Filed under: General News, Player Preview | Tags: Bailey, Hillen, hockey, Islanders, Jack Hillen, Josh Bailey, new york islanders, NHL, Roster Cut
Yesterday, Scott Gordon and the rest of the Islanders coaching staff made the final 23 active man roster. The final roster containg 2 goaltenders, 14 fowards, and 10 defensmen, the Islanders seem prepeared for injuries to occur which happened last year and has still affected defensemen Andy Sutton and Chris Campoli, and center Mike Sillinger. The final roster including the Inactive players are as followed.
(Via New York Islanders Offical Website)
| NO. | POS. | NAME | HT. | WT. | SHOT | BIRTHDATE |
| 12 | C | Josh Bailey | 6-1 | 188 | L | 10/2/1989 |
| 20 | LW | Sean Bergenheim | 5-10 | 205 | L | 2/8/1984 |
| 57 | RW | Blake Comeau | 6-1 | 207 | R | 2/18/1986 |
| 89 | C | Mike Comrie | 5-10 | 185 | L | 9/11/1980 |
| 13 | RW | Bill Guerin | 6-2 | 220 | R | 11/7/1970 |
| 11 | LW | Andy Hilbert | 5-11 | 194 | L | 2/6/1981 |
| 7 | RW | Trent Hunter | 6-3 | 210 | R | 7/5/1980 |
| 51 | C | Frans Nielsen | 5-11 | 172 | L | 4/24/1984 |
| 21 | RW | Kyle Okposo | 6-1 | 200 | R | 4/16/1988 |
| 10 | RW | Richard Park | 5-11 | 190 | R | 5/27/1976 |
| 18 | C | Mike Sillinger | 5-11 | 198 | R | 6/29/1971 |
| 16 | LW | Jon Sim | 5-10 | 195 | L | 9/29/1977 |
| 15 | LW | Jeff Tambellini | 5-11 | 186 | L | 4/13/1984 |
| 93 | C | Doug Weight | 5-11 | 196 | L | 1/21/1971 |
DEFENSEMEN
| NO. | POS. | NAME | HT. | WT. | SHOT | BIRTHDATE |
| 14 | D | Chris Campoli | 5-11 | 190 | L | 7/9/1984 |
| 8 | D | Bruno Gervais | 6-0 | 188 | R | 10/3/1984 |
| 38 | D | Jack Hillen | 5-11 | 200 | L | 1/24/1986 |
| 24 | D | Radek Martinek | 6-1 | 203 | R | 8/31/1976 |
| 44 | D | Freddy Meyer | 5-10 | 192 | L | 1/4/1981 |
| 17 | D | Thomas Pock | 6-1 | 210 | L | 12/2/1981 |
| 4 | D | Brett Skinner | 6-1 | 183 | L | 6/28/1983 |
| 2 | D | Mark Streit | 6-0 | 197 | L | 12/11/1977 |
| 25 | D | Andy Sutton | 6-6 | 245 | L | 3/10/1975 |
| 32 | D | Brendan WItt | 6-2 | 223 | L | 2/20/1975 |
GOALTENDERS
| NO. | POS. | NAME | HT. | WT. | CATCH | BIRTHDATE |
| 39 | G | Rick DiPietro | 6-1 | 210 | R | 9/19/1981 |
| 35 | G | Joey MacDonald | 6-0 | 197 | L | 2/7/1980 |
21 members from last years squad are present but new additions, not aquirred from free agency this past offseason, are very interesting. Defensemen Jack Hillen and Brent Skinner make the squad but once injuries are cured are seemed to be the call ups. This pertains more to Skinner, because from the talks around the Islanders organization, staff was very high on Hillen making the big squad prior to the blueline injuries.
Jack Hillen
In my opinion, Hillen down the road can be a great two way defensemen. Noted for his offensive abilities in the collegiate level, this is a player the Islanders despratley need to development despite the newly arrived Mark Streit. I hope Mr. Jack Hillen plays an active role on the Island this year and not in Bridgeport. I know the complanits and worries about rushing prospects, but from his two performances at the end of the last year, and Hillen’s play at training camp, provide evidence Jack Hillen is ready to step into developing as an NHL defensmen in the NHL. Going for the Islanders theme of developing young players, this is the perfect player to develop in the big leagues and not waste season down at Bridgeport. Hillen is signed to a two year deal, and hopefully can become a core player in the Islanders future.
Joshua Bailey
As for Bailey making the team, I am undecided about what the team should do with Bailey. Not being able to see much action from Bailey thanks to broadcast issues of preseason games, I will have to wait and evaluate if Bailey is mature enough to play the season of his draft year, or head back to the Spitfire. My first thoughts are for Bailey staying with the big club only because of his great success in the OHL. Putting up 96 points is hard to beat and if Bailey returns to the OHL development may not occur because he has nothing else to prove. He has made an NHL team and to be sent back to the juniors may affect his play in “lower level” leagues.
All in all, I am amped for the start of the season and can’t wait to get back into the swings of Islanders hockey.
Hope to see Islander fans at the Rock
-Lance
Filed under: Player Preview | Tags: DiPietro, DP, Player Preview, Rick, Rick DiPietro
Rick DiPietro
| #39 | Goaltender |
Without a doubt, the season lies on the last line of defense, all star Rick DiPietro. Coming off, a when healthy, breakout season, Rick DiPietro showed vast improvement mainly on his maturity, and his sight of line to find the puck. Basically a contender when DiPietro is between the pipes, and John Tavares hopefuls when under the knife, DiPietro has not shown he can stay healthy all season long, leaving the Islanders season questionable and uncertain. A fierce competitor, stating he wants to play all 82 games, is questioned by many if he can start 60. Now with two surgically repaired hips and a knee, DiPietro states he is ready to go and took action in his first installments of practice/training camp on Friday, October 4th, while the Season Opener is on the 10th.
If DiPietro manages to play the full season starting a minimum of 60 games, the Islanders will be in the hunt for the playoffs even with a dismal and undynamic offense. With not much offensive production last year, and a healthy D.P, the Islanders at the all star break were still in the playoffs and in position to obtain a higher seed. When DiPietro reinjured his hip, which anyone watching the NHL All Star Challenege can recall, D.P never fully went back to his production. When the Islanders were not probable for the postseason, DiPietro decided to go under the knife, for the hope of being 100 percent by September; however with knee surgery as a bonus, Rick’s comeback was delayed and sat out Training Camp. Expecting to make just one start before the regular season starts in New Jersey, Rick believes he still has it.
Rick DiPietro
It was a simple morning skate, but Rick DiPietro’s first day back in goal after six months in rehab for hip surgery and arthroscopic knee surgery felt so much bigger to him. For a week already, he’d been seeing pucks flying toward him in his dreams. So when he stopped the first series of shots he faced in warm-ups, DiPietro exulted, “I’ve still got it!”
source: Greg Logan, Newsday
Many know that DiPietro has a large say in the runnings of the team, rumoring having been a reasoning of the Ted Nolan firing, and having a strong relationship with GM Garth Snow, and owner Charles Wang.
Being viewed as leader in the dressing room, DiPietro must control his spirited emotions which he portrays on and off the ice. Being know to very competitive and eager to win, DiPietro may become frustrated with the youthful and inexperienced team. D.P wants to win a Stanley Cup, and has previously stated nothing but the cup is a failed season,and unless a 29 year old anniversary of what occured in Lake Placid happens on Long Island, DiPietro must lower his perception on the team.
If Rick stays healthy look for him to continuosly improve and establish himself as an elite goaltender. With the new “Overspeed” system, containing to fast breakouts, look for DiPietro to play the puck even more often, which in my opinion is the best in the league at, and becomre a smarter goalie under the Head Coach Scott Gordon, a former NHL goaltender as well.
Lance
Filed under: Player Preview | Tags: 20, bergenhiem, left wing, Player Preview, sean
Sean Bergenheim
| #20 | Left Wing |
Coming off a carrer high 78 games played on Long Island in the 07-08 season, Sean Bergenheim was one of the few, Islanders who really stayed healthy last season. This increased playing time truly helped progressing his development as an NHL player. As the season progressed, Bergenheim only got better. Although he did not put up fantasy numbers, Sean Bergenheim contributed with his speed and determination. Coming second in hits on the Islanders, Bergenheim’s game is consistently getting better. As Billy Jafe, the Islanders color commentator puts it, Bergenheim has the skill to be a 20-25 goal scorer in the NHL but he first must, “put the pieces to the puzzle.”
If Bergenheim continues to grow and develop, he may one day net 30 goals in a season. Bergy was picked in the 1st round by the Islanders in 2002, and it is looking like he was well worth it. Under Scott Gordon’s new “Overspeed” system, expect Bergenheim to play even better and produce more than he had done under the Ted Nolan, gritty style of play.
Sean Bergenheim
As the season progressed so did Sean’s playmaking and finishing ability; showing great goals against the Flyers and Hurricanes, basically identical plays, presented his speed and hands.
Mike Comrie
| #89 | Center |
The Islanders leading point scorer of last season, totaling 49 points, is on his second season with the Isles. Signing an extension with the Islanders for this upcoming season, this past trade deadline, Comrie is coming off surgery, which disclosed for a vast amount of time seems not to delay Comrie’s 08-09 campaign . At the start of the 07-08 campaign, Comrie exploded into a fan favorite with 4 goals in the first two games. After leading the NHL in goals and points after game 2, Comrie’s production went down (which was eaisly expected!). Coming into Long Island, Comrie knew he was to be the #1 center, but in reality is a second line center on most NHL teams. After scoring 4 goals in 2 games, Comrie needed another 21 games to notch another 4 goals. To be considered the 1st line center, Comrie must be consistently productive.
Mike Comrie
A new season is arriving and Comrie as a different look on his line. Separated from Bill Guerien, it seems Comrie will have new linemates. From looks of preseason, Comrie’s been centering for Blake Comeau and the Islanders 1st round pick Joshua Bailey. It seem Bailey may in fact not stick with the team for the season, so it seems either Okposo or Sim will fill the vacant spot.
Comrie seems to be ready to start the season but with the surgically repaired Chris Campoli and Andy Sutton not be ready for the season opener, you never know what to expect.
It has been rumored that Comrie wants to stay on Long Island and possibly end his career here, which as a second line center, I would lock him up. It has been rumored if Comrie has a successful season the Islanders may in fact be interested in locking him up.
The Islanders were pleased with Comrie’s performance during the 2007-08 campaign, and if he keeps it up, sources suggest the team will try to sign him to a long-term deal.
Comrie, an Edmonton native, enjoys his playing time in Long Island and if all goes well this season, he might make it his permanent home.
source- The Fourth Period
Lance
Overtime- “My Expectations”
I expect Comrie to produce about the same production if he plays the full season. He is now on the second line but last year the first line really wasn’t a first line, so his production should level off the same as last season. If his point total increases, Mike Comrie will be a valuable part to the New York Islanders 2008-2009 season; however he will have added pressure because the fact is many thought he was to be traded last year, and if the Islanders aren’t happy, they can easily help with the youth movement come February, and acquire prospects or picks.
Filed under: Player Preview | Tags: jeff, Jeff Tambellini, Player Preview, Tambellini
Jeff Tambellini
| #15 | Left Wing |
Jeff Tambellini is perhaps the biggest question mark on the Isles roster this coming season and has become the cause of great controversy. Tambellini, an AHL All-star and Sound Tigers top offenisive player, has lit up the minor leagues during his tenure there, however has fallen flat on his face as soon as his skates hit NHL ice.Year Team GP G A P
2006-2007 Islanders 23 2 7 9 2006-2007 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 50 30 29 59 2007-2008 Islanders 31 1 3 4 2007-2008 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 57 38 38 76 His offensive game down at the bridge has turned many heads, and is certainly the only reason Isles management has given him so long a look. In 79 NHL games Tambellini has scraped together a mere 4 goals, abysmal numbers for a left wing sniper.
Some argue that his lack of production may stem from lack of confidence for a variety of
Jeff Tambellini
reasons. First off Tambellini has never started a season with the Islanders, he was always a call-up for an injued player. Also, perhaps the biggest reason why he has failed is Ted Nolan. It is no secret that Tamby was not in Nolans good graces, revieving very limited ice time and more importantly power play time (where he shines).
“It’s not that Snow considers Tambellini a surefire NHL sniper. It’s that Nolan’s refusal to give Tambellini prime minutes and power-play time never allowed the organization to find out what kind of player he can be at the NHL level.”
source- Newsday, Greg Logan
However this year could be the year that turns it all around, the year that Tambellini proves himself to be a legitimate NHL player. With a new coach in Scott Gordon, who has undoubtably seen what Tamby can do on the AHL level, and the full support of General Manager Garth Snow, Tambellini has everything he needs to put up big numbers. The only remaining factor is himself. He undoubtedly has the skills but, the question lies in whether he can put it all together.
This season it is time to do or die, sink or swim, put up or shut up. Hes got his chance from the organization, the rest is up to him.
-Ben
Overtime- ‘Making a Case For Tamby’
The Islanders cant score goals, plain and simple. They need scoring from anywhere they can get it, and what better place than young, home grown Jeff Tambellini? Whether he deserves a spot on the roster or not, the Islanders do not have the luxury of letting prime young tallent slip through their fingers again. The last thing this orginization needs is one of their former prospects lighting it up for another team. That is why I say give Tamby a chance despite his NHL track record, let him put his game together the right way, under a supportive coach, GM, and with plenty of ice time. If he fails, he fails, you move on the next prospect. We have little to lose, but a lot to gain.
Filed under: Player Preview | Tags: Free Agent, Mark Streit, Player Preview, Streit
Mark Streit
| #2 | Defenseman |
The New York Islanders biggest offseason addition, previously of the Montreal Canadians, and off a 5 year deal, is set to make his Islanders debut October 10th. Targeted by the Islanders because of possession of offensive skills, and his role (in the much needed) quarterbacking of the dismal Islanders powerplay unit, Streit was the main target in July. Coming off a career year, ranking 4th among defensman in points, look for Streit’s production to decrease. Last season with Montreal, the number one ranked powerplay in the league, Streit obtained the bulk of his points. Now on the Island, with a powerplay that converted only 14.5% on the man advantage, Streit will not keep pace with the 2007-2008 season simply because of the team. Streit is still of significant value because of the Islanders need for an offensive defenseman especially for the powerplay. With a hole filled on the powerplay, hopefully the Islanders won’t have to man Chris Campoli at the point to run the powerplay.
“I really love to play defense because I love the position and was a defenseman my whole life,”Mark Streit
said Streit. “That’s what I want to do. With the ability I have I can help the team the most as a defenseman. I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to start the season.” Mark Streit,source- Jason Lockhart, NYI,Mark Streit is locked up for five years and has received a $20 Million contract this past July, looking him up for the future. From the looks of training camp, Islanders Head Coach Scott Gordon has paired Mark Streit up with Chris Campoli, who seems to be injured at the moment (I will cover this later on). Anyhow, the Islanders seem set on the blueline, and in my eyes 7-8 strong. I just hope Mark Streit can learn to play defense because he has the offensive package.
Lance
Filed under: Player Preview | Tags: Hunter, Player Preview, Trent Hunter
Trent Hunter
| #7 | Right Wing |
From the performance in the latest preseason game, Trent Hunter, a once 25 goal scorer, looks like a his offensive production can recur to his rookie season of 2003-2004. With a new coach, system, and a center, Hunter can now be more offensivley minded.2003-2004 25 G 26 A 51 P2005-2006 16 G 19 A 35 P
2006-2007 20 G 15 A 35 P
2007-2008 12 G 29 A 41 P
Trent Hunter
From his rookie season on, Hunter’s goal production has dwindled and last season was a season low. On a team that placed last in goals scored, scoring is going to have to go to somebody. With Frans Nielsen centering, and his Bridgeport acquaintance, AHL Superstar Jeff Tambellini on a wing, Trent’s new line mates can help Hunter’s production increase for previous years. Frans Nielsen a play making center, and Jeff Tambellini, a goal scorer are the two thirds parts missing on a successful line combination for Trent Hunter.
“Usually, you want to have a scorer, a playmaker and somebody who’s going to chase down pucks and finish hits,” Gordon said. “Frans and Tambellini had some history, and Trent looks like a guy that might complement that.” Scott Gordon, New York Islanders Head Coach
source- Newsday, Greg LoganIn the latest preseason game, the final one in Canada, the Islanders defeated the Panthers 4-2 on an impressive showing by the Hunter line. Although Tambellini’s pressance was unavaiable, the Nielsen-Hunter connection showed great chemistry and positives for a season to come. With both players notching 2 goals, and atleast 3 points, adumbrations of an offensivley productive season by Trent Hunter are my two cents.
Lance
