All of the Islander reviews for this season is being done on my sister blog – EYES ON ISLES (www.eyesonisles.com).  Myself, and John Panarese are taking turns, grading the guys.  This is my post from the Eyes on Isles site, on #16, Jon Sim.

Stats: 77GP 13G 9A 22PTS 44PM

An enigma if there ever was one.  Simmer is the kind of a player that his role would be more relished on a stronger team than the Islanders.  He is a pest, a person that will tick off the front line, plays much bigger than he actually is – and can get involved in the offense as the situation dictates.

At the end of 08-09 – he was languishing in Bridgeport – wondering if he would be an NHL’er again.  As the season ended, he was playing good minutes and getting the team fired up.  You always see him slapping gloves and sticks of his teammates, and trying to get the guys pumped up.  He is never going to be a top6 forward, but a 3rd line agitator is a good choice.

I will give him a B- for this year, only because there were some moments in this season, where he was as lost as  Oceanic 815 (No – I never watched a second of LOST, but I know the flight number).  However, in the right situation – he may help a team tremendously.  Will he be signed next season?  I have my doubts.  He is a warrior and a good team guy, but Garth needs to take this team to the next level; and too many ‘good guys’ will just not do it.  He needs ‘better than good guys’ to mold with the Tavares’ and Moulsons of this team, as well as the kids that are coming.

Posted under 2009-10 Review

First of all – congrats to the Flyers… What an unbelievable upset!  Boston just laid down and died!  And dont use the too many men as an excuse.  If it was called 2 or 3 time in the playoffs, that is one thing, but 33 times?????  No – you just did not get it done, and it is another black eye for Boston sports.  This may hurt worse than Buckner.

Trevor Gillies – 14 games – 1 assist, 75 PIM -2

Yes – the Isles had a very good record when he played, but sorry fans, he is NOT the reason for it.  I like his passion, his ’stepping up’ and defending his teammates.  He knows when to make the issue be big, and when to back off.

If Trevor was 21, I would really like his future.  However, he is a journeyman, with these 14 games on his NHL resume.  Could I see him back here next year? 

Sure.

However, he would seriously need to step the rest of his game, and not be a 5 minute a game player.  Can he do that at 31?  It is a big question, to see — I would definitely bring him to camp and see what kind of desire he has.

As far as a grade is concerned, I will give him a solid C+.  I am a little tough on the grade, because he needs to step up the rest of the game.

Posted under 2009-10 Review