I can not take credit for the name… That was given to me by someone who will remain nameless. I was told this, because I know that it may cause someone to be a little aggravated. (we’ll just keep that a secret for now)
Since I have seen some constructive criticism on some of the boards about the:
a) Number of Blog Boxers increased to over 20 and
b) How many write about the same thing
I am taking some of that to heart. I understand, and for the need to try and make some different topics and ideas to the table, I decided to take a look at some of the players on the team, and offer some thoughts.
Let me offer this player on a plate:
#11, Andy Hilbert

Here is a guy that I know many folks in my section were making not only nasty comments about, but taking bets early on in the season last year, on when he would actually put a shot on net, not even a goal. Many really wondered what the coach, if not the team, saw in Andy, and why was he even on this team at all.
This season, however, the 27 year old product of Michigan, seems to get it.
Well - he has had some practice…
After playing with Red Berenson at the U of M, Hilbert spent from 2002 - 2005 on the Providence Bruins, coached by one Scott Gordon. In those seasons, he averaged nearly a point per game, with a high of 79 points on 37 goals in 79 games.
Yes - I know - this is the AHL, not the NHL. He still has not nearly stepped up his game to that level. I think, however, that Andy’s game has improved by leaps and bounds since he was reunited with his old coach.
With the complete change in systems in the last few years (Stirling to Nolan to Gordon), this is one that “Amazing Andy” gets. I can see it in his play. He is skating with some reason now. He is always looking up ice, and making things happen. To be truthful, I wondered what was in his wheaties? But then I failed to remember that he is a Gordon disciple.
His ice time has increased, probably due to the fact, that the coach has more confidence in him, than the others that preceeded him. He has not shown to be a liability, and even in the debacle to Buffalo on Monday, he had more shifts and his ice time has increased from the past few games.
Do I think he is going to be the next Pierre Turgeon? Be serious….
Do I think his play has improved? Absolutely, but three games is not a good mathematical sample for statistical analysis. Let’s just keep our eyes open on this young (well) man, and see how his next few games shape up, before we consider this project to be an improved one.
Tonight - the Isles invade Mullet Bay, I mean Tampa Bay. Coach Melrose has not had the storybook start some pundits thought would happen, but this team is still dangerous up front. Vinny, St. Louis, even young Stamkos, under the right situations, can be tough on opposing defense and goaltending. The Isles need to remember what they did on Saturday, and plaster that to the front of their respective craniums.
As far as goaltending, when DP is ready, he is ready. Joey Mac has been a yeoman, doing the job. A stinker like Monday, can be the panacea that a goalie needs to get his game back. Let’s see MacDonald do just that. We want a BIG MAC in the net, not a Filet of Fish!
