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I do have the express written consent of the New York Islanders to use their logo on this website.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Nino Niederreiter sent back to juniors. Was it the right move?

If you have not heard, the Islanders sent their first round draft pick from the draft, Nino Niederreiter, back to the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League.  Did the Islanders make the right decision?

Why keep him?:

  • New York Islanders Right Wing Nino Niederreiter, Top, Of Switzerland, Elebrates His Goal With Michael Grabner, Of
  • In his short 9 game in the NHL, Niederreiter showed that he could compete with the best in the NHL. He scored his first goal against the Capitals on a perfectly executed play by the Islanders. Niederreiter was waiting in the slot when Doug Weight gave him a pass, and he shot it right past Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth.
  • The line combination of Niederreiter, recently acquired Michael Grabner, and veteran Captain Doug Weight has been producing for the Islanders. Those 3 have a combined 5 goals and 8 assists so far in the early season.
  • El NiƱo has not been afraid to play physical so far this season, registering 16 hits. 
  • The Islanders have been in the rebuilding process recently, and what better way is there to have a guy develop and gain experience than playing against the best players in the NHL? 
Why send him back to Juniors?:
  • Nino has not been putting the puck on net that much. Getting only 12 shots on net during the first 9 games. 
  • The Islanders surprised many people, starting 4-1-2 with 10 points. They are trying to contend for a playoff spot now, and not wait for the future. 
  • Rob Schremp  is due to come back to the team in the coming weeks and the Islanders may need to keep a roster slot available to him now, rather than keep Niederreiter in the NHL for the whole year and start his 3 year  entry level contract, which can now start next season. 
  • While in juniors in Portland, Niederreiter can be a big leader for his team, and gain some valuable lessons, which he will hopefully bring back to Long Island next season. 

Do you think the Islanders made the right call? Answer this week's poll question and let me hear what you think about this decision. 

Lets Go Islanders!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Welcome to My New Blog

Hello. For those of you that don't know me. I'm Aaron. I will be blogging about the New York Islanders hockey. Game recaps, opinions, whatever you want. I blogged about the Islanders last season, but due to technical issues, I can't update that blog anymore. You can see that blog HERE. I have been a fan of the Islanders my whole life, and I will update you on my past with the Islanders whenever time allows. Feel free to answer the poll on the top of this page. Also, don't hesitate to  comment. I would like to hear your opinions. Lets Go Islanders!