POINT BLANK MVP: DWAYNE ROLOSON
No. 1 goalie most responsible for improved record
9:05 am: In determining the Islanders’ Most Valuable Player of 2009-10, the question has to be asked: who is the man most responsible for the team’s significant improvement over the last year?
The answer is Dwayne Roloson.
The statistics don’t tell the whole story, but anyone who has watched every Islanders game this season knows there is very little argument. In keeping his often over-matched team in the playoff race past the Olympic break, Roloson was one of the most valuable goaltenders in the league.
With two games remaining, Roloson is 23-18-6 with a 2.94 GAA and .908 save percentage. In the games he played in which the Islanders earned points, it would not be a stretch to say Roloson was one of his team’s best players in two-thirds of them.
Perhaps as soon as next season, the Islanders will be carried by a true breakout season by one of their core players. Although the team was full of happy stories in 2009-10, this was Roloson’s year. Thankfully for the Islanders, he is under contract for another one.
The Point Blank Ballot for NYI MVP:
1. Dwayne Roloson
2. John Tavares: Gets the edge on the rest not just for his team-leading production as a 19-year-old rookie, but for representing hope.
3. Matt Moulson: 28 goals, shootout mastery, responsible defense, great attitude.
4. Mark Streit: Averaged over 25 minutes a game and carried a thin blue line. Skill, guts, leadership, class. What a find.
5. Kyle Okposo: I want to keep the bar high for the young man. He had a strong season, but is capable of much more. The good news is, Okposo knows it.
Your selections for Islanders MVP only are welcomed in Comments. One post per reader please. We’ll invent and discuss some other awards over the next week.
83 Responses to POINT BLANK MVP: DWAYNE ROLOSON
No. 1 goalie most responsible for improved record
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MSA says:
Couldn’t agree more on Roli. Thanks CB for the great year of giving us lemmings somewhere to nest and moan.
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DB says:
1. Roloson: We’d have another #1 pick without him.
2. Moulson: Sort of like Jason Blake 2.0, minus the speed.
3. Tavares: Solid start and solid finish. Could easily have 60+ points on a better team.
4. Streit: Slow start, but once again show’s he’s the anchor of our d-corps.
5. Hillen/MacDonald: A two-headed monster of defensive responsibility. -
steve says:
I know it’s cliche, but with all the pressing issues around this organization, I think the real MVP’s are the fans who continue to support this group in spite of the MANY reasons not to.
That said, Roli has been great, but so has Biron lately. There isn’t really a stand alone MVP here. Also, it’s hard to imagine a “losing” team having an MVP at all. Besides, I can’t think of a sport that is less about individuals and more about the group than hockey. But you’re right. If I HAD to pick, I’d say Roli.
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Mike says:
CB, it’s hard to argue with your selections, especially for the top spot. But my order would be:
1. Roloson
2. Moulson
3. Streit
4. Tavares
5. Okposo
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Jethro09 says:
No-brainer: Roloson is MVP. Without him, this team easily has five to ten less wins then they do now. Glad he’s back for another year.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
CB, you are spot on except I think Hillen needs some mention in there. Going into the season, myself included, I am sure a lot of us asked ourselves how in the world is this guy going to be a NHL caliber player? Now I see him as a mainstay on this team for many years being a top 4 DMan.
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JP91 says:
Dead-on accurate with Roloson, as usual, CB!
I would just bump Kyle up slightly on the Top-5 list. Although we’d like to see his offensive numbers up a bit from where they are, I think he is the Isles best all-round player hands down. I see him improving even more in the seasons to come and becoming the home-grown stable captain that we’ve been wanting here for a long time…
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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Eric Cup says:
I would have Frans Nielsen at #5. He may be one of the most underrated players in the league and he’s getting better. He should be a Selke candidate and his mastery of the backhand shootout move is truly remarkable. We keep waiting for him to go forehand just once, but his backhand move has proven fantastic. As for Kyle, I actually think he disappointed somewhat. Many here would like to see him as the next captain. This,IMO, is wishful thinking. He really has not demonstrated much in terms of leadership. As recently as last night, he had a chance to come to the defense of a teammate who had been injured on a dirty play in a game whose outcome had already been decided and he did NOTHING! He needs to step up next season with regards to his physical play.CB, at least you say he recognizes that he needs to improve.
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Word says:
I agree with the players but move Streit up to #2. It’s amazing to think what he’d be capable of if we’re ever able to bolster the d-unit.
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EdTurner says:
An MVP when all we may win is the draft lottery is like giving every eight year old in Little League a trophy at the end of the season.
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Bossyisgreat says:
I agree with #8. Although Neilson will never be a Selke candidate, his value to the team is evident.
Okposo, with all the clamoring from the fans, had an average at best season. He proved to not be able to play under pressure( He picked up his game AFTER not being selected to team USA). And he also has proven not to be a true finisher. Granted the guy give 1000% on every shift of every game but if he doesn’t truly pick it up next season I’d be hesitant to give him the “C”.
PS:
Jack Hillen, most underated on the team! -
I agree with #4′s order.
I got Streit and Moulson ahead of our kids.Next year I expect it to be a lot tougher with Bailey and hopefully a free agent also making a case in the top 5 ranking.
This was too easy, but yes, Roloson it is. Very stoked to have him for another year. -
the bomber says:
this will sound nuts but jack hillen is #2 for me….we traded sutton and got hot. why? cause hillen came back…. in fact i think if he doesnt break his jaw we’d have a shot at the #8 seed still…
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Austin says:
Rolo is the clear MVP…too bad he’s not 10 years younger. JT and KO will keep improving, but here’s to hoping MM can keep his magic touch for the next few years. Get well DP!
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tom kurvers says:
You are all nuts putting Tavares so high on the list. I don’t even put on my top 5. Kid needs to learn to skate,add some muscle and show some passion. I bet you could count how many highlight reel goals he had this year on one hand. I am not trying to bash him and I am sure he is going to be a real good player, but MVP Top 3??? Maybe 4 or 5….
MVP is not all skill, its heart too.
#1 Rollie the Goalie
#2 Kye Okposo
#3 Mark Streit
#4 Matt Moulson
#5 Hillen/McDonald#6 JT
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Brian G says:
agreed….but in the offseason when Chicago & Philly come calling the Isles need to listen
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Scott S. from Long Beach says:
CB, if this MVP award represents the player most responsible for the improvement, then yes, I go with Roloson since the goalie situation was ugly last year. But if it’s true MVP meaning most valuable and responsible for overall team success over the course of this year, then I go Moulson, Streit, Roloson.
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beatlebailey says:
sutton should get on an honorable mention list…he was great for most of the year..
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Staten Islander says:
Can’t really argue with this. For me though, I can’t help think of how things could have been better. In December, JT and MM were both on a pace to get close to 40 goals, both dropped off. This is not to say I’m disappointed in what we got from them, but their production is kind of front loaded. And KO, I love the kid, but what has happened to his game the last 10-20 games? seems different. As far as the goaltending is concerned, I love Roli, but what happens after next year? He’ll be 41 and how do we know that Poulin or Koskinin will be able to make the jump to the NHL? DP I’m not including here, I’m thinking we’re getting close to endgame with him.
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Scott Borow says:
I don’t go the sarcasm route often buuuuut..
1. Rick DiPietro.
He was able to wreck their chemistry juuuust enough to ensure another good prospect gets added next fall!
haha in all seriousness, my list is looking pretty much like yours chris.
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Yashin for President says:
Hillen def gets some recognition. We should be very thankful that we have Roli for next season.
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Tutor681 says:
I agree with Roloson as your # 1 MVP but I think Streit is a close second. I think his leadership led to the development of a much improved defense this season. He sets the bars with his work ethic and the young defense corps have begun to follow in earnest.
Moulson and Okposo deserve consideration for #3 and #4. I think Richard Park should be your #5 for the intagibles that he brings to the game. He may not have the numbers but I think his character means alot behind the scenes.
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John says:
Rollie is definitely the team’s MVP, but during the offseason, Ricky D’s situation needs to be resolved. We have 3 goalies in the system (Koskinen, Poulin and Nilsson) and having the sport’s worst contract in limbo cant be good for the development of the team. Go Rollie.
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Ethan K says:
Roloson is the MVP, I’d have Streit second, even though his offense dipped a bit. His defense was better this year than in year’s past and his leadership is always great. He’s still got my vote for Captain next year.
I really expect more of Okposo next year offensively. Next year, the bar must be raised for everyone.
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Aside from Roloson, the only two things I want to add is that Streit, Moulson, and JT get nods for MVP and reliability in playing all 80 games so far. JT’s mark is all the more remarkable given the number of games he has played for the past year and a half and the beating he has taken on many nights.
Honorable mention to Matt Martin for in just five games, he showed the season-long critical importance of having a reliable player stick up for teammates.
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(Sim)ple says:
1) Roloson
2) Striet
3) TavaresI really like Moulson but tough to gauge how much he would’ve produced without all that time on the top line with Tavares.
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PotvinRocks says:
1. Roloson
2. Moulson
3. Streit
4. Tavares
5. MacDonald
I didn’t have Okposo on the list because he didn’t improve on his numbers from last year. He improved his play & control of the puck but not his numbers, which is why he didn’t make the US Olympic team.
Chicago would be my hands down choice for the Stanley Cup if they had trade for Roloson. He is the most underrated & undervalued goalie in the league. And he gets gets my vote for MVP not only for his play but for his professional ablility to deal with all the DP stuff that he had to deal with in January. -
Hey Noooowww!!!! says:
I think your assessments are accurate…KO was the Isles best all around forward, IMHO but his production left much to be desired…Hopefully KO can get to 20 this season and next year look for 30…
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thepolishprince says:
I don’t always agree with everything Chris writes here but it is real hard to argue any of these choices. I was a little skeptical of the Roloson signing given his age and the fact that I didn’t see him play much as he was a western conference guy. Now, I’m looking forward to seeing him play another season on the Island. The guy gets better and better with age.
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mrlbem says:
Just have to comment on KO. He would not be on my Top 5 list. More disturbing than his inconstency and inability to finish is the fact that he does not play with any passion. He is too freakin’ laid back. I want to see him play with more fire next year.
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Sheppy says:
To me, an MVP is the player that would impact the team the most if he were not playing. With that in mind, I think the following would be my MVP list:
1) Roloson. If he was not playing, we might be behind Edmonton. Biron has come on as of late, but he was not doing much earlier in the year. A lot of that has to do with the support he received, but who knows what that occurs. It could be that the team has less confidence in him. Regardless, Rolo stole games for us and kept us in others where we lost. He gave the whole team more confidence.
2) Streit. Can you imagine how bad our D would like if he were gone? He is really our only experienced true NHL d-man. McDonald will get there, Hillen looks like he is almost there, and Meyer has provided a physical spark, but Streit is the only d-man on this team who would be in the top four on any team in the league. Sutton was here and he is a real NHL-caliber d-man, but he’s gone.
3) Tavares. Sure, he had a serious stretch where he could not buy a goal. However, he was our #1 center at 19 years old. He had all the pressure in the world on him (and it looked like it during the middle third of the season). Still, he took the heat off of a lot of the other players and had a pretty darn good rookie season. I think Tavares makes the players around him better.
4) Moulson. Where are we without his 28 goals? I’d say we would be in serious trouble. After him, Tavares is next with 22 goals…then Okposo at 18. They say that defense and goaltending win games. I agree, but you need to score some goals to win and we don’t score many. We should be OK in the near future with Bailey and Comeau coming on, to go along with Tavares and Okposo (I really hope he is a 30 goal guy, but I have my doubts…see below).
5) Okposo. I have a hard time even including him because, while he works hard, you have to have results. I included him more by default because who else do you include?!?! I doubt there are many people who think he played to his potential this year. If you don’t play to your potential, how can you be an MVP candidate? I think he should have done better and while he is second in team scoring, I expected much more. I am not sure that, at this stage, Okposo makes those around him better. He is a talented player to be sure, but he is more individualistic. Watch him play. The plays where you say WOW are more one-on-one moves or plays in the corner. The guy has a future, but I see him more as a stud second liner. I hope I am wrong. He is NOT physical, and that scares me since he is touted as a power forward. -
LouD says:
Well yeah Roloson is responsible for the better record this season but mostly because he replaced the two cones we were using in net last season in my opinion. Meaning any upgrade in net before this season was going to result in a better record. But if the kids didn’t improve their play we would’ve been at around the same place. Not signing a quality defensemen and all of the injuries to our own d-men killed our playoff hopes. With a healthy D I think the Isles would’ve been in considering how weak the east has been.
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Schultz39 says:
My thoughts are:
1. Roloson
2. Moulson
3. Streit
4. Tavares
5. NielsenHM: Hillen, Okposo
As far as KO goes, the guy will be a solid player on this team for years to come, but he needs to pick it up physically. I know it’s not his nature but will help complete his game and give him more room to operate. He should’ve whalloped Poni after last night’s hit to Bailey. The fact that he didn’t is disappointing to say the least.
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AJAX says:
Dwayne Roloson
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
I have to say CB … Rollo as the Islander MVP is a much easier selection than it was to select Tavares with the #1 pick last June.
I also agree with the other four picks for MVPs … However, I’d flip-flop Streit and Okposo … I think Streit disappeared for a great number of games … Maybe it was the minutes? KO was playing very good hockey even when he wasn’t getting on the score sheet. That can get in a young player’s head and KO didn’t let that happen. JT had to wrestle with that demon for much of the 3rd quarter of the season.
Irony: Rollo might be the reason the Isles select in the 5-8 spot this season instead of the 2-3 spot. But hey … Snow isn’t supposed to be thinking of that when improving the team over the summer. So I give Snow props for making the Isles much more entertaining this season. Can’t wait to see how he improves this team next summer. Playoffs?
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kevin fitz says:
To me it is a toss up between Roloson and Streit. I am going to give the edge, just barely, to Roloson. He stood on his head a lot this season. Streit has had a very strong second half, but over the entire year, Roloson was the most consistent.
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Grandpa Ray says:
I agree with #5 order-Roli is number one without a doubt-him on a philly or chicago-id automatically put them in the finals
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Steven says:
CB right on with your MVP. On ice leader Streit should be captain and is #2 on my list. After that, does it matter? Tavares and Neilsen look like future superstars. Our needs? Another offensive defenseman via trade or FA. Let Streit catch his breath please. A big defenseman, again via trade or FA. Sutts is in the past. No need to resign him. Get the right but dangerous FA winger for either Neilsen or Tavares that won’t disrupt the chemistry. And maybe a Nystrom type for the second FA winger. Nobody will mess with this team with Martin, Gillies and Nystrom, as well as a banging Dman free agent. My question is does anyone have a solution how we can improve our penalty kill? Does anyone have any advice on what the PK needs?
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dose says:
1- roloson
2- everyone else -
Pete says:
The Franz definitely belongs in the Top 5.
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GE of GN says:
Rollie is the easy choice. After that, it’s a toss-up, but I’ll go with Matt Moulson.
The intriguing thing about Moulson’s scoring abilities are:
1. His quick release
2. There’s nothing in his movements that telegraphs when/where/how he is going to shoot the puck.
There are no wasted motions and excessive dipsy-doodling. In a blink, the puck is off his stick and in the net.
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Jeff says:
I would say that Rollie is the obvious choice with Moulson second.
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chuckerd says:
Great choice of Roloson. He gave the team much needed experienced,consistent quality goaltending this season. H e faced a lot of rubber this year,he finished the season with that small D. crew in front of him and he still played well.
I might have gone with Streit as #2. A true offensive force on the blueline and leadership of the small D crew.
Moulson as #3. He came out of nowhere to give the team a decent scoring winger who played hard and got over his mid-season slump.
Taveres and Okposo have huge upsides and should both be forces in the league for many years. -
@Rob post 43,I agree on Sutton,he was a huge force on D,They really missed his size and hitting ability after the trade.
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Brother Rat says:
Ha, I agree that it’s hard to argue with CB’s choices but its kind of funny to consider Scott/#21′s contention that DP’s slight re-emergence may have rejiggered the chemistry to tank the team into lottery territory! Roli’s definitely steadied the team behind the pipes.
We’ve improved a bit on offense (from 201 goals last year to 216 with two games to go), but we’ve cut down our goals against from 279 to 251 with two games, with only 8 clunkers with 6+ goals against (3 games w/ 7, and 5 w/ 6). Last year, we had 2 games giving up 9 goals, 2 with 7, and 4 with 6. Definitely steps in the right direction, if only baby steps.
Shouldn’t we give Garth credit for the improvement, signing the goalies and Moulson, and not blowing the JT pick? Such a low bar!
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#1–Rollie
#2–Moulson
#3–Streit
J.T showed signs of greatness in the second half. He will score more goals for sure, but man, he has some sick passing skills!
Okposo works hard every night but he needs to work on his finishing skills. If he would have capitalized on just 10% of the great passes from J.T, we make the playoffs.
Schremp proved why he was chosen high in the draft. I loved the energy he brought before he got hurt.
Mayer stepped up big time in the second half. If he can consistently bring his A game–he is a keeper.
Comeau showed us his impersonation of Mike Bossy quite a few times.
Also as against Sim and Gillies as I was, they found a way to win my heart. They certainly bring a much needed edge on this team.
So now, Garth needs to pick well in the draft, get some big guys that can play, bring up martin and maybe Joensuu in Oct, oh yeah and Hamonic. Try to bring Petrov over.
Next stop: PLAYOFFS!!!!! -
mw147 says:
Roloson, no question.
The last 2 years Garth’s key off season signings have been Streit and Roli. Not bad. Not bad at all. Now keep it going and sign a physical d-man (or 2) this time around.
Eric Cup #8 you are a Kyle-hater!!
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rb says:
Roloson, easy call as MVP.
I didn’t know much about Roloson before he got here other than to see him play a couple of times.
But, boy, was I ever impressed with this guy. Not only is he talented as a goaltender, he’s also a very competitive guy who obviously doesn’t like losing, and very combative in protecting his crease area. (Easily the best in that department since Smitty.)
But even though he’s combative, he never loses it. Very level and steady in his play even when things are going bad around him, and that calm often filtered through to the guys playing in front of him holding the fort.
I don’t know what his plans are when he retires, but Roloson seems like the kind of guy you want as part of your organization.
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JoeRiverside says:
Don’t laugh, but I think Freddy Meyer deserves consideration for Top 5 MVP. He not only improved his game, but brought the Isle defense much needed consistency. He had a very good year.
My top 5:
1. Moulson
2. Rolo
3. JT
4. Comeau
5. Meyer
Honorable mention – Hillen, Okposo, Streit (had a rough start to the year). -
ken says:
i wouldn’t put KO in the top 5 for this year. He played great, and has a bright future. Top 5 MVP:
1. Rollie – unbelievable at times.
2. Streit – Didn’t have much help, but played a lot of minutes against the best.
3. Moulson – 28 goals?
4. Sutton – thought he played his best isles hockey this year
5. Tavares – exceeded rookie expectations in my opinon. clearly knows where to go to score, the rest of his game will follow. -
admin says:
Your selections for Islanders MVP only are welcomed in Comments. One post per reader please. We’ll invent and discuss some other awards over the next week.
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miket239 says:
Of course Dwayne is MVP. In a dimension WITHOUT Rick Dipietro playing this season, Rolo would have led the Islanders into the Playoffs…which most likely would have meant either the Rangers, Flyers, Bruins or Canadiens would have not. I’m just sayin. See ya next year…
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Davy says:
I would say Streit, Roloson, Tavares, Moulson and Hillen in that Order. By the way, has anyone seen Roloson lately?
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Hoguefanclub says:
I saw Richard Parks name. Was invisible for the important part of the season when games counted. He played well after the games became inconsequential which drove me bonkers. My least favorite player, I hope they cut him loose. Bailey should be at #5. Okposo holds on to puck too long. Bailey brings the intangibles, most important player in the rebuild and garners my vote.
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Uncle Jr says:
MVP – Rick Dipietro …. cause without Rick’s fragile body we would never have signed Roli …. lol. But seriously Roli was great this season, just look at his numbers playing on a team that was basically the same one that finished dead last in 2009. Just wish he were 10 yrs younger ……
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I think I agree with your assessments…KO is our best all around forward at this point, imho, but obviously his goal totals left much to be desired..Hopefully this year he can reach 20 and next season break out with 30 plus….
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James says:
Roloson. His numbers are ludicrous for a team that could finish with a top five pick.
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jo says:
I know I will get killed for this, but I have never seen the fan base overrate a player more than it has Andy MacDonald.
My MVP is Roloson, by a mile.
I think Okposo has been the best forward, but I agree, he is capable of more. I hope is, at least. Next year is a big year for him!
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Eastonhockey says:
Rollie played well but IMO dubie if given this many games puts up #’s that are just as good. My point is most teams success is from the goaltender out. Even danis last season his numbers were not poor. Goaltenders are a dime a dozen. I like roleson more then dipietro though even a healthy dipietro. Too bad Wang isn’t good friends w roleson…Everything u need to know about isles management is right here… They tried to replace team MVP with dipietro then they tried trading team MVP….
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Mike from Sarasota says:
There’s no question about it: Dwayne Roloson.
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Hud says:
It’s a no brainer that Roloson is MVP.
Watching JT has been awesome, then painful, then awesome againe. He started off burying that wrister from the right side, I forget who it was against, picked the corner. I was thinking, no Islander in a while has been able to do that. Then, he started stumbling and falling and looked lost. The last few weeks, he is involved in everything, great passing, checking, and finishing. I’m looking forward to seeing him next season.
That being said, Streit is my number 2, followed by Moulson and JT tied for 3, 4th is Okposo. I’m not sure why people say he does not play hard, all I see is hustle from the kid.
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EAF says:
Davy, #54, I’ve seen him yesterday allowing 3 goals against the Penguins. I think he is an Islanders MVP this season. If not the DP drama we would be much closer to the playoffs by now
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jim says:
Yeah to Roli!!
I agree with #16 Tavares is a bit overrated. Althought he has good hands and in close he is a sniper, he has a so-so shot when out a distance and is weak skater. (OK now beat me up)
#21 Right on!! Funny!
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battfist says:
Agree-Roloson. Im hoping he can carry the Isles next season into the playoffs.
But if I had to agrue for someone else….
Mark Streit hands down.
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Gary9-19-22 says:
I think you take Okposo off the list. I love KO but he has to increase production to be a candidate for team MVP.
Add Hillen. The guy is a legitimate NHL d-man and is now the #2 d-man since Sutton left.
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JSExpress says:
Roli… 58 saves v. the Leafs was one of the highlights of the entire season for me.
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jonsson3 says:
1. Roloson 2.Tavares 3. Streit 4.Moulson
5. MacDonald
LET’S GO FLYERS!!!!!!!! -
isles14 says:
i agree.it’s funny how you don’t realize how good another player is.until you see him play all the time.
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Michael Pastore says:
Rolonson deserves the MVP, no if ands or buts.
But lets call a spade a spade. We had one line at the beginning of the year that was clicking Okposo, Tavares, Moulson. It was the stupidity of the coaching staff that broke up that line. It is no coincidence that when they broke up the line all of their production went down. Stop bashing Okposo, he is a winger that they put on the point on Power Plays. He belongs on the wing by the net not trying to take slap shots from the point. Give the kid a break.
If they would have kept that line together i beleive their goal totals would have been the following:
Okposo 25 – 30
Tavares 30 – 35
Moulson 35 – 40
Blame your coaching staff for that. I am not saying Gordon is a good coach but you don’t change great chemistry just to put more offense on other lines. Anybody remember:
Gilles
Trottier
Bossy
All of them on the same line. That was our 3 best scorers. -
I meant to say Gordon is a good coach typing error. But he did screw up that lines chemistry.
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Hollywood says:
Obviously Rolli is the team MVP. The runners up in my view are the following.
2. Streit had another wonderful year, he almost stepped it up 2 notches after the Olympics.
3. Okposo for a long stretch looked like a leader and should be the captain. He does so many things that make us smile. I do believe at some point he will have to drop the gloves and show some fire.
4. Frans, maybe the most consistent player all year. He will win a Selke in the next couple of years.
5. Hillen, also one of the most consistent. -
Jerky says:
Roloson is the team’s MVP this season, without dispute.
#2 is JT. Aside from his 50 points (which I think was a realistic expectation for his rookie season), he proved to me that he is more than just a one-dimensional player that was his biggest criticism this time last year. He improved his two-way game significantly during his scoring slump and showed me he will a better rounded player than originally expected.
#3 is Moulson for all the reasons previously mentioned by others.
After that it is not easy. The performances of Hillen, MacDonald and Meyer has been inspiring and Bailey seems to be coming into his own as well.
Streit has had an excellent second half; however, he was average at best in the first half and looked awful at times giving away the puck and getting beaten regularly.
Okposo is a solid player but I don’t see his upside potential being any higher than a 25 goal scorer in this league. The comparisons to Iginla a couple of years ago were premature and he will never come close to that level. He does need to learn how to stand up for himself and his teammates. If Gervais and Bergie can get into fights in the heat of the game, why can’t KO?
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JPinVA says:
Roloson has been terrific, but I’d give it to Streit.
Streit has brought it every night for two years. Years ONE AND TWO, not FOUR AND FIVE of his contract. He has made the players he’s been with much better (Bruno probably thinks he BELONGS in the NHL).
He also embodies the fourth foward philosophy that Gordon’s system thrives on.
Okposo needs some mean… or some finsih… or the ability to make his teammates better. He’s almost there, but Streit is BEYOND there.
Moulson… has had a great first Islander season… I’m not sure he’s made his linemates better, though he has made their scoring numbers better. He is still on the “learning” side of the educational scale… Streit is a full blown professor! -
Eric says:
1. Roli
2. Streit
3. Sutton(got to include him he was very good and I would put him at #2 if not for the trade)
4. Okposo
5. Moulson
6. Tavares(so Tavares makes the top 5 without Sutton included) -
Toby says:
Well done Chris AND all posters. I love reading this stuff and getting all the fans insight. Isles fans know what they’re talking about! A good choice on my part this year to root for this team as a new fan of the sport. Can’t wait for next year. Best team sport, best fanbase, and most promising up and coming hockey club.
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Schnip says:
Toby welcome to years of misery, not sure why your doing this to yourself! Welcome aboard though, we like newbies
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Bob Bassen says:
Yep. Roloson. Period. Making good money or not I just marveled as the guy, at this point of his career just BURIED himself all season long for a team that was, at best, very marginally gonna be able to get into the Play-offs..if that.
Moulson goals and even *grit* get him second in my book
KO will be fine in many, many ways. But you don’t just suddenly aquire *fire*, *intensity* and *toughness* which is somewhat disconcerting though. -
orngfan says:
toby left out softest players also. bailey out 4-6 weeks. okposo’s soft lil hands no harm done to them from standing up for his teammate. jon sim, no excuse either he was right there. let ponikarovsky skate away like nothing even happened.
SHOW ME ANOTHER TEAM IN THIS LEAGUE WHERE THAT CAN HAPPEN!!
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Walt says:
Toby may have perfect timing, this team should be on the rise now. All we need is a new arena.
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Jim Clark says: Roloson followed by Moulson.
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admin says:
Comments thread closed. See you tomorrow.
no doubt Roloson is the team’s mvp by far. I’d say a huge gap to Streit and then another huge gap to Moulson/Tavares.