2012/2013 Realistic Islander's Roster, Lines, Defensive Pairs, Goalies
by mordred0831 on Jan 12, 2012 5:17 PM EST
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By the Allstar Game we will know where the Islanders stand with this season, because the next 7 of 8 games are against our Conference. If the Islanders do not take 10 out of a possible 14 points in the Conference games this season for all intents and purposes will be done. On that note again the Islanders are looking at a another top 5 pick. There will be numerous roster changes, most of us know who they will be:
Nabokov (more than likely traded before deadline for a 3rd round pick)
Reasoner (no trade value)
Rolston (no trade value)
Pandolfo (no trade value)
Wallace (no trade value)
Eaton (no trade value)
Mottau (no trade value)
Staios (no trade value)
All of the above players besides Nabokov, whether we get 6th or 7th round picks, release, or just not resign them, will not be on the roster. The Islanders, just like this season, going into next season have 2 major needs, legit Vets in their prime, a top 4 winger and a top 4 defenseman. This is not going to come by FA, as we all know it will need to be a trade either at the deadline or at the draft. The Islanders will have to give up a talented young player and a draft pick to get the Defenseman or Winger that they target. It also will not be both so I would prefer a Defenseman. We will find out real soon if Snow is up to it, to be honest I doubt it is going to happen I have no faith in him at all. So more than likely the Islanders are going to be using the current roster and what we have in the system developing. Here is what I see as our roster:
1st Line - Moulson-JT-Okposo
2nd Line - Grabner-Strome-Nino
3rd Line - Martin-Bailey-Parenteau/DiBe/Citzkas
4th Line - Ullstrom-Neilsen-Haley
1st Pair - AMac-Hamonic
2nd Pair- Striet-CDH/Vet
3rd Pair - Jurcina/Reese/Wishart/Katic/Donavan
#1A - Montoya
#1B - Poulin
IR - DiPi
If by some miracle Snow can pull of a trade for a Vet Defenseman he will need to give a combination of our #1 Pick and legit player. As has been proven NO FA WANTS TO COME HERE. There are 3 players that come to mind:
Bailey - Not Sure what he is worth on the market
Parenteau - It would need to be at the deadline or it would be a sign and trade.
Neilsen - We know on the Island he is worth it but not sure what the rest of the NHL thinks.
Using the above logic I could see the Islanders putting a package of Nabakov, Parenteau, and our 1st pick for the TOP 4 Defenseman if not the Islanders will resign Parenteau.
1st Line - They are coming together just like they did JT's and Moulson's first season when Okposo played on their line. The line is more balanced than with Parenteau.
2nd Line - To me putting Strome (an elite puck handler with speed) and Grabner together would be a dangerous pairing with the added bonus of Nino as the power forward.
3rd Line - If Parenteau is not traded I see him wth Bailey and Martin if he is traded this will give DiBe/Citzkas/Kabanov a chance to see what they have. I would love for them to get their chance after the Allstar game but we will see. This line COULD be a nice 3rd line IF Bailey continues to play like he has played lately
4th Line - This is our defensive specialist PK line. This is what Neislsen does best.
Defenseman are very weak again, but there is talent SUPPOSEDLY there. I pray to GOD that Snow can make a trade happen but the odds are against that happening. AMac and Hamonic are solid and I hope Streit can at least hold his own next season with a straong partner. If the trade does not happen I can see CDH being babysat by Streit. The 5th and 6th defenseman is totaly up for grabs.
Goaltending should not be an issue as long as DiPi gets hurt and only plays 0-10 games.
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FYI - Reasoner has a 2-year deal
He’ll still be here.
You would deal the 1st-round pick + rentals for just a top 4 D? I wouldn’t do that, but regardless the problem with offering rentals: You’re probably trading with a partner that doesn’t want to give up a real player (because they’re in the middle of a playoff push). Nobody wants to give up top 4 D unless they themselves are selling off rentals, or if they’re maxed out on the cap like when Calgary dumped Phaneuf.
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
by Dominik on Jan 12, 2012 8:07 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Not A Rental
Looking for somebody already signed or I would not give up that much. Reasoner better not be on this team. None of the Geriatrics Crew better not be on the team next season,
*Parenteau* is the rental here
That’s the issue. You want to acquire a solid player who is important to a playoff team and offer them an average injury-prone goalie, a quality rental, and a fantastic #1 pick that will nonetheless not help their playoff push.
Which team is teeming with surplus good D that their playoff push can afford to give him up for six weeks of Parenteau?
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
This is what I said
Parenteau – It would need to be at the deadline or it would be a sign and trade.
What I meant to say.....
It would need to be a conditional trade based on signing at the deadline or a sign and trade.
How about Minnesota?
It won’t be NHL ready D, but they’ve got tons of top notch young D to spare and a certain, shall we say, amount of desperation?
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jan 19, 2012 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
Not that trading PAP is my preferred choice
STOP effin' messin' with my FnGO!!
by Nova Scotia Isles Fan on Jan 19, 2012 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
If we are going to give up a top ten 1st round pick plus I want a top pair
and he better be signed for at least 3 more years. This draft is so top heavy with quality D Men that you are almost better off drafting and waiting. Unless someone else emerges like Huberdeau the top two picks will be the Russians then you have Forsberg (LW) plus a bunch of good defensemen (Murray, Reinhart, Dumba, Reilly, Trouba, etc). I don’t think the Isles will out fail Columbus and I doubt we get a top 3 pick without lottery help so count on drafting a D-Man. I also think Garth would go with some size as we are packed full of puckmovers in the system. Reinhart is probably the best defensive D-man available (but he has good offensive upside. Great skater and a heavy shot). This might be the last time drafting this high for a while. We cannot throw it away just to improve the team for a season or two. Unless we can pick up a really good established player with years left on the contract we are better off drafting what will hopefully be a core defenseman.
No Sleep 'til....We Find Some Secondary Scoring
Understood
But we need Veteran Leadership on this team and the Islanders are also desperate for a top 4 Defenseman. Taking another top pick this season is not going to get us to the playoffs next season which better be the objective.
It is time to take the next step. If Snow can’t make a trade happen we are too young and inexperieneced especially on defense to pull this together. Now if 3 of 4 of CDH, Katic, Donavan, and Wishart play like Hamonic did when he first came up we will be fine but the chances of that perfect storm happening are very slim. We will need help on the blue line.
I don't love Nielsen on the fourth line
For the money we’re gonna have to pay to retain him, if we’re just gonna put him on the fourth we might as well let him go. I don’t wanna do that though, he’s an extremely valuable asset on any team, but especially ours.
That said, if Strome remains at center, someone’s gonna be the odd man out. I expect Cizikas to be the fourth line pivot next season because that role fits him well. So we’d have four centers to fill three slots, and we’d either have to trade/not re-sign Nielsen or Bailey. At the moment, I don’t know who I’d wanna lose. Nielsen obviously is one of the best defensive forwards in the league, but Bailey’s getting better with every game. The points will be there eventually.
I kinda hope Strome plays wing because he can and can do so very well. It would simplify things too.
The center position
I do not know what Neilsen and Bailey’s worth on the open market, but with Strome more than likely coming next season, without a Legit Vet forward coming, and ASSUMING Reasoner is off this team, Neilsen is the logical choice. Neilsen is a very good defensive forward so let him do what he does best, PK and shutting down the opposing teams top line.
I think the best case scenario is resigning Frans & Pap
I like the idea of a bottom 6 that would look something like this:
Ullstrom — Neilson — Grabner
Martin — Bailey — Nino
Cizikas
Defense first, and some goal scoring threats, a mix of speed, checking, physicality.
Top 6:
Moulson -JT—KO
——Pap
That would leave two top 6 spots open for prospects, kids to improve and take ownership (Nino, Strome, Kabanov, others), or trade or signing, but I do believe if there is a trade, it will be for a Dman, unless it is the type of trade that falls into your lap and can’t be refused.
Still need a legit number 1 goalie, hopefully Poulin will be NHL ready to at least be one of two full time goalies.
And then the obvious on D, anyone not named Hamonic, Macdonald or Striet is gone for sure with Jurcina earning a faint hope clause just for him. Jurcina may be counted on for 40 games a season, will never be healthy but might be a depth D. Ideally you hope one of Dehaan, Donovan, Ness or Wishart can be NHL ready for next season (Mayfield and Pedan clearly will not be). If one of the former can play adequate top 6, and Jurcina and or a combination of others within the system handled the role of 7th defensemen, that still leaves the team short 2 NHL defensemen. Of course my fantasy is that Suter and Weber both sign 5 year deals with the Isles, Donovan makes the show and continues to be physical and offensive with some defense, Strome is as advertised, Nino progresses, Kabanov is ready, Poulin is for real, and his knees hold up.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 13, 2012 12:46 PM EST reply actions
Understand your thinking but......
I think Strome IF AS ADVERTISED could be exactly who Grabner needs, somebody who can keep up with him on the ice, while he is on his breakaway.
As I said I do not think Snow can pull off a trade for a VET Winger or MORE IMPORTANTLY A TOP 4 Defenseman. We do need VETS here to bring experience to the team, (NOT GERIATRICS). The only way I see a top 4 defenseman coming here is by trading our 1st round pick with a player. That player would have to be a quality player not somebody with possible potential. That is why Parenteau is the only player that fits. Still do not see it happening.
nice idea
however, a team that might be willing to accept Nabakov in a deal will most likely be in playoff contention. why would they give up a top 4 Dman for a rental goalie? i understand we would be giving up PA + a first rounder in your proposal but i dont know if a team would give up prime age dman at the deadline. would love to see it though.
by jrams16 on Jan 13, 2012 4:16 PM EST via Android app reply actions
I know that every Islander fan hates the idea of losing Frans. Hes possibly the best defensive forward this team has seen since Peca. Who was another soul lost to injury and sent into milbury trade obscurity.
Hes my favorite player…comes with so many intangibles…But this was David Ullstroms draft report…or part of it.
Acquired: 4th round, 102nd overall in 2008
“The AHL rookie got off to a flying start with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers but has cooled off somewhat since the turn of the calendar to 2011. The lanky centerman was the Sound Tigers top scorer in October after signing a three-year entry-level deal in June, coming over from Sweden as a 20-year-old. A member of Sweden’s WJC entry in 2009, Ullstrom has a good pair of hands and also plays a defensively responsible game. While adapting to the North American game can take time, Ullstrom has a chance to win a spot with the Islanders if he can learn to use his size more effectively and drive the net with some authority. Standing at 6’3 and weighing in at 198 lbs, Ullstrom has a powerful frame and with some added intensity and confidence could be a very effective two-way center.”
He has size. Maybe they transition him to Center and see what he can do if Frans leaves. Trouble is…who do you get to play his wing? Bc no doubt, Nino and Grabs should be 2nd pair. Nino has the size to open up the ice for Grabs who has the speed. And if Strome lives to his potential…is a lethal playmaker for the two. With two potent lines. And Ullstrom centers a third line for defensive responsibilities replacing Frans And Bailey and maybe we get something for the two. Martin and PA could play his wings. As Martin has proven to be able to put some pucks on net.
Ullstrom is better at 3rd line
than DiBo or Citzas IMO and Citzas is too small for a 4th line and will remain in BPT or be traded if we are lucky [7 goals in the AHL does not get you promoted.] Also Goal is a problem Montoya is still not a sure thing based unfortunately on his injury and his short record last season. Nabby is gone. Poulin is coming off a major injury and surgery and has played mainly in BPT. N ilsson a couple of years away from being even a back-up in the NHL. I predict we will trade for a Goalie next season. – its the most important position on the team.
lol @ "Citzas"
Its funny how badly people keep screwing up his name lol.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jan 14, 2012 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
I'd say, depending on if we get any big FA acquisitions, this is what I'd like to see:
MM-JT-Okposo
Nielsen-PAP-Nino
Martin-Bailey-Grabner (although, interchanging Grabs and Nino is possible)
Ullstrom-Reasoner-Cizikas
Haley
Hamonic-A-mac
Streit-DeHaan
Jurcina-Donovan (Donovan has noticably better numbers than DeHaan in BP with less mins)
Wishart(or Reese, 1 in BP)
Montoya-Poulin (DP)
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
I FORGOT STROME!
So I’d say:
MM-JT-Okposo
Nielsen-PAP-Nino
Grabner-Bailey-Strome(or flip flop centers)
Martin-Reasoner/Cizikas-Ullstrom/Cizikas
Haley
(really interesting dilemma, because Ullstrom is nhl ready, cizikas looks nhl ready now, and we have Reasoner for another year) (Martin is also arguably 3rd line caliber with the right linemates). Very interesing dilemma here.
D the same.
Goalies the same.
Very very interesting. If we can pick up “any” solid top 4 d-man we have a real shot at the playoffs and we have a solid depth in bp for injuries(knock on wood). We lock down the top 4 d-man, can you say playoffs? lol. Key points, if we keep streit, resign PAP and Nielsen, we could be scary next year, especially if we get a top 4 d-man.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
Why Cizikas?
He has 9g/18a/ 40pts in 40 AHL games, hardly great stats. He is 5’11 192 lbs, not exactly 4th line type build. I say he is at least another year away from the Big team if we are play-off contenders next season.and would more likely be a 3rd liner if he can improve his scoring.
Cizikas is a top 10 AHL rookie, he is a good kid.
Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)
by TheMetalChick on Jan 15, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, Cizikas is looking like a Frans-lite already. Team best +14 on a -6 team.
He should definitely be NHL ready as a checker, and his offensive numbers look nice enough to think he has solid 3rd line o-upside. He’s definitely worth a long look, if not a bottom 6 spot next year for consideration.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
I'd rather dress a 5'11 192lb 4th liner who can skate and check than a bigger guy who can't
IIdeally he would be bigger, but he plays a nice two-way game and has offensive upside. I think he projects as a third liner but as a rookie you place him on the fourth line and give him limited minutes and assignments.
Strome centering the second line
doesn’t seem very realistic. Couturier, who was considered FAR more NHL ready, is on the fourth line.
Additionally, putting him with Nino, who will have all of 60 NHL games under his belt sounds like a recipe for disaster.
by afrosupreme on Jan 15, 2012 8:37 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I agree I wouldn't skate him with Nino
The trend lately is to coddle young rookies with limited minutes and I think its the safer, more conservative approach. Worked with Seguin really well. And he is a better, more well rounded player for it. Couturier will likely go the same way.
I think the 2012-13 team will look something like this:
If Neilson and Pap are gone —
Top Offensive Zone Line
Moulson—-JT——KO
Secondary Offensive Zone Line
Kabanov - Strome -- Neiderreter
Top Neutral Zone Line
Moulson—-JT——KO
Secondary Neutral Zone Line
Martin — Bailey — Grabner
Top Defensive Zone Line
Martin — Bailey — Grabner
Secondary Defensive Zone Line
Cizikas — Reasoner — Ullstrom
Defensive Pairings:
Top Offensive Zone D Pairing
Streit - Donovan
Secondary Offensive Zone Pairing
MacDonald - Hamonic
Top Neutral Zone Pairing
Streit - Donovan
Secondary Neutral Zone Pairing
de Haan - ?
Top Defensive Zone Pairing
MacDonald - Hamonic
Secondary Defensive Zone Pairing
de Haan - ?
7th D-man (Wishart/Reese)
Goalies:
?
Poulin
DP
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 17, 2012 4:23 PM EST reply actions
Of Course, if one or both of Neilson and Pap, plus Montoya resign for at least 2 more years
that eases things for the Isles
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 17, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting, the Kabanov option. I don't think he's been rbought up in this thread before this, but he is still a 1st line offensive talent and will at minimum be in the AHL next year.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
yep, but if Neilson and Pap are not resigned, there will be some propspects brought in
Kabby I think would get a shot…if Neilson signs, the Isles Neutral zone and Defensive zone lines will be very good, with good support in BP: Martin, Neilson, Grabs & Ullstrom, Bailey, Reasoner, Cizikas, Dibo
If Pap resigns, if a couple of the kids like Strome, Nino, Kabby, etc., can put up 40-60 pts, the Isles will look good up front.
I think Dehaan and Donovan both might make the team to start 2012. Poulin should be one of 3 goalies next year, including DP.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 18, 2012 1:05 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah it could get interesting, I just wanted to point out a lot of us forget kabanov is a 1st line offensive talent.
But I agree, if Nielsen and/or PAP, one of our best offensive forwards and our best/elite checking center, aren’t resigned it could get interesting.
I’ve grown higher on Nelson lately than Anders Lee. Nelson is blooming nicely, has NHL size already at 6’3’’ 200lbs, and is on the verge of having a very great college season(better than any one Okposo had and better than Lee’s season). He could definitely be ready for an NHL role and I recently read he patterns his game after Kopitar’s. But Cizikas comes to mind glaringly when we are talking checking role fill-ins given his 2-way numbers on an up and down BP team. He could be an excellent checker with solid O. A lot of the forward prospects/youngsters we have aren’t bad either. It’s just the D is the concern, DeHaan/Donovan/A-mac’s health/Streit-aging, we really need to bring in a top 4 d-man, preferably one that is young and can eat minutes or run a PP, size would be awesome too.
And I’d say it’s safe to say that if we can resign Nielsen, we will have a dominant checking line for a while, him and grabs are awesome 2-way players. Bailey is getting better defensively all the time, Cizikas, Nelson, what a bottom 6 full of checking forwards that we can have. Can you imagine a bottom 6 full of Martin/Bailey/Nelson/Cizikas/Lee/Ullstrom? That would be awesome. Then again, depending on who we resign, we can have a ton of depth, so much we likely should trade some for a d-man eventually.
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
by OzzyFan on Jan 18, 2012 3:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
rec'd
great post ozzy. thanks for the news on nelson. i think they do have to try to resign both neilson and pap, prospects take time to develop, resigning these two gets the team within two offensive zone forwards, and as you indicated, the defensive zone forward pairings look very good, that is a playoff team’s bottom 6. with lee, what i am hearing is skating, but his production does seem to have slipped. If even one of Strome, Nino or Kabby breaks out next year, that would make the resigning of Neilson and Pap all the better.
the D, sometime i think the team isn’t as far of as we think, other times i think it is. barring a shocking ufa signing of weber or the like, the isles will be a team that will have to rely heavily on zone starts and line matches with their D. right now, i see only to D who might be ready by next season, Dehaan and Donovan, but both may be ready for different roles. I think Jurcina is too slow to play with Streit, and neither are great defensively. If Donovan is ready for 2012-13, he may be an ideal partner for Streit, the two would be maining offensive zone starts with some neutral zone starts, but never in the defensive zone for starts. Dehaan can be effective defensively, and might be ready to give 15 minutes a game. Amac and Hamonic of course would continue to be the primary D pairing in both offensive and defensive zones…beyond that, the team has to add at least one D, even a solid defensive player who will never see an offensive zone start would be great.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 18, 2012 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
You have some good ideas. It's gonna be interesting to see play out either way, and see how everyone adapts to the ahl(jumping from juniors/college).
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
well, that's what it looks like to me
Get one offensive D man who can skate and play with Streit (maybe Donovan), you have your offensive zone first pairing with Amac and Hamonic as the second offensive zone pairing
Amac and Hamonic as the first defensive zone pairing.
sign or trade for a new, solid defensive zone second pairing, who will also be the second Neutral zone pairing. Offense doesn’t matter so long as they make the first pass and this pairing won’t get offensive zone starts.
Streit and his partner who be first neutral zone pairing, while the new defensive 3rd pairing would be the 2nd neutral zone pairing.
If Frans and Pap are both resigned, maybe pick up one forward who can be a second line offensive zone pairing, preferrably someone who can play centre, and hope one of the prospects breaks out. That gives a solid 12 forwards with depth in minors and juniors. One of Nabby or Montoya would need to be brought back, or someone else.
Essentially, it shows this team is short 4 or 5 NHL players, depending on whether or not one thinks one of Jurcina or Staois are suitable NHLers.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 19, 2012 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
Essentially, it shows this team is short 4 or 5 NHL players, depending on whether or not one thinks one of Jurcina or Staois are suitable NHLers.
I’d argue right now there are 6 players I would like to see replaced: Staios/Eaton/Jurcina on D and Rolston/Pandolfo/Wallace at F.
The forwards I think can be replaced internally. There are enough guys at BP who could fill the roles on Reasoner’s wings next year, and Nino seems to be coming along enough that he could move up the ladder to Rolston’s slot. So you’ll have Ullstrom/DiBo/Rak/Cizikas (not to mention Haley, Strome, Kabonov, etc) at the very least fighting for those last two slots.
The defense I think will require outside help. Obviously, the ideal situation would be to bring in a top FA like Suter who could eat big minutes and take some pressure off Streit. I like the idea of Streit playing sheltered minutes with someone like de Haan or Donovan. I think they’ll probably end up needing to sign two defensmen, with someone like Matt Carle fitting the bill for the other one.
But assuming they can resign Frans and PAP (and I hope they do), as well as Montoya, their shopping list should be much shorter than usual this year-two defensemen. And spend, spend, spend!
as it stands right now:
the team lacks 3 NHL D, and 2 NHL forwards. I think the clearest way to see this is to actually break the forward lines and defensive pairings down to starts per three zones: Offensive Zone, Neutral Zone, and Defensive Zone.
If Frans is gone, that is going to leave a big forward hole in the defensive zone forward pairings, Bailey will have to be the top defensive zone centre. If kids who are best known for offense are forced into this role, its going to be a problem.
If Frans resigns, the Isles are going to have top 10 NHL defensive zone forward pairings, no problem, most likely better. This is why I think dropping the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th line label and 1st, 2nd and 3rd defensive pairing label, is the best way to analyze the team. In stead, focus on zone starts and who realistically can fit that role.
So, if Martin, Frans, Grabs, Ullstrom, Bailey, Reasoner are our 1st and 2nd defensive zone pairing, and Frans’ line the second Neutral Zone pairing, that fairs out much better for the team than placing, say a rookie like Strome, Kabby our Nino in that role.
With the top offensive zone line obviously Moulson, JT and KO, who also would be first Neutral zone pairing, that means a second offensive zone line is needed. If Pap resigns, this is where 2 more NHL players are needed, if not, it’s 3 NHL players needed. I think the chances one of Kabby, Strome or Nino could be ready is realistic, but no way all three. This second offensive zone line wouldn’t be getting defensive zone starts at all so that will help “shelter” the rookie(s).
On D, you get someone with offense who can skate and play with Streit, make them your top offensive zone pairing, and Amac and Hamonic the second…the former will obviously also be the Neutral Zone 1st pairing, meaning Amac and Hamonic would be the top defensive zone pairing, and the Isles would then not necessarily have to sign a high flyer, although Suter or Weber would certainly make things better, but the team really has to bring in a solid defensive pairing who can play defensive hockey first, and be the 2nd pairing for both the defensive and neutrial zones. Of course, they’d never get an offensive zone start so offense isn’t an issue. Kind of like a modern day Lane and Langevin.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 19, 2012 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
I just can’t see them bringing in two forwards who are of any value, or at least of greater value than the kids we already have at BP. I agree with your thinking in some ways, but I wouldn’t have Bailey in the defensive lines (you have three centers there with Frans, Bailey and Reasoner). I’d imagine it more like this:
MM-JT-KO
MG-FN-PAP
DU-JB-NN
MR
?? are the guys I referred to above (DiBo, Rak, Cizikas, Haley, Strome, Kabonov)
Obviously line 1 gets the most O zone starts, followed by line 3. Line 2 draws the toughest assignments and the most D zone starts, followed by Line 4. Though really you hope that Line 4 steps up and can take on tough assignments, freeing line 2 for some easier competition/scoring opportunites.
The main reason I think the forwards need to come from within is we’re a budget team, and this offseason the budget needs to be directed at the blueline.
I just see Reasoner as the six forward out of the defensive zone pairing. Not that two centres on a defensive line should ever be considered a problem, but Reasoner to me is the guy that is the pace horse for the kids projecting as bottom 6ers to try and take a job from.
I can’t disagree with not believing they will bring anyone in, and as a rebuilding team, it is most logical that the team will continue to be patient and wait for those spots to be filled by prospects when ready, and until then filled with stop gaps, kids learning on on the job, and other ideas, but I do think, the current roster is short those 5 NHL level talents to be a true playoff team. If Frans and Pap leave, that makes 7. Centre is a position that takes time to learn. With Frans and Bailey dominating the defensive zone, there is a relaxing feeling, and even the threat of scoring. If no other NHL ready players are brought in, I’d say JP is right, and next year will be a bump in the road for the rebuild. If they come back, and just one of the top prospects is offensively and adequately defensively ready, plus a pair of defensive defense men and a prayer one of Katic, Donovan and Dehaan can skate and play with Streit, I think the team will have a playoff shot. That would mean, even if they can’t sign a D man, the team doesn’t require a block buster trade, just a pair of really good defensive defensemen who will never see the offensive zone anyway, and hope the prospects fill the two offensive and one offensive Dmen postions, plus provide depth.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 20, 2012 2:29 AM EST up reply actions
Can't believe I missed this crack house for almost a week.
Moulson-Tavares-Okposo
They’re all signed, and have exploded together. Nothing short of an act of God shall pull them asunder.
Ullstrom-Bailey-Parentau
This is the best offensive line they can muster as a #2 right now. I assume that Nino will be in BPT for a while, and Strome will get the extra year in juniors. Please don’t make the NHL staff be AHL coaches another year.
Grabner-Nielsen-Rakhshani
Grabner feeds off of Nielsen’s turnover uber-productivity. They make defense offensive. I don’t think I’d seperate that pairing again. Rhett is one of the few RH players in the organization that can skate with them. If Martin can earn this spot, I wouldn’t have a problem with it at all.
Martin-Reasoner-Haley/Dibo/Wallace/Strome
I am putting this line together because I think the removal of the Devilish Duo will allow them to roll three most of the game. Martin and Reasoner can certainly slide up and down the depth chart. Haley has played better in BPT, and should get some time this year to prove that he deserves this spot. Dibo is a good choice as well, but I would really like them to throw the fans a bone early in the season. As much as nobody wants to admit it, WE <3 HALEY!
Macdonald-Hamonic
Why ask why.
Streit-Jurcina
On the current roster, this is the best second pairing. Jurcina needs a two year deal that affords him some security and to fit into the developmental plans of the future defense.
Donovan-Wishart/Reese/UFA
Here’s the $7M question.. what are/can they spend on a UFA defenseman. I’m going to assume fail here because there is absolutely no history that supports a top notch UFA will come to uniondale. Donovan is starting to heat up in BPT and will probably get 10-20 games on LI before the end of the season. They are trying to push deHaan and pull Wishart… neither is going to work. Wishart is probably their safest choice in the organization as it stands now. The most important thing is DEPTH. Staios is done. I’m not a fan of bringing Eaton back… but I could live with either one being a 7-8 guy.
A quality UFA pushes Jurcina to the third pair with Donovan.
I've had enough! It's time to call out Garth Snow!
@JPinVA
by JPinVA on Jan 17, 2012 5:31 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Question. No DeHaan because he's not NHL ready or because of an injury? :-)
What do you mean they won 4 cups in a row? Is that possible?
No deHaan...
because he’s not one of the two best options. Unlike Dylan, Ty and Matt this is Calvin’s first year agaisnt men. He is not a physical player (like Hamonic), and probably needs to be more confident. He still hasn’t proven he can take a 5-10 game stretch of being hit by adults, and definitely not at NHL speed.
(also, I’m not sure what their plans are with Mark katic, but he should be a good depth D as well if he can stay healthy)
Those other guys have been in the NHL, or in Donovan’s case been playing against 20-22 year olds. Matt has also shown that he can dominate at times at the AHL level. I think as things settle on the roster, and he gets more familiar with the league, you will see him actually playing at an AHL all-star level. Wishart and Reese will be good 5-8 NHL guys, but Matt (and eventually Calvin) should be 20+ minute NHLers. Calvin needs to stay healthy though.
I've had enough! It's time to call out Garth Snow!
@JPinVA
Donovan and Wishart Yes...........
for different reasons, but the push for Ness is something I don’t understand. It’s the rare very small D that succeeds in the NHL and then usually paired with a big D corps. We certainly don’t have that!
Haven't see them much in BP, but have been keeping tabs through reading
What I am reading is that de Haan is the most NHL ready of the top 3 D, maybe by start of next season. Of course, there is the injury. If healthy, I could see de Haan on a third pairing D. playing 15 minutes a night. Donovan is on fire at the moment. The knock on him has always been his skating, but it is looking more and more like Donovan is going to overcome that, and be an NHL defenseman. He is a left shot who can play both sides of the ice…Donovan is 6’0, 202 pounds. He has a bit of a nasty side. I think Donovan would be ideal with Streit as an offensive pairing, playing mostly offensive and neutral zone starts. That lesson the defensive needs, but of course always have to work on that. Ness of course is only 5’10 and 170 pounds, but has surprised with positional D skills. He is the furthest away of the three. Pedan is apparently ahead of Mayfield, if you rank OHL above NCAA, and Wishart, if he can gain a step in speed, will be an NHL Dman. That sums up what I’ve been reading. Bridge Port, for the most part, has been getting the goaltending and solid, smart D. Cizikas is dominating, and Rakh and Ullstrom back has been huge.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 17, 2012 10:11 PM EST reply actions
Where have you read that?
What I am reading is that de Haan is the most NHL ready of the top 3 D
My opinion: calvin may someday be that guy, but Donovan, Wishart, Ness and katic(injured) are ahead of him as NHL ready defenseman. Right now, calvin is an AHL crash test dummy. All the skill in the world aren’t going to get you to the NHL if you can’t take AHL hits.
Eventually, Donovan and dehaan might make a good second pair. But I’d definitely leave both of them in the AHL as long as I could. They are obviously pushing deHaan sooner because of his cap gap, (and first round bias) because he has not looked much better than the others in any of the games I’ve seen this year.
Matt’s on fire because matt has better vision at that level than deHaan. My untrained eye couldn’t tell you whether he had problems skating or not. the factors that I’d put into that would be:
1. Does he get turned around by speed. Haven’t seen it much after the first few games.
2. Balance. Is he strong on the puck when engaged. Yes. He’s not Okposo, but he doesn’t fall off from hand checks either.
3. Speed. He’s not going to look like Orr rushing the puck, but I think his strength is seeing plays develop and making good passes.
4. Quickness. I haven’t really made any mental notes on his first stride, but doesn’t seem to be caught out of position down low much… and that seems to be the biggest tell on a lack of quickness (Jurcina).
I've had enough! It's time to call out Garth Snow!
@JPinVA
Thats what I have been reading too
That stats aside, CDH is the most NHL ready of our D prospects in BP.
hello JP
I tend to read Isles news all over the net when i get a chance, it’s an addiction we share. Other than the injuries, what I have read has been very favourable about Dehaan, especially his skating, quick tape to tape passes and hockey IQ. Like you though, I am very uneasy with his injuries. I am really starting to believe in Donovan though. The knock on him has always been skating, but from what I’ve read he’s improved and it isn’t hurting him. I posted the latest HF Board arcticle which is on the BP team’s top prospects, check the fanshots. If Donovan alone is ready for 2012, that greatly improves the offensive zone starts from the D.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 18, 2012 7:02 PM EST reply actions
Whats the overall impression been so far witj CDH in BP?
I haven’t been able to get to LHH as often as Id of like to through the 1st half of the season, but I was under the impression that CDH has been playing well in BP- seeing lots of minutes, good in his own zone, his overall hockey IQ etc. Obviously Donovan’s stats have been incredably impressive so far…
until the unjury Donovan was only a few points ahead of DeHaan
but Dehaan was playing more of a defensive role, and from what i read his stats din’t tell the whole picture with his skating, passing, etc. it seems the only question is whether he can shake the injury prone label.
by CanadianIsleslifer on Jan 23, 2012 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
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1979-80
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May 24, 1980: Tonelli to Nystrom. At long last, the steady build of the New York Islanders from expansion doormat to surprise semifinalist to annual contender reaches the promised land: Buoyed by a late season trade for Butch Goring that gave the team the depth up the middle GM Bill Torrey had been seeking, the Islanders knock off the Philadelphia Flyers in six games.
The victory justified the faith in coach Al Arbour who guided them from their second season to their first Stanley Cup seven seasons later. The Islanders would not be the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, but they would be the only one capable of a dynasty.
1980-81
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May 21, 1981: This time it was much easier. After falling to "only" 91 points in the 1979-80 season, the Islanders returned to their division title tradition, piling up 110 points -- a whole 13 points over second-place Philadelphia.
Between the quarterfinals (where they beat the upstart Oilers in six games) and the finals, the Islanders reeled off eight consecutive wins -- with a four-game sweep of archrival Rangers in between. As they defeated the Minnesota North Stars in five games for their second Cup, their goal difference in the final was a combined +10.
1981-82
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May 16, 1982: Another year, another landslide title. The Islanders won the Patrick Division by a whopping 26 points over the second-place Rangers, and were seven points clear of their nearest competition for the President's Trophy, the still-not-quite-ripe Edmonton Oilers.
A first-round scare against the Pittsburgh Penguins turned in the Isles' favor thanks to John Tonelli's heroics, and a true dynasty was on its way: Past the Rangers in six games, then an eight-game sweep of the Quebec Nordiques and Vancouver Canucks to run away with the Stanley Cup.
1982-83
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May 17, 1983: Not so fast, whipper-snappers. The Edmonton Oilers' steadily rising challenge for league supremacy took them all the way to the finals for the first time, where the New York Islanders summarily dispatched them in a four-game sweep. For the Islanders, the Dynasty was secured. For the Oilers, it was a powerful lesson in where talent ends and the demands of playoff hockey begin.
Four years, four Cups, 16 consecutive playoff series wins (a record that would grow to 19 until the rematch with the Oilers the following year). Mike Bossy scored 60 goals yet again, and Wayne Gretzky became acquainted with Billy Smith's crease.
