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!
Posted under Ramblings
This post was written by Gary Harding on May 11, 2007
As usual, I have to agree with your assessments of the first five.
We definitely need more offense from Hunter, but I think he worked his behind off all season and the scoring came with that eventual hard work. I still firmly believe that he has the potential to hit 30 to 40 goals in a season.
Park is one of those guys who, as you termed it, the “casual fan” doesn’t quite get, but his importance for the team cannot be stated enough. Just a smart, hard working guy. A true Team player.
Hilbert was frustrating to me. Maybe because I sometimes miss the “visual”, but he is one of those guys who has the serious potential, but does not seem to be able to tap into it. I think he really does need to make a bigger impact next season.
Chris Simon is another of those kinds of players who does more with his presence on and off the ice than necessarily ending up on the score sheet. I would have liked to see a bit more scoring pop from him, but he surely deserves and we need him back next season
Jeff Tambellini is kind of like Hilbert. The potential is there, but he needs to “show it” a lot more on a consistent basis. As you indicated, he needs a strong camp and to maintain a work ethic all season.
BTW, I’ll leave the grading to you, as I agree with your calls. Besides, I’m probably even a tougher marker than you are anyway.
I agree with you also!!! Keep up the good work. I enjoy reading about the Islanders even in the off season!!!!