GOT A QUESTION FOR THE NHL PUNDITS?
Be Part of SNY PB’s Islanders Season Preview
This week we’ll be in the SNY studio recording a series of Islanders Season Preview segments for Point Blank. Among our guests will be some excellent writers and analysts from media outlets like NHL Home Ice, NBC, Hockey Night in Canada, TSN, The Hockey News, The NHL Network and Yahoo’s “Puck Daddy.”
If you have an interesting question about the Islanders’ 2011-12 season, please submit it along with your name and town in the Comments thread. If we see a good fit with one of the guests, we’ll pose it to him. Thanks as always for your participation.
Please place your name, town and brief Islanders question in Comments. One question per reader, please.
80 Responses to GOT A QUESTION FOR THE NHL PUNDITS?
Be Part of SNY PB’s Islanders Season Preview
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Ditty says: Mitch from Farmingdale,
Which player do you expect to make the biggest impact on the 2011-12 season?
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Rob76 says:
Huntington, NY – I think that Nabokov can be a great asset to this team on the ice, Is there a chance that Capuano keeps 3 goalies on the opening night roster?
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Andy says:
Boston, MA – Will this season mark John Tavares’s first All-Star appearance?
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MarioGazz says:
Mario, CT–How many of the young guys will make the team? If not many do you feel the Bridgeport team will see all of them in action there?
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jay says:
Manorville, NY- How realistic that either Nabokov or Montoya become the number 1 goalie or is it just handed to DiPietro? Both “backups” have more potential and are better technically.
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mix master says:
New York, NY – Any chance we’ll get to see Okposo play on a line with Tavares and Moulson this year?
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Michael Tinney from Farmingdale, says:
There has been a lot of talk about Nino coming up, how is De Haan looking? There are a lot of minutes up with Radek gone.
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William says:
Thanks for doing this CB. If you have Boomer from Home Ice on, ask him if he’s over the Islanders not taking Dougie like he wanted and geting Strome like you and Button wanted. I’m sure you’ll get a great answer. He’s a big Isles fan.
Will from Huntington
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NYIFAN says:
Jon in Port Washington –
Which Islander goaltender do you think will wind up being the starter for this upcoming season / play the most games? Montoya, Nabakov, Poulin, DP ?
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Who do you feel will be the Islanders third pairing on defense this season?
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Trevor says:
Trevor, Baldwin Harbor
Do you think Brian Rolston was the ideal veteran addition to this great young team?
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Art says:
Art from Wantagh
What grade would you give Garth Snow for his work in this offseason alone? And what grade would you give him for his 5 years as GM?
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Kenny says:
Ken H from Center Moriches:
Never mind whether the Islanders make the playoffs this year or next. Do you ever see them becoming a real Cup contender under this ownership and in their current situation?
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Matt, Los Angeles says:
Is it at all possible Ryan Strome sticks with the team THIS year? With the Carolina’s success with a guy like Skinner last year and Strome’s familiarity with JT and MM, maybe it makes more sense to let him learn with the big club.
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drive45 says:
from Michael in Smithtown
Do you think Tavares will sign longterm with the Islanders? How much longer do you plan on doing Point Blank?
I hope the answers are yes and a long time for both. Thank you.
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JP91 says:
Joe from Lindenhurst
It seems like the Nabokov situation has been going on for 8 years, not 8 months. What do you think is going to happen? Does he earn a spot on the Isles active roster and end up playing well into the season, or do the Isles deal him during training camp before Opening Night?
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rpchief2 says:
Ralph from Lake Grove: For a team that has finished near the bottom of the league the last couple of years, there seems on paper to be too many players for four lines. Which players have enough value to use in trade for a top defenseman.
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Isles Fanatic says:
Will Dipietro be healthy come training camp?? Marc (Isles Fanatic) Leger; Canada, now living in Bathurst NB.
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Nick says:
Nick from Holtsville -
Will Snow actually make a legitimate move before camp? All of the other teams seemed to improve their roster and I’m not sure if Rolston and Reasoner can do the trick.
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jack says:
Isn’t it in Wangs best interest to get moving on a new arena to keep JT around?
Jeff
Meridian, Idaho -
RV says:
Aside from Streit and Okposo for obvious reasons, which player do you think will have this season’s biggest point increase over last?
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Ian says:
Will Jack Capuano be allowed to play the goalie he wants to, or does he have to play DiPietro if he’s on the roster (i.e. not on the DL)?
Ian Caterina
Charlotte, NC -
meatsauce says:
Who do you think will havd a better career in the nhl? Nino Niederreiter or Ryan Johansen?
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SCLI says:
Tom, Taylors SC
Assuming Rick DePietro is healthy this season but his performance continues to be sub-par. If his statistics mirror those of last season. (Statistically the worst starting goalie in the NHL.) Will they continue to place the undeserved #1 starting goalie tag on him? Will they give him every opportunity to play his way back into form? Even if its costing the team vital points in the standings? Or will they do the right thing. Place him on waivers and eventually demote him to Bridgeport or buy him out? -
avann says:
Alessandro from Franklin Square,
Is there any way to explain the injury problems that the Isles have had the last 3 years. It can’t just be bad luck -
gus mouse - sault ste marie, michigan says:
When the Islanders negotiate with Tavares on a new contract, if he only accepts a short term deal (2 years) would you consider that a clear indictment of the arena situation?
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Mike from Massapequa says:
Do you you think the Isles are relying too heavily on the “maturation process” of their younger players? It seems they need a Vet Dman puck mover big strong guy and Streit was out all year and AMac hasn’t completed an injury free season yet.
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Bryan says:
From my point of view the Islanders have a slew of guys you would imagine would be top 6 forwards or at least top 9 forwards. My question is who are the odd men out or is there personal moves to be made before the season opens. Tavares, Moulson, Parenteau, Grabner, Nielsen, Okposo, Comeau, Reasoner, Rolson is how I see the top 9. That leaves Bailey and Niedereitter as 4th liners? I’m guessing a guy like Matt Martin can benefit for a season back in Bridgeport but then we are looking at nearly no muscle on the entire roster. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Brian (Floral Park) -
jeff says:
Jog my memory here – didn’t Kate Murray offer to have the Town of Hempstead pay to upgrade the existing Coliseum “only” when Charles Wang originally proposed the Lighthouse Project – with the grandiose Lighthouse Tower ???
Jeffrey D
Cupecoy, St Maarten -
Joe says:
Joe from staten island, now that the vote was a no, will Wang ever put money into this team or he will continue just stay at the cap minimum? Thanks Chris for all your help.
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Mike from Riverhead says:
What players that other teams are shopping around or could be training camp cuts could be helpful to the Islanders this season and beyond?
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Mike from Philly says:
Every year the Islanders seem to go into a season with a “Lets Hope” attitude. While this is the most excited I have been for an Islanders team in awhile, with our lack of depth on defense and questions in the crease, I have a hard time predicting where I think we will finish. I think our offense will be able to carry us towards a Top 8 spot. Where do you see this team finishing?
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Do you see the return of Streit and the use of Rolston on the point along with promising play of Harmonic and MacDonald helpnmig the Isles solidfy an improved powerplay unit…. Roger from Halifax
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Craig from Massapequa says:
Since we are all waiting & hoping for the one big move for a top 4 defensemen as well as a top 6 forward, if you were Garth Snow who would you target and who – if anyone – would you be willing to part with to get him?
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Michael Pastore says:
Mike Pastore Coral Springs, FL
Assuming Nino plays this year on the Island and Strome plays this year in the Juniors is this the likely lines with no injuries:
1. Moulson-Tavares-Niederraeiter
2. Grabner-Nielsen-Okposo
3. Commeau-Bailey-Parenteau
4. Rolston-Reasoner-Martin
Or would the Islanders move Okposo back to the 1st line and put Nino on the 2nd line. I do not see the Islanders putting Nino on the 3rd line or is that a possibility? -
Dan, Bethpage says:
With a great chance to have three forwards with 30+ goals in Grabner, Moulson and Tavares and a Defenseman that can produce 50+ points in Mark Streit, would it be reasonable to say this is the best team, offensively, the Islanders have had in a long time?
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Mike R. in Wantagh says:
Mike R. in Wantagh:
For the Islanders to ensure that they will make the playoffs they will likely need to finish higher than 2 teams in the Atlantic Division. Looking at the teams in the Atlantic right now, which team(s) can you see the Islanders finishing ahead of?
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John in Levittown:
Please complete the Isles related statements:
I would be shocked if……?
I expect Rick DiPietro to….?
__________ will take a step back this upcoming season. -
Danbury Islanders Fan says:
Christian
Danbury CT
At this time next year is the Islanders arena situation going to be resolved? Is the league willing to except the Barclays Center as a possible location even with its capacity limits? -
Blizz says: Mike from Oakdale
Where do you think the Islanders will be playing hockey when the current lease expires in 2015?
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Ari From Long Island says:
Ari, North Woodmere
Why has Josh Bailey not been signed yet? Is Bailey going to be an Islander for a long time as he matures into a better player or will the team give up on him prematurely after unfairly rushing him? Will he ever recover from the rushing?
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patrick says:
i think everyone would like to know, if Rickie is the number 1 going into the season, and does not perform well to begin with similar stats to last season, (league worst GAA and Save %), HOW LONG do you think it takes MANAGEMENT to sit DP as the number 2 or even worse number 3? (understand the sensitivity of this question but it is on the mind of all islanders fans)
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kyle says:
do you see any new young (relatively unknown by the rest of the nhl) players stepping in this year and making a name for themselves as travis hamonic did last year?
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Nick Mavro says:
Hey CB hope all is well.
Do you agree with me that PA Parenteau should NOT be on the first line, perhaps Nino or a healthy Okposo?
I think he would be as productive as a 2nd or 3rd line winger because the top line normally goes up against the opposing best D Pair. I dont think its a reach he can put up the same numbers as last year. Commeau scored plenty with only 3rd line minutes.
Nick M from Huntington NY
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Jim Clark says: Jim, Bay Shore LI
Should Kyle Okposo play the point on the power play?
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Chris R says:
Chris, Whitestone,NY
Do you see Garth picking up a player on waivers before the start of the season? If so, Who do you think would be available?
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Jon Gimps says:
Jon, N. Bellmore, NY
First off Chris I just want to say thank you for all of your hard work.
My question is which of the two new acquisitions, Marty Reasoner and Brian Rolston, will make the biggest impact for the club this year and why?
Please include an example outside of just on-ice production. Thanks Chris!
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Cary says:
Hi,
Who do you see paired with Tavares and Moulson on the top line to start the season?
Thanks!
Cary in Fort Collins, Colorado via Old Bethpage, NY
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Onesinceforty says:
Brian, Fernandina Beach, Florida via Great Neck
Can you parlay your work with legitimate media outlets like FSNY and The Times into a renewed credential? If you wrote for a print publication, would you then be allowed to cover the team without team approval? Have you explored renewing the effort to get back “in the room”? If not, please do!
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John says:
John, London, ON
It’s obvious that if Garth Snow wants to make an impact move it will have to be via trade. In that vein, what type of impact player should the Islanders aim to acquire (i.e. scorer, gritty leader, top 4 d-man) to help push them to next level and what would the team be expected to give up to get the deal done (prospects, picks, roster players, combo).
Thanks.
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D in Big D says:
I know this subject is getting tiresome but is there any truth to Levy contacting Wang to assure him that Suffolk would embrace the Isles moving there if the deal was similar to the one Nassau voters rejected?Thanks,Darren…Dallas,Tx.
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Rob says:
When do you think the captains will be named, and who do you anticipate wearing the letters for the 2011/2012 season?
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Mike says:
Why do the Isles REFUSE to let the fans watch training camp or watch practice during the season?? When they won cups you could watch but not anymore!!!
Mike DiGirolamo, Holbrook NY
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Joe from Virginia,
Do you believe their is additional pressure to keep Strome in the Juniors especially with the heat Garth Snow took with Bailey’s develpment? Does some of the criticism also stem from not making the Canadian World Jr team as strong as it could be with keeping players like Strome and Skinner in the NHL their first year? -
Steve from North Arlington, NJ
What more can/should Garth Snow do to help ensure the Isles secure a playoff berth this season?
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Steve from North Arlington, NJ
Is this the season John Tavares takes the next step to become one of the top players in the league?
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Killer Carlson says:
Killer from Texas
Even if they are out of it at the time, I think it would be a good time to be a buyer at the trade deadline this year. Teams looking to take the next step in rebuild can get tremendous value for picks. Do you think that the Isles might look to improve that way this season? I think that if they are out of it by then, Garth might feel pressured to make a move. Keep I’m mind that a trade of picks isn’t necessarily a stray away from rebuilding the right way. -
Jimmy C says:
Jimmy from Yonkers, NY
At this point with some RFA’s still out there and many people seeing this team as a playoff bubble team, what would you do if you were Garth to make this team or a little better or even significantly better?
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Will Ty Wishart be given every opportunity to make the opening night lineup given the fact that he was traded for Dwayne Roloson and Rollie had a great post season?
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JM says:
Saratoga Springs, NY – With Konopka gone, do you see the Isles changing their goal song…again?
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dose says:
I know it’s super early to worry about this but it’s fun to think about. It’s assumed Ryan Strome’s familiarity with Tavares figured in some part into Snow selecting him, and there’s major buzz about the chemistry the two of them could create as linemates. Given that they’ve both centers, how might that work out. And in their case, would it really matter that much which one carried the label ‘center.’
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with strome not signed yet, is there a chance since the vote was no, he will not be signed at all,so this way wang will punish the fans even more then he usually does.
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UIF says:
Six goaltenders, four available spots (NYI and Bridgeport). What gives? The Isles’ organization has gone with the three-headed goalie monster either at the NHL or AHL level at times over the last few seasons. This season it looks like it may happen at both levels to start the season. What affect does it have on goaltenders? Should they try to knock it down to four goalies – two on the Isles and two at Bridgeport – by the end of camp or shortly thereafter, or do they play this experiment out and see what happens?
Monroe, NY
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Brian73 says:
Brian from Boston
Any chance that someone not currently on our roster takes the ice for the Isles on opening night? if so what’s the most likely route? trade? veteran camp invite? -
Rob says:
Islip Terrace, NY – Which situation would cause the Islanders to be likely buyers come the trade deadline: 7-9th in conference or 13-15th in conference?
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Ted S says:
Playing out the lease, Do the writers around the league think the Islanders are a lame duck franchise considering they have no place to play after the 2015 season? Thanks.
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John I says:
What do you see our lines looking like next season? Assuming Nino makes the team, I think Grabs-Nielsen-Okposo should be kept together and the big question is whether Nino or PA line up on the first line. Do you think Nino would do well with Bailey and Comeau, maybe add some more physicality and in front of the net presence to that line?
John, Brooklyn -
Derek says:
Who do you see starting the season for the Islanders in goal? Ending it?
A. Ricky
B. Al
C. Nabo
D. OtherDerek, Hampton Bays via Burlington Vermont
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Daniel says:
Of those 16 goals predicted for Frans Nielsen in the forwards preview, how many will be SHGs? More than half? Also, do you think Grabner will see any power play time?
Dan, Floral Park NY
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At what point do the Isles say enough is enough with Dipietro? If he is injured during training camp or is healthy and doesn’t play at a all star level or gets hurt during the season how much longer can you go like this? At some point they are going to have to cut their losses and say we made a mistake and try to buy him out or release him and I know if will be hard to do this since Snow and Wang seem to be behind him.
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Allison from Berwyn, PA says:
Do you think the lack of area deal/expiring lease and questions about where the Isles will be playing in the future will be a distraction and hurt the performance of the team this year?
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ENV79 says:
Lance, Upstate NY
Season previews always tend to project breakout players or those poised to exceed expectations based on last season. Which Islanders player will most likely disappoint and/or underachieve against preseason projections?
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Bob, Massaepequa says:
Last season, the Isles let the league know that they won’t be pushed around. With Zenion gone (and knowing that Gillies won’t dress much), who do you see as the everyday leader in this space.
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Hock says:
I believe this team’s GA stat will be the key to next season’s success. So, will the Isles, as currently assembled, be able to cut their GA enough to be a playoff contender?
Bob, Sayville
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Dan says:
The Sabres are about $4 million over the cap. Any chance we do business with them to get to the cap floor? Roy or Stafford would look great as an Islander and each are signed for 2 and 4 years repectively.
Dan – Flemington, NJ
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Islanders probably will sign Yashin to get over the floor. As far as the standings, I think they will be arond 9th to 11th in the East.
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James from Amityville says:
what do you think the top 4 of the defense will look like… do they keep one of hamonic or andy mac on the front line with streit?
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Harris says:
Syosset,NY
Brian, at the neginning of the offseason you predicted the isles would make the playoffs with a key defensive acquisition. With the isles standing pat and the rest of the eastern conference improving do you still believe that?
Wantagh, NY – Where do you see the Islanders in the standings come the All-Star Break.