Well - it is time to do this… I have held it back for a while (mostly work reasons), but here we go…

Remember - please make comments.  These are only MY grades, there are no right or wrong answers; you are more than welcome to correct me - chastize me - praise me - whatever….  It is just my thoughts.

To extend this a little.  I will do 5 at a time, and in this case, I will go by uniform number:

Trent Hunter

The 07 Nystrom award winner had a Jekyll and Hyde season.  He took a long time to start getting onto the scoresheet.  In most cases, that would tend to get fans off his bandwagon.  However, this man got even more support, due to the fact that he always was working in the corners, hitting anyone and everything in sight (was 3rd in the NHL in hits), and playing a 2-way role.

He always gave it his all - and no one can question THAT!

Then after the midpoint, the goals came, and his numbers ended up quite well (20Goals).  I think he needs to take more of an offensive role, more of a Bill Guerin like power forward type role, but I am not saying that he was deficient; by no means.  I think he played a major role in the re-emergence of the team, when it looked like we were down and out.  More goals and assists will get a higher grade for him next season, but overall, well done.  Grade:  B+

Richard Park

Most casual fans asked themselves:  “Why did they pick this guy up?”

After a few games, they realized why….

Always there, causing havoc, finding ways to contribute, a good pk’er, and scored two very important goals for the team in game 82.  You know what you are getting in Park, and he gives 100% every game.  He is the type of player that Ted Nolan likes to depend on - and hopefully he returns next season.  Grade:  B

Andy Hilbert

The New York Islanders version of the Cyclone Roller coaster.  He game went through some serious ups and some even more serious downs.  I think the downs were more of missed opportunities, rather than mistakes.  He always seemed to try real hard, but was just a stick length or skate length short.

There is a lot of question marks on Andy - the one thing to realize, is that he is still sort of young, and can be molded.  Whether the Islanders want to spend the time doing that, is another question.  Grade:  C-

Chris Simon

When he played on other teams, I always wondered what he would look like in an Islander sweater.  I got to see.  With the exception of a few second lapse in judgement, I like what I saw.  The reunion of the former wild teenager, with his mentor, produced interesting results.  As far as Penalty minutes per game, this was his lowest average in his career - even with the Ranger debacle.  He is a quiet leader, that makes teams take a more cautious approach.  He can play the game as well, and scored some huge goals for the team. 

He was a big help, and will remain so next season, if he is still in our colors.  Grade:  Will give two grades, before that Ranger game, he would have gotten a solid B.  However, his lapse caused him to miss the rest of the season, and the next five to start next season.  That would have to drop him down to a C.  It’s kind of like getting a 30 on your last test.

Jeff Tambellini

His various callups have produced mixed results.  Some immediate scoring in one call up, and some invisibility from another one.  The 23 year old former Michigan star needs to have a big camp next season, and make some big strides if he wants to get some more minutes for the team.  I like his development, and if he is ready, the sky is the limit for him.  Grade:  B-

Another five in a few days.  Have a great weekend, and Happy Mother’s Day to the ladies out there.  Make sure that you take care of Mom on Sunday!