Here we go another seasons of if’s when’s, whys, and huhs??  That pretty much wraps up the Islanders off season moves in a nut shell. When are the Islanders getting a new arena, or when are they moving? Why have we not targeted a pure goal scorer to play with Tavares, and the huhs? There are way too many but, what were you smoking when you signed Jon Sim and Andy Hilbert again.  Besides all that junk let’s look at some positives.

First in foremost I believe the Islanders had a great draft. “El Nino” Niederitter might actually make this team and has looked great in the rookie games so far. I mean he is not even 18 yet but with the Islanders that is old enough to make this team. He seems to have decent size hands and the scoring touch, and the best thing is he is only going to get better.

Then we have the Russian “Possible steal” Kirill Kabanov. This kid has plenty of raw talent but will the Islanders be able to keep him in place and focus on hockey rather then getting in trouble. Well he was already late for his physical and got chewed out by management so we will see if he wakes up. Another kid with great skills. Hard shot a nose for the net a goal scorer if you will. He might just possibly make this team.

Along with him is fellow Russian Mr. Petrov. The Islanders are trying real hard to get him out of his Russian contract and be at camp but I don’t think that is going to happen. We might have to wait two years but the wait might be well worth it. He is supposed to be better then the other two combined and everyone is excited to see him play. (There is still a possibility he will be with the Islanders at camp. If he is mark my words he will be playing with the Islanders next year)

Now defense, Garth Snow stacked up the defense this year he added Eaton (great solid defenseman who can play defense), The Wiz (another solid defenseman who can hit the net) and Jurcina (jury is still out on this one). Along with them Harmonic, Dehaan are in the fold as well. These two are young powerful and are supposed to be the real deal. I can see one of them making the team but that means some one has got to go. (I am rooting for Gervais to go bye bye but what I want never happens). The Islanders are really depending on the Defense to carry this team as the offense seems to be a little thin. We will see how Streit, Hillen, MacDonald, Martinek, and Gervais respond to the challenge.

Besides the rookies mentioned before the Islanders have young guys who have been in the league for a few years, everyone is expecting big years from Tavares, Okoposo, Moulson, Schremp, Bailey and Comeau. Let’s not forget Parentau as well. These players are going to have to step it up and put on a great show if the Islanders are going to have a chance. I do expect all of the above mentioned players to set career highs as they look ready to turn that corner. If they do watch the Islanders might not be as bad as you may think.

Now finally goaltending, Besides the Islanders being the laughing stock of the league when it comes to contracts for goalies, the Islanders might actually have two healthy goaltenders this year. Dipietro is the question mark but if he is 100% healthy then watch out. Roloson has done wonders playing here and is a big part too and is expected to carry most of the load. IF one of them goes down the Islanders have Craig Monroe just itching to get into the net. This is going to be a big test for Dipietro as I believe this is his last chance to try to prove himself and if he fails it might be good bye for Ricky D or he might have to just retire.

All in all I expect a good fun exciting year. Some people have the Islanders squeezing into the playoffs while others have them looking at the bottom of the barrel. Either way I believe the Islanders are going to surprise a lot of people and sneak into the playoffs myself.

I am pretty much getting a little frustrated with the Islander organization. I just don’t get them; maybe it is because we really do need a new arena or something. The Islanders in last couple of weeks have signed Jon Sim and also Andy Hilbert. Yeah you heard it right Sim and Hilbert. Even though it is a two way contract for both I just don’t believe this. We are the only team in the league who gets rid of mediocre players and then after a year or two bring them back. What do these players bring to a young farm system?? Let me answer that with a simple word NOTHING! What was the meaning of these signings?? Only God knows the answer to that question.

I know there are plenty of guys out there who would love a shot at the AHL and NHL who are a lot more talented then these guys. There is a reason no other team wanted them. There was a reason why the Wild never played Hilbert. The Islanders do not see that. All they see is a cheap signing that if something happens can jump back on the Coliseum ice and contribute. All I see is a bigger joke than what we are already? Why not use our energy on signings guys that can actually help this team. I am sick of being a laughing stock of this league. There is a lot of heritage here but come on already enough is enough. No more garbage. I am waiting for the announcement know “Yashin and Kvasha are back to the Island” Good Grief Charlie Wang!!

So here we are right in the smack of summer. Usually this is the time for NHL teams to get the players they need to make that big run at the Stanley Cup. So far some trades have been made, the Blackhawks dismantled there team, Kovalchuck waited then signed just to not sign to become a free agent again. I don’t know maybe it is me but this has been one boring summer. Especially for an Islander point of view.

Lets see we get Mark Eaton and Milan Jurcina ok that is good I am liking that. We get Koponka another big physical forward. Ok that is good too. We sign P.A Parenteau which is another decent pick up and…….hmmmm nothing else. It just seem every year the Islanders have the most money to spend but they hold in there pockets for some reasons and do nothing. 

Well one reason could be this whole arena mess. It seems Mr. Wang is more concerned about real estate and bigger money making things then the Islanders. IF he really did give Snow the go ahead to use as much money as possible then trust me money talks and some one would have signed here. Maybe we were lied to. It would not be the first time.  Maybe the players just don’t want to play in this arena. That is possible. Maybe this team doesn’t really have money. Who knows?? All I know it is the same thing year by year, as other teams get better we sit back and are like “We like our chances with our team”. Ok this “team” has not the playoffs for a while.  This “team” seems to get off to a great start and then are like wait we are not supposed to win and you see guys taking shifts off.  Something has to give sooner or later with this team before they lose all there fans or the team moves itself. We have been the laughing stock of the league for a very long time and that has to change. It is just aggravating to see other teams signing players, trading for players, getting new arenas and so forth while the Islanders just sit and wait for the end of the world.

I don’t know maybe it is the hot summer heat or the oil spill in the Gulf that got me so cranky but enough is enough and it is time for a change.

Here we are pick number 5 in the NHL draft, questions surrounding what the Islanders were going to do. If you were like me you were excited to add another piece of the puzzle. You were thinking defense all the way.  We all knew who the first two picks were and then at number 3 Florida picked Gudbranson. Ok that is fine I thought, there are still Fowler and Gormley out there.  I jumped for joy when I heard Johansen going to Columbus. This means we are getting Fowler or Gormley. I Was so excited to see Garth Snow go up to the podium and then the announcement “With the number 5 pick of this years NHL draft, the Islanders select from Portland of the WHL RW Nino Niederreiter”. I jumped up and was excited until I realized wait who??

The Islanders decided to go against what the fans wanted and thought needed. Why not take Fowler or Gormley?? Don’t we need an offensive defenseman who can run the power play with Streit?? I guess not.  At first I could not believe the pick but when I did some home work I realized it really was not that bad. El Nino as he has already been dubbed had 36 goals and 24 assists with 68 penalty minutes. He is known to get the big goals and plays well in pressure situations. All of sudden my attitude changed and welcomed “El Niño” with open arms.  I love that he has a lot to prove and that he wants to be a huge player. (Trust me El Nino all Islander fans want that as well). Then I saw images of him playing with Kyle Okoposo and Tavares. Could be the line of the future and realized the Islander made the right choice.

Other notable picks was Brock Nelson at number 30 which made no sense to me as to why the Islanders traded two second rounder’s to move up in the draft to draft him but then again I saw his numbers. 53 goals and 42 assists in 31 games and runner up for the Mr. Hockey Award, again another decent pick.

Then how about Kirill Kabanov. Everyone over looked did not want to deal with his issues.  Well if this kid gets the discipline needed and wants to prove everyone wrong like he says then the Islanders might have just stole the draft. This guy is as talented as anyone in the draft and has the opportunity to become a huge impact player. He was slowed by wrist surgery but this kid could be the diamond in the rough, and well excited to see him in the future.

In the later rounds the Islanders drafted Jason Clark 85^th overall, Tony DeHart 125^th, and goalie Cody Rosen who was a back up and was shocked as anyone that he got drafted. In fact he was at a friend’s house when he got a call. Snow sees him as another diamond in the rough and told him that this was he (Snow) started out. Could be a feel good story in the coming years.

All in all not a bad draft for the Islanders. I think it was a little nerve racking but all in all the Islanders are building this team for the future, and if all these players do reach there potential watch out this Islander team will not be a joke anymore and might be hoisting the Stanley Cup sooner then later.

This years draft seems to get more and more interesting as time goes on. We all know that Hall and Seguin are #1 and #2 after that though it is a huge toss up. For the Islanders they have the number 5 pick in this draft and we still do not know what is on the mind of the GM Garth Snow. He is known to look outside the box but this year will he stick to protocol and just draft the best possible guy at number 5? Well first lets see what the Islanders need.

The Islanders would love to get another stud forward to play along with Tavares, KO, and Bailey but I don’t think that will happen in this draft. The two studs in this draft are as good as gone already by the time the Islanders draft. Yes there is a fellow named Brett Connolly who is supposed to have the same skills as Seguin and Hall but he was injured and many feel that he still is. Then we have Nino Niederreiter another solid player who has some great offensive skill but as per scouts still lacking some skating and defense, could be a risk but also could be the diamond in the rough.  Another name that came up with in the Islanders organization is Ryan Johansen. He is 6 foot 2 and 192 pounds and is a great playmaker. The weakness though for this kid is that he is still improving his skating and shooting and is not too aggressive as of yet, but he is only 18 and can turn into a stud.  My question here though is do the Islanders need another Josh Bailey? That is about what this kid is and I don’t see the Islanders drafting him. If they did draft him I think it would make sense to trade down and maybe get another pick.

Another position that needs to be address is defense. The Islanders are looking for that stud at the blue line that can shoot the puck and work the power play like Streit is doing right now. Of course I feel the numero uno guy on that list would be Cam Fowler.  Question is will he be available at number 5? As per TSN rankings he is ranked 5^th so it is a possibility and it would be wise for the Islanders to snatch up the 6 ft 2 190 pounder. He totaled last year 8 goals and 47 assists in 55 games. Not to shabby if you ask me but he is up against yet another defenseman that the Islanders have been looking at and is really high on there list. That being Brandon Gormley. Some say he is the safer pick as he is a steady blue liner who is great in the defensive zone and offensive zone. His totals last year were 9 goals and 34 assists while totaling 54 penalty minutes. He is a top defenseman and he is going to make it hard for the Islanders if he is available and Fowler at number 5. Let us also not forget about Erik Gudbranson he is young and he is big and a bruiser sort of speak. He is 6 ft 3 195 pounds and has amasses 68 penalty minutes while getting 2 goals and 21 assists. This would be the ideal guy for the Islanders a shut down tough defenseman but I do feel he will be gone by then and see the Islanders either grab Fowler or Gormley.

The other question that remains is do the Islanders need another Goalie prospect? I don’t think that is in the plans right now as they did draft a few goalies last year in Koskineen and also Poulin so I don’t see the Islanders drafting a goalie here at all. We all know that for some reason DP might never be 100% again but for the mean time the Islanders are happy with whom they have in the system.

So what will Garth Snow do with his number 5 pick? Will he look outside the box and draft a Johansen? Will he covet the defenseman that he desperately needs? No one really knows at this point but I can tell you this that Islander fans want either Fowler, Gudbranson or Gormley and if one of those guys are not picked then we will be all scratching our heads once again which has been the theme of Islander fans for a while.

While some fans are enjoying the success of there hockey team in the NHL playoffs most fans are sitting around and waiting for the summer to see what there team is going to do. I being an Islander fan seem to wait for this every year. Who is going? Who is coming? Who will the Islanders draft? Will Dipietro play? Are just some questions that go through my head. Well here is my wish list of trades moves and picks that the Islanders should make:

First off lets talk some trades shall we. The Islanders right now have some players on this team that I think is time to move on, players who should be traded:

1. Trent Hunter – I feel his time is up here. He had a great first season with the Islanders but then I don’t know what happened to him. He was supposed to set up in front of the net and get garbage goals but for some reason he is to scared also too he hits which is great but not effectively. He is also slow.

1. Radek Martinek – He is a great defenseman when he is playing but this guy is injured every year in November. He played only 16 games this year. He gets hit into the boards and he shatters like glass. I think we should ship him out before he heads to his vacation in November.

1. Brendan Witt – He is getting old and he has lost more then just a step. He was put on waivers and no one wanted him so I don’t see any one trading for him but if we could find a taker you take it for whatever they are offering.

1. Rick Dipietro – Now I know he is not going anywhere but I think the Islanders should explore options. Goalie of the future has been nothing but a bust. One good year in him and he struggled through out the playoffs.  Another guy hurt every year. If he loves the Islanders as much as he does then quit the come back attempts retire and go in the office. I also feel the Islanders play better without him. If the islanders though could find someone for him then you grab it. Let me remind you the Islanders have drafted and signed tons of talent in that position last year. Coincidence??

Now that is just the guys on the roster who should be traded right now. I feel there are a couple of prospects that they can trade and get returns for. One is Jesse Joensuu. I like this kid trust me but for some reason the Islanders have not given him his shot yet and that puts of the red flags for him.  Dustin Kohn is another guy as well. The Islanders have De Haan and Harmonic coming up the ranks and are supposed to be the real deal so it makes him spendable. 

My wish, make a huge trade with Chicago like they did when they traded Brent Sutter over there back in the day. They can trade them Hunter, Dipietro, throw in Martinek prospect and a pick and possibly grab lets say Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg, And Huet. It would help lower the payroll for the Blackhawks and give the Islanders some players to play with the youth. I know wishful thinking but hey you never know. I do feel something is going to happen this year. Trade possibly and maybe the number 5 pick. Call me crazy if you like but something has got to give on the Island.

Ok now for free agents. Wow where to begin here. The Islanders have a few of them and as I look at the list the only guy I might even think about bringing back is maybe Richard Park. He was great on the penalty kill and is a fourth liner and the kids seem to like him. Everyone else well I say Adios.  Who should the Islanders sign? Well despite everyone who has talent and can hold a hockey stick here is who I think they should target big time:

1. Tomas Plekanec – He would look awesome centering our first line with Tavares. I honestly feel he is staying put but hopefully he wins the cup and decides you know what I can help a up and coming team (wishful thinking)

1. Alexander Frolov – I am a little fed up with Russian players after the Yashin                         experiment but I do feel this is not the same situation.  I think he could help out this team and especially if Petrov comes over maybe there will be a great connection there.

1. Alex Ponikarovski – Could be the diamond in the rough. I like his hands and his size I think he could help the younger guys as well up front and like Moulson sit in front of the net and deflect pucks into the net especially on the PP

1. Matthew Lombardi – Another player that could help out the offense up front also a great defender

1. Anton Volchenkov – Here is another wishful thinking signing. He would look great blocking shots and adding a goal or two here or there. The Islanders need a solid stand up defenseman and I think he would fit the bill perfectly.

1. Dan Hamuis – Another wishful thinking but we need another goal scoring defenseman here. Would look great with Mark Streit

1. A goaltender – Why you may ask?  I don’t trust Dipietro. I am afraid he is going to get hurt all over again and we are going to need a great back up to Roloson. Once again my reason for the trade mentioned above

Other who gets honorary mention is: Marek Svatos, Adam Burrish, Craig Conroy, Colby Armstrong, Christopher Higgins, Alex Tanguay. Frederick Modin and Kyle Wellwood.

The Islanders also have some restricted free agents that I would consider bringing back.  Matt Moulson our only goal scorer last year you definitely have to bring him back no questions asked. I also would consider Bergneheim for one more year. I like his potential and if we can get his butt in motion then maybe we could get more out of him.

Well this is what I am hoping. With the right trades and the right picks and the right signings this team could definitely be a playoff team next year. If we ever get this Lighthouse thing or the move to Queens this team will have stability and draw players here to play. I really think we can turn the page and be a powerhouse once again.  So here is to a good summer of hockey moves let’s just hope that the Islanders make the right ones

What could I say about this season for the Islanders? When the season first started I have to admit there were a lot of question marks like:  How good will Tavares be? Will Dipietro come back and come back strong?  IF he did come back where will Marty Biron go? Who in the world is Matt Moulson? Will Okposo step up and lead this team? Will this young team make the playoffs? And the question on every ones mind will this team get a new arena??

Well I think it is safe to say that the Islanders actually had a better season then everyone thought. Tavares ended up being a great player despite his mid season slump that every rookie goes through. One thing though I always wondered how good would he have been if he was playing with established veterans?  He led the team with points at the end of the season with 54 and for a rookie that is not bad at all. He showed us glimpses of what could be in the future. Great hands great skater and smart with the puck. He can make a back hand pass like no ones business, so I am excited to see this kid develop more.

As for Dipietro where do I begin, I was never really a huge fan of his but he is an Islander. We can all agree that his contract is just ridiculous but the thing that burns me is that he has not been healthy for like 3 years. He was supposed to be our number one goalie of the future and now most Islander fans are losing hope. We went into the season With Roloson and Biron and the plan was that once Dipietro came back Biron was gone. As we all know Dipietro came back for like 5 games got hurt yet again and was out for the rest of the season and Biron stayed with the team. I feel this disrupted the chemistry of this team as they were in a playoff position when DP came back.  This can not go on next year at all. A decision is going to have to be made on this one way or another. I don’t want Dipietro back unless he is 1000% healthy.

Now for the rest of the team, the most shocking thing that happened to the Islanders was Matt Moulson. Where did this guy come from? He was ripping it up in preseason but I thought it was going to be another tease but it wasn’t.  He led this team with goals and reached the 30 goal plateau!! Not bad for just a minor type pick up. I was also impressed with our core young players. Besides Tavares, Okposo, Comeau, Bailey, Hillen, Macdonald, Schremp and Nielsen all were solid and look to get better and better.  All of them had great years and we should build within.

What I was disappointed with were the veterans on this team. Weight was hurt basically all year and I don’t think he will be back. Hunter disappoints big time and seems he has lost a step. Gervais even though young was just horrible this year. Martinek did his usual end of the season injury. Witt lost a step and was demoted to the minors. The only guy I think who did a decent job was Park. There was times where I wanted to dish him out but he did a decent job. I do feel though that next year there are going to be other veterans on this team and if not, all those guys mentioned will be gone. 

This team HAS to make the playoffs next year. I mean they came so close this year and for Gordon’s sake I do believe that he has to make it as well. If we get rid of those veterans that have been mentioned and inject some guys who have a pulse I feel confident in this team playoff time. So on a scale form 1 to 10 this season I give the Islanders a 6. There is still room for improvement but at least we are headed in the right direction.

The question of the day is why? Why are the Islanders winning all of a sudden?  Why are players like Comeau (who got injured last night) and Bergenheim finally playing to there abilities? Why all of a sudden is Marty Biron playing every game, and actually winning?  Why I ask you??

I dont know but the Islanders are getting further and further away from a top five pick and the thing is if they did this during the season more then likely the Islanders would be in the playoffs right now.  I mean I am happy to see such a young team actually start winning and it gives me hope for next year, but with the season done for them I would have loved to see another top five pick.  The Canadiens must be shaking there heads and asking the same thing, why? 

The Islanders totally outplayed them int he first period and the hottest Islander scored. That being Blake Comeau, unfortuantely he got injured towards the end of the first period and he was done for the night and possibly the season.  The Second period showed a desperate Montreal team as they started to storm the net and actually playing hockey. They took a 2 – 1 lead after two, but the resilient Islanders did not give up. Bergenheim (another hot Islander) made some gereat moves and tied the game at two.  In typical Islander form about a minute later Maxim Lapierrer scored and Montreal was all set to posible clinch a playoff spot, but it was just not meant to be.  Frans Nielsen scaore with like three minutes left to tie the game, and the Islanders go on and win the shoot out.

So again I ask you why? Why now? Why not about a month ago. I guess no one will know but for us Islanders fans there are brighter skies ahead as this team is proving that they can win and break the hearts of a lot of playoff bound teams.

In one word WOW!! Did this Islander team who looked completely lost beat the Calgary Flames?  They sure did. Not only that but they get a goal from an unsung hero.  This team always seems to disappoint me though. I would have rather them beat the Rangers and kill there playoffs chances then the Calgary Flames.

It was good to see Trent Hunter finally score a goal. I mean I am really hoping this guy is not back with this club next year as he seems to be a waste of space lately, but knowing the Islanders after that goal they will probably give him like a five year extension. The lead did not last long though as Nigel Dawes scored 50 seconds after that to tie the game. Now there is a shocker. The Islanders take the lead and give it up under a minute. Then ERic Nystrom scores to give the Flames the lead and everyone in Islander country knew this game was over. I mean I am happy for Eric since his daddy played here I am jealous too. The Islanders seem to draft other players sons who are just horrible. (Example Nilson)

In the third period the Islanders for once scored under a minute to tie it. A goal from Matt Moulson his 27th of the year. Woo Hoo 30 is in reach now. Then half way through the period out of no where there was a Bruno Gervais sighting. This guy has been one of the worse Islanders out there all year but he rips a shot past Kipper and the Islanders were on there way to a 3 -2 victory.

I just want to apologize to the Flames for the Islanders finding a way to beat you guys after a Ranger game. It is not fair to beat you guys and not the Rangers but these are the Islanders you have no idea what to expect from them

I know this might sound funny, but as I awoke this morning I was one happy Islander fan. Why? Well lets face it the Islanders are not going anywhere any time soon, and I really want a top three pick in the draft. I was rooting for the Rangers in this game and boy I was not disappointed.

Sean Avery was his normal punk self.  Getting into every ones head.  What I dont understand is why the Rangers are the only team that likes this guy. Every one else in the league stays away from him like he is a plague or something. He did do his job even before the puck was dropped. I mean the Rangers are really not in the race eitherbut I guess they are still trying.

It seemed to me that the Islanders just did not want any part of this game. Heavily out shot, out played and just looked flat. Roloson was hung out to dry as his defense most of the night just watched the Rangers skate all over the place. Gervais like usual looked lost out there.  We lost Dustin Kohn to injury thanks to Mr. Avery.  It was just a huge disappointment all around and I am sure that the players feel the same. They have not scored for like almost three games. This team just seems like they have given up and feel there is nothing left to play for. Well in that case I am happy cause we will get yet another great pick and hopefully this team will be a lot better last year.