With a 4-2 loss in Newark last night – the Isles ended up 2-5-1 on the preseason. The records in September mean squat, but there will be some that will say that we had a better record than Pittsburgh, our opponent for Saturday night.

Whatever…..

All that now matters is Saturday…

Yes, SATURDAY!

Will Okie, Dougie, Bruno, Bailey, Neilsen, and Hunter be available for Saturday night? The only ones, according to most posts that seem to be in doubt will be Weight and Neilsen. I hope it will be less than that. I think for this young team, the youth will be much assisted by the nearly 20 year vet.

We need to see a big contribution from Hunts this season! I am sure that he is rather disappointed by his results, and wants to make reparations for that. Indeed to most of the other ‘vets’ that lost time last year to injury and performance issues. On paper, this team does not give people a warm and fuzzy feeling. But we all know that last season, with all of the injuries and juggling of the Bridgeport shuffle, this team was in MANY one-goal losses, and with some extra inspiration, a lucky bounce here or there, and even a visit to a sooth-sayer, this team can get some of those one goal decisions to sway the other direction; therefore, this team will not be a 15th place team, but better.

Who should stay?

Moulson is a lock… He has proved himself this camp.

deHaan is probably going to be around for the first 9. Although I like his play, and have been quite impressed by what the media has said about him, I think one more year at the “O” won’t hurt him.

Reichlicz had 3 bouts last night, and with Haley breaking his wrist in a fight last night, should leave #40 with the team. With this team as small as it is, they are going to need some large bodies out there. If Sutton stays healthy, him and the Wrecker, should be a nice combo.

Robbie Schremp, a native of the Syracuse area, is an interesting case. The last time that the Isles had a former 1st round pick from the Central New York area, his name was Tim Connolly. A guy that had tremendous talent, but could not put it to practice on the Islanders ice. With Schremp getting a much needed change of scenery, he has a chance to do here, what Connolly did in Buffalo. I am quite interested to see how he will do. Will he be put on a line with JT?

And speaking of JT; I just love how some of the non Long Island media are already drawing the conclusion that Tavares is a complete and total bust. Let’s give him a chance to play some games for real, and establish some chemistry, before you attempt to write-off the man…. Sheesh! If he was in Toronto – you would have the marble statue in place, in front of the ACC!

Looks like Biron has the upper hand in the goalie tandem. Both should be professional and stoic in their handling of the situation as well as give this team a chance to be in games. I like Biron’s passion; always did. He won points in sticking up for Okie in Calgary.

Scott Gordon has an interesting team in front of him, and I think if the guys stay on the straight and narrow, this team can turn a head or two.

Are we going to the playoffs?

I would love to say yes to that, but I have to be realistic. I expect improvement in the points numbers. For example, my record prediction is 32-37-11 for 75 points. I think they will be in the games, but with a little more experience, and grit, they losses can turn to wins. I would say that would be around 12th or so. Again, an improvement, but not a playoff entering state.

JT? I am going to say 30 goals. I see no reason why he should get as much if not more goals that a Steven Stamkos. As a 14 year old, after a slow start, he got nearly 50 for Oshawa. I am not seeing a Bossy like Rookie Campaign, but I think he can be a factor. He is not intimidated, and wants to prove people wrong.

Look for Okie to have a big year. If his concussion situation is as he says; GONE, then he should be near 30 goals too. I expect him to lead the team in points with 70. Streit will get 60 points this year, and be even more involved with the “O”. I am also expecting Ricky to be back right around the Olympic break. He should be a lot smarter this time, as he waits until there is no doubt that he is in 100% shape and ready to resume his role.

Well – that is the crystal ball predictions… What do you think? Let me know.

BTW – if you are going to the game on Saturday, and the weather is not yucky, the Booster Club is having their tailgate party on the SW corner of the Parking lot. We start at 3:00, so hope to see you there (if you get to the tailgate party early, you probably will not have to pay to park — so there is an idea to save $7.00).

Have a great day…. The season awaits.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

According to Chris Botta on Islanders Point Blank, Kyle Okposo was medically cleared to skate. It is still a question mark, as to whether he will be on the ice on the 3rd of October.

Another “Point” from Chris, was the suggestion on who should be Captain. I, like Senor Botta, believe that the job of Captain should be Mark Streit’s. Weight is a great man in the locker room, as well as the ice, but Mark is here longer term that Dougie. You don’t necessarily have to have an “C” on the chest, in order to act like a captain.

As four Dougie, he should be skating again in a day or so, as should Bergie and Bruno.

Garth and Scott have some tough decisions to make as far as who stays and who goes.

As far as the game the other night… I am very impressed by Matt Moulson (too bad his name is not the same spelling as the beer – what a marketing ploy!) He is taking major advantage of his oppurtunities.

JT had some moments… There were times, that he was just beaten like a rookie. But there were glimpses (small, but significant) of what kind of talent level he is, as well as why he was drafted #1. I think familiarity, and time will make that shine. He did not seem to look intimidated, or show any fears of digging in. That is something I would expect from all of the reports that I have heard about.

I also liked how Calvin de Haan looked out there. Again, for a kid of 18 or 19, he has a certain ‘older’ look about him. He brings the puck up smoothly, and seems to be poised. Another decision that will be interesting for the guys in the suits.

I am also rooting hard for Marty Biron. I have heard so many great things about him; how he is such a great team guy, and everybody he plays with seem to love him. The PK defense hung him out there – but he looks ready to compete.

One more game before the final cuts. One more chance for some to impress the brass. Eight days to opening night…. Got to think of what I want for the tailgate party…. Hmm…..

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Work has been crazy, so I have not been blogging…

However, I have been paying attention to what has been going on.

The Lighthouse project has a major step today, and I am still hoping that despite all the talk and rhetoric, that things will move forward and not be stagnant. Keep those fingers crossed.

The team is 2-2-1 in the Preseason. Slow start, and of course, injuries come to haunt this team again. Then there was the hit on Kyle. There has been a lot of talk on both sides of the hit, as well as what Pascal Morency did…. I am not going to add any more on this, but circle the game in March when Calgary visits Long Island on your calendars. I do not think the memory of a pre-season hit will not be forgotten. Let’s all make sure that we give Dion a warm and friendly welcome to Long Island!

JT – 2 games – 1 assist. Has looked good at times, and some times has looked like a rookie. What do you expect of a 19 year old. Mr. Crosby looked that way too. It will take a little to get the rust and make the sea-legs worthy. I am sure that will happen.

Marty Biron seems to make himself the primary candidate for the #1 guy. He and Rolly seem to have a good relationship already, so I do not think it will be a deterrent. With the schedule light in October, it should both guys an equal chance to establish themselves as a #1.

As far as Ricky goes??? Who knows…

It will be nice to see the guys in our colors on our ice tomorrow. I hopefully should get to the game tomorrow, and I will go down to the locker room after the game to get a quote or two. I will put the interviews as a link here, so you can hear them for yourselves.

If you are coming to the game tomorrow – hope to see you there.

Posted under Islanders 09-10