Between the Islanders and the 2010-11 playoffs is...?
by Mark D on Sep 1, 2010 7:00 AM EDT
in This, That & What-Not
Email
PrintLast year I predicted how the Eastern playoffs would look, and actually was really close. My one big miss would be that I predicted the Flyers wouldn't make the playoffs. I also looked at what it would take for the Islanders to grab either the 7th or 8th seed. Since it's the end of August again, now's as good a time as any to predict what the playoffs may look like.
The biggest change in the Eastern Conference is most likely going to be the Southeast. Although the Capitals will most likely win the division again, there is no way that they can repeat their 19-3-2 intra-division record. With the Thrashers and Lightning making improvements and the Hurricanes hopefully having a healthy Cam Ward, the Southeast isn't going to be the pushover it has been.
In my opinion, in the East there are four teams that should be in the playoffs unless something major goes wrong. There are three teams that look as though they might make the playoffs. There are six teams that are going to be fighting for the 8th seed and maybe the 7th. That leaves one team that is getting nowhere near the playoffs. It does look better for the Islanders, as last year I thought a few teams needed major injuries for the Isles to come close.
The Automatic Four
Washington Capitals: As I mentioned, they are going to be facing a tougher division but should win it again. Will probably finish as the #1 or #2 seed.
New Jersey Devils: Although the rest of the Atlantic has gotten better, the new defensemen make the Devils, an already defense-first team, even better. The eventual return of Ilya Kovalchuk, who was the one player that appeared to try against the Flyers, will make them even more dangerous. Don't overlook the addition of Johan Hedberg, giving them a quality NHL backup. Probably finish #1, #2 or #4.
Buffalo Sabres: Ryan Miller, Ryan Miller, Ryan Miller. As long as he's healthy the Sabres should win the Northeast again. Two seasons ago the Sabres missed the playoffs by 2 points because Miller went down for a bit and Lalime went 5-13-4. The scary thing about Miller is that he keeps getting better. They should be the #2 or #3 seed.
Pittsburgh Penguins: This was the longest break for the Pens since Sidney Crosby's sophmore year. Back-to-back trips to the finals and sending some of their best players to the Olympics took a beating on the Pens. Unless multiple players go down hurt, the Pens should be in the playoffs and pushing the Devils for the Atlantic title. They will probably finish #2, #3 or #4.
The Probable Three
Ottawa Senators: At some point you would think Daniel Alfredsson would break down. But the 38 year old, although on a bit of a decline, is still leading the Senators. Combine that with a solid pair of goalies in Brian Elliot and Pascal Leclaire and you have the ingredients of a playoff team. They can still miss if Elliot has an off year (and Leclaire's health continues to be shaky) or if the Jason Spezza situation causes a distraction. I'd put them in for the #5 seed this year.
Carolina Hurricanes: I don't think I've ever seen a team come back from the brink quite like the Canes did last season. At one point they were dueling with the Edmonton Oilers at the bottom of the league. At the end of the season they were only 8 points out of the playoffs and 18 points ahead of the Oilers. As long as Cam Ward is healthy they should be in the playoffs, either #6, #7 or #8 seed.
Boston Bruins: If I had to pick one team of these three not to make it, I'd say the Bruins. Although Tuukka Rask had an incredible season, it might be asking him a lot to repeat a 1.97 GAA and .930 SV%. At the same time you have Tim Thomas claiming that he still has a shot to reclaim the starters position in Boston. If Rask struggles it could be a long mess in Boston. Even if they don't make the playoffs they still have Tyler Seguin. Most likely the #7 or #8 seed.
The Mess of the Rest
Philadelphia Flyers: As of right now Chris Pronger is saying there's a good chance he won't begin skating until October. When you're a team that made the playoffs by a single point, that makes every game important. Then there's Micheal Leighton. Unfortunately for him history doesn't look good for Flyers goalies who come out of nowhere and lead the team through a fabulous playoffs. He could actually ask his backup Brian Boucher about it. If the Flyers had added Evgeni Nabokov or Marty Turco they would be a lock. Right now though I can see them in the #7 or #8 seed, or missing the playoff cut altogether.
Atlanta Thrashers: The Thrashers made the most out of the Chicago post-Cup fire sale. The question is, how good are the unwanted pieces from a Stanley Cup winner? Dustin Byfuglien, one of the key new pieces, had a tendency to take games off against tougher competition. Of his 16 playoff points, he managed 10 of them in Round 2 and Round 3 while being shut down against the Predators. They should be a team on the rise though and might be able to grab the #8 seed.
Montreal Canadiens: For the last two seasons the Habs have just barely slipped into the playoffs. Usually the 8th seed is a team on the rise, or a team on the fall. So congrats on being perfectly mediocre Montreal. Carey Price is going to be a good goaltender in the NHL. But I have my doubts about how he might handle being the starter in a city that probably thinks they can win the Stanley Cup. I just can't see them making the playoffs this year.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Ever since Stevie Y has come to Tampa, it seems like people have been fawning over his every move. He's been making the right moves, and Tampa is on the right track but this most likely won't be the year. Mostly because the defense still needs some work. Dan Ellis though could be this year's Craig Anderson, and if that happens they might scrap their way into the #8 seed.
Toronto Maple Leafs: If you want a perfect storm of making the playoffs, have Jean-Sebastien Giguere on your team entering a contract year. If Giggy wants to get anywhere near his former$ 6 million a year salary he's going to have to put up an insane year. Otherwise Toronto looks like a mad scientist experiment that might be giving up another top 10 pick to Boston. I see them as a bit of a stretch to get the #8 seed, most likely not going to be in the playoffs.
New York Rangers: I just can't see Henrik Lundqvist and Marian Gaborik both staying healthy over the course of the season. Either one of them going out for any amount of time dampens the Rangers playoff hopes. Gaborik is infamously made of glass, but Lundqvist entering this season has four straight seventy games seasons. If the Rangers can stay healthy they should be in the hunt for the #8 seed, but more then likely an injury will derail them.
Just Not Happening
Florida Panthers: They already announced last year that they were rebuilding, it isn't hard to see them in the Eastern Conference basement.
Where the Islanders are in this lot:
The Islanders are part of the bottom half of the conference trying to claw their way into the playoffs. The Islanders are probably better then the Leafs, Rangers and Lightning. That puts them in a four-way race for the #8 seed with the Flyers, Thrashers and Canadiens. For the Islanders to overtake Philadelphia, the Flyers' goalie situation is going to have to turn out bad and Pronger is going to have to miss a good amount of time. The Thrashers and the Canadiens, although they aren't the strongest teams on paper, are two wild cards when it comes to the playoff race.
The Islanders can fight and claw their way into the playoffs, but it is going to take a lot going right. Dwayne Roloson has to stay healthy and competitive. Every youngster is going to have to continue progressing, and the defense (which on paper looks improved) is going to have to prove it is better. Last year I thought it was going to take a large amount of other teams' injuries and surprise performances for the Islanders to make the playoffs. This year it seems like making the playoffs is much more within the Islanders' grasp.
Thoughts and comments, and your own guesses?
78 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
They probably just miss the playoffs
And I’m not sure I even want them to make them if they’re going to just get blasted out in the 1st round again. I don’t think that does them any good
Last year I would’ve agreed, but I think this year it could be good for the young guys, arena situation, and for potential free agents to see some progress. Eventually you have to take the first step and get some playoff experience and I think this year it would be beneficial for the future.
It helps the whole organization if the team wins, in both the AHL and NHL. You start to learn what it takes to win, you don’t become content to just show progess without the results, and the prospects start to have that culture ingrained in them as well.
I think if they make the playoffs, they put up a 6 game “We’re a young spunky team putting up a fight” kind of series. That would be perfect for them.
Plus if Rollie is still with the team he is a definite X-Factor come playoff time. He got screwed out of the Cup with Edmonton.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Let me throw in some parts to this equation:
Say they are making the playoffs,
1. Does it involve trading some pick(s) and prospect(s) for a forward or d-man or even goalie for that matter or 2 near the trading deadline or do you think we go forward as is, even with 1 major injury or 2?
2. Are you thinking we would be a 7th or 8th seed?
3. Who(m) do you think we would be playing in the 1st round?
I’m with you on us making the playoffs this year, especially if that’s Garth’s/Wang’s goal, but I’m not sure we as is can withstand 1 major injury on offense or lagging player and not fill that place with a true top 6, goal scoring, 60pt+ forward. I think our defense is definitely livable, especially with what we have in the minors and on the bench, but our offense needs some help. And the x-factor is rollie as you stated.
Go isles or Go home.
1, we’re not trading any picks/prospects away. Snow isn’t going to make a knee jerk trade.
2, I think that the teams at the bottom are so close, it could be 7 or 8. Mostly because I think one of the 3 probables could miss the playoffs.
3, I’d want us to play Washington, and hope that Martinek is good to go.
And I’ll agree that it’ll definitely be tight on us getting into the playoffs. But I think that forwards and defense we’re fine if one player goes down/doesn’t play to expectations. But Goalie is a different story.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
that being said
And in keeping with the comment you left below, Ozzy, remember that the Isles dynasty finally clicked when they traded Harris and Lewis to the Kings for Butch Goring.
Granted, that team was a lot closer than this one; Torrey could afford to roll the dice like that because if they had flamed out in the playoffs again, it was fire sale time anyway. This team is not near to that, especially with so much room to sign players long-term, and so much time to choose which of them gets the big bank.
IF they were to make a trade, however, to bring in a player they thought would make the difference now – it would have to be for a guy who made them a contender, not just a playoff team. It would have to be a young-ish player, so if they didn’t win, he would fit into the team’s future plans. I agree with Web that they won’t flip a blue-chipper for some routine second-line or second-pair guy. I disagree that they won’t do anything. Garth learned from the Smyth trade, I’m sure… and if he chooses to come over the top again, he’ll do it; I think most likely for a player who will be under team control beyond the end of the season.
Outsourcing all grammar and rhetoric repairs to Dominik.
who knows
unscripted, unrehearsed, UNPREDICTABLE. that’s what i love about sports. it’s why i watch. i’m not criticizing those who like the prognostication aspect of fandom, but for me, it detracts from the drama. no expectations = more intensity.
that said, there are no specific reasons this group of islanders can’t be a playoff team or even do something special.
by dose on Sep 1, 2010 8:12 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
unscripted, unrehearsed, UNPREDICTABLE
I can get into these thought exercises/bets/predictions or whatever we call them, but I very much identify with this: I love this sport in particular, and there are so many variables that make it unpredictable.
The best team won the Cup last year, but along the way Montreal had no business winning two rounds. Stuff like that is fantastic.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Great Post
Its amazing how much a factor health is in sports!!! A few injuries to some mid-level stars throughout the conference and it could really shake things up. That’s why i really feel like DP is the key….
If Miller in Buffalo goes down….The rangers one of the their big two…or Boston/Carolina lose anyone major for significant time; that could really open things up for the isles to get in.
Although I wouldn’t put them in your “Just Not Happening” Category, I think Montreal is overrated. They worked with smoke and mirrors to get as far as they did last season.
FB4Real
"Past Performance Is Not A Guarantee For Future Success"
Agree about Montreal
Relying on Price now exclusively and Gomez will be Gomez at some point. Next year people catch up with their speed. Getting Markov back will be big, but not enough.
by Keith Quinn on Sep 1, 2010 8:41 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Injuries
Carolina last year was such a perfect example of how big a factor that is. Night and day.
Hell without the onslaught of 08-09 injuries, we don’t have John Tavares…
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Carey Price
I think a lot of people are under estimating him.
The problem is that Montreal fans are so insane, they believe because of a playoff run in which they took advantage of Halak standing on his head that they are a cup contender. I don’t think he can handle that kind of pressure, but then again how many 22 year olds can handle that sort of pressure?
Price might end up being someone who gets traded despite being good, because Montreal fans have such sharp teeth.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Just making sure,
you know Halak was traded to the Blues right? Montreal goes from a low contender to And, I’m pretty sure Price is still not signed as a RFA and the ball is in his court now that halak is gone. And I’m not sold on Price honestly, he’s alway looked as an average goalie to me that’s streaky, but I honestly thought halak could be something, or at least be an above average goalie for his career.
Go isles or Go home.
I never finished a sentence,
I was going to write "Montreal now that Halak was traded, slips to a lower seeded team(that doesn’t make the playoffs) because they are throwing most of their goaltending responsibilities on a so-far ~average goalie who is unproven (but still fairly young) and a backup who looks ok doing his job at best.
Go isles or Go home.
http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2010/1/10/1233023/price-halak-the-stats-december-2009
An article on Halak/Price from last December that is a great read into the debate.
Over the last 3+ seasons, Halak has faced 25 teams with sub .500 records in his 70 career starts. Parity reigns supreme in the new NHL as only 5 of 30 teams finished below .500 In the last 2 seasons. Halak has faced a sub .500 team four of every 10 starts when less than 20% of the league has a losing record. Contrast that to Price who has faced 21 teams below .500 in 116 starts.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
interesting
I don’t know. It could be the teams he’s playing then. All I know is, even during the regular season halak seemed like a better goalie then price, but maybe I’m wrong. We’ll find out next year.
Go isles or Go home.
Halak
One thing I wonder: They’re doing those proportional/custom pad sizes this season, and Halak is a smaller goalie. Will that take away part of his edge? Was Garth thinking ahead by drafting the Nordic towers?
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Apparently so
They’re measuring like the distance between your knee and the ground, your knee to ankle, knee to hip (or something like this), so guys with shorter legs will not be able to have what used to be the max-length leg pads anymore.
I’ve had some goalies tell me this is no big deal, that shorter pads make it easier to move anyway, but 1) these guys were just rec league hacks, and 2) I’ve scored on them enough to know where their big mofo pads are helping them out.
But all goalies are crazy, WebBard especially. ;)
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
this is going to be tricky
Count on some keepers suddenly looking mortal next season. If it was no big deal, then they’d already all be using shorter pads.
To site personal experience, it didn’t take me long to adapt from 33’s to 34’s. There was an issue at the beginning; I found that there were weird gaps at the knees in a butterfly, as the corners of the pads hit each other. Didn’t take more than a few games to adjust – probably had as much to do with breaking in the pads as anything else.
If I was told to go back, I can imagine a similar adjustment period. The guys whose pads come up to their waist, however, are going to have it rough for a while. They’re losing more blocking area and they’ll have to adjust their skating, their stances, moving into and out of butterfly and half-butterfly.
82 days into my latest contract approval process
That's kind of what I was thinking
An inch here or there might not be a problem. But it sounded like some of the Pangers of the world were going to lose more than that off the height of their pads.
I still haven’t seen a thorough explanation of it all though. Maybe it’s all really well done; or maybe Kay Whitmore thinks the only think between him and an all-star career was all those other goalies with their big pads.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
Just because I used Bargain Brand Helmets...
I never remember really caring about how big my pads were. But we were also just a bunch of kids playing street hockey.
The one kid I coached had this really athletic style and was just insane. Then after his first season his mom got him all new pads (Me and the other coach gave him all our still useable gear) and he looked like the michelin man. He definitely seemed to have lost a second or two on his movement, but he still played well.
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
heheheheh
Great story. I know a lot of the kids I saw had this issue, especially goalies. Gear is pricey! Parents always seem to get them too big and then let the kids grow into them, and then out of them, squeezing an extra year or two out of the gear – especially pads, which are a big-ticket item.
82 days into my latest contract approval process
Its amazing how much a factor health is in sports!!!
This is just damned painful to read one month later, given what has happened.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
I think this is the year
We hang around in contention and after the all-sta break either make a couple of call ups or a major trade that puts us in a tear and in as the 7/8. We win one round. The only thing between us and the playoffs is stunted growth or injury.
by Keith Quinn on Sep 1, 2010 8:45 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
haha
yeah i took that test (in the pic) and yeah it had ZERO to do with my athleticism…
speaking of which, about 4 months down, 3 to go…
welcome to MSG, where 2 out of 5 vendors are safe to eat from!
haha, I like your Sig.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
No playoffs.
I just cant see it. There is not enough talent up front. Still need a sniper on wing, which is never addressed. I say definetly yet another top 5 pick.
I definetly think Petrov and Joensuu need to be here and grow. Give them major icetime and see what they have.
Unless they win the Lotto, there’s no way they end up with a top 5 pick. I could see them being in the top 10, but if they have another top 5 pick then something is seriously wrong with the team and there’s going to need to be some changes.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Fighting for the playoffs,
I see the islanders fighting for the 7th and 8th spots with the Hurricanes, Rangers, Flyers, and Lightning, everyone else won’t be more competitive aside from the top 6 for numerous reasons.
Go isles or Go home.
Not This Year
They’re not making it. Even with an upgraded defense, the Isles are too young, too small, and their defense and depth still kills them. To make matters worse, there needs to be a pure offensive threat to take the pressure off of Tavares.
Add in a older Rollie the Goalie, and the unknowable injuries to DiPietro and it looks like they got another season of looking in from the outside.
Will there be progress? Yes, and they could sneak in, but I’m picking them 9th/10th with just a couple points, cursed 1 goal losses, away from making into the post season.
I’ll change that, of course, if Nino sticks with the team and the offense gets some skill.
Have to agree, particularly when it comes to the size problem. I suspect they’ll continue to give up leads late and fade in the second half as they just wear down physically against bigger and stronger opponents. Rollie was incredible last year, if he regresses towards normal in any way shape or form the club won’t be in the race for the playoffs at all. Of course the whole Eastern conference was awash in mediocrity last season which also may have given us a false impression of how far the club has come.
Of course the whole Eastern conference was awash in mediocrity last season which also may have given us a false impression of how far the club has come.
That’s a very good point. And it gets worse when we remember that the Islanders were actually not even very competitive within that mediocre conference (24-31-9, worst record) last season.
I don’t agree regarding Rollie, though, I think he played pretty much on his usual level last season. Obviously, there’s still some danger the goalie situation could hurt this team this year with either DP messing it up or Rollie regressing indeed, though in my opinion not towards normal, but because of his age.
After last season ended I thought the team as a whole had shown enough that they would be a playoff team just by tweaking the roster. I wanted to see them get rid of the below or at replacement level guys like Gervais, Sim, Park, Thompson, Witt, Tambellini (to a lesser extent) and the defensive fill-ins aside from AMac. As long as Sim plays mostly in the A with Hilbert they’ve done that. And as long as the young forwards and Dmen continued their development I thought they could compete for a spot. Factor in what they added on D w/ Wiz and Eaton and I’m optimistic.
Then I looked at how much all the other teams in the East improved and now I’m skeptical, especially with the Isles goalie situation. But I think they’ll be in the hunt all year and I think they’ll sneak in. I think injuries will be the deciding factor along with the unbalanced schedule as the Atlantic I think is the toughest division. Bottom line, I think they get in.
The Isles could make it!
They really were only a handful of blown leads and scoring slumps away from squeaking in, and I think the upgrades at D and settling-in of the youngsters could swing those kinds of games back their way.
I think they get the 8th spot, as long as a top 6 up front/top 4 in back/Rolo doesn’t miss 20+ games. The core youth has a lot of experience, and am counting on continued progress and the jump in their legs late in the season to be the difference.If they miss, they will be in it until the last 2 weeks.
If DiPietro is healthy all season, how many games do you expect Rollie to play?
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
After last season ended I thought the team as a whole had shown enough that they would be a playoff team just by tweaking the roster.
I agree completely with your assessment. Snow has weeded out most of the dead wood and has bolstered the defense. He also seems pretty confident that DP is ready to step back into the league as either a backup or starter, which remains to be demonstrated. But, they certainly had opportunities to add an NHL goalie if he wanted to. As a former goalie we need to trust his judgment on this. Lets hope he’s right.
I’m not crazy about bringing back Weight at the expense of a roster spot for one of the kids. And, I am concerned that Hunter is just too slow for today’s game. I know the contract situation dictated it, but I would rather have had Bergenheim than Hunter (better wheels, energy and penalty killing).
A big issue for making the playoffs is which kids make the roster and why. If a guy like Petrov is freed to come over than I think we have something. Nino, after his 9 games, should be returned to juniors unless he dazzles during his showcase. After that we do not have a whole lot of improvement in the scoring department. Yes, the returning kids will grow, but unless we see a real breakout season from Okposo, Shremp or Bailey (with Moulson in the same range as last yaer), we still do not have enough firepower to compliment Tavares. Given the improvements other teams in the conference have made, we are one or two broken parts away from the lottery. Then again, we actually play the game because who knows what surprises await. if Snow can make a deal for a scoring winger. Or if one of the unsung new kids can pull a Moulson. Or some injuries to key guys on other teams happen the picture can change significantly. But right now, on paper, it looks like we are on the outside looking in.
I’m going on how everyone was fawning over Petrov at prospect camp that if he makes it over here he could be a big factor on the team.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
At times last year they looked like they could beat any team. This year the team is improved (especially on D). If the team plays more consistantly, keeps the leads it was good at building (but bad at keeping), and gets 5 more goals each out of the young talent then 7,8 is certainly a possibility. Most likely it’s around 10th but the playoffs are realistic, especially if JT goes on a tear.
this probably should be a fanshot but I'm putting it here
Puck Prospectus article about building a team in the salary cap era.
Money quote: “A team composed of young and restricted free agents, stay-at-home defensemen, players of smaller stature and assorted reclamation projects are very well positioned to compete in this new era.”
tell me if the rest they lay out sounds familiar to anyone: http://www.puckprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=617
Interesting piece
Funny that Sim comes up there as a penalty drawer, with that note that the league calls penalties more for smaller guys.
One thing that stands out to me is: this value comparison is good — every team should do it. But for the Isles it’s all the more critical if they are going to remain a low-spending team. I assume they’re saving money now because they’ll need to spend more later when their homegrown talent need bigger deals. Because if you don’t ever spend, you risk falling into the Nashville 5-9th seed cycle.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
excellent point. I’ve been thinking about doing a fanpost called the Perpetual Rebuild and how to avoid it b/c like you said eventually you have to take the next step and resign guys and bring in the “puts us over the top free agent” or you risk that 5-9th seed cycle like you said. That’s why a playoff berth this season is a good first step. They need to put some asses in the seats at the coliseum. I believe Wang will spend if the team draws and get some heat from the mainstream press. If they continue to falter, then we could be in trouble.
In fairness though we should be night and day compared to Nashville. The Islanders are in a much bigger market, a definite hockey market. If they can’t keep the core of youngsters around to start competing for the Atlantic title then something big is wrong.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
OH YEAH,
If we are living through a rebuild, and if we lose a couple or more youngsters through free agency out of the main group: JT, KO, JB, MM, FN, JH, AM and depending on next year BC, JW, and RSH, then wang/garth have failed royally in my mind.
Go isles or Go home.
True. I’m just a little nervous about Wang’s spending power when that time comes. Of course with him, the economy, the unknown venue — there are so many unclear factors it’s not much worth worrying about now. I just wonder.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Hopefulyl Winner = More Attendance.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
the probable three
I say at least 1 of those teams really drops off and misses the playoffs by a lot…either Carolina or Ottawa
and then 2 teams out of the Flyers, Rangers, Islanders and Lighting make it
Any task BIG or small, Do it well or not at all
Between the NY Islanders and the playoffs this season are:
Everyone else in the Eastern Dvision.
While the Isles hopes are put squarely on the shoulders of just past puberty forwards and the defense that is questionable til we see them in action and a 40 year old goalie, this team has to make some kind of improvement. And although everyone is crossing their fingers, ‘we shall see’ is the attitude the smart person should take.
While changes were made on defense, our goal output (or input) hopefully will go up. Until the Islanders take the ice in October there isn’t any reason to believe we are contenders for the Cup. Honestly our best hope is that we don’t get blown out too many games this year.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
Really?
I’m going to have to disagree with you on our defense being questionable, we are middle of the pack now, and imo, far from questionable. Sure we are not sure who’s winning the roster spots, but our d-core as a whole is looking really good and depthy:
Streit-Legit Top 2, and 50pt d-man
Wisniewski-Right now, Borderline Top 2/Top 4, looks to have possible top 2 offense and top 2 defense if he throws his game together and gets his mind right
Eaton-Penalty Killing, shutdown d-man, Top 4 his whole career and still is,
Martinek-Top 4 shutdown d-man his whole career, and probably still is barring injury,
Hillen-Very Respectable Bottom 2 guy, fast and brings a lot of offense to the table, could be a top 4 on some teams and his future spot is most likely a Top 4 once he fully matures,
Macdonald-Question mark right now, but last year he showed he could play a Top 4 shutdown role really well, although he needs a little more muscle and should be a bit more physical to keep opponents honest near the boards
Jurcina/Gervais-Both borderline #6/#7 d-men, whome give us depth if we get injuries
Hamonic-Lots of size but still young, future Top 4 projected or maybe even top 2 shutdown d-men with some offensive upside, unknown what he’s capable of at the nhl level, but he dominated defensively in juniors
Reese-Legit depth guy, very responsible with some offensive upside, could possibly be a #6 d-man on another team
Kohn-Legit depth guy, has a few wholes but most depth guys do anyway.
Looks pretty good to me. I don’t know what people are complaining about. It’s pretty well-rounded overall with a slight lack of physicality and a slight lack of 1 huge d-man, but other then that we are an average(+) d-core with great depth.
But I agree, the goalie is an x-factor, but trade options are usually open if it deems necessary there and are offense is still young and we are banking on a lot of unprovens and a number of ‘’maturing players’’ to bring to the table the o we are hoping for. But I honestly think our O will be ok or about average and our d is average to average+, with the potential of our o being above average if everyone matures as expected.
Go isles or Go home.
I’m surprised you add Martinek as a strength because if he gets hurt again, he would have spent almost the same amount of time on IR as DP.
I like Streit, he is our best D man. I’ll have to wait on Wiz and Eaton. If all we go on are last years stats., then it isn’t much there. They both had 3 goals last season.
Jurcina is not an offensive threat at all, even getting one goal last year on a bad bounce off the boards.
The balance of our D are Islanders we saw at some times during the last season. If any of them improved, it has yet to be seen. All we can do is hope.
The Isles did re sign Weight. Our scoring chances are sure to double now. LOL
Another year for our forwards to improve before we can’t afford to keep them all.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
If you look back to last season though, the team had a horrible 3rd period goal differential. I’ve written about it so many times I almost have it memorized, but it was somewhere near -50 while the first and second periods were within spitting distance of breaking even.
What we really need is stronger showing in the third period, and hopefully an improved defense means not only a fresher Streit in the 3rd period, but Roloson not getting gassed by the time the 3rd comes around because he alone was keeping the game within reach.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Actually the teams performance in the 3rd has been horrible for the last TWO years.
Just too many games given away.
Streit & Rolo will be key all season. I hope Streit can give another great season. Rolo will be 41. I hope for a good game from him as long as he can.
DP remains the biggest question mark on the team. After that, our offense has to show up.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
The 3rd period really was the difference last year between making or missing the playoffs. It got so ridiculous that I would get that “oh shit, here we go” feeling at the start of the third for every game, no matter what the score was after two. It has to demoralizing and psychologically effect the playes, especially when you have such a young team. I actually blame Gordon for that, for not calling a time out to settle them down once you saw the tide starting to turn.
"That was a joke, son, don't you get it?" - Foghorn Leghorn
The Captain
Weight talked about that some in his post-signing Q&A. How they are young and growing but need to play 60 minutes and something like “I’m sure everyone’s been in the gym doing what they need to do” type of talk. Hopefully he’s ready to light a fire under some arses and withhold dinner from JT when necessary.
Lighthouse Hockey: Trying to reconstitute the Hogue-Turgeon-Thomas line from NHL 94.
by Dominik on Sep 3, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m more with Marty here, and wouldn’t call the defense “middle of the pack”. One legit top-pair defender, one talented, but perhaps a little shaky top 2/top 4 guy plus a bunch of guys somewhere between #3.5 and #7 might be solid in terms of depth, but doesn’t quite do it to compete with an average D in this league I think.
And, although that might not have been part of the discussion here thus far, it’s obviously important to consider other things determining the quality of the defense as a whole, such as the quality/depth of your defensive forwards, the goaltending, or the PK. And that’s where this team probably won’t be league average (either).
I guess we'll just have to wait and see, because I forsee good things while some don't.
I don’t know if you guys are underrating Eaton or thinking Martinek’s injuries will catch up to him big time, but I just don’t see how our defense can be far from average this year going into the season. Aside from a true 2(for now) top 2 d-men, we are pretty solid overall.
Go isles or Go home.
pretty solid overall
Our starting goalie is going to be 41 years old. That in itself should make you wish you hadn’t said that. Rolo is good, but his age is showing as he tires easily in the third period and collapses under heavy assaults.
Our defense has better do that…defend. Setting records for most shots allowed last year only made our old goalie even older. Slight improvement offensively from our D men. Go watch Jurcina’s goal against Buffalo and you’ll see why he’s not an offensive threat. Made me laugh.
Our offense. Truly the biggest question here. What comes from another year under their belts, we all want to know. Hopefully healthier and a little better are all I can ask.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
Rolo is good, but his age is showing as he tires easily in the third period and collapses under heavy assaults.
As said, I’m with you in general when it comes to our overall D, but that right here is not correct. The struggles the team has had in 3rd periods have nothing to do with goaltending at all. It’s the team as a whole that falters and most of all doesn’t score enough. Check out these numbers here, they scored only 53 goals in 3rd periods last season, that’s rock bottom in the league. But they were 7th and 6th in terms of goals scored in 1st and 2nd periods respectively. They’re relatively consistent (23rd, 24th, 26th) in terms of goals conceded by periods. And Rollie himself has been very consistent there, too, conceding 45, 48, 50 goals in the periods respectively. I can’t find the numbers for shots against by period, but I’d guess they faced most shots in 3rd periods and thus Rollie’s save percentage in 3rd periods even being better than in 1st and 2nd periods.
I meant the defense is pretty solid overall(as it is written in the sentence in my post),
I’ve even stated before we are going off pretty positive expectations with our offense and goalie going into the season. It’s not to say that we can’t fix those problems through trade if necessary, it’s just a couple of question marks/play it by ear situation. All I know is, next year, Garth/Wang aren’t can’t be playing the let’s see how they mature card with anyone except maybe martin or hamonic because everyone should have matured fairly close to their peak by the end of next year.
Go isles or Go home.
Isles VS Vancouver game on MSG Plus right now.
Get out of the sticks, Charles, move to Queens!! Come, Get some respect a Professional team deserves!!
need offense
even if the G and D work out, and thats a big if , the offense needs everthing to click especially since it appears that GS is not getting any new veteran help. I predict we beat out FL, and Carolina only.
Playoff Chances
This was a great post Dom. Right now I don’t see the Isles being part of the 2010-11 playoffs. I think they can potentially get a 4-8 seed, but there are just too many questions.
The number one question is the defense. On paper they have VASTLY improved over the top 8 defenders last year, except they got a career year out of Sutton. If the new defenders play well in Gordon’s system that will answer many questions, and may have them in the thick of it(division leadership, top 4 seed) through the holidays.
We all project more offense from the SAME personnel from last year because they will be a year older (and more experienced). I’d concur with that, but there are no guarentees.
One of the biggest problems is that they are still small and they play in a BIG division. That might even serve them well early in the season, but I feel as though they will wear down faster, and will have to look deeper into their reserve than other teams. I guess we can keep our fingers crossed that Martin and Joensuu make big contributions in this regard, but they are still very small up the middle.
It’s a long season, and you never know what will happen and who may EXPLODE or IMPLODE. I’d say they need to improve their goal differential and make sure the last 15 games are more meaningful than trying to determine draft positions… and they will be fine for 2011-12.
My cup is 3/4 empty, How 'bout yours?
One of the biggest problems is that they are still small and they play in a BIG division.
Agreed. I don’t rate their chances of making the playoffs very much, and I think it would take a perfect health year like many have said. If that’s what’s required, this division certainly doesn’t keep them healthy.
(Oh by the way: This main post was WebBard’s)
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
No worries, To me it’s an extreme compliment if my writing is as good as Dom’s. Plus if your double checking who wrote a post it’s probably not a good thing.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Toronto
If you want a perfect storm of making the playoffs, have Jean-Sebastien Giguere on your team entering a contract year.
This line gave me a good chuckle. I’d completely written off Toronto — no offense worth speaking of — but I hadn’t considered the possibility of Good Giguere returning. I suppose he could carry them on his way to a new contract.
Lighthouse Hockey: An always-open repair shop for mikb's sarcasm module.
Toronto is all defense.
Komisarek, Phaneuf, Kaberle, Beauchemin, Schenn, Gunnarsson. They have a very solid all around d-core, but their offense is pathetic. I see them pretenders again, unless Giguere can be their lundqvist (which would be a miracle).
On Giguere, to me he’s always been an around average starting goalie, but when you put a great d-core in front of him, like he did for some years in anaheim, then he looks like a great goalie. He’s not bad, he’s just not, here’s an ok defense take us to the playoffs goalie. But Toronto’s D is definitely above average, but their offense is a monstrosity, even with kessel and versteeg.
Go isles or Go home.
They seemed to play different with Giguere. No offense to Gustvasson, but I think everyone already has his number. Make him move side to side. I think they have some legendary goalie coach in Toronto, so it’ll be interesting to see how he comes along.
It’ll also be interesting if Giguere keeps them in the playoff hunt. I’m sure the plan in Toronto is to try to trade him to a contender at the deadline and get another pick.
Dominik signed me for 20 years, and all I got was a press conference and a voided contract...
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Ottawa?
Nic Post Webby, I just don’t see Ottawa being in that higher category…They feel like a team on the decline to me and I would not be suprised to see them give up a lot of ground and a playoff spot this season . Overall though, I think you have a solid read on the East.
Thanks. Considering how long Leclaire was out for Ottawa, and how they ended up with the 5th seed, if Spezza doesn’t cause any drama and Leclaire returns to form along with Elliot not collapsing, I can see them making it
The east is pretty easy though, there’s 4 teams who are pretty much in no matter what. It’s all about sorting whats left.
Trevor Gillies: Giving an all new meaning to "Mustache Ride"
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I understand the bias….but better than the Lightning and Rangers? Probably not. With Tampa, you have a highly skilled offense, maybe the best in the east after Pitts. and some pretty decent defenders, if they put out decent netminder, they will make the post season. They will likely be in contention for one of the top PP’s this season. The Rangers picked up Biron to play 20+ games this season. He is decent enough to give Hank a break. Gaboriks hip surgery corrects his groin condition and whatever issues he had. These were said to be caused by him favoring the hip. He played a ton of games last season maybe 76? Finished 10th overall in scoring, he’ll be better this season. I don’t think they have injuries to those players this season. Lastly, to go back to the first point…about the bias……please explain how the Isles are better than anyone? I see this team as the pro sports version of Burger King…..no identity. With Streit out who is the leader? Will JT break out like Stamkos? He was decent last season but not great. I like Okposo’s game and Moulsons but will they be as good as last season? I don’t honestly think the Isles are better than anyone sans Toronto. Dipietro gonna play? In all seriousness, hope for another year of young players developing and then let Snow be a draft mastermind like he has been, in a few years this team is going to be stacked with solid young players. I’d love to see the Rangers do the same thing. Hated to see McD and Valentenko get sent down in favor of Gilroy and Eminger. You guys are on the right track, soon you will have your day.
This post was made before Okopso, Streit and Schremp's injuries, btw
The Rangers picked up Biron to play 20+ games this season. He is decent enough to give Hank a break.
That’s the theory. I really wonder about him and Torts though. He is capable of massive stinkers that just might shake Torts into giving him the traditional storage. Maybe because he has mythical “veteran” status that’s enough for Torts, I don’t know.
Not sure I understand the Burger King/identity lament. What is the Rangers’ identity? For that matter, what is the Bruins’ identity? Having trouble divining what that means and how it’s relevant.
By the way, do you really think Gaborik will be better than last year? I suppose if Frolov clicks it could happen.
Lighthouse Hockey: You say that like Streit and Okposo were important to this team.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Lighthouse Hockey
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Featured Stories
Islanders Schedule
Next 5 Games
@
Philadelphia
|
Tue 02/07 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
Montreal
|
Thu 02/09 | 7:00 PM EST |
|
Los Angeles
|
Sat 02/11 | 1:00 PM EST |
|
Florida
|
Sun 02/12 | 3:00 PM EST |
|
@
Winnipeg
|
Tue 02/14 | 8:30 PM EST |
Last 5 Games
|
Buffalo
|
Sat 02/04 | SO - L 3 - 4 |
|
@
Ottawa
|
Fri 02/03 | OT - W 2 - 1 |
|
@
Carolina
|
Tue 01/31 | W 5 - 2 |
|
Toronto
|
Tue 01/24 | OT - L 3 - 4 |
|
@
Toronto
|
Mon 01/23 | L 0 - 3 |
Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
New York Rangers
|
50 | 33 | 12 | 5 | 71 |
|
Philadelphia
|
52 | 30 | 16 | 6 | 66 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
53 | 30 | 19 | 4 | 64 |
|
New Jersey
|
52 | 30 | 19 | 3 | 63 |
|
New York Islanders
|
51 | 21 | 22 | 8 | 50 |
(updated 2.5.2012 at 4:42 PM EST)
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Sunday’s Three Stars: Price blanks Jets; Kovalchuk powers Devils; Gomez doesn’t score
- Two more reasons Teemu Selanne rules: Holding ceramic pig, wearing panty-dropper shirt (Photo)
- Congratulations to Canadiens’ Scott Gomez on the one-year anniversary of his last goal
- NHL relocation to Seattle: Will new arena, Coyotes’ plight bring pucks to Pacific Northwest?
- How to score on KHL goalies: Shoot from your own end (Video)
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
