5 In A Row

Islanders playing Tampa tonight, looking for win number 6. My question is will Dubie get the start?

From the Post

Islanders GM Garth Snow entered and exited meetings as a buyer, not a seller.

Due to the winning streak and good chemistry, and our upcoming schedule, 'm really not surprised by this. Look for Satan and Fedotenko to be named in a lot of rumors.

From the Ottawa Sun

The Isles are trying to re-sign C Mike Comrie, who is scheduled to become a UFA. GM Garth Snow said he has been pleased with Comrie's play and the two sides are looking at a long-term contract.

This is a good move by both sides. Comrie's putting up legit numbers, and he wants to be an Islander.

Sutton Out; Fata Recalled

From Newsday:

Defenseman Drew Fata was recalled today from Bridgeport to take the roster spot of Andy Sutton, who suffered a pulled hamstring at the end of the Islanders’ 3-2 comeback victory over San Jose Monday afternoon at the Coliseum. Sutton is expected to be out 4-6 weeks with a partially torn hamstring.

I don't think Snow is going to keep this line up for his defence like this. I wouldn't be surprised if a player was picked out of waivers, or a deal cold be made sooner rather than later to improve on this defence.

Islanders Are Sellers?

From Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun

While Fletcher is among the busiest GMs at the meetings, he's not alone. The Kings, Islanders, Lightning, Blue Jackets and Oilers are all expected to be sellers.

I agree with all those teams except for the Islanders. They're too close to the playoffs and from the looks of things in the East, any team is beatable this year.
The Isladers need to make the playoffs in order to generate more revenue and support for the Lighthouse Project that the Islander fans so desperatly need.

Islanders Win Four in A Row

Now this is going to be tough on Snow to trade anybody. If they still had lost, this would be a no-brainer, and you would start a fire sale.....nope. With the deadline approaching and the general managers meeting presently going on, Islander fans can only imagine what Snow may do....my opinion, he may do othing at all, and ride the wave.

Also there is a rumor just starting tonight that Cliff Fletcher from Toronoto has contacted Snow about McCabe and possibly trading him back to Long Island, and I'm looking into it.

To Trade Or Not To Trade

With just 7 games remaining before the trade deadline, Islanders GM garth Snow has some decisions to make between now and Feburary 26th. He has younger players ready to play; and some of the veterans who are not performing well throughout the season, but cannot send them anywhere. Who then will he trade, and, even more important, what can we get for these veterans?

The only player we could trade with any kind of value is Satan. We may be able to get a player playing in the NHL now, and a possible pick for him, but that would also mean, he would have to wave his no-trade clause. The other players of interest maybe Hunter, and Comrie, but they may be resigned. As far as any other player, any draft pick will probably be taken for them.

Look for the draft picks to be in 2009 not 2008 because of a deep draft pool for this year.

Colliton Recalled; Satan Sits

I'm personally going to be intrigued about how well all the Bridgeport kids play the next few games. I'm not concerned really about the timing of their arrival, whether they should have came up sooner, or how long they stay. I want to see the kids play and succeed at this level under this system. When the kids are sent back down, and the injured players return, then we may have a good indication as to what the Islanders need for next year.

This Is Why You Can't Trade Yet....

I've been doing alot of reading on different blogs, and everyone is calling for a sale of the veterans and bringing up the kids now to help the season. Well, that's a nice solution, however, this is the problem:

First: We can only have a certain amount of players on this team. Hence, that is why the youngsters are not up yet until someone like Sillinger is injured or others cannot play. To my knowledge, only Gervais would be allowed to go to the minors without going through the waiver wire. As this season has unfolded, we have needed all of the defenceman used throughout this year, and cannot bring up the forwards.

Now if we were to bring up a youngster, then that would mean that we could lose that veteran to the waiver wire by another team, and since most of the FA's have one year deals, these players would be plucked off the wire as a low risk, high reward, and that would defeat the purpose of trading for draft picks, or prospects in the next three or so weeks.
My point is this: let's get the most out of our vets now if we are going to trade them. If they play well, the better, the trade.

For the people who want to be in a sell mode: You'll need two things for a little while. First is patience. Most teams won't be trading until that week of the trade deadline. Second you need other teams to be involved in trades, and right now, because of cap reasons or players with no trade clauses, it may be hard RIGHT NOW, to take a few of the Islanders players.

Instead of ranting to be in sell mode now, save that for another two weeks when it's the right time to "sell," and actually have some fun and come up with scinarios for the players we do want to trade.

Kings @ Islanders Tonight

The Islanders currently hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They will likely have to play a solid effort in the season's final two months to keep ahead of the bottom teams.

The Islanders hope to avoid their first six-game home losing streak in seven years Thursday night when they face the Los Angeles Kings. In the first game following the All-Star break, the Islanders spotted Eastern Conference-leading Ottawa a three-goal lead and never rebounded in a 5-2 loss Tuesday.

New York (24-21-6) was hurt by the absence of two regulars - left wing Ruslan Fedotenko and defenseman Andy Sutton - who both were out with the flu.

Sean Bergenheim and Bryan Berard scored for the Islanders, who dropped to 1-3-1 in their past five games overall. They are 0-4-1 in their last five games at the Coliseum, their longest home drought since a seven-game slide from Feb. 27-March 29, 2001.

The Islanders haven't won at home in 2008, as their last victory at the Coliseum came against New Jersey on Dec. 29.

There are still a few player (Sillinger, Berard, and DiPietro) that may not be available to help the Islanders try to end their home skid. All those players did not practice on Wedsnday. Stay tuned for more updates to see if there are any more players either not playing or being called up.

Three Key Players To The Second Half

After watching at least 40 of the Islanders soon to be 50 games this year, this is a team that reminds me of the Devils organization, where defense is first priority, a lot of one goal games, a top netminder, and no matter who is inserted into the lineup, the system is working to the teams benefit. Many believed that this would be another non-playoff year for the Islanders, and quite a few thought the same about the Devils this year as well, but after the first half, the Devils are in first place in the division as of this blog, and with a win tonite will secure a 7th place playoff spot for the Islanders. Not bad for two teams that have the lowest goals produced in the conference.

But the Islanders have three key players that, if they can produce, will not only spark their own confidence, but the rest of the teams as well, and could possibly improve that 7th place standing. The first key player is Ruslan Fedotenko. When Fedotenko scores, the Islanders are 6-2. Trent Hunter, a popular trade rumor around the internet bloggers of Long Island, is having possibly his second best season as an Islander, who is on pace for 42 points, and was recently given an "A" while Brendan Witt was out. If he and Sillinger can get the puck to Fedotenko more, and scores a few, watch the confidence go up in Fedotenko and that whole line. The next key player is Sean Bergenheim. He's only scored 3 goals, but the Islanders are 3-0 when he scores, and no, none of those games were when Fedotenko scored either. He is starting to catch on to the game and has 2 goals in his last 13 games, which is an improvement from the first time he scored in October. The line of Vasicek, Satan and Bergenheim are the best defensive minded line the Islanders have and you'll see the point totals go up for everybody, if Bergenheim gets hot. The third and final key player is Blake Comeau. He has 4 points in his last 8 games and is always improving. Nolan will most likely give him more time on the ice to improve and may actually imrove the goal scoring of a few forwards who could use the goals. If Comeau can get Witt to score, he can get anyone to score.

If these three can step up and improve, watch the points continue to go up, despite the rest of us on our seats, sweating out every one goal game we see this season.

Campoli Next Player Finished

Losing Campoli really hurts. Signing Meyer was a good move for this and next year. I think Johnson needs to now step up he way Meyer did when Witt and Martinek went down. Both Johnson and Meyer can score a few goals, but as long as they both play smart defense, the Islanders should be in good shape. I would really like to see Johnson play a lot of minutes and see some offense form him too. We'll see.

Johnson ToPlay Saturday

Aaron Johnson will get the start on Saturday against the Flyers who will be replacing Campoli. I do like Johnson and his potential on the powerplay, but he's a younger Bergeron, so I'm worried about his physical defensive play. If he can turn a few hits ala Freddy Meyer, and have the defensive prowless, then the Islanders may get away with not having Witt for a game or two.

Bootland for Keith

From NHL.com

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -The New York Islanders acquired right wing Matt Keith from the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday in exchange for right wing Darryl Bootland.
Keith will report to the Islanders' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. The 24-year-old Keith has two goals and three assists in 24 career NHL games, all with Chicago. This season, he had five goals and five assists in 34 games for Portland in the AHL.
The 26-year-old Bootland had an assist in four games for the Islanders this season. In 28 games for Bridgeport, he had two goals and eight assists. He has a goal and two assists in 32 career NHL games with Detroit and the Islanders.

My opinion, this is just a small move to replace Comeau in the minor leagues. It may have a small indication towards the trade dealine, but Keith is nothing more than a possible third liner in the NHL which the Islanders have plenty of. Bridgeport is just loading up for the playoffs.

99 Coming Back to Haunt Me

I need to take some of Islanders fans back in time a bit, and also do a little history lesson for some who may not remember. Atleast 10 years ago, The Islanders had the Utah Grizzlies, coached by Butch Goring, as their minor league affiliate, which would be today, Bridgeport. But Utah was never permanent. In fact, back then nothing was permanent on the Island. I'm going to rattle off a few names that, in my opinion, will sound familiar to a few, but needed extra "seasoning" in the minors before being rushed to the NHL, like so many youngsters were back then in this organization: Mark Lawrence, Vlad Cherbeturkin, Vlad Orsagh, Pavel Varobiev, Brad Isbister, Jason Holland. Even if the likes of Connelly, Pyatt, and Jokinen, and Mezei, were in the minors for a season, the Islanders may not have been set back and who knows, what that 2000 draft would have looked like. Now to the present. We have quite a few youngsters already playing right now Both Campoli and Gervais are 23 and Johnson is 24 for the defense. Campoli and Gervais play a ton of minutes and the team has played the most one goal game differentials besides the Devils. When Johnson comes back from injury, it will be like a trade for late in the seaon to help this team. The young offense now playing: Bergenheim 23, Comeau 21. But in Bridgeport you have Tambellini 23, Walter 23, Okposo 19, Colliton 21 all ready and developing . My point is this. As Islanders fans we should be grateful that this year we can say "we're still in the playoff hunt even though we revamped our team and spent MILLIONS LESS to do it." The kids are not going to win us the Cup this year. Period. Keep the kids down until it is neccesary to bring them up or else the younger fans will endure what some of has had to go through 10 years ago.

Bergeron Will Be On The Island Until.........

I think Bergeron will be around on the Islanders until Campoli or one of the younger defensmen steps up on the powerplay, and score more goals. I'm not dicrediting anything that has been said about him, however, in light of hi power-play goals which leads the team, we may have to be patient and wait for someone else to step up.

Thanks Again Dubie

This past week showed us why the Islanders need Dubie. When was the last time there was an Islanders goaltender with a .500 percentage or a winning record in a single season? Yes it is Garth Snow, but he did it in the 2001-2002 season. Snow's record at the end of that season was 10-7-2. So why is this so important? Let's remember a bit here. 2006, the backup was still Snow, but his record was 4-13-1. He was replaced the following year in 2007 by Mike Dunham, who did not make that much of a difference posting a 4-10-3 record. What's my point? The Islanders finally have a goaltender that can backup a team when their superstar goalie goes down. Dubielewicz career is short, but has a winning record at 11-7-1. Not bad, but you know that the players will be behind him if he is to be called upon once more.

Isles Have Shot at The Division

After watching the Islanders beat New Jersey last night, looking at the updated standings, I could not believe how close every team in this division is this year. In my opinion the division is still Pittsburghs' to lose. However, The Penguins record against their own division 4-10-1, and the injury bug continues to hit them. The Devils cannot beat the Islanders, and Rangers, and also have a losing record in their division (6-7-3). The Philadelphia Flyers are still in the hunt, but unless Gange comes back soon, the Flyers may not have enough in the tank to take the division. The Rangers are 10-4-0 against their division foes, three of the loses however come at the hands of the Islanders. The Rangers are looking for more scoring help and chemistry with Jagr. I guess money can't buy you offesnse. Which leaves me with the Islanders. The Injury bug has certainly hit them early this year (see Sim, Johnson, Bates etc), but the Islanders have been no worse then a .500 team this year. The Islanders divisional record is 9-5-0, second only to the Rangers, for now. If they can remain healthy, and the young stars improve in the second half, the division is certianly theirs for the taking.

Merit System Working

Ted Nolans merit system appears to be working in the Islanders favor. With the move to the first line, Richard Park has ignited the Islanders first line of Comrie and Geurin. Bringing up Comeau from Bridgeport, instead of making a trade, was another smart move becasue thanks to his call up, Hilbert has surged, and there is an actuall chemistry on that fourth line. What Islanders fans are not used to seeing is a 3+goal game and multiple lines scoring in one game, which is refreshing. If the Islanders defense can begin scoring on the powerplay, that will give more time to the checking line of Fedotenko, Sillinger, and Hunter to work their magic. The young players are getting better as the year goes on, but look out for Sean Bergenheim in the second half. If he continues his play, not only will he score more, but watch for the second line of Vasicek, and Satan heat up as well.

The Merit System Is Working

Satan Scores First Goal; More To Come

Satan will start scoring more soon enough. Remember fans, he was paired up with Tamby for the beginning of the off-season and the first few games before he got sent down. Satan's now used to Bergenheim, and all they need is someone to start scoring on that line. If the New Jersey game was any sign or indication that the line is gelling and now scoring, this is really going to solidify the team. Imagine if Satan and Vasicek continue what they are doing and Bergenheim can also add in a few? Less pressure on the first line, the line of Sillinger, Geurin, and Hilbert will be able to just take out the opponents first line, and the richard park line can wear everyone else down. Don't trade anybody!!!!!! Let this team grow and develope as the year goes by. Think about it, when was the last time this team this stocked with veterans and rookies? Probably 2002. Tamby may help us in the playoffs, like Trent hunter did in 2002. Don't trade away any talent yet, just watch and have fun.

Berard Signs; Sim Out

Let's see now. Losing Meyer, gaining Berard equals an improved defense and powerplay. Watch for Berard to be on the powerplay with Bergeron, but not a lot of ice time during a five on five. Bringing Berard in will most certainly improve a powerplay that has already looked good so far. However, at even strength, you want the defensive pairing that is out there now, especially Campoli and Gervais, whom both have looked very good early on. Losing Sim for a while means it's time to see what Tambellini can do. Leave him on the second line with Vasicek, and Satan. If he doesn't score, he may be able to get Satan to finish off a score by getting to the rebound. This will also let the Islanders see what Tamby can do in the NHL and see if he's worth keeping around.