This Preseason So Far

After watching this team now for a little over a week thanks to the new Islanders TV, I can say that the Islanders are bonding and developing chemistry very quickly, which was needed for them to suceed. They showed toughness, and resilancy against the Rangers, and they also sent a message that they will not be pushed around this season. As far as the youth development, much praise has been given to Tambellini, Comeau, and Colliton, along with defenseman Aaron Johnson. There is enough depth once again on this team going all the way to the minors, in case there are injuries. Berard has shown he is a positive factor on the power play, and should make the team. The Islanders play the Devils tonight, which should be an excellent game since there is a mutual respect for one another. Expect to hear more good things coming from the first line once again (Tank,Comrie, and Guerin), and the emergances of Sim and Vasicek. Make no mistake about it, The Islanders are not going to be at the bottom of this conference, and will once again prove to many others, and earn the respect they deserve.

Preseason Is Here

I think it's safe to say that the first line will be Fedotenko, Comrie, and Guerin. That line will be depended on for this seasons success. From what i've been reading, Tamby is looking good at this camp, and is fighting for the second line against Jon Sim. Too early for now, but I think Tamby would look good with Vasicek and Satan. The one line that should remain intact is the Hilbert-Sillinger-Hunter line. That was the most consistent line the Islanders had last year, and I think you'll see a better year from both Hunter and Hilbert. The fourth line will be changing the most, and probably wont be "solid" until mid October or early November. Camp, injuries, and suspensions will determine who plays on that fourth line. As for the defense, you can pencil in the obvious ones. Witt, Bergeron, Martinek, Sutton, Campoli. Gervais is a Nolan player, so he should make the team, while Berard, if healthy, can replace the numbers lost by Tom Poti. This is a big year for the defence. They have the potential of a lot of power play goals, and if they stick to the new defensive system, this could be the making of something big on Long Island. I won't put my predictions in yet until the night before the first opening game against Buffalo. Until then, time to watch and enjoy.

Berard To Practice With Islanders

Well now, this should be an interesting camp. I think, when healthy, Berard is still a top 4 forward, and could replace Poti's numbers from last year. However, he's been having Martinek like numbers when it comes to playing full seasons. Is Berard good enough to make the team?Yes, he is. That would leave Freddy Meyer the lone defenseman out of the loop here. But the nice idea about having Berard on the team, assuming he makes it, is that like the forwards, Nolan will play anyone on defense who is playing the way they should, and if Berard needs a break, can be replaced by Campoli and Gevais and then Berard can be used over a longer stretch in less minutes per game. Having someone like Berard on the team would certainly help their powerplay, along with Bergeron, and his booming shot. Now we'll have to see and wait what happens during camp. Stay tuned.

Vasicek Signs With Islanders

Signs one year deal. Diamond in the rough is my opinion on this guy. Dave Scatchard type player: physical, two-way, and plays gritty. Could have a scoring touch with the right players around him. Will be very difficult around the net also.

Sutton An Islander

Now that Andy Sutton is an Islander, don't expect the Islanders to pursue another defenceman this offseason. So where do they get the points missing from Tom Poti? Campoli and Gervais should be able to handle the load assuming they stay healthy, and if Meyer sees more ice time, he may help as well. There has been talk of the Islanders need for another center. Looking at the depth of the team, the next third center would be Hilbert in front of Bates who would be on the fourth line. At this point, I've read about Vasicek, Allison, and possibly Forsberg. For now, I'll say forget Forsberg, but it's nice to dream. Vasicek or Allison would be an upgrade to Hilbert, who should really play along side Sillinger and Hunter for one more season. This center will be paired with Satan and Sim, assuming the forementioned line stays intact. The Islanders need a Dave Scatchard type of center, scrappy, physical, and two-way. That points to Vasicek who is also younger than Allison, and does have more potential in the now. Allison however, if healthy, could be a point per game center and could improve his wingers goal production as well. Any move Snow makes will only improve the offense.

What's Next For The Isles?

Now that Hunter has been signed to a one year contract, i'm curious to see what other plans are in store this offseason with the Islanders. Looking at this roster I can't see the Islanders being finished. Last year they did sign Sean Hill and Kozlov very late in the off season, and Islander fans should expect that same philosophy this year. First, let's address what the Islanders currently need. From looking at the current roster, a top four defensman, and a center at the forward positions. Once again hearing rumblings about McCabe coming to Long Island. For now, i dont know if i like that idea. Toronto is so cap heavy it'll be difficult for them to sign anybody else during the season should they falter. I've read in numerous articles that Stajan is a avialable, but the Islanders don't have enough to give back to Toronto. I certainly am not in favor of trading either Campoli or Gervais, so let's see about the unrestricted free agents. On defence, there's really only four I would think the Islanders would consider: Markov, Sutton, Berard, and Tanabe. Any one of those would help out the Islanders this season, even short term. Now for the centers. Vasicek, and Scatchard are available, but injuries have slowed them down. A couple of sleepers could be, Jamie Lundmark, or Kris Beech (my pick between the two). All in all not a lot to choose from, but would improve the team. For now we ponder, and wait........

Hunter Goes For Arbitration

Hunter and the Islanders went to the arbitrator to see how much of a raise he will recieve for this year. I was reading a few articles that Snow wanted to sign him to a long term deal but Hunter was not intrested. Hunter should get a raise from last year but it certainly wont break the Islanders bank. Hopefully, the Isles can sign Hunter long term as the season continues.

Will Markov Sign?

I usually try to avoid rumors, but this one is interesting considering this was one player I was hoping the Islanders would sign this offseason. There have been heavy rumors that the Islanders are close to signing him. By signing Markov to a contract, I think that would take care of the defense at least for the first half of the season. The Islanders need to let Campoli, and Gervais, and even Meyer play more games to really see the potential out of these players, and I'm one of those fans who does not like to see any more prospects traded so they can prosper somewhere else. The Islanders still have enough cap space to sign Markov, and then concentrate on the offense. Could The Islanders be looking at a restricted free agent going into arbitration? Possibly. The Islanders can resign Hunter, and can still make a pitch to any free agent that a certain team can no longer afford. If the Islanders cannot pry a restricted free agent from another team look for someone like Josef Vasicek to be signed. Third line forward, possibly second, Nolan-type player with offensive upside.

Chris Simon Signs

The Islanders signed Chris Simon to a one year $475,000 contract yesterday. He will recieve bonuses if he plays a certain amount of games for the season. I've been reading a lot of comments from other fans, and they are mixed indeed. Most say it was a good move to resign. I agree with them. I think Simons role will be limited however this year. If the Islander fans remember, he was put on the first line with Yashin and Blake. That did not pan out as well as hoped, which is why Asham also saw time on the first line. This year a first line has been established with the recent aquisitions, so Simon will be in a checking role, and defending his teammates. Some fans have asked me, what about Tambellini? Tambellini, will probably make the team this year. Where do the Islanders put him? Look for the third line with Hilbert and Hunter for now assuming that the Islanders dont sign anyone on offense. Simon will get playing time, but it will be limited, and depending on injuries will probably play against the "enforcer" teams.

Something is Up

Just looking over the players at NewYorkIslanders.com and noticed that Trent Hunter is not on that list......stay tuned.

DiPietro Learns The Hard Way....Again

When we lose, we blame DiPietro. When we win, we praise him. That is why he alone is responible for the Islanders playoff push and future. Yes, Jason Smyth and the rest of the Islanders will have to do their part, but in the end, the puck must go through DiPietro in the net for the other teams to win. DiPietro must grow up after this "loss" to St. Louis. Give credit where it's due, the Blues worked for their two points, but when your goalie holds a stick and thinks he wont get caught, is not acceptable this time of the year. DiPietro must remain focused and discliplined if he wants any success this year. Should he be blamed for losing the game? No, this is a team sport, and his fellow teamates also did not perform well those last three minutes of the game and deserve the same treatment. Should DiPietro be blamed for that last goal? Most definitly. Most Islander fans will almost surley have his head if he attempts to do that in the playoffs. Note to Rick: Play smart, and learn from your mistakes, and don't repeat what happened last night.

Smyth An Islander

Not official, but Islanders have dealt former picks O'Marra, Nilsson, and this years first rounder for Smyth.

This puts the Islanders ahead of a lot of teams, and it doesnt matter where they finish in the top 8 because they're now contenders. More analysis coming shortly.

Perreault Returns To Toronto

Toronto aquires Yanic Perreault from the Coyotes for Brendan Bell and a second round pick in 2008.

This will help Toronto in their faceoffs as Perreault is the best there is, and he can still score.

Buffalo Gets Zubrus

The Buffalo Sabres made a splash aquiring Dainus Zubrus, and a prospect from Washington for Jiri Novotny, and a 1st round pick.

With the injuries to the Sabres, Zubrus will be slated in the top six forwards. This should help them win first place in the conference and very dangerous in the playoffs.

Atlanta Adds Another Defenseman

Atlanta gets Pascal Dupuis from the Rangers for a prospect.

Atalta has done a good job making a statement that thy're playoff bound this year.

Bertuzzi A Wing

Former Islander Todd Bertuzzi has been traded to the Detroit Red Wings from the Florida Panthers.

If i'm a hockey fan, i'd be watching the Western Conference in the playoffs this year.

Ducks Make Minor Move So Far

Ducks aquire forward Brad May from Colorado.

Ottawa Adds Depth

Ottawa recieves Forward Oleg Saprykin and a 7th rd pick from Phoenix for a 2nd round pick.

This is a depth for the playoffs move and you can never have enough depth.

Ward To Rangers

Aaron Ward is traded from the Rangers to the Boston Bruins. Rangers get Paul Mara.

This certainly helps the Bruins defense as Ward was a distraction in the Rangers locker room. I feel that Ward is a better fit in Boston and will produce better in Boston. Mara will be a good depth defenseman for the Rangers.

Guerin To Sharks

Bill Guerin has been traded to San Jose from St. Louis. As of now a 1st round pick and future considerations.

This was the trade eveyone has been waiting for. Let's find out what kind of effect this will have with Blake, if any.