What We've Seen So Far

Now that the Islanders are leaving their training camp facility, it is time to look back and see what the Islanders have discovered over the last one plus week. Just a few things to think about before the Islanders play their next game in KC tomorrow.

Jon Sim: If Islander fans don't see what Sim is doing on the ice, then we're watching two different games. Sim is one of the players from last years squad that is making a very strong case to stick with the club this year. I originally thought Sim would be sent down at the end of the preseason. However due to a few injuries, Sim will not only play, (barring any changes) he will probably get third line minutes until the Islanders get their players back.

Jeff Tambellini: Sorry Tamby haters, but Jeff is another regular making noise and has been the most noticeable player everytime he's on the ice. When he plays, along with Bailey, all I hear is Tambys name and Bailey's. Jeff has not score yet, but he's gotten a few assits and has been apart of getting the puck to his teammates. Unless things change, he's locked up the third line LW, and could move up because of injuries.

Josh Bailey: He's bigger and better. Josh has been playing like a player needing to prove that he's ready to be better than last year, and it's showing. Like Tambellini, he's been all over the ice, and has been getting great chances, burying a goal and getting an assits as well during the preseason. If his play continues, think more than 10 goals, more like 15.

Do the Islanders actually have scoring depth? Hello to Matt Martin, and Matt Moulson. Both players have been beasts scoring at will for the Islanders, and are making Snow and the scouting staff look really good. These two players, along with Jesse Joensuu and Trevor Smith, could be called upon when an injury occurs and they could be offensive factors. These four players may be the future, and when their names are called need to be ready at a moments notice. One or two may start the season on the Island because of injuries, and will have to take every opportunity count.

The goaltending for this organization is stacked, and effective. Does not matter who is in between the pipes, the goalies have delivered and there is a healthy competition between all of them. Expect Roloson, and Biron to compete for the starting role. But make no mistake, the number one goalie will have competition all year long. I have not seen goaltending depth like this since 2001-02, and it looks really good.

The defense is still healthy. That is about as good as it can get. Martinek, and Gervais have scored and the defense has been involved quite a bit. For now I will not jinx it, and stop here. Stay healthy boys.

This next point is the most important and Scott Gordon summed it up best about all of the players so far:

"It didn't matter who was in the line up (Saturday or Sunday), both groups executed perfectly. The fact that we can mix it up and get the same response from every player is excellent."