2013 Line Combinations

Earlier this morning, the NHL and NHLPA reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. Yes, there is still work to be done. All the details need to be looked at, players need to get back to their teams from all around the world. Then, after all of that, only one week of training camp will  take place before the NHL season finally gets under way. Take note, NHL rosters have 20 players including 12 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goalies.

Photo Credit: espn.com

Head coach Jack Capuano is going to have many tough decisions to make. There are a few new Islanders that will need to get used to their new surroundings quickly. Players have been playing on the other side of the world, and some haven't been playing at all. After all is said and done, the season will start. Putting all of the many details aside for now, here are the lines that I think the Islanders will yield when they hit the ice in about two weeks.



Forward Line 1: Matt Moulson---John Tavares---Brad Boyes
Tavares and Moulson have been together since Tavares' rookie season. Since them, they have became one of the best scoring duos in the entire NHL. Tavares has been busy this season, playing on the same team as Mark Streit in the Swiss league. (Click on his name to see a highlight._ Hopefully he won't have any problems adjusting back to New York time. For the past few years, they have usually had PA Parenteau flanking them. However, Parenteau left the Islanders and went to Colorado. Now, the Islanders have Brad Boyes. In 2008-09 with the Blues, Boyes scored 43 goals. The next season, he had 72 points.  Unfortunately, over the last two seasons in Buffalo, he has just a combined 13 goals. Boyes has prove he can score at an elite level in the NHL, and I think that playing with the two best offensive weapons on the team will boost Boyes back to relevance.

Forward Line 2: Michael Grabner---Frans Nielsen---Kyle Okposo
This line is almost guaranteed to be together. They have been for the past few years, and I don't see anything that will separate them. Although Grabner may have had a sophomore slump, he picked it up toward the end of last season to reach the 20 goal mark. Nielsen is by far the best defensive forward on the team, and combined with his dominance in the shootout, he is the easy pick for the number two center. Kyle Okposo got off to a very slow start last season, not scoring until a month into the season, yet he finished with a career high 24 goals last season, and with a shortened season, I can't see him surpassing the mark. These three will be together, as they have one thing the Isles have lacked over the past few years, chemistry.

Forward Line 3: Matt Martin---Josh Bailey---David Ullstrom
This line is one that that is not even close to set in stone. Matt Martin signed a new contract minutes before the lockout got underway. He has become a fan favorite for his big hits, and last year he proved that he can score more than just one goal. Martin was never afraid to take contact, or initiate it. He proved even more valuable when he drove to the net and got good shots. Josh Bailey has been playing in the German league, where he had seven points in his first four games. It is doubtful, but if Bailey can keep up a good pace on the Island, the sky is the limit for the former 9th overall pick in the 2008 draft. David Ullstrom is as big a question mark as any on the Islanders. He has been playing with the Isles AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. He was great last year in his time on Long Island, but he may not be completely healthy. He has missed 11 games for the Sound Tigers. However, if he is healthy, he should be in the NHL. These three players, all very young, can be a good line to turn to late in games when Tavares and co. need some rest.

Forward Line 4: Jesse Joensuu---Marty Reasoner---Eric Boulton
Guess how many goals the three of these players combined for in the NHL last season? One. One single goal. It was scored by Marty Reasoner. (See link on his name.) Marty Reasoner was a complete bust last season for the Islanders, but I can't see them getting rid of him until the end of his contract. Eric Boulton played in 51 games for the Devils last season, yet he didn't register a single point offensively. He did get 115 penalty minutes though. The Islanders got him because they want him to be the type of player that Zenon Konopka is. A tough, gritty forward, who isn't afraid to drop the gloves with anyone or stand up for a teammate. If you've been following the Islanders for a few years, you probably remember Jesse Joensuu, who played last season in the Swedish league. Joensuu should be on the NHL roster when the season begins, and hopefully his year in Sweden helped him become a better player. This line probably won't produce much offense, but they can change the momentum of the game, with a hit, fight, or big play.

Defense Pairing 1: Mark Streit---Lubomir Visnovsky
After missing all of the 2010-11 season due to a fluke injury during training camp, Mark Streit came back better than anyone expected him to. He was the leader of the Islanders power play, played in every game, and was by far the Islanders best d-man. Throughout last year, Streit didn't have a great defense partner, so the Islanders went out and got him one on draft day. Over the past decade, Lubomir Visnovsky has been one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL. An All-Star back in 2007, Visnovsky spent last season with Anaheim where he got 27 points in 68 games. Shortly after he was traded in June, Lubomir filed a grievance with the NHL to have has trade to the Isles voided. Unfortunately for him, he lost that grievance. There are rumors that he may stay in the KHL this season, but if he does, don't be surprised if he gets the Evgeni Nabokov treatment. If he comes to the Island, the duo of Streit and Visnovsky could be one of the best offensively in the NHL, and they could lead the Islanders power play to the top.

Defense Pairing 2: Travis Hamonic---Andy MacDonald
More question marks with this pairing. Travis Hamonic has been with Bridgeport all season, but he has missed 15 games with an injury. He should be ready to skate next week, and if he is, that would be the best timing. Andy MacDonald has been playing in the Czech league, where he recorded five points ini 21 games. These two have been the best defensive pair for the Isles for the past two seasons. They will be on the Islanders for the next few years, and they are just starting to hit their stride. If healthy, this duo will be on the Island and doing what they've been doing for the past few years.

Defense Pairing 3: Matt Carkner---Matt Donovan
The Islanders signed Matt Carkner to a three year deal before the lockout. Matt Donovan has played in three NHL games. Unlikely pairing? Yes, they are one. After Carkner, the last defenseman spot is open for the taking, and I believe Donovan is going to take it. He should earn an invite to training camp, and work his way onto the roster. He has 17 points in Bridgeport this season, and he has been healthy for the whole season. Carkner is a very physical player, he had 190 penalty minutes a few seasons ago. Carkner, like Eric Boulton, will provide a physical presence the Islanders have lacked over the past few years. Together, the duo of Matts will be the Isles final pair of defensemen, but this is the one that could change very quickly.

Starting Goalie: Evgeni Nabokov
Backup Goalie: Rick DiPietro
Heading into this season, there is absolutely no question who is the starter and who is the backup. DiPietro is starting right bench, so Nabokov will start in goal. If there is one person who can single handedly lead the Islanders, it will be Evgeni Nabokov. He was 19-18-3 last season, ending any goalie controversies on Long Island. If Nabby plays like he did with the Sharks over the past decade, the Isles could be on their way to the playoffs. If I had anything to say about Rick DiPietro, other than a buyout would be a great idea, I would be happy to write it here. Just keep Nabby on the ice, DP on the bench, and I think the Isles should be fine in net this season if they both stay healthy.

I think such players like Nino Niederreiter, Ryan Strome, Brock Nelson, Griffen Reinhart, and Aaron Ness will not be on the NHL team to start the season. These combinations are based on what the Isles have now, if they make another move, that's out of my control.

If you are questioning any of these combinations, I'd love to hear from you in the comments. I can't wait for the season to start, and get back to the way things used to be.

Lets Go Islanders!!!

Final Season Player Rankings Part 3

If you haven't looked at my previous two entries, feel free to take a look at them before you take a look at this one. Those were about the Islanders goalies and defensemen, now it's time to take a look at the Isles forwards from this past season. I'll only be ranking the forwards that played in at least 20 games this past season, so players like Casey Cizikas and Trevor Gillies won't be rated just yet. I'll be using the same 0-100 scale that I used for the defensemen here. Some Islanders had career years, others...not so much. Take a look at how the Islanders forwards fared this past season.

#25 Nino Niederreiter 62/100

Photo Credit: espn.com

After being sent back to the WHL after 9 NHL games in his rookie season, the Islanders wanted to keep 19 year old Niederreiter with the big club his season. To put it lightly, Nino's first full season in the NHL didn't even come close to matching anyone's expectations. Looking back on it, the Islanders would probably wish they sent him back to Portland again after 9 games. His ranking is low because he was an offensive threat in every league he played in so far besides the NHL. For a player that played in 55 games, Nino's numbers are just dreadful. He scored only one goal, and that was his only point of the season. His -29 in the +/- category doesn't help his cause. Also, he did spend a lot of time playing with Marty Reasoner and Jay Pandolfo, who aren't offensive threats. I'd expect him to play in Bridgeport for a while in the near future, as when players have played there, they come up and really help the team. Nino's NHL future looks bright, but just be patient, because it will take a few seasons.

#16 Marty Reasoner 59/100 

Photo Credit: espn.com

The Isles didn't make too many free agent signings before the 2011-12 season. However, one of the moves they did make was to sign the veteran centerman Reasoner to a two year contract. To put it lightly, his numbers were just miserable in his first year on Long Island. In 2010-11 with the Panthers, Reasoner had 32 points (14-18-32) while playing in all 82 games, and even had a +2 ranking. This year, Reasoner only played in 61 games, was a healthy scratch for plenty of the ones he missed, and didn't score a goal until the final week of the season. This season was the worst year of his career stastically (1-5-6), a -25 ranking was 8 worse than any of his previous career lows in the +/- category. He wasn't the Zenon Konopka type guy the Islanders were looking for when they signed him. Next year will be a pivotal year for Reasoner because if he can't rebound from this past season, then I can't think of an NHL team that has a need for a 35 year old has-been forward.

Photo Credit: Zimbio.com

#29 Jay Pandolfo 60/100 

After 13 years with the New Jersey Devils, the Islanders agreed to give the veteran one more shot at the NHL. Pandolfo didn't even have a contract until the week before Opening Night. Forgetting his numbers for a minute, Pandolfo does deserve credit for making it back to the NHL and being nominated for the Bill Masterton trophy. This award is given to a player who shows qualities of perseverence, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. He put his heart and soul into every game this season, and even though I don't think the Isles will bring him back, I believe they made the right move signing Pandolfo. He was a valuable veteran leader for a team of young guys,  a great penatly killer, and even moved to center from wing for a while when it was necessary. I won't go into his numbers as his ranking should give away his numbers for you. (They weren't good.) Whether or not Pandolfo plays again is a mystery, but we can thank him for this past season's hard work and dedication.

Photo Credit: zimbio.com

#41 David Ullstrom 70/100

Out of all the prospects that made their NHL debuts with the Islanders this past season, I think David Ullstrom was the best. From the first game he came up, he immediatley fit into the Isles system. He wasn't afraid to drive to the net, unlike other players who would sit back and wait for the play to develop in front of them. Ullstrom made the plays and played like he'd been in the NHL for years. A mid-season concussion may have hurt his development, but he still showed why he could be a good NHL forward in the years to come. He only played in 29 games, yet he registered 8 points (4-4-8), and helped the Isles powerplay get more opportunities. I would expect Ullstrom to get more than 29 games in the NHL next year, and I really think that he will make a significant impact on the ever-maturing Islanders.


#26 Matt Moulson 88/100

Photo Credit: espn.com

Over the past three seasons, there has been no Islander that has been as consistant as Matt Moulson. He has never, not even one time, missed a game for the Islanders, playing in all 82 for each of the past three seasons, not missing one single game. Moulson has also been the Islanders most consistant goal scorer, scoring at least 30 goals in each of those three seasons, culminating with his 36 goal performance last season, ranking him 10th in the entire NHL. He was even a +1 in the +/- category for the season, which is nothing short of spectacular on a team that allowed 52 more goals than they scored. At the current pace Moulson is at, he should be in like for around 80 points next season if everything goes according to plan. Objective #1 would have to be to sign PA Parenteau, but we'll get to him later. Last season, Matt Moulson was the best Islander not named John Tavares. He is a premier goal scorer and he proved that he can keep up the pace at an elite level. For Moulson, the sky is the limit. On a separate note, he is a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy. This is awareded to the player that exhibits great sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct along with a high standard of playing ability. With only six penalty minutes over the whole season, I wouldn't be too suprised if Moulson wins the award. He deserves it. Matt Moulson will be a force to be reckoned with for the next few seasons.

#17 Matt Martin 75/100 

Photo Credit: nyislanders.com

This season, I think Matt Martin would have to be one of the most improved Isladners. The first major stat that needs to be brought up when talking about Martin is hits. This past season, Martin had 374 hits,  81 more than anyone else in the league. Divide that by the 80 games he played in, and that gives him 4.6 hits per game, which is a very impressive number. He is the biggest physical threat in the NHL, and if he can countinue to do this next season, he will be a very successful pro. Add 14 points (7-7-14) to the mix and you get a solid NHL player. His offense has improved from the previous season, and if it continues to improve, he'll be a consistant and valuable player and physical threat for these Islanders, who don't have any big threats besides Martin. I was very pleased with Martin's game last season, and I can't wait to see what he brings in the years to come. 

That's it for the first half of the forwards. I'll do the other forwards in a separate entry when I can. What do you think of these ratings? I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments section. 

Lets Go Islanders!!! 

Final Season Player Rankings Part 2

Photo Credits: espn.com

 If you did not read my previous entry, where I rated the Isles goalies from this past season, you should take a look at before you read this. Now, I'm going to rate all of the Isles defensemen. This time, instead of using letter grades, I will use a scale of 0-100, with 100 being the highest possible grade. The numbers can give a more precise ranking than the letters did. Any defenseman with more than 20 games played will be ranked, so one game wonders Calvin de Haan (left) and Ty Wishart (right) will have to wait to be ranked. They will get their chances. Enough with the future, let's look at the past season's defensemen.

Photo Credit:
sports.yahoo.com

#3 Travis Hamonic 84/100
After playing 62 games during his rookie season, Hamonic came into this season knowing exactly what was expected of him. He did not disappoint any of the critics. This season, Hamonic appeared in 73 games, and kept on playing late in the season even though he had a broken nose. For most of the season, he was paired with Andrew MacDonald, and the two were a great defensive pair, oftene being sent out to play against the other team's top lines. Hamonic's offensive totals (2-22-24) aren't awful, but he known for  defense, and some other stats prove it. He was 17th in the whole NHL in blocked shots with 157, and he also had 170 hits. Another baffling number is that Hamonic had the highest +/- of any  Islander, registering a +6. That might not seem like much, but the fact that any Islanders were a positive this season is a statement in itself. If Hamonic can pick up his offensive game and keep his defensive game up, then he can be an elite defenseman in the years to come.

Photo Credit: newsday.com

#47 Andrew MacDonald 79/100 
While his partner Travis Hamonic definitely improved from 2010-11 to this past season, Andrew MacDonald might have regressed a little bit. In 2010-11, A-Mac only played in 60 games, but had 27 points (4-23-27) and was a +9. This previous season, he played in 75 games, most of them with Travis Hamonic, and only registered 19 points (5-14-19) and was a -5. What can be the reason behind this? One reason may be that he and Hamonic always played against opponent's top lines and that may have had something to do with it. Also, MacDonald has definitely not been as much of an offensive threat as he was in previous seasons. MacDonald has done great on defense, and his rating isn't any higher because of the significant points drop.


#24 Steve Staios 71/100

Photo Credit: daylife.com

If you have been clicking on players names throughout this entry, you have seen some of the highlights provided by the Isles this year. When you see the Steve Staios highlight, you gain satisfaction. At 38 years old, Steve Staios didn't even have a guaranteed contract in the preseason. It was only after Staios had a great preseason that the Isles signed him to play along Mark Streit as the top defensive pair. Staios played in 65 games this season, nine more than he played in his last two seasons combined with Calgary. He also played in his 1000th career game late in the season against the Jets. His offensive numbers (0-8-8) don't tell the whole story.  Staios wore an 'A' on his jersey for all home games because of his ability to be a veteran leader and mentor on a team made up of very young players. His rating is only a 71 because he was a -19 for the season, and he really didn't too much. When watching him during games, I often found myself wishing Staios would do more. I dobut he will be back next season with all the young d-men the Isles have. Not a bad year for a man that resurrected his NHL career for another season.

Credit: post-gazette.com

#27 Milan Jurcina 62/100
Milan Jurcina's season is also a very interesting one. This season, he played in 65 games, 19 more than he did in the previous season. However, his numbers are just dreadful. He only had 11 points. (3-8-11) It seems like all of his shots went wide, and he reminds me a little bit of Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn in the Major League movies. He has a great slapshot, probably around or maybe over 100 miles per hour. However, he has trouble getting it on net. Another dreadful stat is his +/- of -34. You read that correctly -34. That means when at even strength, the other team scored 34 more goals than the Isles did when Jurcina was on the ice. If he can figure out his slapshot, then he can be a nice complement to Mark Streit.

Credit: newsday.com

#42 Dylan Reese 66/100
Reese has been called and recalled by the Bridgeport Sound Tigers mutiple times this season. Next season, I would hope that he will start the season in the NHL. He only played in 28 games this season, and in many of those games, he was paired with Mark Streit. He had seven points (1-6-7) in those 28 games. More suprisingly, his +/- was 0. He was dead even in that category. Reese is very young and talented, and with Steve Staios unlikely to return, a roster spot will be open. I think that Reese is the leading candidate for that spot. He is the guy the Islanders went to before Aaron Ness, Matt Donovan, and Calvin de Haan, who all had breif call ups. For this past season however, we didn't see too much, but we saw glimpses of what looks to be a bright future for a good young defenseman.

Credit: timesunion.com

#4 Mark Eaton 73/100
What a year it's been for Mark Eaton. He is the textbook definition of a defensive defenseman. Most of the year, he was with Milan Jurcina, so his +/- took a hit at -17. But for at least one game in Ottawa, he was the man. It was his 600th National Hockey league game, a one to remember, and in overtime, he broke a long scoreless drought by scoring his first goal as an Islander. You can watch it by clicking on his name just above. Eaton has been a very solid defenseman for the past couple seasons. His rating is the way it is because while he has done little offensively, his defense has been superb. He should be back next season and I don't see why the Isles wouldn't bring him back.


                                                    #2 Mark Streit 88/100

Credit: Getty Images

After missing all of the 2010-2011 season, the Islanders still had the confidence to name the 34 year old Mark Streit from Switzterland as the next team captain after Doug Weight's retirement. This season, Streit showed why he was an All-Star and led the team in points back in 2009. At times this season, mostly toward the end of the year, he played like the elite defenseman the Isles want him to be.  Although his 47 points (7-40-47) are a decrease from his previous totals, Streit definitely had his best season as an Islander this year. Streit was the leader of the Islanders powerplay from the blue line, and he wasn't afraid to step up and go to the dirty areas near the opponent's net. Streit appeared in every Isles game this season, and one of the main reasons his ranking isn't higher is his +/- of -27. That just isn't good at all. If the Islanders can find Streit a great partner to compliment his offense for next season, they might have a legitimate chance at reaching the playoffs.

That's it for the defensemen. Next up will be the forwards. Since there are so many of them, I might do the forwards in two separate entries. If you disagree with any of the rankings I made, I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments.

Lets Go Islanders!!!

Just a Small Chance

The Islanders are starting to run out of time to make a move in the playoff hunt, but if there was a time to make a move, it would be now. The Islanders can thank these three stars, that are not named John Tavares, for the late season push.

Third Star: Timly Scoring from Defensemen 
Islanders defensemen have scored a total of 13 goals this season. That is not a good mark by any means, but when the Isles have to have a goal, don't be suprised if it is a d-man putting the puck in the twine. In the past few weeks, the Isles won two games in overtime thanks to the defensemen. The first OT winner was scored by the least likely culprit on the Islanders, Mark Eaton. But why would he not score? It was only his 600th NHL game and he was heading down the ice with Milan Jurcina, another unlikely culprit.

The second OT winner was scored by none other than the captain, Mark Streit, and his goal was a beauty. He went right through the entire Los Angeles Kings team and buried a backhander past Matt Moulson's brother in law, Jonathan Quick. He also did it on a day the Islanders were honoring a defenseman, Kenny Jonsson.




Second Star: PA Pareteau's Emergence


Over the past couple weeks, PA Parenteau has showed everybody that he deserves a raise from the 1.25 million bucks he is making this season. He has scored goals at timely moments. He has also been the guy to make the perfect pass to set up a goal. He is currently 6th in the entire NHL with 42 assists, and even when he was moved off of the John Tavares line, he continued to produce. When Parenteau heads into free agency this summer, the Isles need to make it their number one priority to resign him for next season.




First Star: Nabby Saying No
Let's face it, Evgeni Nabokov has been the Islanders best player over the past month or so. He single-handedly won a game that the Islanders had no business winning, making 45 saves in Philadelphia through overtime, then making two more in the shootout to somehow give the Islanders a 1-0 win. When games have gone past regulation this year, Nabokov hasn't lost. He has provided something the Islanders have lacked over the past few seasons, stability in net. There are talks that the Islanders might trade him, but then they would be giving up on this season. Garth Snow needs to make a significant effort to re-sign Nabokov for next season because Al Montoya has been shakey and Rick DiPietro is well....Rick DiPietro. Nabokov's 15-14-0 record so far this season is solid, especially since he missed a few weeks earlier in the season with an injury. If Nabokov leaves, then the Islanders will have no goalies that have any experience in big games. 




Now, I know what you are thinking, Where is John Tavares? He is not on this list because everyone in the NHL knows that he is just the best player on the team. Also, over the past few weeks, it has been these three things leading the team. The time to win is now or never  for the Islanders. Will it happen? Let's watch and see. 


Lets Go Islanders!!

Studs and Duds

Well, here we are again, off to a fast start. The season is in full swing, hockey is back, and the Isles have shown plenty of promise through the first 5 games. There has been a share of highs and a share of lows. Now let's take a look at some of the players and their impact on the Isles 3-2-0 start.

Studs: 

John Tavares-After a quiet first 2 games, Tavares just exploded in the next two. Against Tampa Bay, it started with a fortunate bounce, and it ended with another goal and two more assists after one period. A couple days later against the hated Rangers...


Hopefully this is a sign of what things will be like the next few years on the Island. If he can continue at the pace he is at, then the sky is the limit for the former top draft pick.

Mark Streit-The captain is back. The Isles really missed their captain last year and his presence was felt quickly. In the game against Minnesota, Streit made a beautiful pass to set up a Frans Nielsen goal. He is the leader of the power-play and as you can see in the video above, he is responsible for most of the chances. He's completely healthy, and hopefully he will get back to the All-Star form he was at a few seasons ago. Welcome Back Mark Streit!






Jack Capuano's Gut- Apparently Jack Capuano knows something that we all don't. On opening night, he suprised everyone by naming Al Montoya starter. He stuck with the hot hand for the first 3 games, and Montoya allowed only 4 goals, winning 2 of his first 3 starts. Then, when everyone thought Montoya was going to get the start against his former club, his gut feeling changed. Was it what he ate for lunch, or was he on to something? Evgeni Nabokov, who hung up on Garth Snow, got the start and played like the Evgeni Nabokov from San Jose, stopping all but 2 Ranger shots and leading to an Islanders victory.


Duds: 
The Entire Third Line-On paper, the third line of Josh Bailey centering Brian Rolston and Blake Comeau looked pretty good. But except for a couple Brian Rolston power-play assists, this line has been very ineffective. In fact, Comeau has been a healthy scratch the last two games to give Trevor Gillies time in the lineup. With goal scorer Comeau, veteran leader Rolston, and Bailey in the middle, this line better figure something out otherwise head coach Jack Capuano might need to jumble up some lines.















Rick DiPietro-I really hate to be mean like this, but I am really starting to become less of a Rick DiPietro fan. From a side note, the most productive thing Brian Rolston has done so far this season has hit DP in the mask with a shot during practice. This gave DP a concussion, and he has yet to play this season. Hopefully, his case can be like Sidney Crosby's, with many setbacks and problems. With Nabokov and Montoya healthy, why even waste time on DP?



Only 5 games into the season, it isn't a lost cause yet, and there is still hope. Things are starting to get back to normal, especially since DP is injured again. My guess, Evegeni Nabokov starts tomorrow in Florida. But, with Jack Capuano's changing gut, you never know. Let's see how this goes.


Lets Go Islanders!!!

2011-2012 Line Combinations

Well, as Islander fans have been for such a long time, we can look forward to the future. But, how exactly will next year's team look. Here's what I think the 2011-2012 Islanders depth chart will look like. Keep in mind that active NHL rosters can only contain 20 players. (12 forwards, 6 defensemen, 2 goalies.)

Time for now full time head coach Jack Capuano to make some tough decisions.

Forward Line 1:

PA Parenteau----John Tavares---Matt Moulson 

This line was together for most of this past season, and they produced. Tavares, Moulson, and Parenteau were first, second, and third, respectably, in scoring for the Isles this past season.  Taking apart this line would be a shame, as JT is primed to be one of the NHL's top scorers. This line could be together for years to come.

Forward Line 2:

Michael Grabner---Frans Nielsen---Kyle Okposo

Ever since Kyle Okposo returned to the lineup, this line was formed and they stayed together for the rest of the year. This line flat out has everything. Frans Nielsen could be a future Selke Trophy, which goes to the best defensive forward in the league. Also, you can't forget about Nielsen's unstoppable penalty shot. Michael Grabner came out of nowhere to become the NHL's fastest skater at the All-Star game. He also scored a team leading 34 goals and seemed to get a breakaway a game. Then there is the man who I think is going to wear the "C" on his jersey next year, Kyle Okposo. This line is a great line and, if together, will produce. Now things start to get interesting.

Forward Line 3:

Trent Hunter---Josh Bailey---Blake Comeau

This line is up in the air. But it is a great scoring line. This season, Comeau and Bailey emerged as great scorers, with Comeau scoring 24 goals and Bailey getting 17 assists. This line also has a man who has played with the Islanders for the past TEN years, Trent Hunter. when he's healthy, Trent is a big physical presence and he has a great slap-shot. I really would like to see these guys on a line, it would be exciting for everyone.

Forward Line 4:

Matt Martin---Micheal Haley---Trevor Gillies

This 4th line is up for grabs. But, the line that I have chosen is a good one. First off, you have the fighting ability of all three of these guys. Then you have the offensive skill of all three of them. They may not be prominent goal scorers, but they get their chances. Haley is coming off a short stint with the Isles at the end of the season, and he became a fan favorite within about 3 hours of being called up because of his fight against Penguins goalie Brent Johnson. Gillies is and has always been a fan favorite, and the Islanders love him, so he will probably be staying. Matt Martin also had a solid rookie season, impressing Isles fans.


Defense Line 1:


Mark Streit---Radek Martinek

Now, if you have been clicking on the player's names in this entry, you may have noticed that the highlights are all goals, except for Radek Martinek. He's been an Islander for the past decade, and yet John Tavares scored more goals this season than Martinek scored in his whole career. When Martinek gets the chance to shoot, he lets off a great shot, but his known for his great defensive and physical play. On the other hand, there is Mark Streit. He missed all of last season after a collision with Matt Moulson during the team's inter squad game. When he returns, he will be in charge of the power-play, and he can shoot. In his first year as an Islander, 08-09, he led the team in points with 56. He is the Islanders top defenseman, and if he is healthy, watch out.

Defense Line 2:

Travis Hamonic---Andy MacDonald

At the start of last season, Travis Hamonic was in Bridgeport and Andy MacDonald was going to be the #2 defenseman. However, things change fast, and after the Islanders traded James Wisniewski, these two men were the Islanders top defensemen. They were phenomenal and proved that they deserved to be the top pair. Next year, I hope they stay together in the NHL, even though they won't be the top pair. Hamonic looked like a seasoned veteran at points last year, maturing very quickly. All of this while MacDonald showed why the Isles have stuck with him until this point. These guys need to stay together.

Defense Line 3:

Mark Eaton---Milan Jurcina

This third defenseman pear is also up in the air, but these two people deserve to be on the team. Mark Eaton is a great defensive defenseman and playoff veteran, and his name is on the Stanley Cup from his year with Penguins a few years ago. Mark is also a great leader, and he had the "A" on his jersey for a little while before he got injured to prove it. On the other hand, Milan Jurcina has one heck of a shot. At the Islanders skills competition before the season started, it was clocked at over 100 miles per hour. He also can make great checks, like you see in the videos above. He should be on the team in October. This does leave a few questions.

Goalies

Al Montoya---Rick DiPietro

Whether or not you like it, Rick DiPieto will be on the Isles active roster next year. Al Montoya, who the Islanders recently signed to an extension, will also be back. Who will start most of the time? That is a great question.

You may have questions, but I have compiled a list of the questions that this team needs to think about for next season.

• What is going to happen to stuck up goalie Evgeni Nabokov? Trade him? Will he show up?
• Will Zenon Konopka be an Islander in a few months? 
• Who are the Islanders going to draft? 
• Where is Jesse Joensuu on this list? 
• How about Kevin Poulin? 
• What about the other defensemen, like Bruno Gervais, Mike Mottau, and Jack Hillen? 
• Will the vote for a new arena get passed on August 1st? (VOTE YES!!!)

Alright, there are my predicted 2011-2012 Line Combinations. I hope you enjoy them. Have a great summer, and vote yes for the new arena on August 1. 

Lets Go Islanders! 

Knock, Knock, Anybody Home?

I have absolutely no idea what is happening. But the Islanders have just won 2 of their last 3 games and recording at least a point in each one. And the best part about this is that they were all close games. When earlier it seemed that the Islanders could not figure out a way to win, they are figuring out ways to win now. Yes, it is only 2 wins, but they are 2 hard earned wins and 5 hard earned points. Let us take a look at these last 3 games because there may not be too many more bright spots soon.

Game 1: Ducks @ Islanders. (photos from sports.yahoo.com)


The Islanders score 3 goals in under 2 minutes, and cling to a 1 goal victory. Great goaltending by Rick DiPietro and solid defense kept the Ducks out of the net when it mattered most.

Former Islander Jason Blake is smashed by Milan Jurcina
Thanks for leaving Jason. We don't miss you. 

P.A. Parenteau Celebrates his goal.


Game 2: Coyotes @ Islanders

To see a video of this fight, click HERE.

Michael Grabner celebrates a goal. Yeah,
he scored while falling down. This is the first luck
I have seen the Isles get in a while. 

Gillies connects.

Although the Islanders didn't win this game, as a matter of fact, they blew the lead with 1:28 left. (See video.) They played hard for the full 60 minutes and overtime, and rookie goalie Nathan Lawson showed some promise. They may need that promise if DP can't suit up again soon. The Isles didn't lose the game, they just got unlucky in the shootout. No big deal.

Game 3: Lightning @ Islanders

The red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning just came into town today. They took an early lead, and thanks to another P.A. Parenteau goal, the Islanders tied the game late in the 2nd period. Dwayne Roloson, at age 41, had a spectacular game in net. The big finish would be when John Tavares, breaking out of his recent slide, scores the winner past Lightning goalie Dan Ellis in overtime and sends the few fans at Nassau Coliseum into a frenzy. This is the win I personally was looking for, a grind-it-out defensive game where a play in front of the net decides the game. John Tavares parked in front of the net, and didn't leave until the puck was in the net. He was like a basketball player boxing out for a rebound. The now hot Islanders cooled off the Lightning.

3 games. 2 wins. 5 points. That's all is in the standings. But in reality, it is a huge victory for Jack Capuano, who can possibly have 3 great goaltenders, if they are all healthy. The young team is starting to gel. Hopefully it keeps on happening, because I am liking what I am seeing for once. 

Happy Holidays!

Lets Go Islanders!!!!

It Finally Happened

Alright, now I am forced to talk about this. With the recent firing of Scott Gordon, the Islanders are left in the hands of a former Isles assistant coach and former head coach of the Isles AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Who is this mystery man who just had an NHL franchise dropped on his shoulders?

Jack Capuano

"Who is Jack Capuano? I have never heard of him before." This is the first thing that went through my mind after I heard about the coaching change at school. After some crafty texting and looking at my iPod touch, I found out exactly who the Islanders had hired. Here are some facts about the new man in charge of the New York Islanders.

• His youth matches the Islanders. At 44, he is younger than Scott Gordon, and one of the youngest coaches in Islanders history. 
• Capuano has a history of playing hockey. He was drafted in the 5th round, 88th overall, in the 1984 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. His NHL career was not too long, only 6 games. He played with the Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Boston Bruins. Capuano's short NHL career would not register any points, but he would gain experience. 
• After his playing career, he turned to coaching. From 1997-1999, he was the head coach of a minor league team in the East Coast Hockey League. After he left the bench, he was the General Manager of the team until the team folded in 2005. 
• The Islanders hired Capuano to be an assistant coach for the 2005-2006 season, right after the NHL lockout in 2004-2005. That season, the Islanders only got 78 points and finished 12th in the Eastern Conference.
• The next season, Capuano was an assistant for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders AHL affiliate. After that season, Capuano was named head coach of the Sound Tigers and remained as the head coach there until he was given the Islanders head coaching job. He had an impressive record as the Sound Tigers head coach, 133-100-8-14 in 3 seasons as head coach. 
• Capuano has coached 10 of the Islanders current players, which may be key since he won't have to get to know all of the players from scratch. This experience with the players will definitely help him with the team. 

Jack Capuano brings a fresh start to the Islanders, and they really need it. 10 straight losses makes no one happy, except for the Islanders opponents. All of these facts say something about the person, but will it help the Islanders win games? 

Only time will tell. 

Lets Go Islanders!