If it weren't for bad luck, Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek wouldn't have any luck at all. Martinek, who apparently banged up his right shoulder in Saturday's win over Ottawa was back on the ice during practice today at Iceworks in Syosset when he accidentally collided with teammate Andy Sutton.
The impact wasn't especially hard, but Martinek headed to the bench with his right shoulder hanging a bit. He was examined by trainer Garrett Timms and then headed for the locker room. A few minutes later, Martinek emerged in the suit he brought to wear on the plane to Washington this afternoon, but there was an obvious lump on his shoulder where the ice bag was taped.
Presumably, he was headed out to get an examination. Coach Scott Gordon had no immediate details on Martinek's status, but it obviously doesn't look good for him in terms of playing against the Capitals tomorrow night at the Verizon Center. Gordon said he has to consult with general manager Garth Snow about the decision on a replacement, but Thomas Pock practiced with the team and would be the logical choice since Bruno Gervais (leg) still is nursing his injuries.
"It's unfortunate," said defenseman Brendan Witt, Martinek's regular partner. "Marty's a good competitor. I feel bad for the guy when stuff like this happens. But he's resilient. We'll just have to do without him for a little bit…He's been tender here and there, but he's managed to battle through it."
ISLES FILES: Forwards Kyle Okposo (right hand), Nate Thompson (foot) and Mike Comrie (right hip) remain out…C Mike Sillinger skated with LW Mitch Fritz and RW Tim Jackman and will make his first start since last January. He worked on the power play, and one would expect his faceoff prowess to result in significant ice time in the third period, especially if the Isles are in the position of protecting a lead.
Comments (20)
Seriously...this guys needs to beef up or something. What's going on this guy. I don't think he's played more than ten games straight in his career without getting hurt.
Why not Skinner from the Bridge?
He was a good stay at home d-man, and before he left he was a plus 2?
Does this mean in a week Pock will have to pass thru waivers again? Not that he is any great shakes but he is a good option.
Netminder - I agree on Skinner. I thought he was quietly solid at the blueline.
Martinek is unfortunately very fragile, but a heck of an under-rated player.
Enough already with this guy. He's too fragile. Trade him for a few picks while he still has some value. I don't care how defensively sound he is, it's worthless if he isn't playing in games.
Anyone remember Rich Pilon who was a fantastic physical defenseman but played in only about 40 games per season due to injuries?
I agree, Martinek may have talent, but if he were a horse, he would have been glue long by now. This is ridiculous. We can't constantly be in flux with this guy. Hate to say it, but time to cut ties.
God damn Snow great rid of this worthless idiot. He can't play D and looks like can't stay healthy.
It's so ironic that our most consistent defenseman is consistently injured.
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DP vs. Elite Status ... I don't think anyone here would argue that DP's total body of work in his career entitles him to elite status ... but .... DP was a one man team for the first 4 months last season and was the sole reason the Islanders were even within sniffing distance of 5th or 6th place at the All-Star break ... not to mention those 2-1 losses the Isles suffered through in the first half last season. If DP had any goal support he'd of had the Isles up at least another 10 points over their point total by the All-Star break ... and that is a conservative estimate.
DP when healthy certainly plays at the level of Henrik, Roberto and Broduer ... he pushes them to play their best games ... infact Broduer was quoted saying he has to bring his 'A' game when playing against DP ... if that isn't an endorsement .... then I don't know what is.
All that being said ... DP is full of question marks regarding his health and how he'll perform once he returns to action... I'm not going to hold my breath .... but I think DP will see regular action in about a month ... I think the Isles are in no rush as long as J-mac is playing well to push DP before he's 10000%
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Re: Lavy ....
I think some people got a little snippy when someone makes an off color comment like Netminder did in the previous thread regarding the possibility of Lavy returning as an assistant .. it was a half hearted joke ... I got it ... there is nothing wrong with a little wishful humor ... no reason to insult someone over it ... I'm sure we all kind of wish Lavy would return to the organization so no harm in voicing that sentiment.
Make Lavy Snow's boss ... LOL ... President of the Islanders... LOL!!
Play Fritz! That guy does WAY more than Tamby and half the fruits on this listless team. I dont want to see another Boston team run us through the boards.
ahhh dduck....not gonna bother going there wit u...you're wasting my time and yours......you're the one who makes up outa nowhere that DP is considered elite....then you proceed to argue that he is not....makes no sense....watch a game...then come back and feel free to quack away...
19 ISLE in NJ 22, I should know better than to waste my time engaging in back & forths with people who clearly don't follow the Isles and jump on every minor comment, including Netminder's obvious sarcasm when asking for Lavy to be Gordon's assistant....won't happen again...it's the holiday season and I have too many Candy Canes to stripe....and I agree...Lavy as Snow's boss...does he have enough $ to buy the team?
Here comes the long awaited debut of Sillinger...as I had mentioned a few weeks back, I did not want Silinger back on this team...however, with the new injuries to centers Comrie and Nielsen, I guess it's worth it now...though I'm still skeptical....but can't fault the guy for doing everything in his power to come back from a very tough injury...
what's the deal with Comeau, we have a bunch of scrubs on this team and he can't find a spot. I thought he was the best young player we had last year. Oh well, onward with 40 year Sillinger. What a youth movement.
Mike
For this year, it appears that Comeau will be in Bridgeport the entire season, strictly because there is not enough room on this team, and frankly, was not ready to play in the beginning of the season under Gordon's system. Comeau is a right winger, so he would be replacing someone like a Hunter or a Sim. He's not fourth line material, nor is he a fourth liner. He's doing well down at the Bridge, but for now, that's where he belongs.
Mike
For this year, it appears that Comeau will be in Bridgeport the entire season, strictly because there is not enough room on this team, and frankly, was not ready to play in the beginning of the season under Gordon's system. Comeau is a right winger, so he would be replacing someone like a Hunter or a Sim. He's not fourth line material, nor is he a fourth liner. He's doing well down at the Bridge, but for now, that's where he belongs.
correction: he's not fourth line material, nor is he a first liner....sorry.
'tis a shame b/c we all saw the poise and play making ability of Comeau last season...sounds like there's too much politics involved...should be the best players play.....i just can't envision guys like Frits, Coliton, etc. being more valuable to the present isles than Comeau would be...
Mike, you're preaching to the Candychoir over here in Candyland....
CM - one issue, though: Would you rather see Comeau getting yo-yo'ed between Bridgeport and the Islanders like Colliton, Fritz, et al? Or would you prefer that he gets his game to the next level down at the Bridge so that when he's called up it's for good? I'd prefer the latter, and if if means he cools his heals until a few vets are dealt at the deadline (or next season), I'm totally fine with that. I think Comeau will be a valuable piece with this team, but he's not the 2nd coming of Bossy, and it won't permanently kill his career to do this.
It happens every now and then - in 2002-3, everyone was crying about the lack of Trent Hunter. In 2006-7, everyone was crying about Campoli being in the AHL. Both are now major contributors on an NHL roster, so I think it ended up being a better move in the long run.
Tambellini? Sim?
Where's Comeau?
Botta's blog has a pretty good read on the two top college free agents and it appears the Isles have some leverage with defenseman Gilroy (from Long Island).
Nick,
There is plenty of truth to what you said, and if those are the Isles' plans with Comeau then I think I'd be ok with that. I was just looking at it from the POV that if I made the jump to the NHL one season and proved I can contribute, then why are players who clearly cannot contribute getting a chance over me. I would feel discouraged and demotivated if I did not get at least one shot to play in an NHL game after injuries to four different forwards. As per your point about Campoli, he was probably the next callup that season where Nolan had him start in the AHL, and I'm not sure what it would have done for Campoli's confidence if less skilled guys were getting called up over him. Just my take.
-cm
Nick, good point about COMEAU being juggled around from bridgeport and the island...I def have to agree with you on that, and didnt think about that myself....The only thing that bothers me about the situation, is how TAMBY has done NOTHING to help this team win this year and is still on the roster...I do though understand that we have given up on so many of our prospects to soon, who later blossom into very talented NHL players, but is TAMBY gonna be one of them?? I thought so last season, and the beggining of this season, but as more games go by, i see that being less likely to happen if we trade him...I give TAMBY till ALLSTAR break to show SOMETHING that makes us believe he BELONGS!!! Were not giving up on a kid whose 18,19,20, 21...we are giving up on a kid whose gonna be 25 next year...Once again, i hope im wrong about this kid, and someone lights a fire under his gluteus maximus and he finally shows a sign of life....
Poor MARTINEK....He is the most underrated defensmen in the league who just cant seem to stay healthy...The guy is so fragile....When healthy, he can shut down any top line in the NHL w/ WITT....most underrated NHL DEF. PAIR in the league..Shoot this guy up w/ some HGH, put on 15lbs of muslce to protect those fragile bones.....
From last post..My FUTURE PREDICTIONS!!!!
1. We break ground and start rebuilding the Coliseum this coming summer..
2. Next 2 yrs of rebuilding the Coliseum our kids begin to BLOSSOM. (BAILEY, OKPOSO, NEILSEN, COMEAU)..
3. YEAR 3 we make the playoffs and get eliminated round 2, game 6..
4. Year 4....We win the conference with complete domination, but make an early exit out of the playoffs...2nd round again!!!
5. Year 5....WE WIN THE CUP!!!!
OR 5B: We trade away all our not so much kids anymore, for a washed up HEATLY, and CHARA, and trade DP at draft day, and recall TOMMY SODERSTROM!!! Islanders record 12-65-4... AND WE ARE BACK TO REBUILDING!!!!
I had to throw in 5B, just because, like the new york state lotto...HEY YOU NEVER KNOW!!!
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!