JACK HILLEN TO MISS 6-8 WEEKS
Suffered broken jaw and damaged teeth
The Win-Win Trade: Pouliot for Latendresse
FanHouse: Video and story on Hillen’s injury
Islanders defenseman Jack Hillen will be sidelined 6-8 weeks with a fractured jaw. Hillen, who has had a breakout season, took an Alexander Ovechkin slap shot in the face during the first period of the Islanders’ 7-2 loss to Washington last night.
“It’s really unfortunate for Jack, who was playing so well,” said coach Scott Gordon. “If you look at the defensemen we’ve lost for long stretches this season – Radek Martinek and now Jack – it’s been the big minute-munchers for us.”
With the two-week Olympic break, the Islanders will not lose Hillen for as many games as they would in a traditional season. He could be back, with a full cage from his college days, soon after the March 3 trade deadline.
Dustin Kohn re-joined the team today for the four-game road trip to Carolina, Philadelphia, Florida and Tampa Bay. As Brendan Witt (knee) gets back into game shape, Kohn will play.
“This is an opportunity for Dustin,” said Gordon. “It’s a chance for him to find his niche at this level, to find his way against the best.”
With three games coming up over four days, the Islanders only had a “recovery” workout today. They will have a short practice Friday, since Saturday’s game in Philadelphia is a matinee. After a day off in Florida on Monday, the team will have full practices Tuesday and Wednesday before facing the Lightning on Thursday.
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Note to the Country: yes, the Islanders need to seek a mobile veteran defenseman in a trade. However, the Islanders are not acquiring big-ticket Sheldon Souray. Next!
Comments.
125 Responses to JACK HILLEN TO MISS 6-8 WEEKS
Suffered broken jaw and damaged teeth
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Alex says:
makes a playoff run that much more difficult!
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eric nystrom says:
Lottery – bottom 5..
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Brian G says:
Good luck on a speedy recovery Jack
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Justin Marques says:
What a blow for the Islanders, but it is just our luck, I guess. A successful season thus far, in my opinion, will take a difficult turn without Hillen, who has easily been one of our best defensemen every single night. Does this force Garth to acquire a veteran defenseman to replace him, or does Garth want to see the Isles fall out of contention and into a top 5 spot? Another top five pick wouldn’t be so bad for the tremendously bright future of this organization!
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Brian in VA says:
that’s 3 D-men down… Can’t win with that becuase our D isn’t good to begin with… I could see a losing streak coming… Now its up to Garth… Do you trade for a vet D-man to make a run and risk losing a prospect or Do you play Kohn, AHL etc D-men and try and survive… Option Two gets you a lottery pick.
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Dan from Westchester says:
Man that just ruined my morning. . What a breakout year he was having. At least the Olympics will take up a big chunk of that.
All the best and hoping he is truly 100% when he comes back – no long term effects.
He will be sorely missed.
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Bryan says:
awful blow for Jack and the team, as he has been playing great for us. we will surely be missing him while he’s out…at least it happened before the olympic break.
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Bob Bassen says:
Poor guy. Get well soon, Jack!
Played number #1 defense much of the time, IMO. Huge loss. Last night proved that if the Isles don’t play their *System* they’re T O A S T. Now without Hillen we will see. The guy is extremely poised with the puck. Perhaps if they can tread water until the Olympic Break, things we’ll be alright.
Go Isles! -
JT says:
Tough to watch that replay. I’m surprised it doesn’t happen more often given the speed of the game, deflections, etc. I give JAck a lot of credit for refusing the stretcher and skating off the ice – a man’s man.
Get well soon Jack. The team and the fans will miss you for 6-8 weeks.
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Ethan K says:
Bye bye playoffs… see ya next year?
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db says:
thank god for the olympic break. we need to get through this next 2 weeks in good shape some way some how.
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If Garth Snow is smart, he’ll make trades for draft picks and continue thinking about the future. Grabbing a good 2 way d-man early in the draft might end up being for the better.
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DoubleW says:
Gordo’s system is NOT one player. it is a team system, and the loss of Jack is not the end of the world. Plus, gives management a body of work to evaluate young Mr. Kohn, so that this off season with the potential influx of D talent from Junior, a decision can be made with Dustin.
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Staten Islander says:
Lousy luck. The one ray of sunshine is that the Olympic break is coming up.
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rb says:
Injuries happen. This year hasn’t been like last year. Good teams have players who play for each other. Hillen’s an important piece, but the boys just have to pick each other up. If they can do that, it’ll be good for them as part of the long run rebuild.
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Hock says:
Best wishes to Jack Hillen for a quick recovery. He’s a definite keeper and part of ‘the plan’ not to mention a nice guy. Now this presents an opportunity for someone else to step up (i.e., Dustin Kohn, etc.). I cannot see a trade on the horizon.
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Okie Okie Okie says:
Best wishes Jack. We’re all pulling for you and you will be greatly missed. It’s time for Dusty to prove his worth. I have a feeling we will be fine. The boys have heart this year and nothing is going to stop them from making a playoff run.
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Moose says:
Trade Biron for a Dman.
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jaymz27 says:
Ouch!!!!
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Figgy says:
Why is everyone kissing this season goodbye? This is year 2 of a rebuild – the team is playing great – so they got smoked last night by one of the best teams in the league, it happens… We all know Jack has been great and yes it’s a huge loss, but if you have ever been on a team in your life you’ll know that now it’s time for others to step up… Luckily for us the East is so week that we still have a great shot at the playoffs, and the olympics save us because it means Jack only misses 4-6 weeks of hockey… not 6-8.
Stop hanging your heads as fans and back your team – part of being great is dealing with challenges. This is just one of many they will need to face on their way back to greatness in this league! -
Lorne says:
Attention post 11, we are not going to miss the playoffs due to Jack Hillen being out. However, I never thought he was going to really turn into something. Also Witt should be due back soon as well.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
The season is NOT over because Jack Hillen is out 6-8 weeks. He will be missed and I am sure most of us will realize how much he will be missed by watching the next few games. Who would have thought that Andy MacDonald would have stepped in like he did. Hopefully we will be that lucky with the next call-up who replaces JH. Get well JH. LGI
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Hey everyone, we never really won this year because of the talent of our defense, when we win everyone is skating hard and playing smart, granted talent helps, but no matter who it is back there, as long as their skating hard and getting on top of people we’ll be OK.
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Eastonhockey says:
The isles have been unusually healthy as far as fowards go. It’s up to the gm to trade a foward or 2 n biron for a healthy defensmen. No point paying biron 300 grand a month when he will never be needed.
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SS says:
The Isles will have to trade for at least a depth guy on the blueline.
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UIF says:
Ah, sorry to hear that. Hope Hillen’s feeling OK, given the circumstances, and that he makes a full recovery.
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Chris says:
Chris is there a possibility a trade happening here?
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Lorne- Hillen is one of the main reasons why we’re in the playoff race at this point. Martinek gone, Gervais is terrible, Witt is hurt and not good when he’s healthy, MacDonald is still learning, and Streit is not playing too well this year in the defensive zone. The two shutdown dmen this year have been Hillen and Sutton, who worked as a pair.
We’re playing a lot of teams that we’re competing with for a playoff spot over the coming weeks before the olympic break. Without Hillen, it’s gonna be very hard to win those games, and if we don’t win those games, then that #13 conference spot will most likely be our fate.
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Jeff D says:
Best wishes for a speedy recovery Jack, you will be missed! And in no way is Brendan Witt an equal replacement for Jack Hillen, sorry.
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*These will be the D-man Snow could be targeting – nothing exciting, in no particular order – would not have to give up much to get any of these guys:
Wallin
Corvo
Schubert
Colaiacovo
Harrold
Boynton
Hnidy
Hale
Exelby -
Daryl says:
Get well Jack.
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Matt NYC says:
Hillen will be back in 3 weeks with a cage on his helmet….. 6-8 weeks? come on
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rc says:
well said figgy, and a relatively few others. get your fingers off the panic button people. we are head and shoulders above where EVERYONE said we would be at this point in the season. how about a little optimism that this is s hurdle to show some resilience. Jack was a nice surprise – who’s to say Dustin will not be as well… This team is still looking good and is on the quick road to scary in the not too distant future. when was the last time we thought that?
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Mike P says:
31- to be honest i rather see what Kohn and possibly even Katic has to offer before getting any of those marginal depth Nhler’s
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JP39 says:
I think Jack Hillen has been extremely solid this year and has been one of the more pleasant surprises on this team thus far. That being said, seeing him go down with that nasty injury last night was a sad thing to see and I wish a speedy recovery for him.
HOWEVER, let’s not get carried away and say that this injury is going to cost us a playoff spot. The playoffs aren’t even a guarantee with him IN the lineup. I’m sure Dustin Kohn can fill the void for a few weeks and if we are fortunate enough to still be in the playoff hunt when Hillen is ready to come back in 6-8 weeks, then great. If we’re out of the playoff chase by then, then so-be-it. Either way, I think this team has made a ton of progress this year and the season as a whole has to be looked at as a success thus far…
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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JT (10): I agree with you… Jack is a mans man, and I dont care that he isnt 6′4″, he plays tough and thats why he is a valuable guy to have on your team.
Welcome back, Dustin- you looked respectable enough in your couple of games, now you will have some more games to play until Witter comes back and we see what he can still do once he is actually playing healthy instead of playing injured.
The Isles need to hold their own… and not let losses to the defending cup champions or the Devils or an unquestionable powerhouse like the Caps waver them fromt heir goals. Lets face it- the Isles arent going to pass THOSE teams in the standings, the Isles need to beat the teams that they want to get (or stay) ahead of. If they do that, then IMO this season is already a success- no matter where they wind up.
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bossjones1 says:
Losing Hillen means a more important role for Meyer and Gervais, who are borderline NHL players. The Islanders have won a ton of games by the skin of their teeth this year and losing a quality D-man is going to hurt especially when you are replacing some of his minutes with guys that are just not as good. If the playoffs are a priority for Snow I think he has to make a move, if not I don’t think this team will make it.
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Tim says:
What about Jamal Mayers? We really do need some fire… that was pretty evident last night.
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jimfromstjames says:
I’ve always thought that of all the professional athletes, hockey players deserve to make over a Million a season, at least.
After watching last night, I’m thinking 1.5.Hope he gets well soon.
I’d bet once he got his bearings he was thinking “Can i still play tonight?”
AS for the season, they were not going to win a cup this year anyway, last nights game is proof the isles are still far off, so keep the chips, maybe add a player only if it make sense & let guys either play there way on or off the team & start getting ready for next year.
It sucks waiting till next year ( I’m a met fan too ) but we’ve seen glimpses of the future & man is it bright. -
Secmaster420 says:
I know people will jump all over me for this, but after seeing the bloody faces of Dupuis, Bergenheim and Hillen in the last week, maybe its time guys started wearing full face masks.
As a hockey fan, I’m getting sick of seeing a guy being taken off the ice by the trainer with a towel to his face, and then the ice crew having to scrape the blood off the ice.
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IslesRock says:
Get well Jack. I do not see Snow making any trades. In fact, he will be a seller if we are not in contention by the trade deadline. I could see Sutton, Park and Sim being moved.
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steve says:
injuries stink, but its a contact sport.
get better guys. its 2 games in an 80+ game season. we blew out the wings, and then get shelled by the caps. highs and lows. -
…and before you all jump down my throat, I didn’t mean as a replacement for Hillen. We need some toughness in the lineup.
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Metalcoconut says:
A trade at this point is simply a desperation move and that would probably jepordize the Isles’ long term plans. Therefore it does not seem logical that Snow would pursue that avenue. He let them stuggle this long to gain an identity, why not let them finish out the year with the same personnel.
Considering that they were not supposed to make the playoffs this year I think they are doing pretty well. However that was a tremendous blow to Hillen. Although he is one of the younger D his absense will be felt in that lineup.
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Joey303 says:
I just dont understand how everyone thinks a trade will jeopardize long term/future plans. Im sure Garth wouldnt trade unless it was for a guy with upside for the future. Gone are the Zednick for a 2nd rounder days. Teams are not only built on draft day, teams can be built during the season as well. Its the right combo that works. More late rounders isnt going to speed up the process any more than trading…. just my 3 cents.
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Year 2 of the rebuild in progress, patience is the key to a brighter future. On a positive note, injuries are something that will always happen and it just gives us a chance to see how the young players are progressing.
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MissingVukota says:
Stay the course. Whatever happens, happens.
Playoffs = cool
good draft pick = even better -
to pickup a dependable veteran defenseman for a late round pick is worth it – you need to show the fans that you are not giving up on the season with 29 games left – unless they think Witt is the answer
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Frank nyc says:
That sucks. In my opinion he has been amongst the biggest surprises this year. He has turned into a very solid Dman and a very good young player. He always seems to come up with big defensive plays.
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Islander86 says:
No trades for Isles !
Let them play with what they have.
Even if they trade for D and bring only one guy. It wouldn’t make any significant difference.
I think they have to address goalie situation.
Having DP in the net is rather strange.
Yes, he had 1 good game (against NJ). But, considering that it was total team effort, he wasn’t really tested. -
Examiner says:
Good luck on speedy recovery for Jack. Maybe he will surprise and come back sooner, but godo thing that Olympic break is coming up. At least it’s not 6 months like de Haan. That would be devastating.
Let’s see what Kohn can do with these extra games until Witt is back. To me, Meyer will be the key to step it up. No faith in Bruno.
CB, what’s the latest on Katic? How hurt is he and would he have been the call up if not for his injury?
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Islander says:
They need to wear face masks…tired of seeing broken noses, cuts a fraction of an inch from the eye, missing front teeth and many other blows close to temple etc. Do not see this level of injury in any other sport.
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No Souray, but they definitely need someone to replace Hillen. I’m unsure Kohn showed enough to call him a real replacement. They can’t get big minutes from Gervais because that will only result in bigger losses.
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Healy says:
Poor Hillen! I always get a little sick seeing someone get injured in the face in hockey as it could be nothing or a career ender. Glad it isn’t too bad (for a hockey player
We will certainly miss him. He is a pleasure to watch in both the defensive end AND the offensive end. The guy can skate and even has a few moves when he gets in there. Fits the system perfectly and is a great pickup by Snow. Its hard to remember the shock we all felt when our backup goalie with no experience became our GM, doesn’t seem so absurd now. -
Tony F. says:
I hope Snow stays the course and trades for draft picks. We desperately need some sizable d-men who can throw a hit. I’ve seen more hitting at a pee wee game. Get well soon Jack.
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Donna says:
Sorry to read that about Hillen, it was painful to watch on tv, being hit in the face by an ovie slap shot has got hurt really badly. I see a few posts above talk about full face masks, cages, guards. CB what is your thought on these why don’t guys wear them more often, it does seem like the bergie, dupuis and Hillen injuries could have prevented or made less serious if face masks were worn. Just wondering
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
this is a major blow. Its a shame it was Jack but he plays the game hard. You ask why Grevais wasnt the guy that guy hit? thats b/c he skates away from the play.
Grevais -4. I really dont know what Gordon sees in him.
As bad we need a dman, there realy isnt any good dman out there.
Those one listed above were terrible. -
Lance79 says:
Feel better Jack, that looked really nasty.
So that means that 4 of our 6 D every night will be Meyer, Gervais, MacDonald and Kohn/Witt – interesting. And the one guy we have to lean on if we could squeeze ANY additional minutes from is going to the Olympics.
Nothing against Streit but here’s hoping Switzerland goes down fast so that he has to play fewer high intensity medal round games.
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Frankie D says:
Now is the time to bring up a couple of D-men to see what they can do for a good stretch of games. also, the Blackhawks are rumored to be looking for a backup goaltender. They have a plethora of you talent including D-men. Islanders should stick with the rebuild and NOT trade for an overpaid Vet.
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ME says:
This is why the Islanders will have difficulty taking that necessary next step. Sure Souray costs alot of money but his presence in the lineup would give the Islanders much needed physical play and a major shot in the arm to the power play. The Islanders power play is the worst or close to the worst in the league. Teams that are serious about making the playoffs and contending usually address their weaknesses but of course not this organization. All they know how to do is trade for draft picks who have a 90% chance of never panning out.
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Having skated with a cage, shield & helmet, I think I can answer the question as to why face shields are not used in the NHL & other pro levels, even though they are used in all other levels ( juniors, college ).
Most guys feel better able to be aware of there surroundings & can track the puck much better without anything in the way, like a shield or visor. ( remember that the game moves much faster at the pro level, even more so in the NHL )giving them more time to react to situations ( ironic, i know ) -
Chris R says:
I’d say to let Kohn play. If we fall back at the trade deadline then trade Sutton, Biron, Weight, Park, and possibly for draft picks. We need to think about the future and our best chance of becoming an NHL powerhouse.
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Potvin5 says:
Get well fast Jack. For a smaller player he makes his presence felt in big ways almost every game. Other than the toughness factor this team has been a pleasant surprise in every way this season especially when compared to expectations. Make a trade; Don’t make a trade… who cares. Stick to your committment to the system and continue to develop everyone involved. Making the playoffs is pure icing. The needs of the team are clear. Let’s hope they get addressed at the latest in the offseason.
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isles316 says:
Unless the Isles get a defensemen or 3, I think this will be a tough go. Hillen was the only D-man who consistently got the puck out of the zone.
I feel bad for Hillen, that was a brutal sight.
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Mark P says:
There must be a bad contract mobile defensemen out there that would fit our system…..and that team takes on Brendan Witt’s contract.
Does Witt have any Value? -
hale78 says:
to post 57…between de haan hamonic ness and donovan at least one of them will be an every day nhler
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Mike Rubino says:
Why does a rebuilding team that has sat fabulous Freddy Meyer for what seems like an eternity and has Witt and Kohn need to make a move to replace Jack Hillen? Is he out for the season? NO!
In 5 weeks from now, if Mr. Hillen’s fractured jaw is not better, then we can talk trade. With Witt already skating, we do not have to make a desperation move.
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Islander (54): If you do not see this level of injury in any other sport, then you must not watch football. Its no wander they play so few games… if they played 82, there would be nobody healthy enough to play left on any of the teams. Literally.
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This is exactly why you carry so many extra players. They may not be perfect but carrying the Freddy Myers and the Jeff Tambellini’s of the world when it seems there’s no room for them protects you from having to make desperation moves.
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Scott VanVoorhees says:
A few observations:
Like several readers, I’ve played with a full cage, a sheild gone without either. I’d probably still be playing without a cage today if it werent for the amounts of sticks i’ve had snapped in two by a slapper off the shaft. I don’t have carbon fiber bones in my face.the thought that a cage limits your ability to play the game may somewhat be more of a chest beating thing and related to the fact that you can’t get into a fight with one on. I think it’s similat to the McTavich holdover in a time when everyone else in the league was without a bucket on their head. You never hear a player complaining about having to wear a helmet these days. Reinforcement to this observation is the guys that have the least amount of time to react all wear cages – yes the goalies. You don’t hear them complaining about their masks.
Finally, I think Hillen is in the position to really play this off and make a statement. He could pull a Jeremy Roenick, get it wired shut, drink protien from a straw for the rest of the season, but be back on the ice for the very next game…Let the legend begin. Hell, if a mere football player can have his pinky partially severed off to get back into a game, then a hockey player should easily be able to play with a broken jaw and a few missing chicklets.
I’m done!
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note to the above paragraph, proof read before posting – baaad english…
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JP says:
Recovery workout… What a joke. Every coach should have ridden them like racehorses with non stop skating drills. You didn’t want to skate in the game then you skate in the morning. It is a fundamental aspect of building a young team. And the eye rolling and nod as they skate away from the bench when Gordon talks hockey also needs to be addressed…
Hurry back Jack, The Defense is going to be lacking -
Willis says:
Best wishes to you Jack for a speedy recovery. Looking forward to your return.
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isleBwatchingU says:
There will be no desperation move or big trade. Garth will have things run its course and see what Kohn has until Witt is ready to return.
There is NO trade value for Witt. And I’m not willing to give up multiple prospects and/or 1st round picks for Souray.
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hyedray says:
Really sad for Jack….and a shame for he and the Isles.
I am glad you made the note about Souray CB. I completely agree. Souray is a one-dimentional defenseman. He would not replace Hillen’s defensive zone presence.
I think the Isles best move before the deadline even with Hillen going down—do little to nothing. Move Biron, and maybe Sutton if we are knocked out with a great offer. But fundamentally—this team can make the playoffs as is without trading assets. Often time the best move is the trade you dont make. Ask Bill Torrey about that one.
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doug says:
hyedray,
You’re 100% percent correct…but that one trade Torrey did for Butch Goring was a great one…
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Priest says:
That hurts. Hillen has been GREAT this season. Hopefully he’ll be able to come back and keep his play at the same level for the stretch drive. With or without Hillen this team needed to trade for a defenceman if they honestly expect to land in a playoff spot. I know Garth probably doesn’t want to rush into a trade and get ripped off, but we have enough spare parts (Tambellini, Biron) to get a descent defenceman back.
I know Chris mentioned it yesterday, but Roloson’s reaction was great to make sure everyone knew the situation ASAP to get Hillen exactly what was needed. I thought the Roloson signing was a very good one at the time, but he has blown my expectations out of the water with his play and general classiness (is that a word?) I wouldn’t object one bit to him being the next goalie-turned-Islanders-staffer once he is ready to hang ‘em up.
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TIM,CALGARY,CANADA says:
big blow he’s bin such a pleasent surprise
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Paul says:
I don´t understand-what´s the point in trading Sutton? We have weak defence, so let´s make it even worse? I think Sutton is no.2 with Hillen on IR. How soon all of you have forggoten about how good Sutton was,throwing bodychecks and playing shutdown role.And about the trade,I think trading Biron for cheap,mobile veteran defenseman wouldn´t hurt.
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pete debenedetto says:
Responding to a post above…..if the leauge requires a FULL face shield or cage….then no one is safe. Sticks and elbows will fly.
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Richie66 says:
Only 6 weeks?? we are lucky he is not out for 6 months. Im ever more surprise he was able to get up, scary stuff. For as much that Sutton been hurt, he owes us another year or two at a normal market rate. Im in the camp of wanting to miss the playoff once again for another blue chip draft pick, I sdont thing we are ready for the playoff just yet
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I think you will see him in the line-up against the Blackhawks on March 2. He is a very tough competitor who hates being out of the line-up. Stay tuned.
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geduffer says:
I wish that everyone who is saying that we should trade everyone and go for a top 5 draft pick should switch to being Rags fans. I can’t believe that people would give up just because a guy gets injured. After all, this is the Eastern Conference where only Tampa, Toronto and Carolina are out of it.
Doug Weight was right when he said that the team just needs to get back to playing the system that made them successful. If Garth makes a move (other than the inevitable trade of Biron for a 3rd rounder) the one thing I don’t want is a fire sale. I want to see this team in the fight for a playoff spot to the last day of the season. No more negative Nellies!
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The new isles gm says:
The only thing stopping this team from making the playoffs right now is not improving on special teams. We need to be better at it if we want to see past the first round. Plain n simple.
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#82 pete, you may have a point, but defenders act as goalies going down to block shots. Required cage? Maybe not, but I think for defensemen, it’s a tool that could work to better their play. You may see more defenders wearing cages as the years go by and kids coming up are used to them. Forwards, maybe not so much, they’re not usually sticking their face between the goal and the puck – although KO’s save the other night speaks volumes as to a two way player needing one.
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Mario says:
CB, why not try to get Souray. We have the money.
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Gutty34 says:
Hate to see these things happen but it’s part of the game. Get well Jack. We will miss ya. Now let’s see which other kid steps up with this opportunity. Why are so many of you up and down. One night wr are awesome. One loss. Wr suck and what’s going on. Year 2 and we are light years ahead of where we all expected to be. Enjoy the maturation process and stop complaining. We ain’t winning the cup this year. Important to point out what a huge part Rollie has played in this years success. Seems to really care about his teamates and the sport. Joy to have him here. Also. Worth pointing out what a class act ovie is. Tossing pucks to fans. Great attitude. Tough player. Genuinely concerned about hillen. Crosby should take lessons on what it means to be a man and an ambassador of this league.
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Peter b. says:
Just when everything is going well, BAM!!! You’re reminded that no matter what the Islanders do, they will always have some bad luck. First De Haan, and now Hillen, and even earlier this season Martinek.
It ain’t easy being blue and orange.
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pete debenedetto wrote: <>
You’d still penalize it, but then everyone will be protected. It will be the end of the bloody scenes on the ice, like the one where Nate Thompson almost got his face sliced open.Also, end the BS about only getting a suspension when there is an injury. What’s the suspension going to be when someone dies?
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MattyB says:
That hurts….can the isles try and get rid of witt. He’s absolutely useless in this system. Also who wants Souray, guy is over paid and frankly over raided.. Tough news for us, and Jack, he’d been playing so great lately
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cgs878 says:
Oh well, so much for the most underrated defenseman in the NHL. I guess we’ll see if Kohn can or Kohn can’t. Hurry back, Witter.
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RD says:
I dont want to even imagine what that must have felt like. I was there and it was scary. Probably worse seeing the replay on tv. Ovire really skated into that shot too. Im just glad it didnt hit his throat.
Why is Bruno Gervais still on this team? He is awful. He does not look like an NHL d-man!
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Brad says:
Wow the Chimera goal was totally ricky’s fault you can’t give all the blame to bruno. Thats a save that has to be made.
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and btw bruno is still on this team because two/ three d-men on this team are injured each year for a long period of time. he really doesn’t belong as a top six guy but when you constantly are missing one or more of you “top 6″ he makes sense. right now your out 3 of your legit guys, Witt, Rad, and now Hillen. Its better to have Bruno in there than anyone else the isles have right now. I mean Sutton was just suspended for two games. Iamgine missing all four of those guys at once which easily could have happened. Who are the guy that you can put in right now over him. So thats why he is on the team.
I’m not saying he belongs as a regular. I am saying that he is useful until the Isles develop more at the blue line and cut back on these injuries. He’s not great but right now the isles need him
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4theisles says:
Use Biron in any way to get a D man now!
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88, why in the world would you want Souray? Overpaid and overrated. He already stated he wants to stay in the west anyway.
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Bob says:
Suddenly Islander fans hope Witt returns sooner rather than never.
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Chris A says:
So no Souray who would you suggest the Isles get then
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joe fred va says:
I suggest and have always suggested Ray Whitney form Carolina. Garth needs to make an inquiry on him, he is awesome, can play the point on the power play as well, all around great player, it may cost us Tamby and a #1 pick. Get well soon Jack!
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Strummer's Army says:
I feel bad for Hillen. kid was playing so well and continuing to make strides. Worse that looked like it hurt like hell.
I’m not interested in Souray.
I would be very interested in two d-men in the mold of O’Bryne from Montreal (Biron and Geravis….two Frenchie Frenchie’s might intice them?) and John Scott (UFA) or another skilled fighter, hitter, with sizefrom Minn. If they also add a Guastaud type center I’d be thrilled and it would be all they’d need for now.
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Honnold says:
Get well soon, JH. Much respect to you. Hockey is the best sport in the world but also the most brutal.
p.s. Souray is overrated. Always thought he compared very unfavorably to Aucoin when we had him.
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Isletry says:
#95 Tamby and a #1 pick for a 37 year old Ray Whitney??? We are in year two of a rebuild, and if we make the playoffs, we will most likely be in one of the last two slots. I wouldn’t ransom the future (our #1 pick) so that we can meet Washington in the first round. Wait until the off season, add a free agent to the current core and we will be looking at home ice advantage during the first round of the 2011 playoffs.
On another note, get well soon Jack Hillen!
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Jzimm says:
I feel terribly for the guy. He is one of the best skating defenseman that this team has ever seen. He’s not as good a skater as Berard was, but I’d put him just about here Jeff Norton was. I do think that he’s going to be a better all around defenseman than Norton.
If there’s any silver lining, it’s a facial injury that does not involve his eyes. Hopefully it doesn’t effect any of his major senses.
I’m not giving up on hope of the playoffs. The other silver lining is that the law of averages says that the team who finishes 30th this season, probably WILL NOT win the lottery.
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coral springs isle fan says:
The team that gets Souray will make a huge “hope” trade. They will hope they are not making the same mistake the last GM made. Certainly Souray is a weapon on the blueline during the power play but he struggles during 5on5 which you could look the other way, but at his salary it chaps your you know what. Cup contender only in my book. Waste of money for teams on the bubble and it could cripple you down the line (ie: Redden).
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Oh by the way; I hope you feel better soon Jack Hillen. I am going to assume that a guy who is very intellectual and then loses his ability to speak due to a broken jaw…He just might be reading a lot. Feel better!
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islesfan999 says:
Islanders should trade players for picks and prospects. If we make the playoffs we get swept in the first round. No point in that. Trade all vets with value and rebuild this summer and draft the right way!
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JTorBust says:
Jack all the best get well soon. Take a page out of the Anquin Boldin playbook , few screws , a plate or two , rub some dirt on it and get back out there. Your already a fan favorite , an act like that and you’ll be wearing the A in a few years when we make our first run…
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95- I assume you mean Ryan Whitney, not Ray.
Still, I see no reason to start overreacting now. No need to trade away prospects or picks. The only trades that should happen are ones where we gain picks or prospects. Stay the course with the rebuild and give the kids a chance. They gave MacDonald a chance and look what happened. Not saying Kohn, or possibly Katic down the road, will be as good but they can at least push guys like Meyer and Gervais to perform better.
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Steve says:
Hope Jack makes a recovery ASAP. I think that more NHL players should be encouraged to wear full face cages. I play beer league baseball and wear a face cage because a ball nicked me in the chin on a multiple occasions. I don’t know if the Islanders should give up their future to get a mobile defenceman at this stage.
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put Okposo back there 30 miniutes a game ,he can do it!!! the red wings used to put fedorov back there…why not ? i will take okposo back there an extra 10 miniutes a game.. put tamby in his spot on the top line with jt and bailey…
seriously cb, why not?
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JP says:
The results of tonight’s games bode well for the Isles- Rangers lose, Habs lose.
A staggering 8 teams have either 54 or 55 points! Isles can jump a bunch with a win tomorrow.In other news, Caps score 4 goals in the 3rd to beat Anaheim 5-1. They are scary good, and the Isles basically ran into a buzzsaw yesterday- no need for the Isles to panic.
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Chris in DC says:
#101, you want to trade Tambellini and a 1st rounder for Ray Whitney??
Will never happen; not unless Snow suddenly morphs into a Mike Milbury acolyte, and I just do not see that happening. A trade like that would go completely against the patient philosophy that Snow has adopted (of which I very much approve).
Heck, I wouldn’t even trade Tamby straight up for Whitney.
Tambellini needs to get back in the lineup. Time maybe for Comeau to cool his heels for a few games… -
NYICHAMP39 says:
As of tonight’s standings the Isles have a lottery position. Sweeeeeeeet.
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NYICHAMP39: As of tonight’s standings the Isles are only one point out of 6th place. That means just as much as what you pointed out… which isnt much.
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Deadhead654 says:
IF WE WIN TOMORROW WE WILL BE IN 6th PLACE. Ok? Everyone relax, all is not lost.
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Who said we wanted to be in 6th place deadhead? All IS kind of lost if we make and exit the playoffs in the first round. We have no shot at the cup and would be getting a lower first round draft pick. This team is still in a rebuild remember.
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AJAX says:
At this poit, it all lies in the hands of the GM. Its why they get paid the amount they do. Situations like this, define their position.
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NYICHAMP- Last year was different. The team was terrible, we were out of it by mid December, and this franchise needed John Tavares. I’m not going to root for this team to lose just to have a top 5 pick when we have the chance of making the playoffs and having something around the 16th pick.
The draft is a crapshoot. Explain number one selections like Daigle and Stefan. Remember DP going 1st overall in 2000? Lundqvist went 205th. Why not give our young guys some real NHL postseason experience.
The more I think about it the more a question why any Isles fan would root for this team to lose at the juncture.
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The draft may be a crap shoot on most occasions. But we need a big mobile defenseman. Slotting ourselves in at 5-9 pick area would give us a good chance to draft Gudbranson or Gormley. Those guys are not question marks, they are legitimate 1-2 defensemen. You see no point in moving up in the draft and I see no point in first round exits at the long term expense of the team. They will get playoff experience when they are ready for it in the next year or two. This year would be a waste of time IMO.
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NYICHAMP, the key words are ‘would give us a chance’. TSN has them 5 and 6. So if we miss the playoffs and get the 7th pick, that could be that. There are no guarantees except for what you can do right now. And right now, this team has to win. More losses equals less fan interest, less people in the building and more embarassment. I rebuild can be continued with a mid-1st round pick.
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Point taken. Agree to disagree.
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Brian says:
Funny you mention Souray, last night in NHL ’10 I was able to trade Gervais to Edmonton straight up for Souray. Wouldn’t that be something. Apparently kevin Lowe is a fool even in the virtual world.
Just great.