UNSOLVED MYSTERIES: NYI EDITION - DP gets game this “week;” Biron out of rotation; Bergie still on “IR”
12:45 pm - “It’s going to be Rick and Roli,” was the key quote from Scott Gordon, but he didn’t necessarily mean in that order. The coach has spoken with Martin Biron, who despite being out of the rotation will continue to smile while awaiting a trade.
I asked Gordon if Rick DiPietro was starting a game this week. He said, “Yes.” I then told the coach I defined “this week” as the home games this Tuesday (Detroit) and Saturday (Buffalo). Gordon countered that he viewed the week to include next Monday’s home MLK day matinee against the Devils and Tuesday in Pittsburgh.
So there. Isn’t this fun? It’s only hockey. Look for DiPietro to start one of these next two home games.
“We’ve gotta get Ricky going,” said Gordon, “but we’ve got to be smart about it.”
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The Sean Bergenheim/roster limit story is even more fun.
To be sure, the Energizer Finn is healthy enough to play. Both the player and his coach were honest enough to confirm as much. Bergenheim, classy to his core, did not want to say anything else other than he had no complaints and would wait for his chance to play when the team makes a roster decision.
Asked about Brendan Witt’s doctor appointment (see below), Gordon didn’t seize the opportunity to build a case for the defenseman going on Injured Reserve. Bless his can’t-tell-a-lie heart, Gordon revealed that Witt was simply struggling with some calf tightness and his injury was not siginificant.
The Islanders surely know they can’t carry this 23+1 mini-scam much longer. You know it’s gotten crazy when even the media is hesitant to report anything that might get the team in trouble.
The Islanders will finally, mercifully, make their roster move by the game against the Red Wings.
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11:35 am, Iceworks - More to come in the afternoon. After a one-hour practice, Scott Gordon has them working on the shootout. For now, here’s the lineup:
Bailey - Tavares - Okposo
Moulson - Nielsen - Hunter
Sim - Schremp - Comeau
Weight - Park - Thompson
(Bergenheim, Tambellini)
Streit - MacDonald
Sutton - Hillen
Meyer - Gervais
Roloson
DiPietro
Biron
Brendan Witt had a doctor’s appointment for an evaluation on his leg. Maybe the team will get an Injured Reserve permission slip from the doc, too.
Comments.
70 Responses to “UNSOLVED MYSTERIES: NYI EDITION - DP gets game this “week;” Biron out of rotation; Bergie still on “IR””
Please Wait
I like the line combinations especially the top two lines. I’d still prefer Tamby in the line-up over Thompson though. That’s just my 2 cents though.
I guess they might not have to ‘risk’ losing someone like Meyer to waivers. Witt could use a few games off regardless of the diagnosis.
Brendan, Don’t forget the doctor’s note, I think you need to rest at least until after the olympic break.
Looks like they may of found there way of getting Bergenheim back onto the roster. Who amongst the forwards sits though for Bergy?
I agree Thompson should meet the press box for a few games and Weight seems to have lost his game. He seems lost out there the past few games. Does anyone else see this?
hopefully by tomorrow - Witt is on IR and Bergenheim is in the lineup taking Thompson’s spot - this team needs to just keep rolling 4 lines to have any sucess…CB - When Jackman comes off IR in FEB, will he be put on Waivers?
Weight definitely looks lost out there and Tamby deserves to be in that lineup over Nasty Nate. Hopefully Witt hits the IR for a week so Bergy can provide us with some hard charging smash mouth hockey…
Weight is not 100% physicslly. We knew this.
GoGo - Forget the shootout. Work on the PP and playing 3rd periods in the offensive zone.
Weight doesn’t look great out there five on five (not exactly playing with a scoring line either) but he helps out PP a lot. He is a perfect set up man on the point, smart, great passer, and cool under pressure. It’s a seemingly tiny detail but I’ve lost count of how many times on the PP somebody puts the puck at Streit’s feet instead of in his wheelhouse.
Also, this team is soft. That’s why you wont see Tamby in for Thompson any time soon. I’m not a huge fan of Thompson but when you’re team is this small and unphysical, you can’t afford to make that switch. Tamby is nowhere close to returning to the lineup considering the Isles have to figure out a way to get Bergenheim in first.
Bailey has earned a chance on the first line. Maybe he can help set up Tavares….and vice versa.
We all knew that Weight’s options were have surgery and miss the year, or come back and play not at 100%. It’s not surprise that his effectiveness is limited and he’s restricted to the fourth line. Which is a shame, because if he was healthy, Weight-Schremp-Comeau wouldn’t be a bad line. Bergy-Schremp-Comeau sounds good too, but that would mean taking the unprecedented act of sitting a fourth liner.
I would not change that first line for the next 10 years!
Hey CB! Remember the old Bachman Turner Overdrive! The old “BTO express”! Perfect 1st line nickname and their song “Let it roll” would be awesome!
Loved the fanhouse article. Tough guy’s with manners! Great Story!
However they do it, Bergy needs to be in the lineup on Tuesday.
“Working on the shootout”??? It’s the one thing this team seems to be good at. Not that we shouldn’t continue to practice it but I’d think there were other areas that would take priority - PLAYING WITH A LEAD IN THE 3RD PERIOD!!!!!!!
I think Weight looks fine. Obviously he’s not the player he was ten years ago but it’s no coincidence that the team went on a good run here with Weights return. I bet their record with and without him in the line-up is indicative of his importance to the Islanders in more ways than just his goals scored.
DOC
Those D combos are brutal. Meyer-gervais. 4 OK D and one line totally suited for the AHL. And we wonder why we blow 3 goal leads. Sutton/Hillen/Streit im ok with and Mac has played well. We need 2 physical big bodies back there and we wouldnt have guys parked in the crease waiting to bang them home. Team is playing well. Scoring for a change which is nice. We need 3 - 4 players to be considerd playoff contenders (enforcer/2 2 physical D and one more offensive support guy). I cant wait to see what Bailey-Tavares-Okposo can do together. They may be real fun to watch. One pure scorer/one set up guy/one can do all guy. We are staring to see things come together. Love that 2nd line combo too. Would love to see what bergs can do on line 2-3 or 4.
Love the first line. It’s funny actually - I just put that same line together in NHL 10 yesterday because I was struggling to score. I must have some awesome visionary powers.
I hope he continues to keep Meyer in the lineup for Witt/Gervais, they are both brutal.
Please stop trying to switch tamby for thompson - It’s like suggesting sitting Biron and playing Garth Snow - apples and oranges.
Tamby cannot play the fourth line checker/penalty killer role that thompson plays
Looks like Ricky plays 1/2 of the games moving forward. The quote from Gordon disturbs me.
“We gotta get Ricky going” I think I have been clear as to where we get players going.
100% chemistry killer
I’d really like to see Tamby back out there. The guy who should see the press box is Park. He’s a -21 (last in the NHL), plus our PK is 29th in the NHL. I continue to wonder why he’s on the ice so much. He’s clearly not adding much value.
LOL
Crank out the Rick Ashley! The Isles are going to get RickRolied
I love that first line…hopefully surrounding JT with guys who are really feeling it will help him get out of this funk. This is probably the first time JT has ever experienced any frustrations playing hockey, EVER…we support you JT just slow the game down man and let your talent take over!! I feel a playoff spot for these guys….First my Yanks then the Jets and now my Islanders..Woo-hoo!
If you switched Tamby for Thompson, Sim would drop to the 4th line. However, Bergie should be in there anyway. Normally I’d say sit Sim, but he has seemed to have found his game for now, so I’d leave him in. Bergie could slide into Sim’s spot and Sim can take Thompson’s spot.
Amazingly Park should sit, Sim should drop to the 4th line and Bergie should ride shotgun with Comeau on Schremp’s line. And it’s not just the minus number, Park just isn’t the same player he has been for the past few years. At this point, Thompson is a better option than Park and Bergie can replace him on the PK.
So I guess we can say the Islanders have 2 starting goalies and a backup now? DP backs Rollie, Biron backs DP? I say pack Tambellini and Biron up and get them tickets to Edmonton or Atlanta.
So much to say but how to say it. I guess the key word is “patience”. We have no idea how tomorrow will end up in the country but each game seems to show lots of bright spots and typical rough spots. That’s where the focus should be. The players are obviously developing but with this teams lack of experience, we can’t seem to hold a lead. This is where Biron comes in. Hopefully he can land us a stay home D. A guy that not only adds toughness but completely owns his zone. That would give Sutton a break and our offensive defenseman more confidence to join the play. Of course we all know the answers, it’s really just a matter of patience. I’m sure Garth see’s everything we see and more. I have to keep reminding myself that we are only in year 2 of the rebuild. And Hey, Chicago blew a big lead the other night too. So it happens to even the best in the league.
For a team with so many spare parts, I’m amazed at how difficult a decision this roster situation is becoming. Sitting out your second-best puck possession forward when he’s healthy because you’re scared to expose some never-was player (take your pick among the usual F and D suspects) to waivers is extremely puzzling to me.
I say put bergy with shremp and comeau, drop sim in for thompson, and have thompson sit. A guy like bergenheim can’t be out of the lineup. CB, any word on trade possibilities for Biron?
….agree. weight doesnt look himself. JT with KO and Baily should be interesting. The future is now with that line. For some reason I just cant embrace Sim in the lineup. Give Tamby his spot IMO.
Its been said 5 times already on this thread but Bergy should be on the wing with Comeau and Schremp on the third line. Let Sim do his thing with Weight and Park/Thompson. If that happens Im very satisfied with every line the Islanders throw out there.
Bergie is one of our core players. People forget he was a 1st rounder.
If he ready, he should be in lineup. You cant leave THE FINNISH BASH out of the lineup.
He can score, hit, and skate like the wind. Instant Adrenaline.
Bergie’s healthy…but not playing. That’s just insane.What an organization !
Awesome job #12
BTO! BTO! BTO!
Isles organization is media savvy as always.
I would just waive Tambellini. I really respect his effort, but he is not an NHL hockey player. Schremp has taken full advantage of his time with the Islanders, and it has only taken him 25 or so games. Tambellini goes from press box to game day roster more than it’s necessary. At some point, the Isles are going to have to release players they may have otherwise not wanted too. Jeff Tambellini will never make the Isles eat crow, and if he does, I doubt you’ll find a fan in the country that didn’t believe he had his chance.
oh yeah for the 5 billionth time Waive Jeff Tabellini. Let him go somewhere else, if he scores 30, so what? He has had his shot here and failed. Let him go and try to have success elsewhere, he’s never going to have it here
if weight doesnt look himself, you should check out tavares. they should put him on the shelf with an “injury” till after the olympics. take the spotlight off him, let him recharge the batteries and come back strong for a playoff push….
how is “this week” next week? did garth tell him to re-define what a week was so it sounds better or did gordon panic and make something up. it just sounds so stupid.
Is Bergy on the block?
I am a fan of Bergy, and would hate to see him go. But if he is being shopped for a 22-25 YO 220 lb defender who can skate, well then Bergy is Finnished as an Islander.
Otherwise, I look at Nate Thompson taking his ice time as an insult to Islander fans.
Just to recap… who was in the box for PHO’s first goal. Who’s outstanding penalty killing contributed to a 3 for 5 perfomance by PHO. Who retaliated for the hits on Tavares… what exactly is Nate Thompson’s job… to be the backup center with under 30 seconds left?
(106)
UIF (#27), Spartiarti-RVC (#31) and Dadi (#32) - YES, YES and YES!
I feel a Rick Roll poster coming.
After reading some comments, I think I’d have to agree with people wanting Park to sit. He is obviously struggling and right now Thompson at least brings toughness. But I’m not gonna dump on Tamby. The guy can’t fart without getting taken out of the lineup. Every time he plays he has to worry about the slightest mistake and that can’t be easy to deal with.
#35, I agree Tamebellini hasn’t exactly burned out the red light behind the net, but I think he showed improvement earlier this season, and it’s hard for a player to continue to show his worth when he hardly ever gets into the lineup.
I’d like to see more of him. I think he brings more to the table than just his shootout ability. But say for argument’s sake that’s all he brings, then that’s a pretty good asset in the current environment, esp. with the high number of shootouts the Isles get in.
I think it would be a huge mistake to waive Tambellini.
I’ve been highly critical of the decision to keep Nate Thompson, and while I continue to think the team should demote him, at this point I would also settle for Park taking a seat, although given how respected he is by the team, I find that highly unlikely.
Bottom line — Bergenheim must get in, and I believe Tambellini should as well. I would also like to see Mike Haley called up and take a regular shift on the 4th line, and also with JT occasionally — it’s time the Isles sent a message back to other teams.
What are jon sim and nate thompson doing on this team over guys like bergenheim and tambellini….that’s why this organization is always made fun of….just the truth
Snow is dealing with an interesting situation here. He could easily make 10 different decisions and have 9 of them be wrong, it would happen to any GM.
I think people need to lay off the negative comments and using this situation and saying that is why the Isles are a laughing stock in this league. Fact is the reason they have this situation is that for once they have a surplus of guys ready to play; something they have not had the pleasure of having for several years due to either injuries or lack of organization depth.
There is a long way to go of course, but it is clear this team is headed the right direction. However looking at some of the comments youd think the Isles were not improving whatsoever or even taking steps backwards in rebuilding; something that is clearly not the case.
Meyer and Gervais as someone earlier said they are an AHL level pair-I’d rather see a slow, bad calf and all Witt out there.
I also very much liked the Biron-Roloson combo and am not comfortable at all with the timing of DiPietro coming back, but what’s done is done. I hope they do right by Biron and move him sooner than later.
Sorry to say-
Time for Park to sit.
Go Isles.
i hope they get the best deal they can for Biron for the Islanders and no one else. No offense but Biron knew the deal when he signed here.
Its time for the “business of hockey”. Everyone knows that there are players that must be moved on this Isles team. If we are patient something good may come our way. Emotions aside, I’m not opposed to trading DP. With at least two other goalies in the system. we could roll the dice and get something meaningful in return. DP, Witt (if anyone will have him at a discounted salary), Freddy Meyer, Gervais, and Tambs for a top 2 d-man and a forward. Some one in a playoff push may bite on that one, or some combo of that. That would take care of the roster limit and then some.
I’ve always been a big fan of PArk, but agree that he’s the one that should sit at this point. He just hasn’t hasn’t been as effective this year
Are they going to be playing Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna give you up” during home game warmups now?
I agree with post #20 about RIchard Park. Im a big Park fan but he has not been the same player this season. It would be a tough decision to sit Park but the numbers don’t lie.
The reason it’s so hard to sit someone on this roster is that the bottom six/eight/whatever forwards are nearly interchangeable. It’s not like sitting a clearly-overmatched 14th-forward for an All-Star… it’s six of one, half-dozen of another. If we clearly had a BMW coming out of the garage, sure, park the Hyundai… but it’s all Hyundais, except for the top-six guys.
StevieL (and others) - isn’t that BTO song “Let it Ride?”
I think the best Rick-roll ever would be to have Rick Astley come out to sing the National Anthem before the next home game.
Rick isn’t that good and gets hurt a lot. So Biron is now number three.
I think Park is missing Andy Hilbert on the PK. They made one great defensive duo. I miss Hilbert on the PK, and PK only.
We traded Campoli, why can’t we trade Gervais? They equally stink! Can’t watch this guy anymore. What happened to the Gervais from the end of last season who was actually good?
As far as Tambellini goes, I don’t understand why the team has so little patience with him yet we have to watch our awful checking line, Gervais, and Witt on the ice for it seems like every even strength goal.
The numbers also don’t lie for Thompson and he should not be playing. Who exactly is going to claim him off waivers?
Answer nobody..and sitting Bergenheim for him is outright criminal. CB has touted that the Islanders would not be where
they are without Gordon, but decisions like this make me wonder what exactly he is watching. The blown lead stat is incredible and he INSISTS on putting Park and Thompson out on the ice at the end of these games and the other team ALWAYS buzzes around and either scores or ties it. Our effort at the end of the Dallas games was one of the few times we had sustained pressure trailing and it was for the same reason teams do it against us. Dallas backed off and tried to play a zone, and the crossbar and a few great
saves is all that saved them.
Also whoever posts the stats about PP goal against when Park and Thompson are on the ice, I’d love to know where you get that data.
I was just joking the other day when I said they should put JT on a line with Bailey if they want him to score! Then I turned on the game and there they were skating together and now they were practicing together today. I guess I was just stating the obvious but it’s nice to see the coaching staff recognize it as well. I still think the best thing for JT would be what CB suggested, sitting him for the Detroit game so he gets a week to rest. Get him back and see if he gets rolling again into the break which would give him confidence coming back. If he goes into the break still in a slump it might be bad for the kid.
I understand the whole Begie argument and I can’t wait to see him back on the ice. But reading some of the comments you would think they were on a losing streak right now. It just seems like the complaining will never stop in Islander country.
CB - Who’s call is it usually on what happens in these types of situations and in other similar situations. G.M. or Coach?
Hmmm seems Gordon wants to play for the Playoffs. Give DP every 3rd or 4th game, but let Roloson lead the way like he’s been doing so well. As an Isles fan I’d want dead last only or Playoffs. So go for the gusto, be ultra slow with DP and let Roloson play because he has proven himself. Dipietro has over a decade in his contract anyway right? OK good I just convinced myself. Play Roli, Rick can sit.
Ijust want to know who nominated Thompson to be Tavares’ protector. I happen to notice other players who should also be protecting the #1 so why is Thompson the only one critizized for not fighting for Tavares. These bloggers are definitely not fair to many of the players. I guess you cannot please all of the people all of the time!!!!!!
I totally agree with post #19. Dipietro, once the face of the franchise, is now a distraction for a team that seems to be moving in the right direction. Biron is a soild backup that is certainly much more durable than DP. What if the 40 year old Roloson gets injured? Ricky certainly can’t be the #1 at this point!
The Isles should wait until the Olympic Break to get a clearer picture of how they stand. Seriously, what is one more month without Dipetro? Let him get more playing time in Bridgeport. If he does well and remains injury-free (a BIG if!), they can then decide to put Biron on the market when he will have even more value to another team fighting for a playoff spot.
Seriously, there should be no knee-jerk reaction here. Let’s wait and see!
I’m sick n’ tired of posts complaining that people are picking on Nate Thompson. Folks, we’re not talking about Claude LaPointe or even Rob DiMaio here. Thompson is on target for what, 2 goals? He is not the prototypical 4th line Islander that many people here seem to proclaim. He’s an AHL talent at best.
And the Islanders have plenty other players to fill the 4th line role. Snow says he’s building around young talent. Well, time to play the young talent with potential (Tambellini, for example), and see what they’ve got. We’re not going to go anywhere if people are crying about losing a Nate Thompson.
Chris in DC I am dubbing this Andy Hilbert disease..I think it comes with the #11. People acted like Hilbert was saving the world last year, and not surprisingly he is effectively out of the NHL now. He’s played 4 games for Minnesota(and would have been 2 years ago if not for the Islanders)
I 100% agree with you and I think a majority of the posters agree with us (even if CB doesn’t). The 2 goals isn’t even the problem, it’s the fact that Gordon uses him like he is the defensive player of the year when in fact his +/- is awful and he has been on the ice for more than half the PPG against us. This is NOT an accident, especially on the PK, he’s just way too slow, and doesn’t press anyone into a mistake as Comeau, Nielsen, or Okposo do. People complain about Gervais constantly and Thompson’s +/- is even worse (-14 vs -10). I hope the only reason he is here is the fact he is one of the few players who will drop the gloves, but either way he shouldn’t sniff 10 minutes a night, and too often is playing 14+
I am OK with Park being the odd man out, he too is on the ice for most of the PP goals and is an ATROCIUS -21, even worse than Brendan Witt. This is one year the +/- is dead on, The 4 aforementioned are the worst defensively on the team.
Nate Thompson is a fourth line checker/PK no more no less………….
Every team has a Nate Thompson (defensive, agile checking line center who does what his coach asks him to and is paid next to nothing). He was hired to check/kill penalties/ and make no serious mistakes. He generally does this and for his price (lowest salary on team), role and 2way status you can’t seriously expect much more.
You don’t develop young by putting them in Thompsons position.
In conclusion:
Isles current success or lack isn’t due to Thompson or replacing him, upgrades at other positions would be much more effective so let it go.
Bergy needs to take Sim’s place. Sim needs to have a seat. I also think Tambs is bringing more when he plays then some of the regulars.
If Snow wanted to add an enforcer, Bergy back in, a big tough center (like Gaustaud), and 3 new big tough d-men with skill I’d be more then happy!
Until then Garth is not my HOME BOY!
Thomas, I wonder why CB hasn’t even touched the possibility that N.Thompson should be one of players to go to alleviate the glut. It’s bewildering. The -14 is certainly appalling and the guy’s offense is clearly limited. I did see Thompson get into a couple fights earlier in the year and he did well, but it was against marginal scrappers and I don’t believe Thompson at all scares the better NHL middleweights. The best middleweight in the league in my opinion is former Islander Arron Asham. For those not familiar with Asham, check out his YouTube clips of beating Jackman to a pulp twice last year, and his one-punch knockout of former Islander minor league d-man Matt Spiller.
Asham would be great with JT right now. He has a great shot and puts up 10-12 goals a year. He scares opponents and is one of the best throwers in the league. The Isles can use a guy like that. Not an AHL retread like Thompson. I don’t mean to be so harsh on the guy, but the numbers dictate we make a move and to me he seems clearly the most obvious to go.
#66, I realize some of us are bashing Thompson pretty good, and I agree with you the guy has spirit and heart, and he tries, and I’m sure he’s a good dude, but this is the NHL and I don’t think he has the talent to stick here. I do not think he matches up to players on other teams who play a similar role, as you claim that he does — not with 1 goal and limited skills, he doesn’t.
I wager this time next year, Thompson will be this year’s Andy Hilbert (off the Isles and in the minor leagues).
Neo,
That’s my point. He IS a 4th liner however Gordon puts him out there WAY too much. I’m not going to “let it go”. If he wasn’t sniffing the ice in close games and was an alternate PK I’d have no issue. Stuff like this makes me wonder what Gordon is watching. How about playing Nielsen and his +12 in the final minute of a game? That’s a novel concept. Instead we continue to blow leads with Park and Thompson a combined -35.