2007-08 was another forgettable season for the Islanders. The same could probably be said of your fantasy team if you had more than an Islander or two on your roster.
Clearly, the Isles need a ton of scoring help. While the youngsters are expected to chip in next
season, it's unreasonable to expect better numbers than what the team's scoring leaders were able to put up this year.
Expect Garth Snow and Co. to acquire some talent via free agency. Let's just hope that talent pans out a little better this time around. Judging by the volume of gritty-but-not-threatening forwards littering the roster, a trade must be in the works. As it stands now, the team has eight third/fourth line players, and yes, that includes Trent Hunter. Realistically, this team has no top-line talent up front. Bill Guerin proved this season that he no longer has the desire to skate hard every shift, or the willingness to go hard to the net and score the dirty goals. Mike Comrie showed flashes of skill, but did nothing to change his reputation as a second line center. And there's nothing wrong with that, unless you're being paid $4 million a year on a team with no top-end talent. Comrie was wildly inconsistent this year, both in desire and skill. Once he signed his extension late in the season, his play dropped off significantly. Hunter has lost his confidence, as evidenced by his hesitation to unload his cannon.
Anyway, my advice for those in keeper leagues--stock up on Kyle Okposo (if available), Blake Comeau, and maybe even take a chance on Sean Bergenheim, who performed well at both ends of the rink all season, and consistently put up offensive numbers towards the end. On defense, Chris Campoli is ready to step in on the top powerplay unit. Jack Hillen could be the sleeper pick of the off season, but there's no guarantee he'll have a spot on the roster come October. Hillen looked comfortable during his short stint on Long Island late in the season. Finally, Rick DiPietro, the only Islander with significant fantasy value, is poised to have a career season if Ted Nolan can convince him that 70+ games just isn't a good idea for an injury-prone goaltender with a 15-year contract. That being said, Wade Dubielewicz is expected to re-sign, and in doing so will likely be signing up for 20+ games next season. Dubie struggled early this season when he was playing less than once a month, but really picked up his game especially after DP opted for surgery. So, if you're league is so deep that backup goaltenders are important, Dubie may just be your man.
Keep 'em: Okposo, Comeau, Campoli, DiPietro, Dubielewicz
Deal 'em: Hunter, Guerin, Comrie
Forwards
Returning: Kyle Okposo, Trent Hunter, Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Mike Sillinger, Richard Park, Blake Comeau, Jon Sim, Andy Hilbert, Shawn Bates, *Sean Bergenheim, *Tim Jackman.
Incoming: Ben Walter, Frans Nielsen, Jesse Joensuu, Joel Rechlicz.
UFAs: Ruslan Fedotenko, Josef Vasicek, Miroslav Satan, Jeff Tambellini.
Defense
Returning: Chris Campoli, Freddy Meyer, Radek Martinek, Brendan Witt, Andy Sutton, *Bruno Gervais, *Aaron Johnson.
Incoming: Jack Hillen, Dustin Kohn, Jamie Fraser.
UFAs: Bryan Berard, Rob Davison.
Goaltenders
Returning: Rick DiPietro
UFA: Wade Dubielewicz
* denotes RFA
As always, feel free to email with questions, comments, and rants: FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Catch 22
As the Islanders wind down a disappointing season with a home-and-home with the Rangers, fans are split between rooting for the Isles in the interest of dimming the Rangers' playoff aspirations and losing out to obtain a chance at the lottery for the top draft pick in June. While it would be nice to get the pick, it would be a small consolation to end a dismal year if they were to knock the Rangers from contention.
With the exception of the kids' energy and Wade Dubielewicz's stellar play down the stretch, there has not been much to be excited about on Long Island these past few months.
I will have a season in review column up at some point during the playoffs, with some advice for those of you in keeper leagues.
So, without further ado, the final fantasy update of the season.
Hot
Wade Dubielewicz (8-8,2.68 GAA,.917 SV%), with something to prove once again as he finishes out his first ever one-way contract, has filled in admirably for his injured counterpart. Dubielewicz has earned an extension with his steady play down the stretch, which has included stopping 162 of 172 shots (.942 SV%), a 2-2-1 record, and a 1.97 GAA. As Rick DiPietro (hopefully) learns he can't play all 82 games, Dubie would prove even more valuable if he was utilized with any regularity over the course of the season. Dubie struggled during the first half of the season, to no fault of his own, as he started just two games through Christmas.
Kyle Okposo (1-3=4,+2) has done well in his short stint with the Isles, scoring a goal and three assists while accumulating a +2 rating over his last six games.
Bill Guerin (23-21=44,-15) has shown flashes of interest this year, but for the most part has shown he has come back to the East Coast to finish out his career and retire to Massachusetts. Guerin does have a goal and three assists and a +2 rating in his last four games, but there's no doubt the Isles expected more production and a more fiery approach from their captain.
Josef Vasicek (16-19=35,+/-E), like Guerin, has shown flashes, but can't seem to put it together for a significant period of time. Vasicek has two goals and an assist and a +2 rating in his last four.
Richard Park (11-19=30,-6) has fit in well with Okposo and Blake Comeau on what has become the Isles top line. Park has two goals, three helpers and a +1 rating over his last six games.
Cold
Mike Comrie (21-28=49,-21) has just a goal and an assist and a -3 rating over his last 11 games. Notice he signed his inflated contract extension around the same time he started the slump.
Miroslav Satan (15-25=40,-9) will finish the season with his lowest output since his rookie and sophomore seasons, when he tallied 35 and 38 points respectively. Satan has just five points (1-4=5) and a -8 rating over his last 18 games.
Projected lines
Bergenheim-Vasicek-Guerin
Satan-Neilsen-Hunter
Comeau-Park-Okposo
Brennan-Colliton-Keith
Hillen-Martinek
Meyer-Davison
Berard-Fata
PP1: Berard-Martinek-Satan-Vasicek-Okposo
On the mend
*G Rick DiPietro (hip) is out for the season.
*D Aaron Johnson (ribs) is day-to-day.
*D Bruno Gervais (concussion) is day-to-day.
*D Andy Sutton (torn hamstring) is out for the season.
*D Brendan Witt (sprained knee) is out for the season.
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder) is out for the season.
*F Mike Comrie (hip) is day-to-day.
*F Andy Hilbert (ankle) is day-to-day.
*F Ruslan Fedotenko (leg) is day-to-day.
*F Mike Sillinger (hip) is out for the season.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) is out indefinitely.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Remaining schedule
Thu. 4/3 vs. Rangers
Fri. 4/4 @ Rangers
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Playoffs out, Okposo in
The Isles have dropped five straight and nine of their last eleven, all but ending any hope of a playoff berth.
Kyle Okposo, the Isles’ top ranked prospect, will make his NHL debut against Toronto Tuesday night. As the kids have been the only source of entertainment these last few weeks, it should be fun watching Okposo play with former Bridgeport teammate, Blake Comeau, and workhorse veteran Richard Park. Let’s hope he gets a shot on the powerplay. What do they have to lose? Okposo could be a dark horse waiver pickup in your fantasy league. If he’s getting powerplay time, he’s worth a shot.
Now that the Isles are reeling and winding down a fruitless season, Rick DiPietro’s true colors are showing once again. DP was clearly unhappy with Ted Nolan’s decision to start backup Wade Dubielewicz in the tail end of the home-and-home series with the Rangers…as if the number one job was up for grabs. Not long after, DiPietro gives up eight goals to basement-dwelling Tampa and is called out by Nolan for overplaying the puck. DiPietro’s response? "Whatever." Spoken like a true leader.
In the latest display of team unity, Bruno Gervais was elbowed square in the head by Florida’s Branislav Mezei. Gervais suffered a concussion on the play. And what did his teammates do? What else? Absolutely nothing. So much for heart, grit, and character.
Hot
Blake Comeau (6-6=12,+/-E) has two goals and two assists in his last five, and stands to benefit from playing on a line with Okposo.
Cold
Rick DiPietro (26-28-7,3 SO,2.82 GAA,.902 S%) has lost seven of his last eight starts, and while the team can certainly be blamed, so can DiPietro. His stats of late have hardly been spectacular—he has posted a 4.14 GAA and an .866 S% in that recent eight-game span.
Mike Comrie (21-28=49,-20) has just two points (1-1=2) in his last eight games. He was also recently stripped of his ‘A’.
Bill Guerin (22-18=40,-17) has two goals, an assist, and a –4 rating over his last seven games. The good news is his reign as Isles captain is about halfway over.
Miroslav Satan (14-23=37,-8) hasn’t scored a goal in nearly a month, a span of 11 games during which he has accumulated just two assists and a –7 rating. Satan’s been streaky throughout his career, and is bound to break out of his most recent funk before season’s end.
Trent Hunter (10-28=38,-15) has one assist and a –5 rating over his last five games. His shooting percentage stands at a wretched 4.9%.
Josef Vasicek (14-18=32,-2) has one assist and a –6 rating over his last seven games.
Projected lines
Tambellini-Vasicek-Guerin
Bergenheim-Comrie-Hunter
Comeau-Park-Okposo
Regier-Colliton-Satan
Spiller-Martinek
Meyer-Davison
Berard-Johnson
PP1: Martinek-Berard-Okposo?-Comrie-Guerin
On the mend
*G Rick DiPietro (hip) is scheduled to undergo an MRI Tuesday. He is out indefinitely.
*F Andy Hilbert (unspecified) is day-to-day.
*F Frans Nielsen (shoulder) is out indefinitely.
*F Ruslan Fedotenko (leg) is day-to-day.
*D Bruno Gervais (concussion) is day-to-day.
*D Andy Sutton (torn hamstring) is out until at least late March.
*D Brendan Witt (sprained knee) is likely out for the season.
*F Mike Sillinger (hip) opted for surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder) is out for the season.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) is out indefinitely.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule
Tue. 3/18 vs. Toronto
Fri. 3/21 @ New Jersey
Sun. 3/23 @ Philly
Mon. 3/24 vs. Pittsburgh
Thu. 3/27 @ Pittsburgh
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
Kyle Okposo, the Isles’ top ranked prospect, will make his NHL debut against Toronto Tuesday night. As the kids have been the only source of entertainment these last few weeks, it should be fun watching Okposo play with former Bridgeport teammate, Blake Comeau, and workhorse veteran Richard Park. Let’s hope he gets a shot on the powerplay. What do they have to lose? Okposo could be a dark horse waiver pickup in your fantasy league. If he’s getting powerplay time, he’s worth a shot.
Now that the Isles are reeling and winding down a fruitless season, Rick DiPietro’s true colors are showing once again. DP was clearly unhappy with Ted Nolan’s decision to start backup Wade Dubielewicz in the tail end of the home-and-home series with the Rangers…as if the number one job was up for grabs. Not long after, DiPietro gives up eight goals to basement-dwelling Tampa and is called out by Nolan for overplaying the puck. DiPietro’s response? "Whatever." Spoken like a true leader.
In the latest display of team unity, Bruno Gervais was elbowed square in the head by Florida’s Branislav Mezei. Gervais suffered a concussion on the play. And what did his teammates do? What else? Absolutely nothing. So much for heart, grit, and character.
Hot
Blake Comeau (6-6=12,+/-E) has two goals and two assists in his last five, and stands to benefit from playing on a line with Okposo.
Cold
Rick DiPietro (26-28-7,3 SO,2.82 GAA,.902 S%) has lost seven of his last eight starts, and while the team can certainly be blamed, so can DiPietro. His stats of late have hardly been spectacular—he has posted a 4.14 GAA and an .866 S% in that recent eight-game span.
Mike Comrie (21-28=49,-20) has just two points (1-1=2) in his last eight games. He was also recently stripped of his ‘A’.
Bill Guerin (22-18=40,-17) has two goals, an assist, and a –4 rating over his last seven games. The good news is his reign as Isles captain is about halfway over.
Miroslav Satan (14-23=37,-8) hasn’t scored a goal in nearly a month, a span of 11 games during which he has accumulated just two assists and a –7 rating. Satan’s been streaky throughout his career, and is bound to break out of his most recent funk before season’s end.
Trent Hunter (10-28=38,-15) has one assist and a –5 rating over his last five games. His shooting percentage stands at a wretched 4.9%.
Josef Vasicek (14-18=32,-2) has one assist and a –6 rating over his last seven games.
Projected lines
Tambellini-Vasicek-Guerin
Bergenheim-Comrie-Hunter
Comeau-Park-Okposo
Regier-Colliton-Satan
Spiller-Martinek
Meyer-Davison
Berard-Johnson
PP1: Martinek-Berard-Okposo?-Comrie-Guerin
On the mend
*G Rick DiPietro (hip) is scheduled to undergo an MRI Tuesday. He is out indefinitely.
*F Andy Hilbert (unspecified) is day-to-day.
*F Frans Nielsen (shoulder) is out indefinitely.
*F Ruslan Fedotenko (leg) is day-to-day.
*D Bruno Gervais (concussion) is day-to-day.
*D Andy Sutton (torn hamstring) is out until at least late March.
*D Brendan Witt (sprained knee) is likely out for the season.
*F Mike Sillinger (hip) opted for surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder) is out for the season.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) is out indefinitely.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule
Tue. 3/18 vs. Toronto
Fri. 3/21 @ New Jersey
Sun. 3/23 @ Philly
Mon. 3/24 vs. Pittsburgh
Thu. 3/27 @ Pittsburgh
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Summing up the trade deadline and more
The trade deadline has come and gone, and judging by his comments, Garth Snow was unable to make the deals he wanted to make. If he wanted to trade significant veteran assets, perhaps he was thwarted by Mr.Wang, who most certainly would not want to throw in the towel when the team is in the thick of the playoff race, for PR purposes, of course. Either way, the lack of movement was a big mistake. The Isles are going nowhere fast. A team with the character of Oleg Kvasha CAN NOT succeed in the playoffs. They would have been much better off getting as many assets as possible in exchange for Miroslav Satan (if he was willing to waive his no trade clause), Josef Vasicek, and Ruslan Fedotenko (unless an extension is imminent).
To be fair, the deals that were made were solid moves. It’s a great sign to see Chris Simon go, considering his close relationship to Nolan. Nolan has often been criticized for playing favorites, and rightly so. How else do you justify Andy Hilbert on the top line for half the season, and Simon coming right in after a suspension to break up what was the most energetic line (Tambellini-Nielsen-Comeau) the Isles had all season? But hey, that’s besides the point. Good move getting Simon out of Nassau—he had clearly wore out his welcome with the Islanders faithful, and quite frankly, he brought absolutely nothing to the table. Jeff Tambellini will reclaim the roster spot and will not disappoint.
Ridding of M.A. Bergeron was another instance of addition by subtraction. Bergeron’s atrocious defensive play, combined with the disrespect he showed toward Gerard Gallant earlier this season, earned him a one-way ticket to Anaheim, where he will undoubtedly have a spot on the powerplay, if not a seat in the press box most nights. Keep an eye on him—if he gets a regular shot, he could be a solid pick-up for the stretch drive.
As for the acquisition of Rob Davison from San Jose, Snow succeeded in bringing in a solid third-pair defenseman with all-around skills. Davison was a healthy scratch most nights with the Sharks and will undoubtedly be thrilled to be playing a regular shift with the Isles. The 6’3" defenseman is known for sticking up for his teammates—a trait the Isles desperately needed.
Besides the dealing, Garth Snow also busied himself with signing Trent Hunter to a five-year deal. Hunter may be a loyal Islander, a decent checker, etc. But he is not worthy of a five-year contract, considering his declining play. Since joining the Isles for the infamous Toronto series in 2002, Hunter’s play has gotten progressively worse. His skating ability rivals that of Eric Godard, and he now boasts a shooting percentage of around 4%. The scary part is that Hunter should be in the prime of his career, and he is on pace for an 11-goal season. Like all long-term contracts, the question is how is this guy going to perform at the tail end of the deal? At this rate, Trent Hunter is destined to become the next Mark Lawrence.
Mike Comrie was also inked to a one-year contract extension for $4 million. $4 million you ask? What warranted the 25% increase? Who knows? Regardless, it’s a good signing in that Comrie has expressed his desire to remain with the Isles, though I am skeptical about his intentions. What if Hillary Duff decides hockey players aren’t her thing anymore? And what if Comrie actually puts up first line numbers? Either way, it’s good-bye, Mike Comrie. In all seriousness, if Snow is able to add a top line center (Jokinen?), and Comrie can drop to the second line, then this is a good move. Otherwise, don’t expect much more from Comrie than what we saw this year.
Hot
Miroslav Satan (14-21=35,-5) was going strong with three goals and two assists in a string of five games, but has since gone pointless with a –4 rating in his last two.
Trent Hunter (8-26=34,-9) has a goal and seven assists in his last ten games. The sad part is that he has just two goals since Christmas. The saddest part is that he’s signed for five more years.
Ruslan Fedotenko (15-16=31,-6) has seven goals and an assist in his last ten games, including a goal in each of his last two.
Josef Vasicek (13-16=29,+3) has two goals and seven assists in his last eight games.
Richard Park (9-14=23,-4) has fallen back to Earth and off the first line, and has one assist in his last nine games to show for it.
Sean Bergenheim (7-10=17,+3) has three goals and three assists in his last nine games, but he still finds himself stuck playing 4th line minutes. When one of the best players in the league (Teemu Selanne) says he should be playing more, maybe Ted Nolan should listen.
Cold
Rick DiPietro (25-23,3 SO,2.67 GAA,.907 S%) has played well enough to give the Isles a chance to win every night, with the exception of his last outing vs. Pittsburgh, when he allowed four goals on 21 shots.
Mike Comrie (18-27=45,-20) has gone pointless in four after a solid run of six games during which he contributed four goals and four assists. Comrie has a team-worst –20 rating on the season.
Bill Guerin (19-16=35,-13) has gone without a goal in eight games, adding just four assists in that time.
Bryan Berard (5-8=13,-13) has gone pointless in six games following a three point effort in Toronto. But, more importantly, Berard is now the undisputed powerplay quarterback after the trade of M.A. Bergeron. Expect a bump in BB’s production.
Projected lines
Hilbert-Comrie-Guerin
Fedotenko-Vasicek-Hunter
Bergenheim-Park-Satan
Tambellini-Nielsen-Comeau
Witt-Martinek
Gervais-Meyer
Davison-Berard
Scratches: Johnson (if Witt returns)
PP1: Gervais-Berard-Satan-Comrie-Guerin
On the mend
*D Andy Sutton (torn hamstring) is out until at least late March.
*D Brendan Witt (sprained knee) is day-to-day.
*F Mike Sillinger (hip) opted for surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder) is out for the season.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) is out indefinitely.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule
Thu. 2/28 @ Atlanta
Sat. 3/1 vs. Philadelphia
Sun. 3/2 vs. Florida
Tue. 3/4 @ Rangers
Thu. 3/6 vs. Rangers
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
To be fair, the deals that were made were solid moves. It’s a great sign to see Chris Simon go, considering his close relationship to Nolan. Nolan has often been criticized for playing favorites, and rightly so. How else do you justify Andy Hilbert on the top line for half the season, and Simon coming right in after a suspension to break up what was the most energetic line (Tambellini-Nielsen-Comeau) the Isles had all season? But hey, that’s besides the point. Good move getting Simon out of Nassau—he had clearly wore out his welcome with the Islanders faithful, and quite frankly, he brought absolutely nothing to the table. Jeff Tambellini will reclaim the roster spot and will not disappoint.
Ridding of M.A. Bergeron was another instance of addition by subtraction. Bergeron’s atrocious defensive play, combined with the disrespect he showed toward Gerard Gallant earlier this season, earned him a one-way ticket to Anaheim, where he will undoubtedly have a spot on the powerplay, if not a seat in the press box most nights. Keep an eye on him—if he gets a regular shot, he could be a solid pick-up for the stretch drive.
As for the acquisition of Rob Davison from San Jose, Snow succeeded in bringing in a solid third-pair defenseman with all-around skills. Davison was a healthy scratch most nights with the Sharks and will undoubtedly be thrilled to be playing a regular shift with the Isles. The 6’3" defenseman is known for sticking up for his teammates—a trait the Isles desperately needed.
Besides the dealing, Garth Snow also busied himself with signing Trent Hunter to a five-year deal. Hunter may be a loyal Islander, a decent checker, etc. But he is not worthy of a five-year contract, considering his declining play. Since joining the Isles for the infamous Toronto series in 2002, Hunter’s play has gotten progressively worse. His skating ability rivals that of Eric Godard, and he now boasts a shooting percentage of around 4%. The scary part is that Hunter should be in the prime of his career, and he is on pace for an 11-goal season. Like all long-term contracts, the question is how is this guy going to perform at the tail end of the deal? At this rate, Trent Hunter is destined to become the next Mark Lawrence.
Mike Comrie was also inked to a one-year contract extension for $4 million. $4 million you ask? What warranted the 25% increase? Who knows? Regardless, it’s a good signing in that Comrie has expressed his desire to remain with the Isles, though I am skeptical about his intentions. What if Hillary Duff decides hockey players aren’t her thing anymore? And what if Comrie actually puts up first line numbers? Either way, it’s good-bye, Mike Comrie. In all seriousness, if Snow is able to add a top line center (Jokinen?), and Comrie can drop to the second line, then this is a good move. Otherwise, don’t expect much more from Comrie than what we saw this year.
Hot
Miroslav Satan (14-21=35,-5) was going strong with three goals and two assists in a string of five games, but has since gone pointless with a –4 rating in his last two.
Trent Hunter (8-26=34,-9) has a goal and seven assists in his last ten games. The sad part is that he has just two goals since Christmas. The saddest part is that he’s signed for five more years.
Ruslan Fedotenko (15-16=31,-6) has seven goals and an assist in his last ten games, including a goal in each of his last two.
Josef Vasicek (13-16=29,+3) has two goals and seven assists in his last eight games.
Richard Park (9-14=23,-4) has fallen back to Earth and off the first line, and has one assist in his last nine games to show for it.
Sean Bergenheim (7-10=17,+3) has three goals and three assists in his last nine games, but he still finds himself stuck playing 4th line minutes. When one of the best players in the league (Teemu Selanne) says he should be playing more, maybe Ted Nolan should listen.
Cold
Rick DiPietro (25-23,3 SO,2.67 GAA,.907 S%) has played well enough to give the Isles a chance to win every night, with the exception of his last outing vs. Pittsburgh, when he allowed four goals on 21 shots.
Mike Comrie (18-27=45,-20) has gone pointless in four after a solid run of six games during which he contributed four goals and four assists. Comrie has a team-worst –20 rating on the season.
Bill Guerin (19-16=35,-13) has gone without a goal in eight games, adding just four assists in that time.
Bryan Berard (5-8=13,-13) has gone pointless in six games following a three point effort in Toronto. But, more importantly, Berard is now the undisputed powerplay quarterback after the trade of M.A. Bergeron. Expect a bump in BB’s production.
Projected lines
Hilbert-Comrie-Guerin
Fedotenko-Vasicek-Hunter
Bergenheim-Park-Satan
Tambellini-Nielsen-Comeau
Witt-Martinek
Gervais-Meyer
Davison-Berard
Scratches: Johnson (if Witt returns)
PP1: Gervais-Berard-Satan-Comrie-Guerin
On the mend
*D Andy Sutton (torn hamstring) is out until at least late March.
*D Brendan Witt (sprained knee) is day-to-day.
*F Mike Sillinger (hip) opted for surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder) is out for the season.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) is out indefinitely.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule
Thu. 2/28 @ Atlanta
Sat. 3/1 vs. Philadelphia
Sun. 3/2 vs. Florida
Tue. 3/4 @ Rangers
Thu. 3/6 vs. Rangers
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Trader Snow?
Like it or not, it’s become quite clear that the Islanders won't be pulling off any miracles this season. While they remained competitive through most of the year, the team fell apart during their recent seven game losing streak. The time has come to admit that this team is no Cup contender, let alone playoff team, and deal as many veterans as possible—the NHL trade deadline is less than two weeks away.
Garth Snow and Ted Nolan need to reevaluate the direction they want to take this team. When Charles Wang announced Snow as general manager two summers ago, the consensus was that regardless of talent level, Snow would put together a tough-as-nails team, reflecting the long-time goaltender’s playing style. Two seasons later, that couldn't be further from reality. Granted, Jon Sim was injured in the second game of the season, but Sim alone couldn't change the nature of this team by himself. The lack of fight, lack of pride, lack of substance has shown time and time again.
And now, the Isles are stuck with an aging captain that seemed to mail it in half way through the season, and a recently named alternate captain that plays hard when it’s the right time for him. Harsh words, yes, but how many times can the fans (that still attend games) stand to watch these guys not skate out icings, not stand up for each other, and glide around and dump the puck like a bunch of Isles of yesteryear?
If Snow dished out those one-year deals in anticipation of a trade deadline dump, then good for him. Mike Comrie performed quite well in the playoffs with Ottawa last year, and you can be sure he’ll be a hot commodity come February 26. Trent "Big Game" Hunter, the perennial faux hits leader, could also be had, according to rumors, but it’s hard to imagine the Isles ever parting ways with their "model Islander". M.A. Bergeron has been destined for faraway places ever since his tiff with Assistant Coach Gerrard Gallant, and his powerful shot and powerplay ability should yield a decent return. Josef Vasicek and Miroslav Satan, the softest linemates in hockey, will also help stock the Isles’ prospect pantry. Andy Hilbert… nevermind.
So, tying this all into the fantasy world, as I remind myself that this is the point of this blog, pick up some of the aforementioned players in anticipation of a trade to a contender. You can be sure all of them will be motivated and will bring more to the table in a high-pressure environment, where losing and not giving a damn are completely unacceptable, veterans included.
On the brighter side, the Isles have a respectable pool of young talent as it stands, including Sean Bergenheim, Blake Comeau, Kyle Okposo, Jeff Tambellini, Frans Nielsen, and Rhett Rakhshani. The upcoming trade deadline will only add to this collection and will give the Islanders faithful hope for the future, if the youngsters are ever given a regular shift.
Of course, they still have DP for another dozen seasons or so.
Projected lines:
Hilbert-Comrie-Guerin
Bergenheim-Park-Satan
Fedotenko-Vasicek-Hunter
Tambellini-Nielsen-Comeau
Witt/Gervais-Martinek
Sutton-Meyer
Berard-Bergeron
On the mend:
*D Brendan Witt (sprained knee) is day-to-day.
*D Bruno Gervais (undisclosed) is day-to-day.
*F Mike Sillinger (hip) will miss the month of February.
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder surgery) is out for the season.
*F Chris Simon (suspension) has rejoined the team and is eligible to return February 21 against Tampa Bay.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) is out indefinitely.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule:
Thu. 2/14 @ Toronto
Sat. 2/16 vs. Atlanta
Mon. 2/18 vs. San Jose
Wed. 2/20 @ Washington
Thu. 2/21 vs. Tampa Bay
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
Garth Snow and Ted Nolan need to reevaluate the direction they want to take this team. When Charles Wang announced Snow as general manager two summers ago, the consensus was that regardless of talent level, Snow would put together a tough-as-nails team, reflecting the long-time goaltender’s playing style. Two seasons later, that couldn't be further from reality. Granted, Jon Sim was injured in the second game of the season, but Sim alone couldn't change the nature of this team by himself. The lack of fight, lack of pride, lack of substance has shown time and time again.
And now, the Isles are stuck with an aging captain that seemed to mail it in half way through the season, and a recently named alternate captain that plays hard when it’s the right time for him. Harsh words, yes, but how many times can the fans (that still attend games) stand to watch these guys not skate out icings, not stand up for each other, and glide around and dump the puck like a bunch of Isles of yesteryear?
If Snow dished out those one-year deals in anticipation of a trade deadline dump, then good for him. Mike Comrie performed quite well in the playoffs with Ottawa last year, and you can be sure he’ll be a hot commodity come February 26. Trent "Big Game" Hunter, the perennial faux hits leader, could also be had, according to rumors, but it’s hard to imagine the Isles ever parting ways with their "model Islander". M.A. Bergeron has been destined for faraway places ever since his tiff with Assistant Coach Gerrard Gallant, and his powerful shot and powerplay ability should yield a decent return. Josef Vasicek and Miroslav Satan, the softest linemates in hockey, will also help stock the Isles’ prospect pantry. Andy Hilbert… nevermind.
So, tying this all into the fantasy world, as I remind myself that this is the point of this blog, pick up some of the aforementioned players in anticipation of a trade to a contender. You can be sure all of them will be motivated and will bring more to the table in a high-pressure environment, where losing and not giving a damn are completely unacceptable, veterans included.
On the brighter side, the Isles have a respectable pool of young talent as it stands, including Sean Bergenheim, Blake Comeau, Kyle Okposo, Jeff Tambellini, Frans Nielsen, and Rhett Rakhshani. The upcoming trade deadline will only add to this collection and will give the Islanders faithful hope for the future, if the youngsters are ever given a regular shift.
Of course, they still have DP for another dozen seasons or so.
Projected lines:
Hilbert-Comrie-Guerin
Bergenheim-Park-Satan
Fedotenko-Vasicek-Hunter
Tambellini-Nielsen-Comeau
Witt/Gervais-Martinek
Sutton-Meyer
Berard-Bergeron
On the mend:
*D Brendan Witt (sprained knee) is day-to-day.
*D Bruno Gervais (undisclosed) is day-to-day.
*F Mike Sillinger (hip) will miss the month of February.
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder surgery) is out for the season.
*F Chris Simon (suspension) has rejoined the team and is eligible to return February 21 against Tampa Bay.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) is out indefinitely.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule:
Thu. 2/14 @ Toronto
Sat. 2/16 vs. Atlanta
Mon. 2/18 vs. San Jose
Wed. 2/20 @ Washington
Thu. 2/21 vs. Tampa Bay
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Isles seeing stars
*With their latest loss in Boston, the Isles (24-20-6) have now lost eight of their past 12 games.
*The team might have hit its lowest point of the season in that loss to Boston. Granted, the score wasn’t all that bad (4-1), but the effort was virtually nonexistent. Even worse, Ted Nolan could be seen having a grand time behind the bench. The game was a series of missed assignments (and open nets), blind passes, half-assed skating, and weak checks. It was clear that the Isles had already started their break.
*The powerplay has dropped to 24th in the league with a 16.2% conversion rate, a far cry from the 27% they had early in the season.
Hot
Mike Sillinger (13-12=25,-9) has three goals in his last two games and six in his last eight.
Miroslav Satan (11-16=27,-1)… "Hot" might be a stretch when you consider the two open nets he missed in Boston Thursday night. Regardless, Satan had points in four straight contests (1-3=4,+3) before his latest lackadaisical effort.
Richard Park (9-12=21,+2) has been good for a goal every other game over his last six. He is one Islander who gives a respectable effort every game.
Cold
Rick DiPietro (19-16,2 SO,2.54 GAA,.913 S%) can’t be blamed for the Isles’ latest slump, but he has allowed twelve goals on the last 87 shots he has faced (.862 S%) over the last three games. DP could use the ego-boost that his first All Star Game will undoubtedly provide him.
Mike Comrie (14-22=36,-12) has just one assist in his last six games and has scored points in just two of his last eleven. Comrie seems to have lost interest. Proof? His decision Thursday not to beat out an icing call, which was easily avoidable.
Bill Guerin (18-10=28,-6) is pointless in three after a four-game points scoring streak (3-2=5,+1).
Josef Vasicek (11-8=19,+1) has just three points and a -4 rating over his last 16 games. And to think, Vasicek led the Isles in goals earlier this season.
Ruslan Fedotenko (8-14=22,-7) has one assist and a –2 rating in his last six games. Fedotenko just doesn’t have the jump he had early in the season. He could be fighting an injury.
M.A. Bergeron (8-9=17,-7) is pointless with a –3 rating over his last six games. Which begs the question, why isn’t Bryan Berard playing?
Projected lines:
Park-Comrie-Guerin
Bergenheim-Vasicek-Satan
Fedotenko-Sillinger-Hunter
Jackman-Hilbert-Comeau
Witt-Martinek
Sutton-Meyer
Gervais-Bergeron
Scratches: Berard, Johnson
PP1: Gervais-Bergeron-Satan-Comrie-Guerin
PP2: Sutton-Meyer-Fedotenko-Sillinger-Hunter
On the mend:
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder surgery) is out for the season.
*F Chris Simon was suspended an NHL-record 30 games for his latest despicable act, a stomping of Pittsburgh’s Jarkko Ruutu. Simon is eligible to return February 21 against Tampa Bay.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) played just two games before succumbing to another injury. There’s no timetable for his return.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule:
Tue. 1/29 vs. Ottawa
Thu. 1/31 vs. Los Angeles
Sat. 2/2 @ Montreal
Tue. 2/5 vs. Anaheim
Thu. 2/7 @ Pittsburgh
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
*The team might have hit its lowest point of the season in that loss to Boston. Granted, the score wasn’t all that bad (4-1), but the effort was virtually nonexistent. Even worse, Ted Nolan could be seen having a grand time behind the bench. The game was a series of missed assignments (and open nets), blind passes, half-assed skating, and weak checks. It was clear that the Isles had already started their break.
*The powerplay has dropped to 24th in the league with a 16.2% conversion rate, a far cry from the 27% they had early in the season.
Hot
Mike Sillinger (13-12=25,-9) has three goals in his last two games and six in his last eight.
Miroslav Satan (11-16=27,-1)… "Hot" might be a stretch when you consider the two open nets he missed in Boston Thursday night. Regardless, Satan had points in four straight contests (1-3=4,+3) before his latest lackadaisical effort.
Richard Park (9-12=21,+2) has been good for a goal every other game over his last six. He is one Islander who gives a respectable effort every game.
Cold
Rick DiPietro (19-16,2 SO,2.54 GAA,.913 S%) can’t be blamed for the Isles’ latest slump, but he has allowed twelve goals on the last 87 shots he has faced (.862 S%) over the last three games. DP could use the ego-boost that his first All Star Game will undoubtedly provide him.
Mike Comrie (14-22=36,-12) has just one assist in his last six games and has scored points in just two of his last eleven. Comrie seems to have lost interest. Proof? His decision Thursday not to beat out an icing call, which was easily avoidable.
Bill Guerin (18-10=28,-6) is pointless in three after a four-game points scoring streak (3-2=5,+1).
Josef Vasicek (11-8=19,+1) has just three points and a -4 rating over his last 16 games. And to think, Vasicek led the Isles in goals earlier this season.
Ruslan Fedotenko (8-14=22,-7) has one assist and a –2 rating in his last six games. Fedotenko just doesn’t have the jump he had early in the season. He could be fighting an injury.
M.A. Bergeron (8-9=17,-7) is pointless with a –3 rating over his last six games. Which begs the question, why isn’t Bryan Berard playing?
Projected lines:
Park-Comrie-Guerin
Bergenheim-Vasicek-Satan
Fedotenko-Sillinger-Hunter
Jackman-Hilbert-Comeau
Witt-Martinek
Sutton-Meyer
Gervais-Bergeron
Scratches: Berard, Johnson
PP1: Gervais-Bergeron-Satan-Comrie-Guerin
PP2: Sutton-Meyer-Fedotenko-Sillinger-Hunter
On the mend:
*D Chris Campoli (shoulder surgery) is out for the season.
*F Chris Simon was suspended an NHL-record 30 games for his latest despicable act, a stomping of Pittsburgh’s Jarkko Ruutu. Simon is eligible to return February 21 against Tampa Bay.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) played just two games before succumbing to another injury. There’s no timetable for his return.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule:
Tue. 1/29 vs. Ottawa
Thu. 1/31 vs. Los Angeles
Sat. 2/2 @ Montreal
Tue. 2/5 vs. Anaheim
Thu. 2/7 @ Pittsburgh
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Western woes
*After winning five of six to close out 2007, the Isles have dropped three straight, and will face three straight tough opponents on the road—Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. Currently sitting tied for eighth in the conference, the Isles are only five points behind the Atlantic-leading Devils.
*The scoring woes have returned. After managing just one goal against Jose Theodore and the Avalanche, the Isles were shutout by Mathieu Garon and the Oilers. Next up, Roberto Luongo’s Canucks.
*Kyle Okposo was signed to his first pro contract and was assigned to Bridgeport following the World Junior Championship, where Okposo and the Americans had a strong run before bowing out to Canada and Russia. Don’t be surprised to see the 2006 first rounder with the big club in the coming weeks.
*This may very well have nothing to do with fantasy hockey, but the Isles' fourth line of Jackman-Hilbert-Comeau has done a great job since the first day they were put together. Comeau has been impressive on both ends, Jackman provides some much needed grit (and even recently sniped the top corner), and Hilbert is playing like he belongs there, because he does. For the first time this season, he doesn't appear nervous with the puck.
*The powerplay has dropped to 19th in the league with a 17% conversion rate.
Hot
Mike Comrie (13-20=33,-11) is pointless in his last two games, but was the Isles’ best player in the 4-0 loss to Edmonton. Fresh off a run of four goals and four assists in five games., Comrie leads the team in points and assists.
Bill Guerin (14-8=22,-5) leads the team with 14 goals thanks in large part to his recent six-goals-in-six-games outburst.
Richard Park (6-12=18,+3) has fit in well on the top line with Comrie and Guerin. He has a goal and seven assists in his last eight games.
M.A. Bergeron (6-8=14,-4) seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch despite his ongoing defensive struggles. MAB had four goals in four games to close out December, but has since gone pointless in three.
Cold
Rick DiPietro (16-13,2 SO,2.50 GAA,.911 S%) sandwiched an outstanding effort in Colorado with two stinkers. No worries here—one of those games was his first following a knee sprain and in the other, he had little help and could only be blamed for one of four goals. You can be sure DP will be up for the goaltenders’ duel in Vancouver Tuesday night.
Miroslav Satan (10-13=23,-4) has just one assist and a –5 rating over the course of his last seven games. Ted Nolan rewarded Satan with a spot on the bench for much of the third period against Edmonton.
Josef Vasicek (10-7=17,-1) has gone ten games without a goal after leading the team in that department not too long ago. Vasicek rode the bench for the length of the third period in Edmonton.
Ruslan Fedotenko (7-11=18,-7)… Who would have thought Fedotenko would ever end up in Ted Nolan’s dog house? Fedotenko was another who sat the third period in that debacle in Edmonton. He has one measly goal in his last 22 games. He also only has five assists in that span.
Projected lines (these may very well be history):
Park-Comrie-Guerin
Bergenheim-Vasicek-Satan
Fedotenko-Sillinger-Hunter
Jackman-Hilbert-Comeau
Witt-Gervais
Sutton- Meyer
Campoli-Bergeron
PP1: Campoli-Bergeron-Satan-Comrie-Guerin
PP2: Sutton-Gervais-Fedotenko-Sillinger-Hunter
On the mend:
*D Radek Martinek (bruised leg) is day-to-day and is expected to return before the end of the road trip.
*F/D Aaron Johnson (knee) has resumed skating.
*F Chris Simon (suspension) is out indefinitely pending an NHL hearing. Don’t be surprised if Simon’s given the boot for the season.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) played just two games before succumbing to another injury. There’s no timetable for his return.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule:
Tue. 1/8 @ Vancouver
Fri. 1/11 @ Calgary
Sun. 1/13 @ Ottawa
Tue. 1/15 vs. Montreal
Wed. 1/16 @ New Jersey
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
*The scoring woes have returned. After managing just one goal against Jose Theodore and the Avalanche, the Isles were shutout by Mathieu Garon and the Oilers. Next up, Roberto Luongo’s Canucks.
*Kyle Okposo was signed to his first pro contract and was assigned to Bridgeport following the World Junior Championship, where Okposo and the Americans had a strong run before bowing out to Canada and Russia. Don’t be surprised to see the 2006 first rounder with the big club in the coming weeks.
*This may very well have nothing to do with fantasy hockey, but the Isles' fourth line of Jackman-Hilbert-Comeau has done a great job since the first day they were put together. Comeau has been impressive on both ends, Jackman provides some much needed grit (and even recently sniped the top corner), and Hilbert is playing like he belongs there, because he does. For the first time this season, he doesn't appear nervous with the puck.
*The powerplay has dropped to 19th in the league with a 17% conversion rate.
Hot
Mike Comrie (13-20=33,-11) is pointless in his last two games, but was the Isles’ best player in the 4-0 loss to Edmonton. Fresh off a run of four goals and four assists in five games., Comrie leads the team in points and assists.
Bill Guerin (14-8=22,-5) leads the team with 14 goals thanks in large part to his recent six-goals-in-six-games outburst.
Richard Park (6-12=18,+3) has fit in well on the top line with Comrie and Guerin. He has a goal and seven assists in his last eight games.
M.A. Bergeron (6-8=14,-4) seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch despite his ongoing defensive struggles. MAB had four goals in four games to close out December, but has since gone pointless in three.
Cold
Rick DiPietro (16-13,2 SO,2.50 GAA,.911 S%) sandwiched an outstanding effort in Colorado with two stinkers. No worries here—one of those games was his first following a knee sprain and in the other, he had little help and could only be blamed for one of four goals. You can be sure DP will be up for the goaltenders’ duel in Vancouver Tuesday night.
Miroslav Satan (10-13=23,-4) has just one assist and a –5 rating over the course of his last seven games. Ted Nolan rewarded Satan with a spot on the bench for much of the third period against Edmonton.
Josef Vasicek (10-7=17,-1) has gone ten games without a goal after leading the team in that department not too long ago. Vasicek rode the bench for the length of the third period in Edmonton.
Ruslan Fedotenko (7-11=18,-7)… Who would have thought Fedotenko would ever end up in Ted Nolan’s dog house? Fedotenko was another who sat the third period in that debacle in Edmonton. He has one measly goal in his last 22 games. He also only has five assists in that span.
Projected lines (these may very well be history):
Park-Comrie-Guerin
Bergenheim-Vasicek-Satan
Fedotenko-Sillinger-Hunter
Jackman-Hilbert-Comeau
Witt-Gervais
Sutton- Meyer
Campoli-Bergeron
PP1: Campoli-Bergeron-Satan-Comrie-Guerin
PP2: Sutton-Gervais-Fedotenko-Sillinger-Hunter
On the mend:
*D Radek Martinek (bruised leg) is day-to-day and is expected to return before the end of the road trip.
*F/D Aaron Johnson (knee) has resumed skating.
*F Chris Simon (suspension) is out indefinitely pending an NHL hearing. Don’t be surprised if Simon’s given the boot for the season.
*F Shawn Bates (hip) played just two games before succumbing to another injury. There’s no timetable for his return.
*F Jon Sim (knee) is out for the season.
Upcoming schedule:
Tue. 1/8 @ Vancouver
Fri. 1/11 @ Calgary
Sun. 1/13 @ Ottawa
Tue. 1/15 vs. Montreal
Wed. 1/16 @ New Jersey
Direct questions and comments to FantasyNYI@hotmail.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
