DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, 3:00 PM ET
Questions will be answered about the 23-man roster
FanHouse: CB on Zenon Konopka’s life story
FH: Bettman stands up for Colin Campbell’s “consistency”
9:50 pm: Would the Islanders ask Jon Sim to volunteer his time greeting fans at the team’s Open House on Tuesday night, and then put him on waivers on Wednesday with the goal of sending him to Bridgeport? Hmm…
Is Sim still on the roster because every shift he takes is a lesson in relentlessness and treating every opponent like the enemy – traits this roster could use more of? You better believe it.
Sim may or may not be with the Islanders this time tomorrow, but plenty of questions will be answered when the Islanders meet the NHL deadline and file their 23-man roster by 3:00 pm ET on Wednesday.
Here’s one view of the lineup:
Forwards
Comeau – Tavares – Parenteau
Moulson – Nielsen – Hunter/Niederreiter
Bailey - Weight – Grabner
Gillies – Konopka – Martin/Sim
Injured Reserve: Okposo, Schremp
Forward Notes: If the Islanders decide to send Matt Martin to Bridgeport – probably not now, you never know later – he does not require waivers. Should Michael Grabner not pan out for the team, he would have to go on waivers to play in the AHL. Trent Hunter is on the team and will score at least 20 goals if he plays 70 games. On nights when the coaches feel they don’t need Trevor Gillies, there’s plenty of icetime for everybody. Sim, who is on a two-way contract, needs waivers and would probably clear. At worst, he is a strong depth callup and instant agitator when the Islanders need some life on the ice.
Defensemen
Mottau - Wisniewski
Eaton – Martinek
MacDonald – Hillen
de Haan – Gervais
Jurcina
Injured Reserve: Streit
Defense Notes: If de Haan sticks, the Islanders will likely start the season with eight men on defense. It would not be surprising if the team waives Milan Jurcina or Bruno Gervais, but it would be if they tried to demote both. (Regardless, I’m fairly certain both would clear waivers since they’re on one-way deals). Something else to watch: Jack Hillen played for the B squads in Philadelphia and Quebec City. The team should deny it, but that cannot be a coincidence. No matter what, the Islanders have a tough decision to make. They probably have already made it, but haven’t shared the news with the players as of tonight.
Goaltenders
DiPietro
Roloson
Goalie notes: If Rick DiPietro is healthy on Saturday, how much do you want to bet he starts the season opener against Dallas?
Save the date of Thursday, October 21. Planning a Point Blank season kickoff party at SOCIAL, across the street from the Coliseum. Free buffet by Top Chef’s Danny Gagnon, Islanders tickets giveaway, raffle and the Islanders vs the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:30 pm on a few dozen TVs. Stay tuned for confirmation and details.
See you Wednesday. Comments on this subject are encouraged.
66 Responses to DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, 3:00 PM ET
Questions will be answered about the 23-man roster
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Tim F. says:
With the Grabner acquisition, I’m guessing Nino gets his ticket back to Portland within the nine game window.
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terry says:
just wave sim he is a waste of a spot
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jon from nj says:
I’m surprised hillen isn’t a lock. Before his jaw injury last year, he was a revelation.
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ISLESGUY9000 says:
CB, how could Hillen not make the team? He was on the verge of becoming a top pair defenseman before his injury last year, and looked good when he came back.
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PotvinRocks says:
I agree the tough decision is going to be on Defence, because Martin & Gillies don’t have to pass through waivers. I can’t see them signing Jurcina just to waive him. I think the odd man out is Gervias. if you wave Hillen someone will pick him up, Pittsburgh & Jersey could use a some cheap skilled players. Its going to interesting to see what shakes down shakedown street tomorrow.
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Jon in Chicago says:
I love you phrased it “if DiPietro is healthy on Saturday.” Well, he’s healthy right now for all we know why wouldn’t he be healthy in a few days? But then again, given the guy’s recent history…
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Andre says:
I think Sim gets sent down and I would not be the least surprised if Gervais is put on waivers. I think the coaching staff is sending a message to Hillen to step up his game. He is not going anywhere. I also would be very surprised if Parenteau is with the Islanders the whole season.
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Jerky says:
CB, two follow up questions come to light based on your post:
1) If the NHL deadline to file their 23-man roster is 3:00 pm ET on Wednesday, does that mean a team can still be over the cap until the season starts or does that need to be addressed at the same time? I think it’s the former but can you please confirm?
2) A trade with a team in cap trouble is still a strong possibility for the Islanders. Does that need to take place before Wednesday’s deadline (is there a moratorium on trades at all) or can they still make a trade any time after the deadline? If so, can the Islanders send down whomever they want now and recall them before the season starts if there’s an opening? I’m thinking of Martin and Neiderreiter and I believe Martin especially should be with the team this year.
Thanks as always for the great reporting you do for the fans. I was away for the past 36 hours and came back to 6 different stories on this site … I love it!
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Josh says:
Interesting insight about Hillen on both B-squads, didn’t even recognize that. It sounds like he may have come to camp out-of-shape or just had a terrible camp.
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Shremp Co 13 says:
i expect a trade
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MT says:
I’m surprised with that Hillen note. I think a lot of us thought he’d fill that Streit role but Gordon would bring up AMac’s name. Interesting.
Has Jurcina had a bad camp or something? Just surprised that he could get waived.
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Examiner says:
Can see Martin being sent down to start the season, if for no other reason just because of Martin’s foot injury. Skating was never his strongest skill and when was the last time he played/practiced? Otherwise, I see no way he doesn’t make the team.
Can’t see them waiving Hillen in favor of Gervais, or even Jurcina. If Jurcina doesn’t use his body he’s useless.
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LES says:
God i hope “brutal” gervais is gone. he has no buissness on this team he has overstayed his welcome
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J.branny says:
It is interesting to see what their strategy is with Hillen. They did treat him like an AHLer in the preseason. But I thought he played very well and elevated the games of those around him. And he looked to be in great shape. I can’t see them waiving him as they would surely lose him. He is too skilled and too great a skater.
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Brian from Massapequa says:
I’m thinking that Hillen was sent with the B-squads because he is a lock to make the team, but is also not a veteran (of the NHL) who would tend to get preferential treatment.
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Orange&Blue says:
Enough with Jon stinkin Sim already. Grabner is an offensive talent. Keep him. He could be the guy JT needs. Keep Nino. You talk about youth movement, back it up!!
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Starscream13 says:
Not worried about Hillen, unless there are some work ethic issues during training camp – think Comeau the past few years. Gervais is all but gone, someone might pick him up off of waivers, maybe Ottawa and he can reunite with Campoli ha! I don’t care what the “experts” say, the fact that Hillen is even being mentioned is because our D is way better this year – even without Streit. Stay at home, veteran defensemen that we added, plus our forwards maturation will lead to a much better on-ice product. And oh yeah, Sim can stay.
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Isles Fan says:
I agree with the Sim article. He can be the resident Avery agitator type and he can put the puck in the net. We can do worse than him for that role. In fact, I think he brings more to the table than Hunter who was never the same after the knee injury in the Leafs playoff series all those years ago.
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Mike from Philly says:
I would be very surprised if Hillen was cut after how much love he has been getting from the franchise. Then again, I am sure Botta knows better then we do.
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Mark in Ottawa says:
“Goalie notes: If Rick DiPietro is healthy on Saturday, how much do you want to bet he starts the season opener against Dallas?”
I got to “If Rick DiPietro is healthy” and I started laughing – that was a good one Chris !
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Pedro says:
I am fine with giving parenteau a shot, but it frustrates me that he may start beside JT. We have other wingers (eg, bailey, at least for now) who are better at distributing the puck and are more established. This team needs to facilitate JT’s development and develop at least one line that is a true offensive threat.
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Staten Islander says:
Hillen over Gervais? CB, is this some kind of an early April Fool’s day joke?
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TomD 37 says:
It seems pretty simple to me. Send DeHaan back to Juniors. We have too much depth on defense this year, let him play a big role on his junior team and for team canada in the WJC. Gervais should be the other player sent to the minors. But, I guess I’ll just have to wait and see what they decide.
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billy says:
it’s nice to see so many options, grabner will be interesting.
gervais will be the odd man out i hope, rather see hillen on the team, maybe its like sending moulson to the B game? idki never saw anything other than the nino incident this preseason but it doesnt seem like parenteau and tavs clicked, not sure if they had points together on more than 1 goal (pls correct me if i’m wrong)
What are your thoughts about him being the opening night winger for tavs CB? -
va isles says:
Never had a problem with Sim. He drew a lot of penalties and always got scoring chances. Nice call CB
Gervais should have left with Campoli. I’d wish Gervais the very best. One heck of a human being!!
Hillen not to sure about. He’s not as good as Snow and Gordon thinks he is..or was. Keep him around maybe I’m wrong. (hope so)
DP’s health? I still think he’s just average. If he would stay in the net and make better decisions he could be great.
All in all we still need goal scoring which I don’t think this Grabner will bring. “D” looks better but we’re still are going to need goals. If Moulson and Comeau both don’t get 30 we are in for….. “And with the 5th pick in the 2011 entry draft the New York Islanders select……”
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CB I agree with billy could you tell us what you think the team will do this year. Would love to here what you think of guys like, Parenteau, Niederreiter, Konopka, Wisniewski and Eaton. How’s JT and JB look are they going to take it to the next level?
Maybe a season preview! -
bayduvinislander says:
The Anti-Simites need to stop, the guy’s got the heart of a lion. It wasn’t size or skill that got him to the NHL.
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Bob says:
Goalie notes: If Rick DiPietro is healthy on Saturday, how much do you want to bet he starts the season opener against Dallas?
I can’t believe after 2 seasons, DP’s health is still a question. If he’s rusty, fine, he should be. But if health is still an issue, after 2 seasons it’s time to cut the cord.
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Doug says:
No way Hunter scores 20. He scores 10-15 at most because of his skating. Wouldn’t you rather see Grabner’s speed on the 2nd line instead of the third? Hunter is better used a bottom 6 guy IMO.
I think Gervais HAS to be the odd man out. He just hasn’t played well.
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Ethan K says:
Martinek is probably the most overrated defenseman we’ve got. He played in 16 games last year, had 2 goals and 1 assist, was a -1. His defense is decent, but he absolutely can’t clear the puck, and offers nothing in the offensive zone anymore. He doesn’t play physically, he can’t block many shots, and he’s EXTREMELY injury prone. Hillen can get 25-30 points easily this year if he gets the ice time and plays the full season. He was looking like a number 4 dman last year before an unfortunate injury, and looked good on return and with Sutton gone. Putting him in the AHL would be unfair in my opinion. Wisniewski, Eaton, Mottau, Hillen, MacDonald, and Jurcina have my vote. Martinek would be the backup, de Haan goes to Juniors where he truly belongs and Gervais goes to the AHL. I’d prefer Reese, Kohn, Katic, Hamonic or De Haan on the Isles before Gervais…
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andy says:
hillen was on team usa this summer he should be starting on d
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tim j says:
i have a lot of respect for CB, but i think his speculation about hillen is ridiculous
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The New Isles GM says:
Hillen and A-Mac aren’t going anywhere. Hillen is the best skater on the team and even though he lacks in size, he makes up for in IQ and positioning. I’m sure they put him on the B squad so he could play as a number one defenseman and get PP time with that squad. Nothing more than extra ice time. He’s a quiet guy that will give you his best game in game out. To me….he’s part of the core. Think Kris Letang.
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Am I missing something? Hillen was one of the few bright spots last year. He’s small but doesn’t play too small. He can skate and move the puck as well. I always thought if his shot had a little more control he could be a decent weapon. If Bruno is here over him…there’s gotta be something I’m missing.
I’ve noticed him and Jurcina as sort of odd men out. Better they not try to force Jurcina to work out just because they signed him. If the player isn’t a good fit, cut ties and don’t look back. Sounds like that’s what the Panthers are doing with Grabner. Hope he makes them pay though!
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Reese in Chelsea says:
Here’s hoping Hillen stays. Add me to the list of the curious about him potentially being on the bubble. His skating is second to none on the team and his positioning got better and better last year. Last year I saw him do nothing but improve. A real asset for this team and Gordon’s style of play.
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Billy the Kid says:
Can not imagine Hillen as not part of the young core.
Jurcina is useless unless he hits (and hits hard) all the time, which he doesn’t do. Hillen is more combative by alot and has great wheels to skate the puck up ice.
Sim as a B’Port call up is about right.
With the logjam of Dmen, CDH should go back to Oshawa for the year. -
Doug says:
CB,
Any chance the Isles put a claim on Zubrus or is the $3.4 million pricetag too much? I guess I answered my own question.
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cjcb says:
Difference between Avery and Sim is that when need be Avery actually drops his gloves to defend himself, sim DOES NOT!! You can argue that his agitating ways get other players hurt cause he always skates away. Even one of our better Agitators in Steve Webb manned up and fought almost all his battles. Now if you dress Gilles with Sim thats a different story but Sim alone to me brings nothing but the potential for our soft core to get hurt. Just keep Gilles, Martin, and Konopka thats or toughness, unload Sim!
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Kevin says:
#19 what r u talking about. The Leafs playoff series was Hunter’s NHL debut. What do u mean never the same after that LOL!
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sean says:
Waive Bruno!!!
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C. Felix says:
If DP is healthy, he should play 100% of the game.
If he isn’t healty (read that as 100% healed and 100% ready to go) then he shouldn’t play at all. -
Spartiarti RVC says:
Guys i know you all love martin and i can wait to see im play for us but he not NHL ready. I still think in a 4th line agitator role Sim is very good. He can score too. I never hated Sim, I had problem with him taken up top 2 line mins.
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Schultz39 says:
Maybe Hillen played on the B team to ensure they had enough NHL vets on it?
Either way, I don’t see a major trade or another waiver pickup in our sights.
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dose says:
i like hunter. more than a lot of people who have wanted him moved for a few years already. and i’ve always thought if the team got on a playoff roll he’d play a big part and chip in with some clutch goals. but i don’t see simply penciling him for 20. 70 games or not.
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isles71 says:
waive Bruno Campoli, we have seen his best, at best a depth call up. Once again, if it is about youth, Martin is more of an “aggitator” than Sim. You have to drop the mits at least once to be considered worth worrying about and Martin is way more scary than Sim. And Grabner is that good he is going to walk on and take a roster spot??? Why then did 2 teams give him away??? Have to see for ourselves. As for the goalies, Ricky would be nice for the home opener, but no mistake should be made that this is Rolosons’ team. Without him, playoffs out of the question…Go Isles!!!
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bruce1167 says:
After the year Roli had for us last year, and considering when DP was last healthy for more than 8 games, I hope that the Isles make DP win some games until he is considered our number 1 goalie. If not I think it will be a big mistake !
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and this speculation on hillen possibly going seems bizarre to me. aside from not being real big and strong and possibly a bit fragile, the guy clearly is a highly skilled,excellent puck mover, maybe their best skater, and a real smart player. could mr. botta be looking to stir up a little ruckus here?
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Doug says:
Matty Martin has got to make this lineup if his foot is ready to go. Sim never takes a shift off, but there is absolutely no more upside for Simmer. Give the kid who has Sim’s grit and work ethic a shot instead. Martin showed he has a scoring touch at the Junior level, and somewhat (12g) at the AHL level.. and also showed he is a big asset in front of the net on the powerplay.
From what I saw at the 2 Orange and Blue scrimmages, he has a nasty and accurate wrist shot as well. Stick Sim in the Bridge and let’s see what the kids got!
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Jethro09 says:
My projected opening night roster
Forwards: JT, Moulson, PA, Bailey, Comeau, Weight, Grabner, Hunter, Nielsen, Gillies, Konopka, Nino. Spares: Martin, Sim.
Defense: Wiz, Eaton, Mottau, Martinek, A-Mac, Hillen. Spare: Jurcina
I think Gervais is gone, de Haan is going back to junior and Nino will get his nine games and get sent back to Junior when Schremp returns.
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Kevin says:
Parentau on the 1st line and Bailey on the 3rd? Not sure about that, but what do I know? My NHL coaching experience has been limited to 0 games and 0 minutes (unless you count NHL 2010 on PS3) Get rid of Gervais, (Ricky Gervais would be a better d-man). Sim should go too to give the youngsters a chance.
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UIF says:
Justify it any way you like, but if Sim is on the team over Martin, and Gervais is on it over Hillen, that would be insane.
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Hollywood says:
No way Hillen isn’t in the starting 6. I say Gervais is the odd man out. Sim has no business being here. Lets be real he played about 15 games last year doing what he does best and thats about it. I think Nino must stay and let Grabner and PA fight for the other spot. I also believe that Hunter needs to find another home.
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battfist says:
Yes – to answer your question on Sim.
Konopka is our new answer for Avery. I cnt wait for that throw down.If you ask me- Hillen, McDonald and Gervais are basically the same player. we all know who the odd man out is…BG.
Hillen and McDonald are keepers.Hunter scoring 20?!!! I guess he worked on hitting the net this offseason.
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Brian G says:
Just Send Sim and Gillies to the Minors…these guys can be called up at anytime if needed – not worth keeping them….don’t be surprised to see the Isles pickup another young player off waivers today.
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Niteislander says:
I will be shocked/upset if Hillen does not get a lot of playing time this year. He was by FAR our best player last season. It was not coincidence that when he got hurt the Isles lost 5 of their next 6 games.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Hillen is the best puck moving D (with Streit out) on the team. We can’t all “stay at home!”
Bailey is the best 2-way forward on the team. He belongs on one of the top two lines. What has Parenteau done to deserve the #1RW?
The keys to the final makeup of the roster are Nino and CDH. If they show enough in what looks to be a nine game tryout for each, a few guys will be packing. -
Pete says:
CDH and Nino should go back to their junior teams. Neither is 100% ready and should not be rushed. Sim should start in the NHL over Martin. Give Martin more time to develop his offensive skills at the Bridge. We all know he can handle the physical play in the NHL, but why keep him here as a purely physical player when he seems to be capable of more than that. I know everyone hates Sim (I’m not a huge fan myself) but at least we know what we’re getting with him at this stage in his career. And besides, he’s on a two-way deal. If Martin starts tearing it up in Bridgeport, he can always be called up and Sim can always be sent down.
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the bomber says:
Jack Hillen is the best defenseman we have. he is Brian Rafalski light. I assumed he got stuck with the B’s cause they needed at least 8 NHL vets in each preseason game and because he is a lock to make the team. No was Jurcina, Gervais, McDonald, or even DeHaan are better than him right now. Not a chance. if we waive him, my head will explode.
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5fourFightin says:
Would the Isles USE Sim and then demote him????
Of course they would. 2 summers ago the Isles had the “Wrecker” going all over LI as a representative of the Isles, only to be sent to Bridgeport and then eventually released. If it is cost effective and low risk then the Isles will do it. In fact thats their MO! -
Stumpy32 says:
You all need to relax about Hillen. CB didn’t say the guy wasn’t making the team. He said that, in effect, Hillen may not have had the best camp and the team was a little down on him. But we’re not the second coming of the 1981 team. Even a 70-percent Hillen will still make the team easily. Maybe they put him on the B-team to smack some sense into him if they thought he was acting entitled. Who the hell knows. Either way, if any of you think Hillen isn’t making the team just on what CB wrote, you’re probably the same person that thinks that without Rob Schremp, the team is doomed and that, now, you’re giving up your tickets.
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kallur says:
Why people on these boards dis Jon Sim is beyond me; is there something about giving it your all and always acting in a classy, professional matter that irks you? That the Islanders would even consider treating Sim in the manner Botta suggests says a lot more about the Islanders than it does about Sim.
And to think that a class act like Bill Torrey once ran this team. -
Hockey1919 says:
With Okposo out of the lineup, this really shows how weak and inexperienced the Islanders are on the right side. Parenteau playing first line with Tavares is fine in the pre-season, but how long will that experiment last? Nino is a rookie, Grabner a waiver wire pick-up and the fourth spot is a waiver candidate. Just hope Hunter has a monster year.
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Ice Girl Dad says:
Agree with # 43 Sim has a role on this team
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bcarey says:
“If DiPietro is healthy on Saturday.”
Cheap shot, CB. Cheap. Shot.
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StevieL says:
I want to get excited , I really do! But it is hard!For all the Sim bashers. He did put in 13 last year! Which put him near the top of goal scorers on this team!
Look at what is projected here! P.A. Parenteau , who has all of 3 career NHL goals is your 1st line winger??? And Grabner , who was dumped by the projected worst team in the NHL, and is picked up by the “Dumpster diving” Garth Snow is immediately penciled in our opening night line-up as a 3rd line wing!! No other team in the NHL makes that kind of room for unproven journey man players!
Snows rebuilding really looks patchwork to me!
I can’t imagine Hillen not making the team. He was the best defenseman outside of Streit for most of the year!