It was real fun being back on the air again last night…. Back to the hockey banter with Joe and Derek.  Make sure you all tune in every Wednesday evening at 8:05 for the show.  If you can not, podcast it, and check it out later.

Joe was just being Joe, but it makes the show what it is.  I am not necessarily a huge arguement guy.  I will discuss calmly and placidly, but Mr. McDonald can get in your face right away.  As I said before, he is a great to have on YOUR side.  But in hockey terms, it is Hatfield and McCoy. (Just change it to Harding and McDonald, and you are all set).

Too bad you could not hear what we were talking about during the breaks… That is priceless audio.

But I was thinking about the team last night (after we made our predictions for the Atlantic Division).  I think my Isles will be an improved team.  I know that Ricky (when he signs) will see much fewer shots than in the past.  Having Witt and Tom Poti (Joe’s absolute favorite hockey player), will make this team a little better on D.  It will allow Chris Campoli, who had a surprising rookie campaign, to have less pressure on him.  It will let him be a #4 or #5 man, and get more comfortable in his role.  There were times that he seemed to be a little lost.  

I actually forgot that Alexei Zhitnik is on this team.  He had his moments, but he can eat minutes and spell some guys as well. And by looking at the web site, I have to include Sean Hill in this.  There is some experience here.  Unfortunately, Bruno Gervais may have to be out the outside looking in.  It sucks, but I know that he will get his chance.

Looking up front, having Hilbert, Sillinger and Simon should be able to help this offense.  Hilbert did a real good job playing with Mr. Crosby at the end of the season last year.  Hopefully he can continue on that path.  Sillinger had career numbers in goals, and is an excellent faceoff guy.  I hope he can continue that as well, but he is on the older side, and that will always be a question.  And Simon, well he can still contribute to the score sheet with stuff other than PIM’s.  Also - playing for a First Nation coach will also be a factor. 

The rest of the forwards will have to step up.  I really would like to see Nilsson to move up big time.  We were expecting a lot last year, and he spent some time in the Port as a result of lackluster play.  With Teddy at the bench, I believe that I will just not see that type of excuse or situation happen.  Motivation and hard work is going to be a core factor of this team, and I hope that the record will properly reflect that.

As far as my predictions go, I am trying something a little different this year.  I usually predict with my gut, and stumble.  This time, I will hope a reversal happens this year.

Believe it or not, I actually said this:

1. Rangers
2. Flyers
3. Devils
4. Islanders
5. Penguins

I really felt that the additions that Sather made, will help the Rangers.  Remember, these predictions are, of course, with NO INJURIES and everyone having full squads for 82 games.  I really thought the gap would close a little in the division with all 5 teams improving, especially in Pitt with Crosby and Malkin playing together.  Joe Mac actually picked the PENS to win the division.  Personally, I thought he had too many shots of Jameson Whiskey in the Mets press box with Keith Hernandez.  I am predicting also that my predictions will be DEAD WRONG.

Hope so.

Training camp under a week, and 22 days before the NYR/NYI game at the Coliseum.  Can you feel the excitement.

Gary

Posted under Islanders 06-07