Written off as also-rans at the beginning of the season, the Islanders once again are beginning to attract attention around the NHL. As the only traveling beat writer covering the Isles, my handy barometer for measuring such things is the number of radio interview requests I receive from outlets based in Canada.
Got two in the past few days from the “Hardcore Hockey” show based in Toronto and aired on Sirius XM Satellite Radio and from Team 990 radio today in Montreal hosted by P.J. Stock, the feisty former player. In both cases, the first question was the same: “Do you think the Islanders are for real as a playoff contender?”
With all the upheaval during the offseason, you can understand the skepticism. Even though I saw enough during the preseason to pick them to finish seventh in the Eastern Conference, defense was a concern because of the loss of Sean Hill, a player I felt made a big difference last season with his toughness and locker-room presence.
But coach Ted Nolan said in camp that he planned to surround goaltender Rick DiPietro with a responsible defense, and he has done that. Last season, it didn’t seem things were in place until the Isles got hot in February, but their 5-2 record over the past run of seven straight one-goal decisions combined with DiPietro’s heady play shows they truly are becoming a team that, not only is tough to play against, but a team that can handle pressure at the end of games.
Approaching the quarter pole of this season with an 11-6 record going into tonight’s game against the Canadiens at the Coliseum. That is only three points better than the 8-6-3 record they had at the same stage a year ago, but it’s a good sign they are finishing off wins instead of settling for one point in overtime games. And 6-5 Andy Sutton, the free agent defenseman signed to replace Hill, has begun asserting himself on the ice and in the locker room.
It was telling when Chris Simon recently mentioned that Sutton has begun to step up as one of the vocal leaders in the locker room. When Nolan was talking to TV commentator Bill Clement recently in Philadelphia, he mentioned a hit Sutton delivered to the Devils’ Arron Asham on Nov. 10 that left the former Isle cursing and vowing vengeance even as he made his way back to the bench on rubbery legs.
Sutton was at it again the other night in the Garden. Yes, he took a bad penalty in the final two minutes to give the Rangers a six-on-four power play after they pulled the goaltender, but he lowered the boom on Sean Avery and several other Rangers. It took a while for Sutton to get comfortable in Nolan’s system after playing a style in Atlanta that called for him to sit back and basically cover just the left side of the ice. Now, he stays high if the puck comes down his side and challenges the opposing centerman if the pass goes to the middle. That’s where the Islanders are causing turnovers.
The beauty of that system, Sutton explained this morning, is that it frees him up to be more physical. “I love it because I love getting open-ice hits,” Sutton said with a smile. “And I’m coming back with speed to hit guys in the corners.”
Sutton’s physical play complements that of Brendan Witt, who really does deserve All-Star consideration this season as my Daily News cohort Peter Botte observed recently. Now, if the power play improves and Mike Sillinger and Trent Hunter start to score the way they did last season, the Islanders are going to be a tough out for everyone they play. At least, everyone this side of Ottawa in the Eastern Conference.
Comments (33)
YES, the Islanders are for real. They are a gritty squad who has excellent team chemistry and leadership, and no egos and whiners like the overpaid prima-donnas across the river.
If DP continues to play solidly in net, and the Islanders play good, heady hockey with a minimum of turnovers and bad penalties, they will make the playoffs, and from there who knows? The NHL playoffs are a magical, strange place.
At minimum, all I want is for the Islanders to be competitive. I grew up on Stanley Cups and Easter Epics, and I spent too many years after that watching the Islanders mired in Spano-Fichaud-Milbury-Palffy-fishsticks hell. These last few years have been great; the team may not have won any Cups, but they put a product on the ice that I am proud to watch and cheer for.
So if, come Feb. 26 at the trade deadline, if we are talking about picking up a scorer to propel the Islanders into the playoffs, and there's hope of a 5-6 seed, I'll be very happy.
Nice read.
Well done Greg,
But don't be afraid of telling these "experts" and "gurus" that the Isles are may NOT be for real.
Cuz, in reality, they may not be.
No stars, no real goal scorers, some slow defensemen, a couple of leftover free agents, a number one goalie who wanders at times, a number two goalie who barely reaches the crossbar of the net, castoffs from other NHL teams, a coach who may or may not have been blackballed by the "fraternity", and an owner who was born on the wong side of the ocean.
Lot's of holes on this TEAM.
But so far, they've been a DAMN GOOD TEAM.
No need for scoring from Sillinger and Hunter. I would love to see their names on scoresheet, but hockey is a team sport and as long as we are winning, personal stats are not important. We dont need to have MVP, leading scorer or the players with most goals in a season. We need to win games and as long as its 2:1, 1:0 I really dont care whose name is on scoresheet.
But of course, I was expecting much more from Sillinger and Hunter before the season. Hilbert is a special case... I wasnt expecting anything from him but he still managed to disappointed me. WOW :))
Great piece Greg...
... We appreciate your insight with the team since as you mention... you are the only beat writer that is with the team for all 82 games.
Tonight's game is another measurement game for the Isles against a tough intra-conference opponent.
Go Isles!!
Back to the previous subject blog for a second,
Speaking of Richard Park (and where does he fit in).
Everytime I see the guy, I am think back to a story from late 1983 when the U.S Olympic Team played an exhibition game against the South Korean team in Anchorage as a prep for the 84 Olympics.
A local TV reporter was interviewing the Korean coach and asked him where his team was showing the most improvement.
And I don't know if something was lost in translation but I SWEAR TO GOD, the coach replied:
"We are skating backwards very well".
Now, I realize that Richard Park has NOTHING to do with the Korean hockey program, but nevertheless his caliber of play certainly demonstrates that Koreans can do more than "skate backwards very well".
BTW, Chris Chelios was a member of that 1984 U.S. Olympic Team and THERE IS QUITE A STORY about his short stay in Anchorage that never made the national publications (it DID locally) but if anyone reminded him of it at a hockey game today, it just might get a reaction out of him.
(I'll save it for when the Isles play the Wings).
Very interesting... love the Asham story. Thanks Greg.
Nautika -- To answer your post from the previous thread, the entry in the Ranger Blog is directed at my comments. I disagree strongly with how Steve Zipay handled my criticism which, while sharp, was fair, I believe, and not ad hominem. I am taking up with Newsday the issue of his coverage as a beat reporter and also how he responded (or rather, did not respond) to the posting of legitimate criticism on his blog. I'll leave it at that for now.
anybody know what channel the isles are on tonight on LI cablevision? it says FSN NY2 on the isles site but according to the cablevision guide, the knicks are on MSG (71), the devils are on FSN (72) and the rangers are on what I thought was FSN2 (14). help!
On Cablevision Long Island, the Islanders are on channel 79
cspan2 or something like that, channel 79
I loved the Sutton signing right from the beginning -- the guy is a MONSTER to play against -- and now that he's comfortable in the Isles' system, he's proving it. So, if Brendan Witt is to the Islanders what William Wallace was to the Scottish, I would say Sutton is Robert the Bruce. Keep up the good work, boys!
By the way in the Hockey News post they had Victor Kozlov listed as having 7 goals; that is incorrect, he only has 3 goals and 9 assists. At least that is what they have him listed at on NHL.com.
Lets get two tonight.
Happy Thanksgiving to all
On Long Island try 66 or 79
They're on CSPAN 2, channel 79 here in Nassau. Which brings up another question... why are the sent packing to the second overflow channel when they're the only team who's home (except the knicks?)
The game is on Ch 79, then they wonder why the TV ratings stink you can't find the games.
Let's go isles!!! Enjoy the game fellas! I'll be there in spirit until I get off work. From what I'm reading MON is nice on the PP so we need to keep up the good behavior. Man I hope "first base" builds on his performance from monday. Let's get a BIG "W" tonight! Do you guys think DP gets both starts against the bruins?
Let's go isles!!! Enjoy the game fellas! I'll be there in spirit until I get off work. From what I'm reading MON is nice on the PP so we need to keep up the good behavior. Man I hope "first base" builds on his performance from monday. Let's get a BIG "W" tonight! Do you guys think DP gets both starts against the bruins?
Is the Rag hangover for real? Montreal was all over us tonight. the only positve is the legitamate 4th line we have---Simon and Jackman are playing well. we need them,
Les Habitants ont donné un coup de pied à notre âne ce soir.
Pure and simple.
MAB on the power play anyone? (With Berard, please).
0-7 on the pp tonight. two blown 5-3 opportunities.
All I'm asking for here is carrying 7 D-men, with MAB strictly opposite Berard on the PP.
Hell, MAB can fill in on a wing in a pinch if needed.
Everyone is talking about a trade involving MAB.
How 'bout a call to Deb Kaufman for a player to be named later?
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.
Power Play for the Month of November.......
3 for 37.
Instant Offense anyone?
Frustrating game tonight... DP let in one softie, but at least two of the goals he had no chance on. The Habs had more jump than we did... they kind of played an Islander-style game but did it better than the Isles do. Or maybe we did have Ranger Hangover. The most conspicuous thing that was different from other opponents was how aggressive they were in pressuring the Islander with the puck. There was never an occasion where our guy could just move the puck up out of the zone, or bring it in or do anything at all without a Montreal player coming right in, even one-on-one, to try to cause a turnover. Perhaps if they'd gotten burned more by odd-man rushes they'd have changed tacks, but our stick work was not nearly as good as it was in the Ranger game. I'm not in the mood to bash individual players, but I will say on the positive side that Trent Hunter is a beast. His effort and effectiveness all over the ice are truly impressive. When they start putting more elite players on this team to play with him, he will really explode.
Also, I met up with Nick and we exchanged contact info to start our little organization in support of the Isles' arena efforts. He knows someone who knows Scott Rechler, which could be useful in that Scott could advise us on *how* we could help. Since there are crazy trolls about, I assume people don't want to post info on the board. So for now, anyone who wants to get involved should post that fact and arrange to meet up with one of us at a game. Of course, if you're not concerned about being spammed by a troll then feel free to post your email address here and we'll add you to the list...
What are we going to do with M.A.B - our PP suffers without him and he is as skilled as any of our d-men. We need to get him on the ice - we used Aaron Johnson as a 4th line winger - why not do the same with Bergeron instead of Jackman or Walter - get him on the ice we are better with him
GO ISLANDERS !!!
Well, we started poorly, played poorly through the middle and finished poorly. It was a brutal effort with little to buid on but it must be forgotten as quickly as it happened. Yes, all of those points are true but finding a way to tweak the team is really the important issue now. The addition of that one proven scorer continues to be the prime need of the team. We have the resources to orchestrate such a trade so the sooner it happens, the better. If the Beemer line isn't ligting it up every night, we do struggle on offence and Miro can't do it alone on the second unit. It's time Garth, gives us that one proven scorer. You've won and lost some trades but now is not the time to get gun shy.
DP is playing superbly, stealing games and pulling off the big saves BUT he definitely overhandles the puck; always looking for that Tom Brady homerun pass to Randy Moss. Well Ricky, you ain't no Tom Brady and we presently don't have Randy Moss type player so that's why the law of averages aren't worth it for all the confusion you cause with the D not knowing what you'll do next.
The PP was far more effective when they were shooting/passing through the traffic they created in front of the net. All the perimeter passing in search of the perfect shot or the easy tip in's won't work every night.
So all in all, we have to be happy with where we are to date but being complacent isn't the answer.
Here is a post I made on the previous thread yesterday. It didn't post till after Greg posted this thread so I thought some out of town fans like myself would be interested in it, and maybe even KH & Nick who are trying to drum up support for the Light House Project. Making the area surrounding the arena a showcase is vital for hockey tourism.
Posted by 19 ISLE in NJ 22 | November 21, 2007 17:12
I was just talking to my brother. He's going to Hershey, PA on Friday for some Squirts & Mites Holiday tournament over the weekend for my nephews. He was talking about the commitment to hockey that it takes for parents and players from grammar school age on. Makes you think of what all the NHL players had to go through from the time they were little kids just to get to that level.
I remember my travels when I was younger usually never took me more than 50 miles at home (except for tournaments) ... but seems like the radius has expended since those days.
We'd like to see the Isles at NVMC more often rather than opposing teams rinks like we have been since moving to Central NJ. So when we make the 75 mile drive to the shrine it shouldn't be much different than what parents do every so often for their kids road games. Just need a nice open weekend and maybe a time when the Isles play back to back home games in a 2 day span. Miss going to that old barn several times a year.
The tough part for my brother on weekends is the kids play every weekend. So I am sure other fans with kids have similar situations whether it be hockey or some other activity they participate in.
Since it seems there are soooo many out of town Islander fans ... Tampa, Va, Vancouver, PA, NJ, UpstateNY to note just a few posters' locales that I have observed .. the Islanders should put together a few Island getaway packages for us out of towners. Package together a hotel stay at the Marriott and a few festivities that include tix to the game(s). I'd pay for that in a heartbeat. Kind of like a reverse booster club that hits the road for Islander games. Get on it marketing. You can call it the ... "You are All Islanders 2 ... 2-Game Pak".
I think doing that will also help boost the local economy and help Mr. Wang convince the TOH & Nassau County Execs office that building the Light House Project Campus will also boost the local economy by providing hockey tourism and then some.
I know this will not be posted for a few hours .. but I'd like to know what others think of this.
I didn't catch any of the game last night ... checked the box score ... is that correct??? The Isles had 45 shots on goal? If that is the case ... where they good quality shots? Was there sustained pressure? Looks like DP got one uped by his counterpart at the opposite end according to the stat sheet. However I'm not one to judge by reading a score sheet or press clipping ... which is why I ask.
As per my comment on the previous thread... I'm happy with winning those 2-1, 1-0 games. But losing 4-1 is not acceptable. I'm sure the Isles locker room feels exactly the same way. I think we need MAB more than we'd like to admit. The PP has fell flat on its face. The team lives and dies by its special teams because at even strength the Isles are not playing as well. MAB is more useful than Jackman because.. we have too many 4th line talent level players ... and we know 4th liners are important for the role that they play or you could confidently role out 3 lines every game.
I just think the organization really can't afford to package anything now for a proven stud offensive player. That card was played in the end of Feb. Can't go back in time so they just have to be a bit more creative. Still, I'm proud of the coaching staff and players .... they just have to come out hard against the B's.
Happy Thanksgiving All!!
Hunter and Sillinger will never score as long as they're playing with Hilbert. Why is this guy still on the team? He's like a Steve Webb. He works hard but he just doesn't have it.
As some of the rumors have mentioned that Snow is trying to resign tank and comrie to extensions, I wonder if he is also trying to get our RFA's under contract also, namely bergie, tambe, and gervias. Perhaps vasicek should also be considered for an extension considering how well his play has been overall.
Wow, I guess that was the Rangers hang-over I witnessed. Montreal did to the Isles exactly what the Isles have been doing to other teams.
As for the TV coverage, I had to laugh when they went on about Josef Vasicek's 36% scoring percentage. And then said it was as good as a free throw shooter in basketball. True the Grizzlies were only in Vancouver for a couple of years, but I am pretty sure that 36% is not going to get you on the team.
Anyway, win as a team, lose as a team. Eat your Wheaties and get ready for the next one.
Kevin T.
hopefully snow gets the job done and keeps tank and comrie for another few years, he should get vasicek and hunter signed as well, these 4 guys are key, the last thing this franchise needs is another 4 or more key players to leave else where and they need start from scratch again.. the chemistry is too good right now
Happy Thanksgiving everyone ... or what's left of it anyway. I was at yesterday's game and the Isles just looked like they didn't have their usual "jump". Giving up a goal before half the crowd found it's seats didn't help much either. That first Habs goal seemed to take the starch out of the NVMC.
As a sidenote, I was watching Ryder pretty closely during the game (considering all the chatter about how the Isles should trade for him) .... he over skated a few pucks, botched a potential breakaway, had a horrendous cross ice pass on a PP, didn't look like he had the best of hands and didn't really lay any big hits on anyone (considering he's a big boy) ... in other words, he seems like the perfect Islander!!! LOL
Isles PP has been HUGELY disappointing in recent weeks ... two 5 on 3's and barely a shot during both ... not good. We need the PP fixed!!!
Havent posted in a while. But after the last few weeks of one goal games a bad loss at home to the canadiens and at the quarter pole to the season there are some things that need to happen. First, this team needs a true, let me repeat a TRUE goal scorer. A guy who can put the puck in the net at will. I am thinking sort of a Hossa (marion not marcel) ovechkin type of player. There are not that many out there and I dont think there are any in Bridgeport. I dont know who is available via a trade but snow must get on the horn and start looking and sniffing around. Secondly, Hilbert. this guy is terrible plain and simple. 20 games in and he has 0ZERO goals! he gets major ice tme and produces nothing. He needs to be benched, traded anything get hime out of there immediately. Bring up Walters or Comuea to take his spot. He is worthless. Youcant stay in the nhl getting 15-20 minutes a night with NO GOALS. I wince everytime he is on the ice and passing the puck to him you might as well throw it away. What does Nolan see in him. If Nolan wants to send messages Hilbert should be scratched. Brendan Witt has a goal. Thats all you need to know. Third Martinek. If this guy statys healthy for a whole season than the isles have one heck of a dman. I would like to see him produce more offense. He has the ability to carry the puck and has a great shot. Why is he not on the pp with berard instead of Campoli? Marty can skate with anyone in this league and if he puts up offensive numbers than there will be a norris trophy in his pocket. Get him on the pp and get him to use his skating ability to start rushes and produce on the offense side. Overall good start to the season we are playing well in the division but an adjustment must be made if this team expects to go far and deep into the playoffs. Lets go Islanders!
Isles are 7-4 with MAB in the lineup and 4-4 without him. Wake up Nolan.