I have decided to try something different and make a blog that is totally interactive. I'm asking you guys the questions, i'll give my thoughts then its up to you to provide the answers which should; if I know you guys; spark a "healthy" debate.

1: How concerned are you with the goalie situation?

I honestly think Nabby will be fine over the course of an 82 game schedule. Their will be less back to back games and hopefully no 4 games in 5 night stretches. I am gravely concerned about Kevin Poulin, however I know its make or break for him. This team knows it can't piss away points and if Poulin goes 1-5-2 in his first 8 starts for example I think a change would be made. This could mean Nilsson coming up or maybe signing a capable free agent backup like a Hedberg. My Point is, Poulin is on a short leash.

2: Will we see the Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey that we saw the last half of 12/13?

For the Isles sake the answer has to be yes. Both need to be consistent for the entire season and provide that secondary scoring that was so vital to this team last season. They don't have to compete for the Rocket Richard trophy but they both need solid 20 goal 50 point seasons.

3. Which prospects have the best chance of making the team?

If the season started today Brock Nelson is the most ready to be on this team. I've told many people that he reminds me of a Keith Primeau and Brock would be a great fit on the third line. I think Strome will play for the isles this season but I do believe that he starts in Bridgeport.

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?

I think it will be better long term. Viz will need to step in and run the power play and they need more production from Hickey and Hamonic. You all know I have gushed over Matt Donovan for some time and now is his time to make look brilliant or foolish. Donovan will not match Streit's point total but he will not be a minus 20 either. If Donovan can be a bottom pairing even defender that puts up 20-25 points as rookie then they are fine.

All right guys its your turn...What do you think?

I have decided to try something different and make a blog that is totally interactive. I'm asking you guys the questions, i'll give my thoughts then its up to you to provide the answers which should; if I know you guys; spark a "healthy" debate.

1: How concerned are you with the goalie situation?

I honestly think Nabby will be fine over the course of an 82 game schedule. Their will be less back to back games and hopefully no 4 games in 5 night stretches. I am gravely concerned about Kevin Poulin, however I know its make or break for him. This team knows it can't piss away points and if Poulin goes 1-5-2 in his first 8 starts for example I think a change would be made. This could mean Nilsson coming up or maybe signing a capable free agent backup like a Hedberg. My Point is, Poulin is on a short leash.

2: Will we see the Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey that we saw the last half of 12/13?

For the Isles sake the answer has to be yes. Both need to be consistent for the entire season and provide that secondary scoring that was so vital to this team last season. They don't have to compete for the Rocket Richard trophy but they both need solid 20 goal 50 point seasons.

3. Which prospects have the best chance of making the team?

If the season started today Brock Nelson is the most ready to be on this team. I've told many people that he reminds me of a Keith Primeau and Brock would be a great fit on the third line. I think Strome will play for the isles this season but I do believe that he starts in Bridgeport.

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?

I think it will be better long term. Viz will need to step in and run the power play and they need more production from Hickey and Hamonic. You all know I have gushed over Matt Donovan for some time and now is his time to make look brilliant or foolish. Donovan will not match Streit's point total but he will not be a minus 20 either. If Donovan can be a bottom pairing even defender that puts up 20-25 points as rookie then they are fine.

All right guys its your turn...What do you think?
- NYI78

1)
Im not sure if Nabby can hold up for 82 games... I think that either Poulin or Nilsson has to play around 25 games collectively so Nabby does run out of gas. Also, my opinion of Poulin is up in the air... Just have to see more of him in the NHL.

2)
Hopefully, Okposo training with JT in the offseason will give him a kick in the ass and he will be the playoffs Okposo. If he starts off slow again, he could be in for a lot of criticism.

3)
I agree with you... Nelson is probably the most likely to make this team out of camp but I would love to see Strome force the Islanders to keep him up with the big club. Hopefully he makes it extremely hard for them.

4)
I think the defense will be a lot better this year. More Vis is a good thing (especially on the PP, no more lazy skating as the PP time is running out). I think that defensively, Donovan will be an upgrade over Streit altho they will miss his offensive side. Another possibility, (like Strome) hopefully De Haan will make it a really hard decision for the Islanders to send him down. A full year of Strait will also help this team (although I wanna see more of him before he gets my full endorsement.)


** Good Blog I like the interactive idea

I have decided to try something different and make a blog that is totally interactive. I'm asking you guys the questions, i'll give my thoughts then its up to you to provide the answers which should; if I know you guys; spark a "healthy" debate.

1: How concerned are you with the goalie situation?

I honestly think Nabby will be fine over the course of an 82 game schedule. Their will be less back to back games and hopefully no 4 games in 5 night stretches. I am gravely concerned about Kevin Poulin, however I know its make or break for him. This team knows it can't piss away points and if Poulin goes 1-5-2 in his first 8 starts for example I think a change would be made. This could mean Nilsson coming up or maybe signing a capable free agent backup like a Hedberg. My Point is, Poulin is on a short leash.

2: Will we see the Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey that we saw the last half of 12/13?

For the Isles sake the answer has to be yes. Both need to be consistent for the entire season and provide that secondary scoring that was so vital to this team last season. They don't have to compete for the Rocket Richard trophy but they both need solid 20 goal 50 point seasons.

3. Which prospects have the best chance of making the team?

If the season started today Brock Nelson is the most ready to be on this team. I've told many people that he reminds me of a Keith Primeau and Brock would be a great fit on the third line. I think Strome will play for the isles this season but I do believe that he starts in Bridgeport.

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?

I think it will be better long term. Viz will need to step in and run the power play and they need more production from Hickey and Hamonic. You all know I have gushed over Matt Donovan for some time and now is his time to make look brilliant or foolish. Donovan will not match Streit's point total but he will not be a minus 20 either. If Donovan can be a bottom pairing even defender that puts up 20-25 points as rookie then they are fine.

All right guys its your turn...What do you think?
- NYI78

1. I'm concerned though Nabby was IMO good to really good at times during the reg season. The problem is the PO's and I feel if he's our starter going into the PO's(if we make it of course)it's sending the wrong message. I also don't have as much faith in management making a change soon enough if Poulin craps the bed. This should be every Isles fans biggest concern going into the season IMO.
2. I hope so. I hope to see Bailey on the first line. Think he'll fit in nicely if left there on a consistent basis. Just my two cents.
3. You'd know better than me and probably anyone else on here!
4. I think our D has the potential to be better without Streit though there will be a reduction in points from the blue line. Excited to see Donovan.

Good job, good idea, and you didn't needed it suggested to you from another poster . Well done

All right guys its your turn...What do you think?
- NYI78

1. How concerned are you with the goalie situation
I'm guarded. I honestly think we'll find an eventual solution out of either Poulin or Nilsson. I think Nabby has proven himself dependable (when not in the playoffs) enough to trust for 40-60% of our games. I'm probably less concerned in this area than most.

2.Will we see the Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey that we saw the last half of 12/13?
I'll go out on a limb. This is a 25g-35a 60 pt season for Kyle. Not incredible or even great, but acceptable. As for Josh, I think it will be more of the same, showing flashes of a good player with the occasional MIA moment. 15-18 goals, 45 assists. So Kyle yes, Bailey no.

3. Which prospects have the best chance of making the team?
Based on Garth's comments, Donovan. Nelson appears like he'll be there too. I still say due to his talent level and work ethic, Strome will be with the Isles sooner than later and will become an impact addition right away.

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?
Better in every facet. Offensively and defensively. I think while Streit was/is extremely talented, there are so many holes in his game that it's addition by subtraction. I also think we'll find that the other players straight forward offensive approach will ultimately be better suited for our forwards than Streit's patient almost meandering puck moving.


Xxkeaner17xX

1. How concerned are you with the goalie situation
I'm guarded. I honestly think we'll find an eventual solution out of either Poulin or Nilsson. I think Nabby has proven himself dependable (when not in the playoffs) enough to trust for 40-60% of our games. I'm probably less concerned in this area than most.

2.Will we see the Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey that we saw the last half of 12/13?
I'll go out on a limb. This is a 25g-35a 60 pt season for Kyle. Not incredible or even great, but acceptable. As for Josh, I think it will be more of the same, showing flashes of a good player with the occasional MIA moment. 15-18 goals, 45 assists. So Kyle yes, Bailey no.

3. Which prospects have the best chance of making the team?
Based on Garth's comments, Donovan. Nelson appears like he'll be there too. I still say due to his talent level and work ethic, Strome will be with the Isles sooner than later and will become an impact addition right away.

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?
Better in every facet. Offensively and defensively. I think while Streit was/is extremely talented, there are so many holes in his game that it's addition by subtraction. I also think we'll find that the other players straight forward offensive approach will ultimately be better suited for our forwards than Streit's patient almost meandering puck moving.


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

I disagree with everything except for 3

Dee posted a comment that if we want her to research anything then she will

I disagree with everything except for 3
- Cptmjl

All that work for nothing

Xxkeaner17xX

All that work for nothing

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

Guess you're not going to be the new islanders blogger?


Btw love the new avatar

Dee posted a comment that if we want her to research anything then she will
- kasperrko

After years of stupidity she's actually going to start doing what she's supposed too? "Let's not make this draining". She wants us to tell her how to write an interesting blog? Is she out of her mind? Unreal.

1: How concerned are you with the goalie situation?

I think we will see a vet goalie bought into camp on an invite and it will be a 3-way battle for the back up spot. The winner of the back up spot will truly be the key to our goaltending because they will be asked to play almost 30 games this season in order to keep Nabby fresh.

2: Will we see the Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey that we saw the last half of 12/13?

I think we will see a new Okposo and Bailey, they got a taste last season of what it is like when the two of them are really clicking and they enjoyed the ride so I think we will see them come out of the gate ready to go this season.

3. Which prospects have the best chance of making the team?

I think Nelson is almost a lock to make this team, he may not be on the ice right away but he will be with the team to start the season. Strome will start in Bridgeport and get a few looks during the season. Lee is the true darkhorse that could make this team. He is in the final season of his first deal which could mean that the team really wants a good look at him some point this season to gauge how they should handle his next contract.

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?

The defense could struggle quite a bit at the begining of next season as there will be quite a few moving pieces as they figure out a group that will work together. We know that Viz, AMac, and Hammonic are locks to be there every night but the other 3 spots are a free for all between Striat, Hickey, Carkner, Finely, DeHaan, and Donnavan. Until they find the correct group that will work this group will struggle but hopefully they click and are a force not long into the season.

Guess you're not going to be the new islanders blogger?


Btw love the new avatar
- Cptmjl

and location

Xxkeaner17xX

After years of stupidity she's actually going to start doing what she's supposed too? "Let's not make this draining". She wants us to tell her how to write an interesting blog? Is she out of her mind? Unreal.
- Cptmjl

I'm guessing that approach was suggested to her, in order to perhaps lessen the venom. The Exodus has occured, Egypt is in our rear-view mirror. Adios bad posts from our novice blogger. Hello Island (of Misfit Bloggers) oasis...


Xxkeaner17xX

I'm guessing that approach was suggested to her, in order to perhaps lessen the venom. The Exodus has occured, Egypt is in our rear-view mirror. Adios bad posts from our novice blogger. Hello Island (of Misfit Bloggers) oasis...


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

oasis is my favorite band of all time... so that's what this is the isles oasis. "tonight i'm a rock and roll star'

All right guys its your turn...What do you think?
- NYI78

1: How concerned are you with the goalie situation?

Extremely concerned. Although last season Nabby at times nearly single handedly carried the Isles to a PO position. Problem was it was a shortened season and still his gas tank was empty come PO time. One yr older and facing a work load of 60-65 games. Doesnt instil confidence in me. And then there is the injury factor He goes down for 10-12 additional games and its season over.

2: Will we see the Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey that we saw the last half of 12/13?

KO from what we've heard is busting it big time this off season. I'll assume he's confident and matured. Having said that. His confidence seemed quite fragile over the past few seasons. If he gets off to a decent start I believe he just may become the player we all thought he was when he was drafted.
If he opens the season with the usual slow start. I think his fragile confidence my take hold and it will be "same old same old" from KO.

Bailey???? Your guess is as good as mine. Up down up down. If not this yr. Then never. Hope for Capts sake. He brings it early and brings it hard.

3. Which prospects have the best chance of making the team?

Two will be on the opening night roster. One forward and One "D". Take your pick. It will depend on the camp. DeHaan (if he can stay healthy) or Donovan. As for forwards its either Strome or Nelson. (also depends on the line combinations that Pizza man puts together)

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?

I think our "D" will be barely adequate this yr but not because of Streits loss? Him leaving is No big deal IMO. His "D" was inadequate. The PP will survive.
Someone or two or three have to step up. I think our "D" needs help. If we wait on the prospects it will be 2-3 more yrs before our "D" is an established NHL caliber Defense. Until then we will have plenty of growing pains. Thats not to say we can't have a winning season. But our "D" and Goaltending are extremely questionable.

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?

I think our "D" will be barely adequate this yr but not because of Streits loss? Him leaving is No big deal IMO. His "D" was inadequate. The PP will survive.
Someone or two or three have to step up. I think our "D" needs help. If we wait on the prospects it will be 2-3 more yrs before our "D" is an established NHL caliber Defense. Until then we will have plenty of growing pains. Thats not to say we can't have a winning season. But our "D" and Goaltending are extremely questionable.

I don't think it will be two-three years...pedan AND Mayfield might both be ready towards the end of this season and would expect one of them to push for a roster spot next year...it actually might make macdonald expendable at the deadline if one CDH,Pedan or Mayfield show they are ready

I dont think enough has be said about Zigmund Palffy's Announced Retirement.

Ziggy's NHL Career 684 NHL games over 12 NHL seasons from 1993-2006 with the Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins, totaling 713 points (329 goals, 384 assists)

This guy was (is) World Class Talent. Had our jerk of a GM not gotten rid of him. Ziggy's JERSEY would be hanging in the rafters of NVMC with the other Islander Greats of the past.

Ziggy is long gone from the Isle's but I'll never forget him. He was one of the Greatest Isles of all time.

1: How concerned are you with the goalie situation?
- NYI78

Not very concerned. Nabby can keep the puck out of the net well enough, and I'm higher on Poulin than you are. Once he's confident out there, I think he'll do fine, and while I agree with you on his flaws, I think his strengths can mask them well enough once he's really feeling good out there. I don't know if he'll be an NHL starter when all is said and done, but I think he'll be at least NHL backup-caliber with perhaps a high potential to outright steal games once in a while.

2: Will we see the Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey that we saw the last half of 12/13?
- NYI78

I think they'll both start off really well, then peter out as they try to do too much, then settle in again once someone sits them down once again and talks to them about not trying to do too much out there. So, more of the same. I really think they need to settle into third-line roles, and I think they'd both excel there. It's tough to tell them to concentrate on D first and not worry too much about goals (which is when they're both most effective, imo) when you're at the same time putting them out there as a second line charged with providing critical secondary scoring...it's almost setting them up to struggle.

3. Which prospects have the best chance of making the team?
- NYI78

Donovan. Unless he really bombs in camp, I just don't see what he or the Isles gain by sending him back to BPort. He's as ready as he's going to get, so the only thing left really is to see if he can hang in the NHL.

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?
- NYI78

Don't think anyone stepping into the lineup is going to have to "replace Streit." Vis will take over Streit's role as PP QB, veteran presence, and the team's most reliable offensive defenseman. It'll be up to one of maybe Donovan or Hickey to take over the set-up role on the power play. I think the D will struggle to keep pucks out of the net and struggle with getting pinned in its own zone sometimes...but that's no different than last season. They didn't exactly add any bone-crunching, crease-clearing stay-at-home d-men to change that. Overall, I think it'll be similar to this past season...maybe slightly better D (due to development of younger/inexperienced players) with slightly reduced offense (due to the absence of Streit).

I dont think enough has be said about Zigmund Palffy's Announced Retirement.

Ziggy's NHL Career 684 NHL games over 12 NHL seasons from 1993-2006 with the Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins, totaling 713 points (329 goals, 384 assists)

This guy was (is) World Class Talent. Had our jerk of a GM not gotten rid of him. Ziggy's JERSEY would be hanging in the rafters of NVMC with the other Islander Greats of the past.

Ziggy is long gone from the Isle's but I'll never forget him. He was one of the Greatest Isles of all time.


- SCLI

I dont think enough has be said about Zigmund Palffy's Announced Retirement.

Ziggy's NHL Career 684 NHL games over 12 NHL seasons from 1993-2006 with the Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins, totaling 713 points (329 goals, 384 assists)

This guy was (is) World Class Talent. Had our jerk of a GM not gotten rid of him. Ziggy's JERSEY would be hanging in the rafters of NVMC with the other Islander Greats of the past.

Ziggy is long gone from the Isle's but I'll never forget him. He was one of the Greatest Isles of all time.


- SCLI[/q
Never forgot the first time I saw him. He had a penalty shot on richter and got stopped. My friend got pissed and I turned and looked at him and said that guy is going to be a star. I had a few run ins with him, webb, and berard at bars. Great guy. Looks like a gnome. Had a very obvious beer belly all the time. Had plans to go fishing w the guy but it never happened.

- LetsGoIsles

gold

1) I'm not concerned about goaltending for this year, I am concerned about it for the future. Obviously, if Snow was poking around on Schneider and Bernier he is not 100% on Poulin/Nilsson. Nabby will be ok playing 55 games, te isles will find someone to take the other 27 games if Poulin falters.

2) I hope we see KO and Bailey from the second half and playoffs, but these guys have been Jekyll & Hyde for their careers. It's impossible to know what you're going to get.

3) Nelson should make the team. He fits what the team needs most. Strome will start in Bport, will wind up on LI by January.

4) the "d" will be fine minus Streit. Vis will bring more offense and Donovan will add some as well, that should offset some of the production Streit gave. Plus, the Donovan can't possibly be worse defensively that Streit.

I dont think enough has be said about Zigmund Palffy's Announced Retirement.

Ziggy's NHL Career 684 NHL games over 12 NHL seasons from 1993-2006 with the Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins, totaling 713 points (329 goals, 384 assists)

This guy was (is) World Class Talent. Had our jerk of a GM not gotten rid of him. Ziggy's JERSEY would be hanging in the rafters of NVMC with the other Islander Greats of the past.

Ziggy is long gone from the Isle's but I'll never forget him. He was one of the Greatest Isles of all time.


- SCLI

Love Ziggy but lets be real a second... Even as a life long Islander his jersey wouldn't be in the rafters without hardware backing it up or a HoF induction which wont happen.

As for MM trading him away.. He never wanted to trade him... That was ALL ownership.

XxNYIxX

Love Ziggy but lets be real a second... Even as a life long Islander his jersey wouldn't be in the rafters without hardware backing it up or a HoF induction which wont happen.

As for MM trading him away.. He never wanted to trade him... That was ALL ownership.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

It was a trade due to cashish

I have decided to try something different and make a blog that is totally interactive. I'm asking you guys the questions, i'll give my thoughts then its up to you to provide the answers which should; if I know you guys; spark a "healthy" debate.
- NYI78

1: How concerned are you with the goalie situation?

Not concerned at all. Nabby will be fine with a lighter workload & Poulin will get every opportunity to show he is ready for the show. (I personally think Poulin is our back-up of the future.. he will get great training this year)

2: Will we see the Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey that we saw the last half of 12/13?

Yes, we will see alot of each... but I think the old versions will rear their heads at times to worry us.

3. Which prospects have the best chance of making the team?

Nelson is most ready but where does he fit... I dont think its his time yet for that reason.

de Haan & Donovan have the best shots of making it out of camp.

4. How will the defense pan out with losing Mark Streit?

Its going to be better without him, but still not anything to write home about... I think it will be capable but lacking.

XxNYIxX

It was a trade due to cashish
- Cptmjl

It was ugly.. after he signed that big deal.. Gluckstern & Milstean wanted him traded to the Rags for cash.... remember? Milstean also wanted Dolan to help finance a new NVMC as part of the deal.

MM wouldnt trade him to the rags and got back a very salary friendly package from the kings.


My biggest regret about Ziggy was that we never got to see him play on Turgeon's wing.. I think we would have seen pure magic. But f'in Maloney traded Turgeon before that could ever happen.

XxNYIxX