All quiet on the Biron front; Hunter getting closer
12:45 pm - Some updates after a 75-minute Islanders practice:
Rick DiPietro practiced with the team for about 30 minutes today and is scheduled to again tomorrow. These would be DiPietro’s first back-to-back practices.
From this view, the goalie is coming along surely and steadily but is still not using 100% of his capabilities. No question, the team and DiPietro are being cautious and will continue to add to his workload with each week. I believe it’s still at least two more weeks before the Islanders and DiPietro start to plan a conditioning stint in Bridgeport.
Trade rumors involving Martin Biron at this point are complete guesswork and not rooted in fact. Even if DiPietro returns to the NHL a month from now, the Islanders will not be in a rush to move a goaltender until the 15-year man proves his health for a while.
In addition, the time to sell high in the goalie market is not November. You saw what happened in Carolina. Cam Ward got sliced up, the Hurricanes simply signed Manny Legace. Is Legace the goalie Biron is? Of course not. But teams are not going to over-pay in November.
In all likelihood, the Biron saga will be played out over several months.
*
Mark Streit was given the day off from practice by Scott Gordon. The Islanders were off yesterday. Trent Hunter says he’s much closer and working on timing and conditioning. While he looked good on a line today with Sean Bergenheim and Frans Nielsen, Kyle Okposo will likely have that spot Wednesday in DC.
Kyle Okposo practiced in Streit’s spot today, but he’s not going to be a defenseman.
*
11:35 am, Iceworks: Mark Streit has the day off. We await further word whether he’s banged up or resting and ready for game action. Kyle Okposo is practicing as a defenseman in blue. No, Kyle will not be playing defense 5-on-5. Figure it’s just part of his education as a versatile hockey player.
With Trent Hunter about to return, probably Wednesday in Washington, the hockey team from Long Island really starts to take shape. Your lineup at today’s practice:
Moulson - Tavares - Park
Bergenheim - Nielsen - Hunter
Comeau - Thompson - Jackman
Tambellini - Bailey - Sim
Schremp (wearing orange with JB’s line)
Sutton - Hillen
Witt - Meyer
Okposo - Gervais
Roloson/Biron
Please read the Comment Guidelines. Thank you. Live chat on Wednesday when the Islanders play against the AO-less Capitals.
86 Responses to “PRACTICE: Iceworks, 11.9.09: More Progress for DP
All quiet on the Biron front; Hunter getting closer”
Please Wait
Just googled the words “Lowly Islanders” how could this term still be used right now? Do writers actually look at standings? Personally I am sick of this term…how bout “Lowly Leafs”? I think that sounds better.
Any chance Schremp sees some action soon?
Seems like Invisibllini has had a quiet stretch.
Stop with The Tambellini remarks. Sim is a joke. I would rather see Schremp play than Sim any time.
They had a good thing going with the fourth line of Thompson-Park-Jackman. I hope they leave that alone. Thompson and Jackman actually looked like they were comfortable in those roles, and Park wasn’t asked to do anything crazy, like be a first liner.
Sorry for the wisecrack CB, couldnt help myself, figured that was the lineup….i think Sim is a huge reason for our early success eventhough it doesnt show on the scoresheet, he does a great job as F1 on the forecheck wearing down the other team’s D, i would like to see the number of turnovers he has caused this season, im sure it would change a lot of peoples minds about him and his effectiveness in the lineup…
Tambellini - Bailey - Schremp
We can call that the Shrimp line or the Midget Line.
I would play Schremp in the Carolina & Florida games - why not
also I would Scratch Jackman vs. Florida…Florida doesn’t have an enforcer & is not that Physical of a team
I think Tambellini has by far been one of the most consistent Islanders the last week even without any goals. He’s shooting the puck and giving a lot of effort out there. He’s proven he deserves to stay and is no longer a healthy scratch option.
Would be nice to see R. Park get some first line minutes, his speed could be good for that line.
Just like to point out that Time Warner in San Diego is weak. They have no no NHL Network, I have Home Ice, but, since the Caps game is on the NHL Network, no Isles game for me Wednesday. Weak. Who sits with Hunter back?
Ughh, why is Sim still assigned to a line and why is Park on the first line? One win doesn’t justify these lines. Comeau should be in the lineup on Wed, who sits then?
Agree with UIF about the 4th line. Keep it as was.
Play Jackman and sit Sim maybe good on forecheck but could not score into an empty net. Play schremp at least he can pass the puck and has more O upside then Sim. they made the right move last year with sim and put him in the bridge.I dont know what has changed from last year for him must be one of Gordons guys
Dear Scott Gordon….Richard Park is not a first liner and John Sim is nothing better than a fourth liner. WHY? Use Schremp he has the talent to be a top six forward get him some ice time you are ruining his development.
We went from needing to add talent, to “Who is gonna sit” interesting what a couple of wins can do.
i dont know how putting Richard Park on a line with Tavares truly helps his development. Park is a 4th liner, bar none!!! And to those who think Trevor Smith should be on this team. Where is he? I actually feel bad for Schremp. He must be thinking to himself, I’d rather be back in Edmonton
#8 completely agree. Park’s style of play will mesh awesomely with JT and Moulson. He has been under-utilized on the 4th line and has the experience to provide leadership to the young guns. His stat line is not reflective of his ability
Orange is the color the Bailey, Tamby, Sim line was wearing. Maybe Robbie gets to play. Who else sits with Hunter back? Does KO become like Fedorov and play on the blue line if Streit is hurt?
I just hope when/if DP is ready to come back the organization treats Biron or Rollie with class if they are traded. The Guerin fiasco was handled terribly and hopefully Garth and co learned from it. Not the worse thing to let DP sit the year , although we are making strides this year I highly doubt we will be bringing the cup home-
I love to analize my team as much as anybody but more than anything, I’m thrilled that they have won 5 of their last 7. We’re getting a solid team effort from most everyone. I’m loving seeing breakouts by Tamby, Comeau and Bailey. They’re moving in the right direction. As much as I want to see them run —- baby steps, my friends. Can’t say enough good things about Moulsson, JT and Okposo. Streit is coming on. We’re making good strides. Keep it coming! (AND we’re creeping up on the Rangers!)
JTorBUST, I believe that Biron is ‘in’ on this whole situation- in other words, that the whole trading him to a better situation if Rick doesnt come back strong thing was part of the reason he signed here in the first place. Im certain that he and Garth have talked about this already.
I think Richard park can play on any line in any situation, playing on the 4th line doesn’t afford him the most scoring opportunities that’s a fact but he is the man for all seasons! I think he can do well with moulson and tavares. Agree with most peoples thoughts on Jon sim. would rather see the younger guys play, shremp really has not had a chance to show what he cant do, why not give him one. Lets finish this trip out with some strong play on the road
Can we make Roloson the starter with no more of this rotation nonesense…look at the w’s and l’s it is not even close that roli should be playing over biron all the time…Let DP take ALL the time he needs even the season. We arent going anywhere this year anyway…
KO playing defense? What are the early odds for KO getting the Norris? lol
My guess is that KO will wind up back on the point on the PP, and Gordon wants him to have a clue what to do if he winds up being the only one back on a shorthanded breakout.
Either that, or he wants him to be able to cover when Sutton crashes the net.
(And man was that ever a gorgeous goal - great cycling, Tavares with a wonderful pass, and a scorer’s touch on the finish.)
I think this is a great problem to have; I would much rather have fans complaining about who should sit and who should pay; it means we actually have options
Last year we had no options lol
I am warming up to the idea of having Okposo and Tavares on different lines; they both seem more productive that way.
I hope the lines look like this when Hunter gets back
Moulson - Park - Tavares
Bergenheim - Neilsen - Okposo
Tambellini - Bailey - Hunter
Comeau - Jackman - Thompson
Streit - Gervais
Sutton - Hillen
Witt - Meyer
Roloson
Biron
Not really sure what happens when Weight comes back, but really this is a GOOD problem to have; that we have too many players that fans are lobbying to get into the lineup; must mean some progress is being made. If Gordon can get Comeau to play like he did Saturday night, every night; that is yet another young talented kid we have on this team.
Things are looking up
That should say “who should sit and who should play”
If all guerin get get is a 5th round pick that turned into a 2nd or 3rd due to pens winning two rounds… I think it’s safe to say biron brings back less…I don’t believe people around NHL rank biron much better then most backups…
There are only about five players worth worrying about: Taveras, Okposo, Bailey, Molson and Streit. The rest are pure interchangeable mediocrities.
Assuming DiPietro returns (I’ll believe it when I see it), Snow better wait awhile before trading Biron or Roloson. Since Stan Fischler likes Biron, I say Roloson is the one to keep.
Easton Biron would get more worth, he is a goaltender and I can name at least 3 or 4 teams that I bet will look for some veteran goaltending and will need it, to make a run in the playoffs
Detroit? Washington? Anaheim? Montreal?
There are others
Richard Park has never scored more than 14 goals in an NHL season. That’s not first line production as far as I can see. It’s not like he’s going to have a breakout year all of a sudden - the man is 33 years old (I know…see Jason Blake…). He does a lot of things right out there, no doubt, and he’s the ultimate utility player who can fill in admirably for a short stint on a scoring line when injuries make that absolutely necessary. But putting him on the first line just because doesn’t help anyone…let Park do what Park does best - act as a VERY effective energy player/PKer. He doesn’t have the vision to set up JT on the first line (he rarely passes), and doesn’t have the finishing ability to play there either.
Um Jim you are forgetting a few; Neilsen is quickly becoming a very reliable 2nd line center; Bergenheim has the talent. Hunter is solid as well. Tambellini has been really good so far; I just feel bad for him cuz I know that once he goes 5 games without a goal; Isles fans will jump on him for being back to his old self.
This team is more than just those 5 players, we have made more progress than that
James..i agree with you about Tamby..and i hope that fans wont jump on him..i have him on my fantasy team and although he didnt score last week he still led my whole team in shots..and he has been working really hard..I understand people think Sim works hard…but he gets nothing done..it’s a joke..i also noticed how you take him off Bergys line..and Bergy scores..the guy is just useless to me and once Weight and Hunter come back he better but sitting..i really don’t know who the other person sitting will be though..no one is really sticking out too much.
Ok guys I cant take it anymore. Gordon said he only sees Schremp as a center, not a wing. So he said the only way hes going to get in the lineup is if he plays C on one of the Top 3 lines and he won’t play before Tavares, Nielsen, and Bailey. So the only way we’re going to see Rob Schremp is if theres an injury to one of our top 3 centers. So if thats the case, I hope we never see Schremp bc I def do not want to see an injury to one of those 3.
# 31, I think he got hit the other night and has an “upper body injury”
Love Park on the first line! Give him a bunch of games and see what he can do. I think he’s one of the most under rated players on this team if not in the league.
Also, definately put Hunter with Bailey, I think Bailey needs a vet on his line. Hunter is a real leader, personally I would have made him Captain.
There’s gotta be a d-man somewhere we can get. We need an extra. Someone is gonna get hurt, and we can’t afford that.
Giggety
Moulson - Tavares - Hunter …..
seems like a no brainer to me
oh ,CB where would we be without your detailed updates.
Is fanhouse just helping you out with this season or indefinitely
I’m just amazed with all this love for Richard Park. I like the guy….but FIRST LINE? Did they stop putting fluoride in the water on Long Island?
Richard Park is a career 3rd/4th line player. He is a great PK’er, and is always good for 12-15 quality minutes per game. He has ZERO scoring/playmaking skills.
We’ve got a nice stable of kids with scoring skills (JT, KO, The Canadian Beer Kid, Bailey, and even Comeau and Bergie) who should be given 1st and 2nd line opportunities.
Just my opinion.
Besides being injured or sick….is Weight really doing much when he plays anyway? Breakaways….Penalty shots? May be time for him to move to asst coach…..If Bailey is staying in NHL…We have our 3 top line centers…..Thompson or Park can play 4th line Center….Hunter, Tambelini, Okposo, Moulson, Bergy, Comoe ar top 6 wings….
Let Thompson, Jackman, and Sim…split up the remaining 2 slots.
Wish there was a way to package something with Biron to get Carolina’s #1 pick.
I hope not too much is expected of Trent after being off ice for a while.
So, basically, Schremp was added to the roster to keep the Islanders around the cap floor? Wow. I wish I had a job where I just had to show up and work out for an hour and then collect my paycheck. We heard what Mr. Comeau was doing… how about a story on what Mr. Schremp has been doing as a healthy scratch?
Let me take a page out of the A.I book… We’re talking about PRACTICE here, not a game, not a game..We’re talking about practice…You guys are being ridiculous. Ever think that Park is only on the first line since Gordon wanted to give KO a little more time working on his defense. I’m sure KO will hop back onto the first line for the caps game and Hunter will add some experiance and well needed body infront of the net.
Please get a bodyguard for JT. That shot he took the other night as retaliation for Witts hit was unacceptable.
Richard Park is this decades version of Claude Lapointe…
…good wheels, tenacious, no finishing skills whatsoever.
By the way, I loved Claude.
Everyone is getting so worked up about Park being on the first line and so obviously Gordon doesn’t know what he’s doing and so forth. My take is that he was just simply shaking things up after two moribund offensive efforts the previous two games. Relax everyone, Arbour used to do stuff like this all the time to mix things up. I don’t see Park on the first line as a long-term thing, just a short-tem change of pace. By the way, in case anyone noticed, The Isles offense did seem to respond to the shake-up against Atlanta the other night quite well. I’m old enough to remember the outcry (although not on-line) when Arbour took Gillies off the Bossy/Trottier line and replaced him with plugger Greg Gilbert. Besides that season Gilbert never scored more than 17 goals in a year. That year he netted 34 and was a +51. There will be other adjustments as the season goes on, but don’t expect to see Park with Taraves and Moulson very long. Someone else suggested Hunter with Tavares and Mouslon. Nice skill sets but they need someone with more quickness on that line.
In my opinion, i think that 14 goals from Richard Park with almost no powerplay time last season is not “zero scoring/playmaking ability” lets give him some credit…i think this is just a shakeup to get some speed on that first line. He is not going to stay there for more than a few games. i agree with #43
James, I like those line combinations… a lot. Except for Park on the first line. I think realistically, Nielen makes a lot of sense centering Tavares, but I do like the Nielsen Okposo, Bergenheim line combo too. Hmmm…
Confused
DOC
Love Richard Park. He gives you 100% every shift every game. Let’s see what he does with better offensive players instead of jackman and thomspon
Simmer has been a phenomenal asset for the Isles, doing what he does best, agitating the opposition and crashing the net, causing havoc for apposing goaltenders…His value doesn’t show up on the score sheet but educated hockey fans know how important it is to have a guy like that on ur team…He’s an annoying, yappy, SOB…
With that being said, Richard Park is a better player than Simmer and should switch spots…Put Parky on 3rd scoring line and Simmer should be on the energy line, IMHO…
Kyle Okposo is the best, all around player we have…KO is this Isles fans favorite player…Hope he can start getting rewarded with some goals…
Ballparking it… does legit Biron trade talks begin at the New Year? Earlier,later? What do you think CB?
I think Park is a better player than Simmer but Simmer is great at what he does…I say switch them so Sim is on the energy line where he belongs…
Agree With # 5 Sim Creates havic, draws penalities, and forechecks well.
Is he a scorer? not really, (he scored 9 last year) he busts his butt every shift, and goes to the net..something other players need to do a better job of.
DP will play again this year, he has lost 30 lbs and is as agile as he has ever been, look for him just before Christmas.
Park has scored 14 goals in the NHL, yet some think he is no more than a 4th liner with zero playmaking/finishing skills. However Comeau, who has never scored more than 12 goals in any season in the MINORS has the potential to be a 2nd line winger. Ridiculous. Great point by Spinner #43.
The next crazy thing I’ll read about is how the goal song is actually important in any way.
Thinking about it some more, it would be worth it for Comeau to volunteer his paycheck every season if it would guarantee him becoming the player that Park already is. 10-15 goals/15-20 assists every season and someone who is versatile enough to play on all four lines and in any situation (PP, PK, even the shootout!).
I don’t see him getting his game to that level, but I am still rooting for Blake.
Coach wants park on 1st line because Tavares is slow. The isles need to get Tavares a legit winger rather then doing what they did with yashin…1 avg winger after another.
2 guys put on waivers today Mair in Buffalo and big Steve McIntrye on Edmonton. Mair doesn’t give the team anything they already don’t have. But I think McIntrye could help the team. With Rechlicz not ready for the NHL and injured in the Ahl I think McIntrye could give the team a good sized legit NHL enforcer. Waive Sim to make room and go from there. Your eventually gonna need a legit NHL enforcer and he’ll give them that.
I haven’t been a fan of Sim since we signed it before the 07-08 season but I agree he is playing his best hockey of his Isles career now that he is fully healed from his knee problem two years ago (which is how long it’ll take Martinek to get back to form but I digress).
Most concerning is that Boulton crushed Tavares one shift after receiving a big hit from Witt. Boulton tried to engage Witt in a fight but Witt wouldn’t go with him (and rightfully so since the Isles were up by 2 goals at that point). The price for not dropping the gloves was Boulton going after one of our top stars with a hard (and legal) check. Not sure we can do anything about that short of obliging Boulton in a fight when he initiates but I’d like to know how come when our fourth liners bang a star player on an opposing team, our fourth liner is met immediately by one or more guys standing up for his teammate. I know we don’t have many players with size but someone has to stand up for JT. That’s at least the third hit this season JT has received that has gone without reprisal of any type. Reminds me of the Mottau hit on Nielsen last year and we still haven’t done anything to the guy to make it known that it’s not acceptable to hit like that without having to face the consequences.
Okay wait, Richard Park’s season high in points is 32 in an 82 game season at the age of 32. Blake Comeau had 25 pts in 53 games last season at age 23.
Yeah I’m done.
jerky well said, we need a legit enforcer who has one job , protect JT, thats it. Steve McIntrye sign him up-
he has pummeled the wrecker a few times
#34 BJ couldn’t agree more Moulson-JT-Hunter. Hunter brings the jam needed to win the battles along the boards and boy does he shield the puck well and keep plays alive along the boards. Hunter scores 25-30 goals with JT (lock that up!).
with the fourth line be being more productive than it has been in recent past, I say don’t mess with it. Park , Thompson and dare I say Jackman have been a good energy line that has surprised many. They can kill penalties too! I say don’t mess with them. As for the rest, this is how I’d like to see them…
Moulson - Weight - Tavares
Bergenheim - Neilsen - Okposo
Tambellini - Bailey - Hunter
Thompson - Park - Jackman
Streit - Gervais
Sutton - Meyer
Witt - Hillen
Comeau needs to show more consistency and Schremp needs some game time too. I know, good problems to have.
Oh and sorry to hear about Martinek, big loss in spite of what a lot of people think.
I think bergy would be a better fit with Moulson and JT. Hunter is great at shielding and controlling the puck in the corners– but with Hunter the first line will lack speed. Bergy provides both speed and puck control in the corners. Put hunter with nielsen and okposo on the 2nd line and you’ve got 2 great lines.
The goalie rotation will continue since the Isles will plan on trading Biron in the future, they have to showcase him. I agree with the enforcer issue, Taveres looked like he was in pain and we cannot tolerate teams who are frustrated taking shots at our best player.
You know Isles fan you might be right about those two lines; they would look good
Moulson - Tavares - Bergenheim
Okposo - Neilsen - Hunter
Tambellini - Bailey - Park
Thompson - Jackman - Comeau
Everyone was saying that Bailey would benefit from a veteran presence on his line, maybe Park would be great for him on that line. This could be a really good line up. All of these guys are starting to show signs of development at the same time; something that is great for us.
Ok maybe you put Sim on waivers and send Thompson down if we sign McIntyre?
Moulson - Tavares - Bergenheim
Okposo - Neilsen - Hunter
Tambellini - Bailey - Park
McIntrye - Jackman - Comeau
I’d like to see Schremp get another shot. I think Park is more valuable than Sim or Thompson so I’d replace one of them for now. If Schremp really shows nothing after an extended look with some quality minutes than put one of the vets back in.
Sim and Thompson are playing to their potential, but that’s just it … they’ve maxed out on their potential. I don’t think Snow/Gordon should have a second thought about sitting either of them (or waivers/Bridgeport) in favor of signing McIntyre for protection or to allow Comeau, Tamby and Schremp to play regularly to prove themselves and either earn a spot or become trade bait. Neither Thompson nor Sim adds to a true Stanley Cup contender despite them playing to their potential. Both of them cleared the waiver wire last season for a reason … no other team deems their contribution worthy of a full-time or part-time spot on the roster (even other teams in a rebuild mode). Isn’t it about time Snow/Gordon face reality and make some business decisions? It’s nothing personal against them, just business.
Hey remember the line Park played w when he came up I think he know a thing or two on how to help scorers score while doing his thing
I’d look to aquire a tie domi in his prime type to play on Tavares wing right away. Even if it cost draft picks n biron. Tavares needs a gillies yesterday. I don’t think hunter wants those fights.
Problem is Hunter has no game when it comes to fighting
Lets not forget Weight. I see him as an important player this year. Got to find room for him too!
Jerky needs to get his facts straight. Thompson never cleared waivers last year. Islanders picked him up when Boston put him on waivers. Since Isles picked first, there’s no way to tell if he would have cleared the other 29 teams! As far as McIntyre si concerned, Gordon coached him at Providence with Thompson so I would think he has a pretty good idea of what each can do.
…I agree with those who would like to see some beef on JT’s line. But truthfully, the kid aint small at 19. In a year or two when he fills out he will be able to handle himself. There is a bit of a mean streak buried in there. Lets keep in mind that he is still just a kid, playing against men. He has been dinged up a bit but hasn’t missed a shift.
He is a gamer and I for one am thrilled that I have the chance to watch him turn into a superstar as a NY Islander.
#69 you are wrong…Sim may be playing to his potential he is older but Thompson is young and has a long way to go, so do not be crossing him off the list for a future Stanley Cup Team.
I kinda hoped that Snow would keep Biron over Rolly the goalie. I’d rather have a younger back up goaltender than a 40 /yo in net any day. My theory is that this is setting up for someone from Bridgeport to come up in the future, either Nathan Lawson (who I thought looked good in the pre season) or Mikko Koskinen or even Scott Munroe.
I agree, I want to keep Biron, not trade him.
I doubt Snow would claim Steve McIntrye. He is a pure goon and would be seen as a liability on the ice according to both Snow and Gordon.
We don’t need McIntyre… He can’t play hockey!! And btw, #71, with all do respect, Domi was never a first line player, so would never have played with JT… Gillies and Domi can’t be compared. One was a legit top line player the other, well, let’s just say what we need is more skill. McIntyre will not improve our offense, defensive play or overall puck pressure.
I think its premature to assume that if DP gets back 100% that Biron would be traded as opposed to Rolly. Remember Biron is alot younger.
Domi could score 20 or close to it… Goon or not. 20 goals is something okiposo has never seen …or baily or neilsen..etc…a domi type would be perfect as a winger for Tavares.
One problem with that guys
Roloson signed here for 2 years, Biron for 1 year; Biron will be much easier to move becuase:
A) his contract is up at the end of the year
B) he is 8 years younger than Roloson and that alone would make him worth more in trade value.
#82-the most goals Domi ever scored in an NHL season was 15. A typical year for him was single digit goals.
Domi was certainly not a 20 goal scorer. He averaged around 6 goals a season. His career high in the NHL was 15 goals in 02-03, one of only 3 seasons in which he scored 10 or more goals.
hey turgeonfan … in isles lore there is only one rollie the goalie…
i think roloson would be perfect bait toa team like the sharks , who have a shot at the cup and may not want to go into the playoffs with a rook as backup , just in case nabokov gets injured … and i’d take a decent kid for him …