#44 Freddy Meyer (John P – author)

In 64 games played, Freddy Meyer tallied 4 goals and 11 assists for 15 points. He was a -2 and earned 40 penalty minutes. Not being among the top six defensemen at the start of the season, he was another of the guys who benefited from the injuries that plagued us throughout the season. Frankly, he was simply a steady force for the team, who did everything asked of him and Much More.

For a guy who is not exactly huge in size, Meyer played Much Bigger than his 5′ 11 190 LBs. In fact, his physical play rivaled that of Andy Sutton at times, and his work ethic was something often talked about on the television broadcasts. How many times did Freddy level an opposing player or make the solid, smart play in his own end. Frankly, the Islanders have gotten a lot out of the guy. Even offensively, he stepped up often and seemed to make the smart play. Personally, I’d have to say that he became one of my favorite blue liners we had this season.

Overall, I’d have to give him a solid B. Again, one might not consider him to be among the top back liners, but he’s one of those guys who has more value than might appear to be present. The problem is that it’s hard to tell what future he has here on the island. Most likely, he won’t be one of the UFAs we have who Garth will sign, but, then again, I would have to say that he also has earned consideration to be back in an Islander uniform next season..

#47 – Andrew MacDonald (John P)

Andrew MacDonald played in 46 total games, and totaled 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points while being a +4. He was another of the defensemen who was called up because of injuries, but he quickly made a major impact with his solid play. A 6th round draft pick in the 2006 entry draft, the 23 year old was yet another of the young core of back liners who really stepped up and did a remarkable job. In fact, I can recall personally being quite impressed with his play in a very short period of time.

Like Jack Hillen, MacDonald is one of the “sleeper” picks who the Islanders were hoping would become part of the building blocks for the future. I can remember him making so many solid plays throughout the season, and his use of his big stick was something talked about quite a bit on the TV broadcasts. If I am not mistaken, I think his goal on the year was scored against the New york Rangers, which is not a bad time to find the twine. Even having an injury during the season that caused him to miss some games, he returned to continue to play well.

Overall, I’d have to give Andy a B grade. He certainly responded well to being placed in a difficult spot, yet he logged some serious minutes and became a steady force on the blue line. He was also signed to a long term contract as well, so he will undoubtedly be a part of the defense for the New York Islanders for the future.

#51 – Frans Nielsen (Gary)

Stats:  76GP 12G 26A +4 6PM 1SH 1GW

This is a season that is starting to define this young man’s career.  If it was not for Pavel Datsyuk, and the fact that few hockey experts would be able to recognize, Frans should be a nominee for the Lady Byng.

6PM in 76 games?  That is the award in a nutshell!

Also – he is a great defensive forward, capable of doing so much on the PK.  His offensive numbers are starting to develop as well.  To me – there is no doubt that he can be a 20-25 goal scorer with regularity.  He just had to get a little stronger on his skates, and learn to be a little more elusive.

He is making his country of Denmark proud of his play, and I surely hope that he is a fixture on this Islander team for years and years to come.

I give him a B+, becuase I believe that he has made tremendous strides to better his game.  Now we just have to get him to the recognition factor.

#56 – Dustin Kohn (John P)

Dustin played 22 total games for the Isles, and he had 4 assists and was a -2 over that span. Yet another of the young defensemen called upon to combat the injuries this season, he did a solid job on the back line. He didn’t seem too flashy or the like, but he did his job and played extremely well considering the circumstances.

It’s hard to really grade a kid who played less than quarter of the season and was tossed into the proverbial fire. Nevertheless, based on his showing, I’d say he earned a solid B. To my recollection, he wasn’t one of the skating, puck-moving guys on the blue line, and I don’t know if he is known for his offensive side. On defense, though, he played well enough to plug one of the many holes we found ourselves having on defense.

What future he has on the team, it’s hard to say. I think as with a few guys, this will become clearer in September as we see exactly what we have for a potential 6 and an extra on defense.

#57 – Blake Comeau (John P)

What a pleasant surprise Mr. Comeau provided us with this season. Blake played 61 games and put up 17 goals and 18 assists for 35 total points, ending up with a -2. As the season passed, he seemed to find his confidence, and his offensive skill was demonstrated more and more each game. Frankly, I was personally quite impressed with his play on both offense and in regard to his defensive responsibilities. Islander fans have been hoping for Comeau to emerge as one of the future pieces of the puzzle for the team, and he really showed that he can be part of the offense.

Unfortunately, his season was cut short because of an injury. Just when it seemed he was going to score over 20 goals and, perhaps, even more than 25, the injury bug struck him. What was also quite impressive about him was his physical game. He didn’t seem to be afraid to take the body, and I recall more than a few games where he delivered some pretty solid hits.

Overall, I’d have to give Blake a B+. I think he can do much more, and I am going to be curious to see if his confidence will continue in the 2010-2011 season. If he picks up where he left off, the Islanders will have a badly needed scorer on the wing.

#91 – John Tavares (Gary)

Well – the kid started and finished the year strong.  It was the middle that was an issue.

Being the #1 pick in the draft is a big undertaking.  For JT – he was projected the #1 pick since he was 13 years old.  With four years of junior under his belt, JT was the number one pick for the Islanders last year.  If he was going to probably any other team, there would have been fan-fare beyond belief, and notoriety all over North America.

However, he was drafted by the ‘who gives a flying flip’ Islanders, he immediately became a ‘yawn – who cares’ player.  Believe you me, if he went to Toronto (as Brian Burke thought he MUST go….), a shrine would have been constructed in downtown Toronto.

JT started off quickly, going at a point a game pace in the first 20 games of the season.  Playing with Matt Moulson – his old neighbor and shinny partner – there was a great deal of comfortability that made the first few months easy for John.  Once December hit – the slumps began.  No goals in nearly 20 games.  He looked like he was squeezing his sticks too hard, and really struggled with his game. 

But JT did not make excuses.  He kept his head up, answered every question that was brought to him, and had a great attitude about him.  The Olympic break in February was a chance for him to get away from the game, and allowed him to relax.

Within a week or two after the Olympics were over, the game came back to #91.

And then some…

I was in Vancouver when he got 5 points in one game.  He finished the season well enough to be in the top 5 in rookie scoring with 24 goals and 30 assists for 54 points, which also led the Isles in points.  His -15 was improved from a low of -22.  11 of his 24 goals were on the power play, and spent 22 minutes in the box.  His 189 shots will hopefully increase by a good deal next season, as his confidence grows.

This spring, he led the World Championships in goals with 7, despite having a fracture in his foot.  As of the start of mini-camp – he is back on the ice, and working on his conditioning and strength for the upcoming season.  The needs for JT are simple:

1.  Getting stronger on the puck

2.  More shots

3.  Being able to get a solid 2-way game

Many are expecting a Steven Stamkos type 2nd season.  I am not bringing the goals that high for him, but I can see 30-35 goals this season as potential for 2010-11. With continued maturation of the other young players on this Islander squad, I can see a lot of potential for 10-11 for JT.

As far as a grade is concerned, I will give Tavares a solid B.  The first 20 and the last 15 would have been a A-, and the 45 in the middle would be a C-.  I expect a great deal more from him, and I think he does too.  The question is will he get it done.  I will definitely look forward to checking it out.

Posted under 2009-10 Review, Cool A-C League

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

For these reviews we will do it in numeric order.

So since we do not have a #1, I guess #2 will do.

Mark Streit

Here is his stats.

Games 82, Goals 11, Assists 38, Points 49, +- 0, 48 PIM, 9 PPG, 2 GWG, 187 Shots 5.9% efficiency

Yes, the numbers are a little behind last years stellar numbers, but in this season, he did not have to take the defensive scoring load all to himself. He was able to play fully in all three zones with a little more comfortability.

He was fifth in the league with minutes played per game with over 25. And with his quiet demeanor, he led by example. I think players like Andy MacDonald, and Jack Hillen will definitely get some skills and advice from the “A”. I really think Montreal would like to re-think their position by not re-signing him last year. They just did not rely on his defensive capabilities and showed the NHL what kind of player he really is.

Mark is a solid foundation for a young defensive corps that have a great base to build on. With three years to go on his contract, he is showing that the money given to him was defnintely worth it.

I give him a B+ this year. What do you think?  Please add your comments to this grade.  I will be comparing to see if the readers of this blog are on the same page that I am on.

Next review – Mark Flood #4.

Posted under 2009-10 Review

Torn meniscus ends the season for #13.

25 points in 42 games, I believe is the stats for him.  He made some good strides, and is proving to the critics that he can actually get the job done.  Sorry to hear about this.

Tambellini – your turn to STEP UP – starting NOW!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

The invisible cape was on – but the men that needed saving were not saved…..

6-2 loss to a team that had lost 5 in a row, and 8 of 9.  Averaging about 1.3 goals over the 9 games…

AND THEY GOT SIX!

What happened?

Simon says NO!

Silly mistakes in the defensive zone.  Bad passes and decisions.  Streit and Gervais had, to be honest, lousy games.  The Flyers played a Peter Laviolette game.  They outskated their opponents – they beat the Isles to loose pucks, they were constantly moving – and make the visitors look incredibly weak.

Good for JT to get two on the power play.  His goals were quite easy, but goal scorers are always at the right place and the right time.  Kyle got two helpers.  Now he needs to get off his schneid and get involved.

Not much else to add on this.  The boys are back to Toronto – to the scene of the 58 save night of Rollie.  Will he do that again?  I highly doubt it – but the Isles need to look just like the Flyers did last night.  Come out with purpose – desperation, just totally PISSED OFF! If they look like their coach did on the bench last night – that would be good.

Jackman and Bergenheim are out.  We will see Comeau and Schremp back in the lineup tonight.  No need to re-call anyone. 

Here is wishing for a better effort tonight.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Well – the guys in Toronto have those great lenses?  Not that it mattered in the final outcome, but no angle shown on TV made any conclusive evidence to the goal actually being scored.

OK – the streak is over, the team laid an egg.  Getting a little too high?  Perhaps.

Buffalo had players return from the Flu bug.  A goalie that was pissed from his last performance, and wanted to redeem himself.  All important cogs in the recipe for Islander disaster.

It all came to a head.  Nothing to be proud of.

The biggest thing that bothered me is the faceoff percentage.  At one point in the end of the 3rd, they had won 8 out of 38.

I repeat, 8 out of 38!

The main point that got the Islanders into those wins over the last 4 games, shot them in the arse last night.

Menu for today – revisit the system – get the motivation going and prepare for the Devils.  Since they are playing in NJ, there is a chance, since the Devils have not lost a game on the road.

Well – congrats to the Yanks… I am happy that Philly did not repeat.  I am a Met fan – but I do not hate the Yankees.   I respect them enough to say that the best team won this year. 

Now – I said it – that is it!

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Ramblings

One simple word to describe the game.

I am just glad that the first few rows of my section are predominantly season ticket holders.  Fights galore – the poor security guys deserve their pay – along with a little combat insurance.

Just happy with all of the effort – basically no negatives.  Except Bruno is -10 in 7 games.  That HAS to improve.  Streit has not gotten on the score sheet – but is playing 26-29 minutes a game – and looks fine.

Great work by Hillen.  He is improving by leaps and bounds!

Sorry Hank - JT 'whooshed' it by ya!

Moulson and JT - what can you say.

3rd period was a great effort.  Glad to see it pay off in a big “W”.

Roloson was truly amazing last night.  His veteran presence does help his guys in front of him, and when he has confidence, the rest of the team glows with it.

This always puts me in a better mood for the day – even if things are tough in the office, or whatever, having a big win against the Rangers makes a day lighter and happier.

Enjoy, Islander fans!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

I have been critical of #30.

I know that Joe the Goalie – I approved your comment. It was more of a frustration comment – more than anything else.

All I care about – is the boys get a little more confidence now that they have a win. This team was SPANKED ROYALLY be Carolina last year, and when Staal and Jokinen scored within 2 minutes of each other, just about every serious Islander fan had to have said…

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

But this time – Cam Ward did his sieve impersonation, but to his defense, Tambellini, Nielsen and Tavares made some great moves that very few goalies would have stopped.

Kudos to Sutton, and Martinek for the STRONG games they played last night. I loved the energy Park had as well – then again – when do you NOT?

Just a happy day in Islander Country. Enjoy it folks!

Posted under Islanders 09-10

Joensuu, Fritz, Rechlicz, Fraser and Iggulden are up. I know that Bridgeport is playing here for the first 2 games of their Calder Cup Playoff run, but did we need a preview?

I do not mean that to be negative, but you have to wonder about the injuries on this club. The last two seasons, we have been so decimated, it is so tough to swallow.

Witter’s hair is getting so long, it is almost starting to cover some of his last name on the jersey.

And speaking of jersey’s…. Isn’t the 3rd jersey so awesome? 10-11 season, it will be permanent – thank God!

Danis starting tonigh – hoping for a little better effort tonight… But for the life of me – why is Fritz here? The box has been wondering about that, maybe Smith, or someone else could have been here. The team has Jackman and Rechlicz here – did we need the enforcing Trio Grande?

1st Period

Starters – Danis – Gervais, Hillen, Comeau, Bailey, Jackman

Bob Nystrom award was announced… The winner was Tim Jackman – and it was a excellent choice!

Key to this game – win faceoffs. And we won the opening one. Good job Josh.

23 seconds in – Park pushes it past McKenna – he (goale) had no clue where the puck was… Good setup by Joensuu1-0 ISLES!

First two minutes show a definite WANT to play this game.

Jamie Fraser – first NHL game – congrats! But pairing him up with Fritz and Rechlicz…. Interesting.

4:55 in – Fritz and David Koci – get into it – and a lot of scrumming after the officials get in there. Nice job by the 6’8″ monster. Fritz wes spinning Koci around like a rag doll.

Why do I have the strange feeling that this game will be much longer than most games. The over/under on majors should be about 5.

Martinek pulls down Malone (allegedly) and takes a penalty at 5:38.

Thompson gets a gift, and just misses getting a shorty.

Tampa PP has some good guys, but you can see that they are missing number 4 in front…

Good kill boys!

Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto was talking and mentioned that Long Island needs a new state of the art Nassau Coliseum. Which is political speak for “Get your ass in Gear, Kate Murray and get this project approved!”

11 minutes in – not a real flow to the game – couple of nice opportunities – one by Tambellini. Tampa – good effort in front of Danis – but he made the good stop.

Well – it is definitely apparent that these two teams are 28th and 30th in the NHL respectively.

Joensuu – point blank shot – stopped by McKenna.

I think