FanPost

Islander 100 Point Race (Update 01/09/11)

No Islander draft pick has scored 100 CAREER points in an Islander uniform in over a decade. There are some players who have a chance to do it this year.

Who will be the first Islander draftee since Ziggy Palffy and Scott Lachance to score 100 points while still in an Islander uniform?

It should be very close... the race is on. Entries and commentary after the jump...

12/08/10: In this update I've added a "by coach" stats. (see table below)

12/21/10: 5 more games. Biggest jump is by Comeau who now has 92 points and is tied for second with Marty.

01/09/11 9 games. 7-2-0 in that stretch. Comeau is now on the cusp. He very well could do it today.

DATE UPDATED [GAMES] 12/08/10[11] 11/07/10 [6] 10/23/10[5] 10/14/10[3]

PLAYER (Season Starting Points/After 17 games/Current POINTS)

*** Jack Capuano replaced Scott Gordon after game 17.

Blake Comeau (75/84/99)[206]

(01/09/11)[+7] HE’S BACK!!! It’s almost over for Blake. This was an awesome stretch. He played in 8 of the 9 games and was 4-3-7(-3) in those games. In all fairness he was -3 in the debacle that was the 2-7 loss to the Rangers. He’s also scoring at a PPG pace in the last 13 games he’s played. He is now second on the team in points while playing 2nd line time. He is tied with PA Parentau, and is only behind other first liner Tavares. This puts him in front of the injured Kyle Okposo, Radek Martinek and Frans Nielsen. It sucks that it had to end this way… but on the bright side all three of those guys can make the milestone this year. Kyle in a lot fewer games.

(12/21/10)[+5] Comeau had an outstanding PPG 5 game stretch. He’s actually had 5 points in the last 4 games with +1 rating. His pairing with Rob Schremp has proven quite fruitful. MAYBE HE’S BACK AGAIN. He’s slid past Frans again.

(12/08/10) [+3] After 8 games under Capuano Blake has started to come around a little. He looks more like the player that he showed in spurts the last two years and the first four games this year, but he’s still not producing.

(11/07/10) [+1] 0 goals and 5 assists since 10/11 is not going to cut it for a top six forward. Either the reports of his "getting there" were greatly exagerated or he's been playing through injury or illness. His last two have been better, but not on par with what you should expect from a guy getting that much TOI(~21MIN).

(10/24/10) [+4] Blake's scoring has slowed down as his linemate, Josh Bailey has been out for 2 games since the last update. He is still playing hard and trying to find the chemistry he had with tavares last year. I feel that Bailey will join them on the LW when he gets back.

(10/14/10) [+4] Off to a nice start with 4 points in the first three games.

(PRESEASON) First line/ first PP unit minutes... about to break out... if he can stay healthy he should have the 25 points in under 40 games. History points out that he is also a favorite to be traded at the deadline... so he'd better do it quickly.

Kyle Okposo (96/96/96) [154]

(PRESEASON) Comes up lame at the gate... possible xBox injury. Kyle doesn't seem like the type that will rush back (nor should he) to a floundering team to risk a very bright future.

Frans Nielsen (76/84/95) [203]

(01/09/11)[+4] Frans and his line (Grabner and Bailey) were playing crazy good before he suffered a groin injury. He was 1-3-4(+3) in 7 of the 9 games in this stretch. He also surpassed Marty before he was injured.

(12/21/10)[+1] Played 5 games, added a point. He’s slowed down somewhat production wise. But has played well.

(12/08/10)[+6] Frans, by far, has been the most productive player under Capuano so far. He has 6 points in 8 games and at this pace will give Kyle and Radek a run. He’s pulling away from Blake’s sloth-like production. Being with Grabner has helped this happen. That line is still defensively oriented, but Grabner has added a positive offensive dimension.

(11/07/10) [+3] Through the current losing streak Frans has been the best player on the ice. His consistent play has pulled him back even with Blake for third. If the second Philly game is any indication Frans will be getting more PP time. Yay!

(10/24/10) [+2] Frans is still doing it all. He remains on a solid 50 point pace and he's playing stellar defensive hockey. The Isles have three legit scoring lines early in the season. With Hunter out with an injury Gordon has been shuffling wings... the lines have been productive and Frans is getting PP, as well as PK time.

(10/14/10) [+3] He's been caught by Comeau... as expected, but is putting up points on a far faster pace. With Schremp out, Frans will get a good amount of offensive opportunities.

(PRESEASON) Highly possible if he stays healthy. He'll have to win over the PP time by convincing Gordon that Josh is ready to take on his PK role. I'd love for him, Comeau, Tavares and Kyle to be reaching for the wire at mid season.

Radek Martinek (87/89/92) [418]

(01/09/11)[+0] Marty played one game since 12/21/10 v TBL. Would sure like to see him replace Dylan Reese soon.

(12/21/10)[+0] Radek missed 2 of the 5 games and had no points, but continues to show his value as a top four defender.

(12/08/10)[+3] This might be a ray of hope. Radek was -6 in NOV under Scott Gordon. He was +4 with 3 points in 8 games under Jack Capuano.

(11/07/10) [+0] Continues to be the best all around defenseman on the team, but he's not lighting it up on the scoresheet.

(10/24/10) [+1] Radek has returned to his old stingy self. He hasn't exactly been an offensive juggernaut, but he could make it very close if he stays healthy.

(10/14/10) [+1] Has an assist in the first 3 games. Paired with Mark Eaton and getting good TOI, but not a lot of PP time. If he stays healthy he could inch his way to the line first.

(PRESEASON) Probably moves up to get some PP time so good shot to score 13 in 50 games or so. what are the chances he makes it to the 30 game mark.

Frans Nielsen (76/84/95) [203]

(01/09/11)[+4] Frans and his line (Grabner and Bailey) were playing crazy good before he suffered a groin injury. He was 1-3-4(+3) in 7 of the 9 games in this stretch. He also surpassed Marty before he was injured.

(12/21/10)[+1] Played 5 games, added a point. He’s slowed down somewhat production wise. But has played well.

(12/08/10)[+6] Frans, by far, has been the most productive player under Capuano so far. He has 6 points in 8 games and at this pace will give Kyle and Radek a run. He’s pulling away from Blake’s sloth-like production. Being with Grabner has helped this happen. That line is still defensively oriented, but Grabner has added a positive offensive dimension.

(11/07/10) [+3] Through the current losing streak Frans has been the best player on the ice. His consistent play has pulled him back even with Blake for third. If the second Philly game is any indication Frans will be getting more PP time. Yay!

(10/24/10) [+2] Frans is still doing it all. He remains on a solid 50 point pace and he's playing stellar defensive hockey. The Isles have three legit scoring lines early in the season. With Hunter out with an injury Gordon has been shuffling wings... the lines have been productive and Frans is getting PP, as well as PK time.

(10/14/10) [+3] He's been caught by Comeau... as expected, but is putting up points on a far faster pace. With Schremp out, Frans will get a good amount of offensive opportunities.

(PRESEASON) Highly possible if he stays healthy. He'll have to win over the PP time by convincing Gordon that Josh is ready to take on his PK role. I'd love for him, Comeau, Tavares and Kyle to be reaching for the wire at mid season.

Sean Bergenhiem (80)

(PRESEASON) Released

John Tavares (54/64/82) [118]

(01/09/11)[+12] UN-F***ING-BELIEVABLE STRETCH. JT has played like a #1 overall draft pick for the first time since he became a pro. The consistent linemate, maybe the different system, the protection, the growth in confidence… any or all of those may have been contributing factors… but holy crap has he played GREAT. In his last 9 he is 6-6-12(+2). He also has two highlight reel goals in that stretch.

(12/21/10)[+2] The Moulson-Tavares-Parentau line has slipped to the second line in recent games. It looks as if the older, maybe more "NHL" polished and aggressive Rob Schremp has taken the reigns of the #1 center. JT is still getting the glut of PP time but he is -4 in December. He may trade places with Bailey if the return of KO doesn’t help his production quickly.

(12/08/10) [+5] Tavares has been playing mostly with Moulson and Parentau. He’s been steady, but he hasn’t been scoring at the pace you’d like to see your #1 center at. He’s yet to have a -2 or more game under Capuano, which he had quite frequently under Gordon. JT should benefit from the return of Kyle Okposo later this month, or early next. He passed Bruno and Josh in this update.

(11/07/10) [+2] JT has a goal and an assist in his last 6. Those aren't PRODIGY numbers, and what's even worse... he's -11 in those games. Through most of this update period he was on a line with Comeau and Bailey, and that clearly is not woring out. What looked like it could have been a monster line has been HORRIBLE. He has, however, caught Bruno.

(10/24/10) [+7] BAM!!! JT IS BACK... With a HAT TRICK on 10/23/10 against FLA JT has hit the gound running. He now has 7 points in 5 games and looking stronger and more mature than last year. He has a lot of ground to make up, and [possibly] both his linemates are above him... but you just can't count this kid out of ANYTHING! HE'LL PROBABLY STEAM PAST BRUNO IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS GAMES.

(10/14/10) [0] Being concussed hasn't helped. Bailey's maturation hasn't helped either. He may come back eased into the #2 center role soley based on a more mature and "ready" Josh bailey. If nothing else we should see a healthy competition for prime offensive minutes. The early showings of Parenteau and Grabner are signs of a support system to come.

(PRESEASON) He'll need a full healthy season, and somebody to replace his two biggest support players. If he gets the required 46 points that means that Radek and Comeau are racking up assists... so this is almost self defeating.

Josh Bailey (60/66/72)[168]

(01/09/11)[+6] Josh returned from his stint in Bridgeport a new MAN. He came back against TAM, but opened up a can of WHOOPASS the next game in NJ. He’s slowed some with the absence of Frans as his pivot, but he may have found a temporary home at RW with Frans and Grabner. In the last 9 games he is 3-3-6.. and get this… (+6). I don’t put much stock in +/- ratings… but that is Nielsenesque… If we drafted Frans Niesen ll with .66 ppg second line potential… WAHOOO!!!!

(12/21/10)[+0] Josh has not been returned to the NHL. He is producing at an outstanding rate in BPT.

(12/08/10)[+0] After 3 pointless games under Capuano Josh was sent to BPT. He needed this, and the team needed to take a look at other pending free agents. This was his second update with no points.

(11/07/10) [+0] Josh has played all 6 games since the last update, and has 0 points. In the first few games it appeared as though he was playing through the injury. That is less evident in the last couple, but he is still getting beaten to pucks and he has not been the force he was in the first 4 games.

(10/24/10) [+2] Josh has missed the last 2 games. He has continued to play terrific hockey and maintains a point per game pace. Josh should return this week.

(10/14/10) [+4] Bailey has shown solid improvement in offensive productivity and all around game in a very small sample. He will probably be moved back to the wing, but did well to show he could handle the #1 Center spot.. will probably get more opps there in the future.

(PRESEASON) Bailey is much like Comeau, but I see him on the left side, possibly behind non-draftee Moulson, and even getting squeezed out of PP time by big body Matt Martin.

Bruno Gervais(62/63/65)[300]

(01/09/11)[+1] In nine games in La Cage Aux Hockey Bruno has played like the guy that gave the organization the confidence to get a first rounder for Chris Campoli. He’s no scoring machine, but he’s making good decisions and has looked like a solid NHL defenseman again. This is a really good sign that the team is coming together. Bruno may be earning himself a chance to get his 100th as an Islander, even if it takes another 3 years as a 7-8 defenseman.

(12/21/10)[+0] Bruno only played 2 games in this update with 0 points. He may be back stuck because the Isles are already loaded with RH defenders and he is behind Eaton (LH) to replace Hillen(LH) when Eaton is ready. (12/08/10)[+1] Bruno was playing well. He played 13 games this season , 8 under Gordon, then he got his face rearranged standing up for a teammate. He’s not going to win this race, but he has earned some respect from the fans. Unfortunately Travis Hamonic may make him the Wally Pip of the Isles.

(11/07/10)[+1] Bruno has played in 5 of the 6 since the last update. He's played steady on the third pair with Hillen, and even played his first game back as a fourth line forward.

(10/24/10) [+0] Has not played. Milan Jurcina and Jack Hillen are above him on the depth chart, and the prospects in the AHL may be creeping their way above Bruno as well... depending on the type of play that is necessary.

(10/14/10) [+0] STALLED Bruno hasn't played yet this year. The improved defense may have him watching more games than he plays this year. Good for the Isles... not so good for Bruno.

(PRESEASON) He may have a great season now that his partner is sidelined... but I wouldn't hold my trouffled breath.

Andrew MacDonald(07/07/18)[73]

(01/09/11)[+9] Maybe the best story of this stretch. Andy and Travis Hamonic have been the top defensive pairing for the majority of these past 9 games. Andy has done everything. Including allowing the Isles to get a second round pick for james Wisniewski. He has played the PP, PK and every important minute they can conjure. Not only that, he’s scoring like a top 20 NHL defender. He has been a PPG (0-9-9(-2) guy in this stretch. The (-2) is a little surprising, but when you’re playing 25 minutes per game you’re gonna be on the ice for a lot of 5-on-5 goals. Again… another reason why I don’t put much stock in +/- ratings.

(12/21/10)[+2] Andy played 5 games, added two assists and was -1. His pairing with Travis Hamonic is the best duo the Isles have to offer… and they are OUTSTANDING. They have a combined 74 games NHL experience and they have been doing everything for the Isles. It’s a testament to their junior and AHL coaches… who include… hmmm… Nolan, Flynn and Capuano.

(12/08/10) [+0] Andrew made his much needed return on 12/02/10 against the Rangers. He remains pointless, but he has played well in the games since his return.

(11/07/10) [+0] INJURED DNP

(10/24/10) [0] Andrew has played very well but has yet to score in 7 games. He was injured early in the TAM game on 10/21/10 and has had hand surgery which will keep him out 6 weeks... at least.

(10/14/10) [0] Has played well, but has not scored.

(PRESEASON) No comment

Jesse Joensuu(04/04/08) [36]

(01/09/11)[+1] He has played well. Mostly on the fourth line. In 6 of the 9 games this stretch he is 1-0-1(-3). He is using his body and showing a willingness to go to the front of the net. On spot duty with the upper lines he is creating space. He too may have earned some depth time as an Islander, as this is a decision year for him. His biggest problem is that the young players above him are starting to hit their stride. Hopefully Jesse has a big second half. Maybe a few games with Jeremy colliton rather than Zeke could be a fourth line that puts up moderate counting numbers.

(12/21/10)[+2] Jesse had a 2 goal game against PHO in an SOL. He’s played well, getting in front of the net and using his size. His chance in the NHL is being somewhat compromised in that he has been playing his off-wing on a line with Comeau(RH-LW) Rob Schremp (LH-C) and Jesse is a lefty RW. He is -2 in the last 5, and probably needs a little time on his natural LW, but he is still getting good TOI for an auditioning prospect. We’ll probably see more of him on the LW when Kyle returns.. or he’ll be returned to BPT. Either way he’s earned a two-way depth position if he plays to his size and continues to improve.

(12/08/10 )[+1] Finally, Jesse is getting a shot. After being called up by Jack Capuano he has played in a top 6 role. He’s dong the things that he needs to do, but the puck hasn’t been going in the net. I expect to see this auditon to last a little longer, and if he’s not productive we’ll start to see others in that role.

(10/24/10) [0] Still has not played an NHL shift. He is scoring in BP, but his +/- (-4) is not helping him. The fact that both Michael Grabner and P.A. Parenteau have played very well has pretty much buried him.

(10/14/10) [0] Has not played

(PRESEASON) No Comment

Matt Martin(02/03/06)[34]

(01/09/11)[+2] Matt played in 7 of the 9 games this stretch and was 0-2-2(0). He’s hitting everything he sees and sticking up for teammates. Much like JJ, I would think that Colliton might help them be a little more productive.

(12/21/10)[+1] Matt had a goal and was -1 in the last 5 games. Capuano has given him mostly 4th line minutes and he has responded well. He has registered nearly 5 hits per game. THAT HAS BEEN NEEDED for a long long time. His hits are also shift inspiring.

(12/08/10)[+0] Since Capuano has taken over Matt has been on the fourth line with very little offensive exposure. He has continued to be a hitting machine and he has created opportunities. I think he’s cemented an NHL job, but he’s going to need to show more to get a promotion to a more offensive role.

(11/07/10) [+1] Matt has played in all 6 games since the last update. If this post was about hits instead of points Martin would have bubbled his way to the top. I think he's passed the "audition" and should be an NHL fixture, but it may be a while before he scores 100 points... but hopefully he'll do it in an Islander UNI.

(10/24/10) [0] (see Jesse's write up... without the +/- issues) He may be the next in line for a 3rd/4th line guy... but his path doesn't seem as quick as it did in August. Well... at least my jersey was only $100 and I'll be able to use it in Norfolk.

(10/14/10) [0] Has not played

(PRESEASON) No comment

Nino Niederreiter (00/02)[09]

(11/07/10) [+0] Nino has been returned ot the Portland Winterhawks. It won't be this season, but much like Matt Martin, let's hope that Nino puts up his 100th in blue and orange.

(10/24/10) [+1] Nino has looked terrific as an 18 year old in the NHL. His expiration date is 10/27/10 against MON. He'll be facing Michael Cammalleri for the first time since lil' mikey tried to give Nino a pimp slash with his stick. I have a feeling Nino will be in Portland after that game... He just may be the victim of some damn good Garth Snow pickups and a few prospects percolating in Bridgeport. We'll see. If nothing else he's caught Matt Martin.

(10/14/10) [+1] Has played well, but may not make it past the 1/8 pole. He scored his first NHL goal against WAS on 10/13/10.

(PRESEASON) No comment

Travis Hamonic (00/00/05) [19]

(01/09/11)[+3] Travis and Andy have been SPECTACULAR as the Isles first pairing. Travis, like Andy, has yet to notch his first goal this season but it’s coming. This 9 game stretch saw him slow a little, but he had very respectable first pair numbers (0-3-3(-4)) with a (-3) in that debacle against the Rangers. It will be nice when Marty and Wishart are available, so maybe Travis can get a few days to rest. He’s got to be a little banged up with the game he plays.

(12/21/10)[+1] Five more games, 1 more point. Travis has been a huge part of the Isles defense paired with Andy Mac. They have been the best two way pairing consistently. He’s been the best "prospect" this year and will most likely stick with the big club even when it’s fully healthy. If they are wise they may allow Bruno to play a few games to spell him so he doesn’t get burned out in a wasted season.

(12/08/10)[+1] travis made his debut on 11/24/10 against the Columbus Blue Jackets and got his first assist a week later against the Rangers. He has played a steady and PHYSICAL game while providing much needed minutes. He’s also seen some PK and PP time. Given their lack of depth due to injuries, Travis may get more than he bargained for in his first year as a professional. So far, he’s handling it well.

Jeremy Colliton (02/03/05) [43]

(01/09/11)[+2] Welcome back Jeremy… and THANKS. Colliton was thought to be gone forever from this organization. I guess with the emergence of superstar Nate Thompson he was dropped off the radar. But, thanks to a need for center depth in Bridgeport and eventually with injured Frans Nielsen and the lack of a RH center he was given another chance on the big club. He made the best of it with TWO POWERPLAY GOALS. Man, it makes me feel good when I am right.

NYI Coaches in respect to the above draft choices:

Peter Laviolette 2001-03 164 games

Steve Stirling 2003-06 124 games (lockout) (replaced by Brad Shaw on 1/10/06)

Brad Shaw 2006-06 40 games

Ted Nolan 2006-08 164 games

Scott Gordon 2008-10 181 games( replaced by Jack Capuano on 11/17/10)

Jack Capuano 2010-Present 22 games (as of 12/08/10)

Your thoughts?

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