Why not Jeff Tambellini?
Those were the questions provoking debate among many Islanders fans after coach Ted Nolan’s roster was revealed at practice on Tuesday. Why did Hilbert, who struggled mightily to put the puck in the net last season, get the nod over Tambellini as the left wing on the second scoring line with center Josef Vasicek and right wing Miro Satan? What did Tambellini do to deserve a ticket back to AHL Bridgeport?
The simple answer is that Tambellini would be wasted on the fourth line, which is why enforcer Darryl Bootland grabbed the last spot at forward in the absence of suspended Chris Simon. The answer that gets closer to the truth, as Nolan sees it, is not so much about what Tambellini did wrong. It’s that he didn’t do enough right to clearly separate himself from the field, which is to say Hilbert and fourth-line left wing Sean Bergenheim.
Both of those players are considered stronger defensively than Tambellini. So, he really needed to display a scoring touch during the exhibition games, but he finished with one goal and one assist in seven games. That’s exactly one goal more than Hilbert, who had one point in five games. In 23 games last season, Tambellini had two goals and seven assists, three of which came in one game. He’s a scorer, as 30 goals in 50 games at Bridgeport attests, and scorers have to score.
Hilbert is considered more of a two-way player. The expectation for him to score with Satan and Vasicek won’t be as high as it would have been for Tambellini because they are different players. “I don’t know about scoring, but he’ll be a very reliable defensive player on that line,” Nolan said of Hilbert’s new role. “You look at all the big lines on any team, and they always have one guy who is more defensive-minded. He can be the high guy in the slot and the first guy backchecking and do the grunt work on the forecheck, one of those guys that does all the work but doesn’t get a lot of the credit for it. So, Andy’s going to be that guy on that line.”
In other words, Hilbert will play a role similar to the one he had last season with Mike Sillinger and Trent Hunter, who formed the Isles’ best two-way line, which often was matched against the opponents’ top line. Hilbert lost that spot to free agent signee Jonathan Sim, who has blended beautifully with Sillinger and Hunter, but he took the change in stride.
“Jon Sim’s a great player, and he’s going to fit well on that line and complement those guys perfectly,” Hilbert said Tuesday after practice. “I’m not a veteran by any means, but I’ve played long enough to know a lot of things can happen. You only can control the things you can control and that’s working hard and letting everything take care of itself.”
During training camp, the only time Hilbert spent with Vasicek and Satan was in the final exhibition game at Boston, when he started with that line but wound up splitting time with Tambellini. In fact, Hilbert’s only preseason point came when he assisted on Sim’s clinching goal near the end of the Isles’ 4-2 win.
Playing with Satan and Vasicek will be a different experience for Hilbert. “It’s something you have to get used to,” he said. “They’re European hockey players who play well together. You can tell they have chemistry right away. I have to complement them as well as possible by trying to get in on the forecheck, driving the net and doing the little stuff and letting them take care of the big stuff, so to speak.”
By “big stuff,” Hilbert meant scoring. Last season, he went 22 games before recording his first assist and 25 games before potting his first goal. Hilbert totaled eight goals and 28 points for the season. But even though he managed just one point in the final 13 games, including the first-round playoff loss to Buffalo, Hilbert won Nolan’s admiration and faith by playing with an injured shoulder that made it difficult for him to hold the stick, much less shoot with authority.
“A lot of guys play hurt at that time of year,” Hilbert said. “It was something I had to do, and I just tried to play as well as possible.”
It’s not that Hilbert can’t score. He totaled 18 points in 19 games in 2005-06 with Pittsburgh while playing with a guy named Sidney Crosby. Okay, he has 43 points in his other 147 NHL games. But Hilbert had two 70-point seasons with AHL Providence in Boston’s organization, and he was a top producer in college at Michigan.
“I have scored all the way up my whole career,” Hilbert said. “Last year, I played with Silly and Hunts, and my role changed a little bit. If this is the role I have where I’m called upon to put some more points on the board, that’s something I have to take in stride and, hopefully, I’ll accomplish it. But I’m just going to go out there and work hard. Whatever role I’m put in by Teddy is a role I’m going to cherish.”
That attitude combined with Hilbert’s hustle are qualities Nolan admires as much, if not more than, scoring skills. That explains his patience when Hilbert endured his long scoring slump at the beginning of last season. Although Tambellini returned from the offseason in tremendous shape and has shown a willingness to work in the corners, Hilbert is perceived as a player who is better in the high-traffic areas. Ultimately, the Islanders’ first priority this season has to be defense and trying to make goaltender Rick DiPietro’s job a little easier.
“My game has evolved into being more of a two-way hockey player at this level,” Hilbert said. “That’s something I’ve had to really work on. To be playing with Miro and Vasy, they’re obviously more offensive-oriented guys. So, I’ll take that as it comes. I’ve played on offensive lines before, so, I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself. I’m just going to go out there and play.”
Comments (187)
That's pretty much what I expected Nolan to say. I guess I hoped the fourth line would get more time, so that while we may not exactly roll four lines, more than three shifts could be warranted.
As for Hilbert on the Pens, I asked him at a skate last year how he liked playing with Sidney. Hilbert said it was amazing because Sidney just found a way to put the puck on your stick where you were able to score. That simple.
My son thought about putting an "87" and "Crosby" on his new Islander jersey, but that would be as close as Hilbert comes to someone like Sidney in an Islander uniform! Let's just hope for the best.
Merrick, who did you son end up putting on his jersey? If I could afford a new jersey, I'd go for DP - at least I know he's not going anywhere!
I really feel that Tamby will have his chance with this team. In the meantime, Hilbert knows he has to work his ass off to keep that spot. A little competition and depth on the Islanders is, indeed, a new thing.
Looking forward to Friday!
I was hoping to see Bergenheim on the second line as he knows
how to score and hit, as he showed against the strangers on Friday night, and would not at all be surprised if they switch him and Hilbert very early on. Especially once Sean
reaclimates himself to North American Hockey after his year
abroad.
Leave it to Newsday to sugarcoat another boneheaded personnel decision. Are you people happy with this?
If this is the best we got then this team is in for some epic ass-kickings this season.
I too did not agree with the decision to keep Hilbert over Tambellini, but I am definitely going to give Nolan the benefit of the doubt based on his track record. More importantly, (and I hope Greg Logan reads this) is there are obviously many of us who are watching Tambellini's career closely. I would like to hear how he has taken Nolan's decision and what he plans to do to make it back and stick with our team. That would be an article or blog I would be very interested in.
I'll say it again. I don't have anything against Hillbert, and I'm not saying he doesn't have a place on this team - but why not put him on the 4th line and put Bergie (if not Tambellini) on the 2nd line?
Let the record also show that it's not that I'm rooting against ANY Islander and I do hope he's able to produce ...I just hope that if he doesn't that Nolan doesn't let him go 20+ games without a point this year ;-)
I do not buy it. Hilbert was useless last season. Tambellini has MUCH more potential, and has already proved that he is ready for NHL action. I mean the guy scored 30 goals in 50 games in the AHL last season. How much more does he need to prove? You give 5 pre-season games to make an impact? What did Hilbert do in his 1st 20 regular season games last season?
It's time for the Islanders to bundle up Tambellini and Campoli in a package for trading. Maybe these two guys will get him another certified "grinder" to go with Hilbert and Park. I'm with AZS and the host of others who are totally disgusted with the tranparency of "the grinder, the guys with heart " theories. We can't survive in this conference with two lines of grinders no matter what Ted would like us to believe. Talk about burying your talents!!!!!
"Enough Already" ..... You are fooling no one which why no one responds to you....You are a Ranger Fan. You would think with the talent your team has you would admit it, and stop the nonsense!
We should probably let them play and see what happens. I think Ted's right, and I happen to think Hilbert's got some good upside. This might sound ridiculous, but in 2001-2002 Jason Blake only had 8 goals and 10 assists. That's 10 assists less than Hilbert had last year. If the guy can settle down with the puck, he might just end up with a scoring touch.
I think Ted's general point is that you can work on skill, speed, and strength. You can't improve a player's natural competitiveness or work ethic. I think his main idea is sound--build a team's ethos first, then find the right players to slot into that. If Tambellini or Campoli don't end up fitting, then that's that. For right now, their best bet would be to watch Andy Hilbert and do as he does.
Blaster:
AHL games don't mean a thing. History is replete with players that tore up the record books at the AHL level and simply couldn't make the transition to the NHL.
For reference, take a look at the AHL's record page. http://www.ahlhalloffame.com/records/
Especially look at "Player Records--Yearly Leaders". There are a couple of familiar names in there that you wouldn't expect.
Definitely agree with those questioning the Tambs demotion and Hilbert on the second line. I think this is more of a "message" to Tambs though. Nolan did it last year with Campoli, leaving him in Bridgeport when he recovered from injury because Gervais was playing well, and Campoli developed a bit of a mean streak when he realized that a spot on the roster was not assured as he had assumed. I've come back off the ledge a bit since Nolan said that Tambs will get every opportunity to prove himself this year, and not on the fourth line. But it's still a tough pill to swallow to see a guy with some offensive talent sent down on a team that needs to score.
I'd definitely rather see Bergy on the second line over Hilbert for now. Maybe that'll happen if Bergy shows us something in the first few games - particularly if his speed and physicality can neutralize some of Buffalo's offensive talent.
Wish they'd sign Berard already though. All of the alternate PP options cited by Nolan would be fine for the second unit, but not the first. Plus, the projections for Campoli are that he will be a PP QB. It'd probably be very beneficial for him to have someone with experience in that role that he could learn from, and maybe even MAB can pick up a few pointers - specifically when to shoot so that his only asset does not constantly end up in skates or off the glass. I don't really understand them taking the risk of losing Berard over the risk of losing Meyer only IF someone claims him off waivers. Johnson seems to be Meyer 2.0 - the upgraded version anyway, so that makes the decision more puzzling to me.
I think Nolan is aware of Tambellini's potential talent and when will it be absolutely necessary for him to be up here.
Not saying Hilbert is on a short leash...but if it becomes painfully obvious that the Isles need more scoring after 10 games, I think Tambs will be up and Hilbert will be manning the skybox.
Question for Greg, or anyone else:
Why is Gervais' name mentioned in the list of the bottom 4 d-men that would have to clear waivers if sent down to Bridgeport? I thought he had a 2-way contract.
One thing I can say about Nolan is that he rewards players who work hard and if you don't work hard you will be moved off of your line. I remember last year he moved guys to and from the 4th line based on their performance. So don't be surprised if Bergenheim is working hard that he doesn't get a shot on one of the other lines. When Simon is back the 4th line will get more ice time. Nolan likes Park & Simon and he will not let "his guys" rot on the bench, that will only benefit Bergenheim.
I don't know but I think this team may be pretty stingy when it comes to giving up goals. That doesn't sell you alot of tickets but it keeps you competitive.
To say that Hilbert was "useless" last year is far from the truth.
He was a huge part of the hunter sillinger hilbert line that carried the Islanders through a long stretch of games when Yashin was down... Martinek was down... and so forth.
He had numerous scoring chances... mostly due to his and his linemates relentless hustle, forechecking and defensive ability to turn the puck over.
He hit a lot of posts... missed open nets... and had the puck jump off his stick a few times... but I think that was a little bit of a snowball effect...
Hilbert has speed, ability, some hockey sense... and if things break right for him he could easily score 25 to 30 goals this year.
I know that is overly optimistic... but is it really that far fetched considering the number of golden opportunities he had last year?
DOC
I know... go ahead an laugh at my optimism... but don't forget.. he will be playing with Satan and Vasicek... to offensively gifted players... I just think it's a good fit.
Not every scorer makes a big splash in their first two seasons...
Some need to grow into the role... become solid all around players first and then the scoring touch develops even if they had it in juniors/minors. The game is obviously much faster on this level and some guys don't keep up at first.
DOC
What?
I want to see tambellini get a shot as much as anybody... but last time I checked I don't coach the team. And I don't think the guy who does posts to(or even reads) this board.
That guy has done a pretty good job with personnel decisions, motivation and general strategy... I remember only a few months back THAT GUY (along with a pretty good rookie GM)got a team that everybody picked for last in the conference to a playoff spot where they performed adequately.
So we can debate all we want... THAT GUY has been pretty good at his job... much better than anybody else in that slot for a long long time.
Miggsey,
Come clean man. Are you Tony, Vito or Gino Campoli... and what exactly is your relationship to the Islanders 7th defenseman?
I haven't seen anybody campaign so hard since James Carville left the Clinton camp.
Doc: There's a fine line between being optimistic and realistic. My suggestion is Mr.Hilbert is better suited for horse shoes and hand grenades because hitting the post counts zilch.
Hilbert had 70+ games to prove himself on our second line last year and 8 goals to show for it. A scoring line should score. Tambellini was a +6 last year, has more speed and better scoring touch. How do you expect him to score if you only give him 3-4 mins playing time for game. Tambellini should be on team. Not Hilbert.
Freddie meyer should not be on team either. you got put your best players on the ice, not your DP's friend from college.
I truly is painful being a isles fan. How long can we take this abuse.
And for the record, We made playoffs last year b/c Montreal choked. we never earned it. Nice to see 3 top picks go away to Edmonton.
Willie, go back to the Rangers blog and pump all the losers on that page for awhile. Talk about how much love you guys are getting in the pre-season and then print those blogs out and train your dogs on them once the season ends and the Rangers have (once again) come up short from their expectations. And nobody wants to ride in your '87 Nova anyway.
loser: (lōō'zər) -noun
a. a person who frequents opposing team's blogs to offer grade-school level commentary in order to bolster self-esteem over their own team not really doing anything of historical note in it's long NHL presence. (see "ranger")
Doc;
That line with Satan and Vasicek is most like to be broken up if they are placing Hilbert there soley for defensive reasons.
Overall, I don't buy and of the rationales given. Bergenheim is much better defensivly than Hilbert and has much better tools. I think Nolan and Snow are just as uncomfortable having Hilbert on that line as well. The only way this makes sense is if this is purely supplemental resulting from Simon's suspension.
The Islanders have some guys on this roster they could benefit from moving.
Primarily Park and Hilbert. Secondary to that I'd say Satan who's impending UFA status makes him attractive trade bait for a pick and/or prospects in return.
The Isles have some guys banging down the door in Bridgeport. I think that lineup is more attractive with Tambellini, Comeau and possibly Bentivoglio given a look later on in the season.
I also think that should Gervaise or Campolli really start stepping up their game Martinek, becomes an attractive piece of trade bait later on as well. He's another guy who's approaching UFA on July 1st.
In my estimation the Isles will need to cut a few of their UFAs lose in order to improve their chances of signing Comrie, Fedotenko, Hunter and Vasicek.
Just too many guys for Anow to have a shot at signing all of them. If Meyer is being kept around to agitate I think Spiller can do that job more effectivly.
Overall, the opening night roster is definitly not going to be the same roster come the trade deadline or even late November.
There are quite a few guys I can see being moved in favor of clearing up some space for the younger speedsters. I think Nolan just wants to work them in one at a time. That might be the real rationale behing Hilbert starting the season.
Let Bergenheim get some time then pull up Tambellini. After that, move onto Comeau and hopefully Bentivoglio much later.
I agree with most of what Caesar just said there. I think that if you look at the Bridgeport roster there are many guys who could jump in and contribute here either this season or, at the latest, next season. On top of guys like Comeau, Tambellini, and Bentivoglio, you also have guys like Nielsen and, my personal wild card, Trevor Smith. I know I've said this ad nauseam, but I watched him flat-out terrorize my alma mater and many other schools in the NCAA. The kid can flat-out score, and I don't see him as more than a year away from contributing in a meaningful way at the NHL level. I think we'll be seeing a lot of him too.
I think the Hilbert picture is starting to become clear to me. You want a good defensive forward on the Satan-Vasicek line to give those guys room to create plays and to get open for shots. Bergenheim is better defensively than Hilbert, but he played last season in Europe and is out of touch with the North American game. Tambellini has offensive upside but isn't as responsible in his own end. Therefore, you place Hilbert there to keep the spot warm until Bergenheim can be promoted and Hilbert can either be sent to the 4th line or the press box. It's overly optimistic to compare him to Jason Blake. While there are similarities, we can't legitimately expect every speedy grinder we acquire to suddenly learn to score at this level.
I've backed off the ledge a bit, and I'm ready to put my faith in the GM and the coach, yet again.
In other news, I'll be at the Coliseum Saturday and Monday. Who's joining me?
Sorry, one thing I forgot...I disagree that Satan and Vasicek will be broken up. I think a defensive forward was added to their line precisely so they could stay together and do what they do best.
Bryan Berard was practicing today with the team. I am assuming it is just a matter of time until one of the current d men on the roster is cut.
Caesar great job making some very valid points. I feel one thing we all agree on and its Andy Hilbert has no business being on the second line for another year. Give a guy like Tambellini and Bergenheim time to shine. You can't make an assessment on Tambellini on 23 games last year when you used him for 4-5 mins a game.
Andy Hilbert trust me would not get picked up from waivers. As for Freddie Meyer if we can get a bag a pucks i will be happy.
JP: No relation to Campy but rather just another upset Isalnder fan who's tired of watching the team being dismantled by suspect coaching decisions and poor trades year after year. I started with Campoli and have now progressed to include Tambellini and Gervais too. A month or so from now, my list wil likely include other real prospects like Oko so stay tuned!!!!
Ignore the troll, please. Let 'im talk to himself under 10 different handles. We don't need a repeat of the Summer of Hell.
Nick'
It makes no sense what-so-ever to keep Vasicek and Satan together if you have to place Hilbert on that line to cover their defensive shortcomings. Hilbert is a career +12 player and finished a +10 on a team that excelled scoring at even strength.
Given that Satan runs at about 30 goals a season and Hilbert lucky to grab eight, it's suicide to keep that as the second line. You're much better off placing two guys in the wing good for 15-20. Getting 38 goals off your second line wingers is a recipe for disaster for any team. You're better off trying to get maximize that by breaking it up and pushing to 40.
And Hilbert aint exactly the kind of defensive forward that's burning up the Selke voting. You're more likely to get that with Bergenheim who's younger, faster, Scores and can play a much better game defensivly.
Hilbery is just keeping that spot warm for Berhenheim to earn it. At the end of the season Satan will more than likely be dealt for prospects and/or picks. Snow will have his hands full trying to sign Hunter, Comrie, Vasicek and Martinek if another defensemen doesn't make him expendable at the deadline.
This line up will be hugely altered come APril much in that same light that last seasons line up was. Chances are that Satan will be this seasons Mike York and a long shot with Martinek being this season Zhitnik (Not because he's ineffective but the team has too many UFAs as is).
Got to love the classless Ranger trolls. Guy just lost his brother and we get the alcoholic jokes. Typical I guess.
Anyways, I really thought they were going to try Bergenheim up on the second line with Vas and Satan. I think he can do more than just 4th line. As for Hilbert vs. Tambellini, didn't they start Hilbert on the second line for the final preseason game with Boston but started throwing Tambellini in there after some time? Isn't that indicative of what the coaching staff is thinking about how the season will play out?
Hilbert had a whole season last year on what was primarily a CHECKING line.
The gum in the works was the uncertainty of Blake/Yashin/??????.
Was there anybody who owned skates that didn't play on the top(?) line last year. The two constants on each line were
1.Blake/Yashin,
2.Satan/Kozlov
3.Sillinger/Hunter,
4.Park/(bates/tambellini)
I think Hunter can put up 20+ again with Satan and Vasicek. Of all the guys that have been debated about, he's the only one who has DONE IT before.
Bergy needs to prove he can be responsible at this speed. Once that happens he gets Hunter's slot, Hunter pushes Hilbert off that line and The shuttle begins from bridgeport.
If Bergy fails, and Hilbert is inconsistent then Tambellini gets to ride shotgun with Vasicek and Satan.
I'm not worried about all of that stuff, really. If they play hard and responsible hockey they will be competetive. If the question marks have the same positive results as last year they will be SUCCESSFUL.
REAL QUESTIONS/MHO:
Tank-Comrie-Guerin. Will they click? If so they are a much better top line than Blake-Yashin and the merry-go-round.
Witt and Marty will be solid as long as they are both healthy. Hell Witt was terrific last year and marty was +19 (on his way to a career year) when he got hurt. The question is how much offense will 3-6 produce offensively and will they be able to defend the crease for 35 minutes a game.
The PP. Often a problem until MAB showed up... but Poti was a big part of it's eventual success... Hopefully MAB will find stronger sticks... can you imagine if he was able to connect on more than 25% of his slap shots...
Berard can help there. campoli might be able to help there also. Marty could do it, but he's gonig to be getting enough time EV and on the PK. I think Sutton will be in that position as well.
So in the big scheme of things... who cares if it's Hilbert or tambellini to start the season... except THEM! tambellini will fight his way back into the lineup, and he'll have to make the best of it.
By 11/1:
Guerin-Comrie-Tank
Satan-Vasicek-Hunter
Sim-Sillinger-Bergy
Simon-Park-(Hilbert,Tamby, Comeau, Hot dog vendor, Sparky, Bates, who cares!)
Caesar,
If Hilbert plays the entire season on the 2nd line, he is good for at least 10-15 goals. Vasicek gets at least 20, Satan at least 30. I don't think goals will be a problem with the 2nd line, even with Hilbert on the LW. Whether or not they can be an offensively dominant line while still being defensively responsible is a bigger concern.
Hilbert, today, has much bigger offensive upside than Bergenheim. I'd have no problem with Bergy or Tamby on the 2nd LW this season, but you can't say that Bergenheim is a better scorer than Hilbert. I doubt Bergy is faster than Hilbert, as well.
Martinek was the Isles best Dman last season, before he went down. No way he is this year's Zhitnik. Satan and Mike York??? York is lucky if he scores more than 10 goals this season. Satan will have 30-40 this year.
JPinVA,
Nice analysis.
I don't think Hunter's game fits Satan and Vasicek. He doesn't skate well enough. Hunter fits much better with Sillinger and his North American-style.
Robitalle was the 1st center and Simon the 1st LW for the Isles much of last season. The Fedotenko-Comrie-Guerin line is a huge upgrade from that and they have shown exciting and tremendous chemistry in pre-season. They will be a dominant line this year. Vasicek and Satan also showed immediate chemistry and will be better than the Kozlov-Satan combo last season.
Isles are much better than last year's playoff team.
Satan is a defensive liability. Always has been and always will be.
No way in hell that Hilbert is good for 15-20 goals. Even so, it's absolutely insane to have that on the second line. Last season Hilbert had 164 SOG and only netted eight goals.
That's just pathetic.
If the guy was even remotely good for twenty you'd think he could at least hit an open net every now and then. Simple fact is that he can't do that either.
Bergenheim is hands down the better option on that line. With limited ice time in 05-06 Bergie netted 4 goals on 63 shots in 28 games. Not to mention one of those being a game winner.
Hilbert in 166 career games has 3 GW to his name and twice Bergenheim's shot totals.
Too many drugs I guess... I could have sworn that Yashin centered Blake and whoever when he wasn't hurt. Then they experimented with him on the wing making Robitaille, in effect, one of the "others" to join that line, but at center.
Then when Yashin was demoted (exiled) it was a whole new ballgame and Simon, Asham, Smyth...whoever would play with Robby and Blake.
they will be fine with a REAL first line this year.
And a PP that will most likely have Comrie and Satan getting good minutes with a grinder like Simon(who actually sparked the PP at times last year)/Hunter, with X + MAB on the backline.
their biggest issues will be defending their zone and making good passes through the nuetral zone... a problem for them last year.
though it is a great weapon to have, I'd rather not see DP making SO MANY clearing passes from the corners. It's great when you can catch a team changing, but better backline puckhandlers is essential to their success.
I haven't seen Sutton enough to know if he'll be that guy with MAB... I do know that MAB isn't that guy. And with as much as he (MAB) serves up the puck, I don't think Sutton is the guy to chase a free skating forward.
That's why i like Campoli/Berard with sutton.
I guess we'll know more starting on friday...
I just can't wait!!!
JP: Excellent point on the DP problem. If he'd cut back on handling the puck too often behind the net, we'd all be far better off and I'm sure his D would appreciate it too. How many times did he fan on the pass or cough it up compared to actual successful outlet passes?
the islanders arent so bad we'll see, if they can perform like a team like nolans buffalo teams they could do fine. that team was a first place team and not too many big names/ good goaltending, good defense, hard work, get breaks
we'll see
and also, my parting comment
rangers suck
the Avery poster,
Your toolbox management had to rip him apart in arbitration b/c you had no money..he s a dirty player that will be dealt with
also who cares about the 15 year contract. One Name: Martin Broduer....i would not want to lose rick so i agree and 4.5 million is a deal since kipper is looking for 7 mill.
later
rangers suck
Merril Lynch 2007/08 owns half of the garden seats
This year's "D" as a whole is better suited to "protect and move" than last year's corp.
the loss of Zhitnik and marty really hurt their ability to clear the puck and start offensive rushes. Adding a little bulk with sutton and having some mobility with marty, berard and campoli/gervais they should be able to keep the SOG totals down... though that wasn't evident in the preseason.
Even in DP's better games the rebounds and 40-70 second defensive zone play was killing them.
Hopefully they have addressed those issues.
I don't know about the best inthe division, but it's the best unit (on paper) since the top four of Jonsson, Aucoin, Hamrlik, Niiminaa (who completely sucked under Sterling)...
For those interested, Freddy Meyer and Darryl Bootland are no longer listed on the Isles website under the Roster.
My bad, it's Johnson who is not on the Isles Roster...to much dismay, Meyer remains.
D-Money,
I am pretty sure that is how the roster was before training camp even started. I wouldn't look too much into it until Friday, at the earliest.
If everyone will leave Andy Hilbert alone for 5 seconds...
Bryan Berard was at Islanders Practice today and practiced with the team.
Source: Islandermania message board from someone who was actually at practice.
Yeah, I wasn't sure about that but given it didn't jive with the info on the opening night roster, I wasn't sure if it was an indication of things to come.
anonymous ranger troll:
can YOU take care of DP's huge mellon head yourself, or would he detroy you if you had the guts to face him outside of computer troll world?? i didn't think so. you're probably a buck forty soaking wet and never played a game in your life of hockey, or any sport. you're just a non -entity looking for attention from strange men, typing in things that you can never back up yourself....you're a weak man
ps: 1 cup in 67 years..WOW!!
OK SO WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE ISLANDERS? WELL. IT STARTS WITH THE FANS. HERE IS ONE OF YOUR OWN MAKING A GREAT POINT ON THE RANGERS BLOG. YES IT STARTED WITH BACK AND FORTH ABOUT TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE HOME OPENER AT THE COLISEUM. WELL HERE IT GOES:
Why would I waste $100+ for a seat in section 101 when I can watch the game on a big screen tv at a local bar? Furthermore, why would I throw away $19 to sit in the last row of the coliseum and watch the game on a little tv? If they make the playoffs, that's worth the $, but not for a regular season game.
Posted by: islesfan | October 3, 2007 5:17 PM
Anybody who has ever been to a live hockey game and has a pulse wouldn't have to ask that question.
I will say this though, not to bring up a bad subject... but I drove up from VA last season to see game 3 live.
I hadn't been to a playoff game in a number of years. It was better than I expected... until I had to escort my 67 year old dad out of that zoo because morons were throwing half full bottles of beer all over the place. that was the first time i was truly embarassed to be an Islander fan.
I'd been there in the best of times... and the worst of times.
The organization needs to get fans out there. Young fans, who appreciate the game.
there has been such a void in the experience that people need to be re-introduced to the power of live hockey.
there is nobody from my generation who went through the late 70's and early 80's with this team that would ever have to ask, "Why would I spend $100 to see a game live when I can watch it on my big screen".
I'll be there for a few games this year, but I'm sure my dad is done with them thanks to that experience.
berard practiced. it's on islestv.
Don't you just wish the Stranger Fanatics would worry about their team and their lawsuits instead of Blogging about our teams and our true fans. Remember We are all Islanders... Lets go chicken dance.
For all those who want to be able to read this board and enjoy good hockey discussion -- regardless of whom you root for -- the only solution to the Ranger troll problem is to ignore it. One shudders to think what kind of life someone has who has both the time and the inclination to post "nyaa-nyaa-na-nyaa-nyaa" all day, but one thing is clear: the loser wants attention. Therefore the only way to negatively reinforce that behavior is to not respond at all (and wait until Greg institutes a registration system).
WHAT'WRONG WITH THE RANGERS?
their 2 arch rivals within 20 miles of them have a bunch of stanley cups in a fraction of the time they've been around and their fans are very frustrated and scared of both the devil's and islanders. fear not though, on paper, you look better than the isles, and possibly the devils this year. unfortunately, the rags always look good on paper but end up folding like a cheap suite every singl year, like a loser organization should......good luck paper tigers!!,,,be prepared to stand at center ice and raise your sticks in defeat......... again! LOL
JPinVA -- I was at the playoff game you mention, where beer bottles were thrown on the ice. On the one hand, I completely disagree with that behavior and of course did not throw anything myself. On the other hand, was it so appalling that I was embarrassed to be an Isles fan? No... Fans throw things on the ice at NHL for "good" reasons, e.g., hats for hat tricks, octopi. The call that provoked the fans was the worst call I have seen in 30+ years of watching pro sports and it cost the Isles a playoff game. It also cost that ref promotion to the later rounds of the playoffs. Does that justify the fans' method of showing their displeasure? No, but given that throwing things on the ice is not unheard of in the NHL, I would not say that the display warrants the "I'll never come back to the Coliseum" reaction. Your dad sounds old-school (my dad is too), but is he perhaps overreacting a bit?
Jim,
good to see you back. all your friends passed out already?
Even through the worst phases of ownership, management and players I was never embarassed to wear the jersey anywhere. After that, though, it went in the closet for a while...
I will add that I never owned a fishsticks jersey. that was embarassing... but it didn't make me embarassed to be a fan of the team.
The behavior of the fans that night made me embarassed to be part of that entity... even as a spectator.
It still doesn't eclipse the ranger fans rocking lafontaine's ambulance... that was just pure class.
So... yeah, you guys still have an edge in some things.
crack addicts... fleury
retards... barnaby
and classy fans...
Best chant...
"Buy a porsche, hextall, buy a porsche" When Hextall was stonewalling them in 1986 after he replaced lindbergh who died in a car (porsche)accident... none classier!
Hockeybuzz reports the Islanders have signed Mike Morrison (goalie) - Anyone else hear this? Depth for Bridgeport?
I'm sure that the same people complaining about Hilbert are the same one's that were campaigning not to re-sign a 40 goal scorer in Blake at season's end. (he's a puck hog... doesn't pass etc. etc. etc.) What????
Damn! would Blake look good on that 2nd line now wouldn't he?
And in what fantasy land has Bergenheim been a scorer...?
He hasn't even scored in juniors or minors or in Europe....? Granted, I want to see Bergenheim succeed... but the guy is not a scorer. I hope he develops into one much like I think Hilbert will... and Hilbert at least has a bit of success on this level as a decent two way player who creates offensive opportunities.
As I've said... Hilbert certainly isn't a polished scorer... but the guy created numerous and dare I say, open or almost open net, scoring chances last year and with any luck or better timing or puck control would have had 25 goals.
If he has similar opportunities that he and his linemates creat this year... I have no doubt that he will do just that... score 25 goals.
As for Tambellini... I hope he is back on the roster as soon as Simon's suspension is over... and I hope he is an effective 3rd line winger.
DOC
KH,
I agree to a point. I'm over forty and have more concern for the elderly(not really talking about my dad who was a pro athlete and can still handle himself) and juvenile fans that were at the game than the unwritten rules of a hockey arena. that type of behavior is NEVER warranted. Hats, squid (and the like) are not really dangerous. Pennies and batteries are... I've seen that done from the blue section at the garden. the true home for the classiest of all sports fans.
And the old man never said he wouldn't go to a game again... he really got into it up to that point. even though they were losing they were ENTERTAINING. The fans were into it, the building was electric.
There was also the moment of silence issue... that was bad also... If you rememeber that game was a few days after the VT slayings... and some big fat slob (I HOPE YOU'RE READING THIS) sitting about ten rows behind me felt compelled to yell "BUFFALO SUCKS BIG D*CK" during the moment of silence. Another Nassau Community College drop out that got the night off from wendy's to be at the game.
As far as Nolan's moves last year, he proved my criticism wrong more oft than not. We all wanted Dubie over Dunham after he showed that he was done. But he stuck with a proven vet through his last moments of decline. Okay...
He was stuck with Robby... and he did do an adequate job. the loss of Marty and Zhitnik almost simultaneously was more costly than anything Nolan had done.
Last year's expectations: NOTHING
Last year's performance: PLAYOFFS
this year's expectations:
PLAYOFFS (there are still moves to be made, but I honestly feel this team is in a better position in October than last year's was)
We'll see what happens.
MSG is an EMBARRASMENT to the good people of the NY metro area.
More sexual abuse suits coming for the Garden.
And these scum bags are suing the NHL ?
Ban Dolan, Sather and Thomas untill all pending lawsuits have been resolved.
Ice Girls deserve at least 11.6 million from MSG.
BOYCOTT MSG
NO MSG ! ! !
JPinVA -- I do agree about the fan who yelled during the moment of silence. From where I sat, I couldn't make out what he said, but I remember feeling annoyed and, as an Isle fan, embarrassed.
But yeah, it does not even come close to some of the Ranger-lowlife insanity, like rocking Pat LaFontaine's ambulance, that Hextall chant and many others.
I was also glad to see that the fans in Buffalo gear were not being hassled at NVMC.
I see someone is on here posting pretending to be me.
It is a sad interpretation, because, well, I actually can spell!
You would think that if you are trying to pretend to be me, you would pay attention to spelling and grammar Rag Contraction.
LOL, you are such a loser!
DOC
PURE SPECULATION: Snow never had any intention of signing Blake.
Blake was given an opportunity, and he did his utmost best. IMO he took advantage of offensive opportunities. He wasn't spread too thin as in previous years.
But he never really made the TEAM better. How many times did he circle the offensive zone TWICE until he lost the puck rather than pass it. He took more shots from desperate angles than any other Islander i can remember.
toronto will use him as a second line wing and on the PK. Watch the numbers drop. But he'll be more valuable to them. His 40 goal inflation made him less valuable to the Islanders and Snow, because he knew that there was better value out there for less.
And I'm pretty sure there were personality conflicts between a guy like Snow who seems to be a stand up guy, and Blake who appears to be a weasel (if you don't think so now, wait until he shows up in a TML uni).
Blake never stood up for himself, and you could see his teammates backing him less and less. Even Scatchard gave up on him at the end of his tenure as an Islander. there were times when they would go back to the bench and Scatch would have that, "this guy is a real d*ck" look on his face after getting into a scrap protecting him.
comrie will do the same instigating things, but then he'll drop them himself.
I'm sure a lot of maple leafs were going WTF when they heard that Blake was signed.
OH JOY!
I'll miss Blake's hustle, but I can't say that I was ever a big Blake fan. there are a bunch of guys that are gone now that could ahve made Yahsin and Laviolette's time on the island better... and they are all gone now.
Hopefully this new squad will be more like their coach, and stand up for each other... and push each other...
TEAM!!!
More than anything else there is a TEAM nucleus beginning to build. Guys like Sillinger, Simon, Witt.. add Guerin to that mix.. Hunter is in that circle as well... These are guys that have confidence and help the TEAM get better.
I have a feeling Sim will be there, and Tank as well.
This is going to be a very cool year!
Hey Rag Contraction, check out this box score from 12/5/06
Ottawa vs Islanders, at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
http://www.sportsline.com/nhl/gamecenter/boxscore/NHL_20061205_OTT@NYI
Attendance - 8,741!!!!
LOL
I would love to join the prediction game but unlike you guys my crystal ball is in the shop.
Man I can't wait for the season to start.
I will say this; this blog has drastically improved. 3 weeks ago it was horrible.
Yanks/Isles dilemma, what game to watch live? Good problem to have, I love this time of year.
I ranted about this last Spring, so ...
Got NHL Center Ice on Starchoice and Shaw Cable in Canada starting this fall! About bloody time. Now the Western half of Canada can watch Hockey, what a concept. Maybe all my phone calls and emails over the last two years actually did something, NOT.
Anyway, I'll be watching Friday! Squirt, Squirt, Excited!
:)
Kevin T.
Western Canadian Islanders Fan.
Hey Rag Contraction:
This is a link to the average attendance for each team for this past season.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/attendance?year=2007
Let's notice the Islanders, 28th out of 30 teams in attendance, with an average attendance of 12,886. LOL!
Thank god for those Rangers games eh?
St Louis, at #30 wasn't too far away. Without those Rangers game at the Coliseum, you guys are 30.
Islanders, worst attendance in the league?
No wonder Ryan Smyth didn't wanna stay!
And, hey, real Islander bloggers, sorry, this stuff is infesting your blog, but blame it on RAG CONTRACTION, the moron just won't go away!