Bridgeport and Prospect Roundup 2/14
Three games up and three games down as the wheels continue to come off in Bridgeport. There's not much that can be done to salvage their season as they are 15 points out of the playoffs. They are also on a 9 game losing (all regulation) streak and are 1-9 in their last ten. For those worried that Dylan Reese might get a call up, don't. Reese and partner Dustin Kohn finished the week -5, and they combined for back to back -2 nights to start the week. Even old reliable Mark Wotton had a -3 night against Portland.
The Soundtigers started against the Baby Pens Friday night, losing 2-0. The bright spot was Joel Martin, who was named 3rd star for a 25 save performance. The following night against Manchester BP lost 6-2. Justin Dibenedetto [Brandon Svendson, Brett Motherwell] and Eric Castonguay [Jean Bourbeau, Tony Romano] made it 2-0 at the end of the first. The dam gates broke though in the 2nd as Joel Martin [12 saves on 16 shots] was pulled for Riley Gill who only gave up 2 goals on 21 shots to finish the game. Against Portland Riley Gill got the chance to start and proceeded to give up 2 goals on 2 shots in the first 41 seconds and be pulled for Joel Martin. BP was able to make it close with goals from Jean Bourbeau [Penalty Shot] Rob Hisey [Robin Figren, Bourbeau] and Thomas Marcinko [Jason Pitton] to make it 4-3 before losing 6-3. Bourbeau was named 3rd star of the night.
The problems for Bridgeport are pretty bad. Martin and Gill are unsurprisingly erratic. But that's to be expected from two goalies who weren't even full fledged starters in the ECHL. The defense is obviously missing Hamonic, Dustin Kohn appears to have regressed as he's -17 in 29 games, Brett Motherwell is -17 in 36 games and Wotton is -15 in 50 games. The offense is relying too much on a bunch of youngsters who haven't put up top line production at this level before. The team really could have used Jon Sim to give them a scoring punch and they are going to need to add a player of that type to the team in the offseason.
Natural Born Kirills
Kirill Petrov did not have any games this week, his season total is 8 Goals, 11 Assists for 19 points in 44 games.
Kirill Kabanov Had a good week despite Lewiston dropping two of three. He finished the week with 1 goal and 2 assists with a +1 On the season he has 8 goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 26 games.
WHL, OHL, NCAA and Europe
The Oshawa Generals clinched a playoff spot this week. Otherwise it was a quiet week for Calvin De Haan and Tony Dehart. Calvin had 2 assists on the week and Dehart had 1 as they finished even over 4 games. De Haan has 2 goals, 29 assists for 31 points in 41 games, Dehart has 2 goals, 20 assists for 22 points in 44 games.
Casey Cizikas continued his strong play with a goal and assist in 3 games this week. He was also named 2nd star of the game in Mississauga's win over Barrie. He now has 27 goals, 29 assists for 56 points in 44 games.
The Winterhawks scored 18 goals this week across 3 games despite being shutout once. Nino Niederreiter had 2 assists bringing his season total to 24 goals, 18 assists for 42 points in 40 games.
Brandon has turned it around, winning their 6th straight home game. In 2 games this week David Toews had a goal and 2 assists along with being named 3rd star of the night once. In 46 games Toews has 13 goals, 18 assists for 31 points. Brandon is actually in playoff position at 7th seed despite their long losing streak last month.
Jason Gregoire helped lead North Dakota to sweep Alaska Anchorage with back to back 1 goal, 1 assist performances including 1st star honors on the second night. Brock Nelson did not get on the scoresheet. Nelson has 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points in 29 games. Gregoire has 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points in 24 games.
Denver and Minnesota played this weekend, so it was Matt Donovan Vs Aaron Ness. The teams split the games, but neither Islander prospect got on the board. Ness has 1 goal, 9 assists for 10 points in 27 games, Donovan has 6 goals, 14 assists for 20 points in 30 games.
Sometimes prospects can be considered overrated if they score a lot of garbage goals. Anders Lee though continues to be absolutely clutch, scoring the game winning goal on the first night against Bowling Green and assisting on ND's only other goal in the 2-1 win. He was also named first star of the game. Lee followed that up with 2 assists the next night making his stats for the year 19 goals, 18 assists for 37 points in 32 games.
Shane Sims did not get on the board in either game this week for Ohio State University. On the season he has 2 goals and 15 assists for 17 points in 30 games.
Corey Trivino had a goal in both BU games this week. He has 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 26 games.
Blake Kessel did not score and was a -2 in UNH's games this weekend. This year he has 5 goals and 16 assists for 21 points in 28 games.
Brian Day played both games this weekend for Colgate and scored a goal in the second game. Day has 9 goals, 10 assists for 19 points in 27 games.
Lulea and Anders Nilsson was off this week.
Cody Rosen almost played as Clarkson pulled their starter as they were routed by Yale. Unfortunately Rosen did not get the call.
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Thanks, as always,.... but
… for the first time al season, I’m more excited about the team on the Island than the youngsters waiting in the wings.
Nice to hear no behavioural news about Kabanov. Maybe he’s growing up.
You heard it here first (NOT), but Casey Cizikas will be something more than what the scouts believed. It’s interesting to see he’s got more points than Nino, even though he’s played fewer games. OHL vs WHL, of course, but the Winterhawks are supposed to be something offensively special.
Looking forward to the development of Anders Lee.
The following two comments don’t really belong here, but I can’t be bothered making my own thread.
Michael Grabner (I think I have almost as big a man crush as Dom has on Frans) is now, according to Elias Sports Bureau (link needed), the only Rookie in NHL history to score Hat Tricks for two different teams in two different seasons (Vancouver and us).
The difference in record for the islanders when Jurcina is in the lineup as opposed to out is really something. Someone may have mentioned it here, or it may have been mentioned somewhere else, but apparently it’s something like 18-13 in and 3-18 out. How long is he under contract?
NTIPC
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Feb 14, 2011 8:04 AM EST reply actions
The difference in record for the islanders when Jurcina is in the lineup as opposed to out is really something. Someone may have mentioned it here, or it may have been mentioned somewhere else, but apparently it’s something like 18-13 in and 3-18 out. How long is he under contract?
Isles just upped him not long ago.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 14, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
But
I would temper these expectations. One, there is likely no real correlation here between Jurcina and wins. Two, the guy can be exceedingly frustrating to watch. He has some stretches where he looks very good (like recently), but he goes through phases where you don’t notice him at all (despite his size) until he has a glaring defensive lapse.
Maybe he’s gotten some focus since coming to LI, but I’m going to wait a little longer until I get too amped about him.
Jurcina is below average defensively, average offensively, but the players who replace him when he’s hurt are so marginal that it hurts the team, imho
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
by Mark D on Feb 14, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I've wondered for a while now why Cizikas isn't a bigger prospect. He's putting up numbers.
He is more than a year and a half older than Nino though. That’s a big difference at that age. He’ll be 20 in 2 weeks. Nino won’t be 19 until October.
Cizikas was 92nd overall taken in the 4th round
Nino was taken 5th overall in the 1st round
It’s just a fact of life.
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
i see boredom broke webby's cody rosen template...
Cody Rosen almost played as Clarkson pulled their starter as they were routed by Yale. Unfortunately Rosen did not get the call.
NYI Hockey! We'll get that winless month yet!
haha nice
He has gotten 1 start, and filled in once during the year. Also Clarkson was on vacation once. So it’s changed here and there.
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
i hope there's a happy ending to it
in a year or two… i know he’s low man on the 3 headed totem pole right now, but it’s still kinda funny…
NYI Hockey! We'll get that winless month yet!
He did have strong showings when he played. It’s all in good fun. The sad thing is when I was googling him a few wees ago looking for something, someone from Hockey’s Future boards was ripping apart the drafting of him and quoted me. He’s a 7th round pick and I’m having a bit of fun, although I do hope he never does google himself.
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
a question for ...
others who watch more games around the league than me.
is Al Montoya always that shaky? the man looked like Shemp Howard for cripes sakes.
if he is, then get Joel Martin back up here now i say. it doesn’t matter how obscure or inexperienced he is. at least noone knew who he was so there are no expectations.
no offense
Did you not read the Bridgeport report? Montoya head, shoulders, waist, knees and ankles above Joel Martin. Martin makes Kosikinen look consistent.
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I'd put it down to nerves + adrenaline
Montoya is getting a shot when his window had all-but-closed. So yeah, lots of flopping and floundering, but he’s serviceable, and could be a solid backup given the chance. He’s probably no worse, for example, than Patrick Lalime, but Lalime had a great start to his career and it’s earned him seemingly-endless goodwill around the league. Montoya hasn’t really gotten that shot. I’d rather him than Martin or Lawson, I think.
If anyone needs me, I'll be in the Angry Dome.
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get Joel Martin back up here
No, no, and no-no-no.
Martin is from the JACKALOPES, and is only in the AHL because of multiple goalie injuries. He in NO WAY belongs on an NHL team.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 14, 2011 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
sorry i jumped the gun ...,
limited time to read all the stuff while working.
just hope montoya was simply jumpy due to the change.
no problem
I’m hoping the same too, that Montoya went in cold
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
Gregoire has been impressive since coming back from his injury
It’s like he needs to make up for lost time.
You mean to tell me shooting the puck from 70 feet out doesn't earn us extra goals?
Even if they add all the seniors from College currently, they still need to add a veteran guy who can score. Some of the seniors might be better off in the ECHL for part of a season rather then the AHL. It didn’t hurt MacDonald at all, and some of these guys are coming from the lower echelon of colleges.
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
might be better off in the ECHL for part of a season rather then the AHL. It didn’t hurt MacDonald at all
No it most certainly didnt!
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 14, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks again Webby
It looks like BPT is deep in the hole again… and it may take soem creativity, but htey should be okay next year.
By creativity I mean it’s going ot be hard for Garth to get that pond restocked… AGAIN. The defensive injuries this year have crippled the both teams, and they’ve found some gems while replacing folks that will be back next year… but it doesn’t necessary that everybody goes back and swims nicely.
AMAC and Hamonic aren’t going anywhere. They should have their responsibilities lessened with the return of Streit and Eaton, but they’re not going to see BPT anytime soon… It’ll take some creative negotiations to get Hillen or Gervais to spend some time in BPT… and then getting them through waivers may not be that easy.
But BPT will also improve with deHaan, Dehart, Cizikas and maybe a few college udrafted free agents… or some of our prospects opting out of their college comittments like Donovan, Kessel, Lee and/or Gregiore(not sure if any of them are seniors).
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
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I don’t think BP is that big in the hole, they just need 1 player who can score on a regular basis. And of course goaltending. They were outstanding when Bailey was down there and when Sim was down there. I think it comes down to sometimes a good defense is a good offense. Especially when you look at how BP isn’t even getting that many shots on goal most nights.
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
I should have CAPPED...
“LOOKS” like BPT is deep in the hole. I really think the big problem will be goaltending. Koskinen, opefully will not be asked to spend more than a few games in the NHL, but he has to stay healthy to help anybody. Poulin will be a question mark until he comes back, and hopefully that will eb at the AHL level.
Defense s/b pretty strong with Wishart, Katic, Kohn, Klementyev, deHaan, DeHart and wheatever AHL vets stick aournd or get thrown into the pot…
The forward supply should get a little deaper/more experienced just liek the mother club. Their pool gets almost immediately better with Casey joining the squad…. and then there are the decisions like Joensuu and I think Figren.
BIGGEST PROBLEM… COACHING STAFF. I don’t know if they will keep the current staff (probably), and given the helter skelter season it’s been it’s not good to thrwo around any, even a little blame, but I think there has been a step down from the level that capuano showed there for several years. Hopefully that improves rather than having to replace people.
I’ve mentioned before that I think Wishart should stay here for the remainder of the season because the two best defensive coaches are behind the Islander bench… and would really rather see better developmental coaches in BPT.
Lighthouse Hockey: where "you better check yourself before you rec yourself" -bobl
If your life isn't pathetic enough already, follow me on twitter @JPinVA
Bridgeport
has had their best year ever
their job is to prepare the next generation – many of whom are already up with the big club and contributing
does anyone really care what their record is?
job well done I’d say
During the losing streak people keep asking me "Whats Wrong"
So I just wanted to give as good of a roundup as possible of why BP is struggling.
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.
further
the present issues with Bridgeport are largely with the offense
almost no one can score, so they press too hard, get caught up ice while pressing, and get scored on the counterattack
the defensemen in question aren’t all that bad – you can’t keep playing on the back foot
and with Koskinen back, Martin backing him up, they are fine (regardless of what Botta & Strang think, Koskinen is perfectly capable at the AHL level)
They will be so much better next year
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Feb 14, 2011 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
there are going to be a lot of young prospects coming into the bridge next year, and with the rule that you can have no more than 50 players under contract, there will be a lot of guys leaving the bridge after this year to make room.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Feb 15, 2011 1:28 AM EST reply actions
the 50 player rule is for the NHL roster, guys like Mark Wotton for example are signed to Bridgeport, not too an NHL deal.
But I checked before I put my foot in my mouth, the Isles currently have 48 guys under contract not including Nabokov. Of course there are going to be a large amount of FAs too who aren’t going to be brought back, Lawson, Joel Martin, Weight, Martinek (if he gets traded he won’t be back) Reese, Hillen and Gervais are maybes. So that opens at least 7 spots.
"Their blog leader, Dominik, is a very reasonable fellow who writes very well and is dedicated. He didn’t have, from what I can tell, any part of that post. I suppose who he employs to post for him reflects on his blog, but it’s a shame." ~ Angry Penguins Fan
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey not sure if I'm the Sniper or the Enforcer.

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