Hockey: New York Islanders
Two down, 80 to go for feisty Isles
October, 12, 2010
10/12/10
8:44
AM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPNNewYork.com
While the Islanders skated away with a 6-4 comeback win yesterday, one of their number suffered a loss. In the game’s lone fight, Zenon Konopka came out on the short end of the decision against the Rangers’ Brandon Prust, according to hockeyfights.com.
I suspect the Isles faithful won’t let that impinge on their jubilation over yesterday’s thriller, however.
The Isles are 1-0-1 to start the season, despite missing just about all of their top contributors from last season due to injury. There are 80 more games to go however, starting with Wednesday’s matchup with the Washington Capitals. Here’s some reading to tide you over until then.
Morning Links
I suspect the Isles faithful won’t let that impinge on their jubilation over yesterday’s thriller, however.
The Isles are 1-0-1 to start the season, despite missing just about all of their top contributors from last season due to injury. There are 80 more games to go however, starting with Wednesday’s matchup with the Washington Capitals. Here’s some reading to tide you over until then.
Morning Links
- John Tavares will miss Wednesday’s game, but he might return Friday against the Penguins after his tests came back normal. Tavares has been out with a concussion.
- The Post’s Larry Brooks wonders how Gary Bettman and the league will explain James Wisniewski’s obscene gesture to the kids at yesterday’s game. He also gives Isles head coach Scott Gordon some grief for walking out of the post-game press conference when questioned about the incident.
- ESPN's Scott Burnside says Wisniewski should face a suspension for the pornographic pantomiming.
- Here’s a comprehensive look at yesterday’s action from Chris Botta.
Isles' Comeau heroic as Rangers blow lead
October, 11, 2010
10/11/10
5:33
PM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPNNewYork.com
There is just something about the Rangers that gets Blake Comeau's engine revving. The Islanders forward has averaged a good, not great, .45 points per game over the course of his career. When he suits up against the Rangers, however, suddenly he's Superman.
Coming into the Columbus Day grudge match with the Isles' rivals, Comeau had put up seven goals and 11 points in 13 games against the Blueshirts. That hot streak continued today, as he recorded an assist and two goals, including the game-winner in the Isles’ stunning 6-4 comeback victory.
Box Score
Plus
+ Comeau
Easily identifiable by the red cape fluttering behind him, I put the Isles forward in the plus column midway through the second period. At that point he "only" had the Isles' first goal -- capping a strip job from Michael Del Zotto deep in the Ranger zone -- and an assist on the team’s second marker. But it was more than the offensive production that caught my eye today. Six minutes into second, he blocked a Steve Eminger shot at the point and started two on one that almost led to goal by linemate P.A. Parentau. Comeau epitomized a tireless Islander team that refused to be outworked.
+ E (and W) for Effort
Building off that last point, the Islanders played like the hungrier team today. They came out faster and kept firing all game long. They were outshot and stoned more than a few times by Henrik Lundqvist (whose performance wasn’t really 5-goals worth of awful). If Lundqvist wasn’t as sharp as he was, the damage would have been much, much worse. Islanders head coach Scott Gordon has to be thrilled with the way his team has responded in the wake of injuries to, well, everyone. The next question is how long the Isles can sustain the effort level.
+ The Rangers' Second Line
Brandon Dubinsky (1 G, 1 A), Artem Anisimov (1 G, 1 A) and Ryan Callahan (1 A) were dynamic on even strength and special teams. Dubinsky and Callahan logged more ice time that even Marian Gaborik. There was one big blemish on Callahan though, as he took an offensive zone tripping penalty with just under six-minutes remaining. That began the downward spiral that ended in the Rangers’ loss. Since the trip was a borderline call though, I’m still slotting the unit in the plus column.
Minus
- Ranger Giveaways
Del Zotto turned over the puck twice deep in the Rangers’ zone, which directly led to both early Islander goals. He and his partner, Dan Girardi, finished a combined minus-3, though both scored for the Blueshirts. That’s the double edged sword that Del Zotto wields. He giveth, but he also taketh away. And when the Rangers taketh the loss, you have to put it in the minus column.
- Gaborik’s All Alone … And … Oh…
It’s astounding how an amazing goal scorer like Marian Gaborik can be so completely awful at penalty shots. He was stoned by Rick DiPietro in the first period today after getting hauled down on a shorthanded breakaway by Doug Weight, an event that first ignited the fire for Islander fans. I’m trying to track down Gaborik's career penalty shot percentage, but in overtime shootouts he has just 2 goals in 18 attempts. How is that even possible for a 40-goal scorer?
- Isles Special Teams
This was a hard call. Until the final Islander PP goals that tied and won the game late in the third period, the Islanders were 0-3 with a man up and yielded goals on first two Ranger PPs and another just after the third penalty expired. When the Isles had their first man-advantage, they had to haul down Gaborik to prevent that shorthanded breakaway. If the Rangers/officials weren’t so accommodating with two late-game penalties, this thrilling win could have ended quite differently. It won't dampen the mood today though.
Notes and Quotes
* As pointed out elsewhere, Islanders D James Wisniewski made a lewd gesture towards Rangers pest Sean Avery near the end of the first period. (Here’s a YouTube link, but if you don’t want to watch, imagine Wisniewski kindly encouraging Avery to really scrub that hard-to-reach plaque off his back molars.)
After the game however, the D-man seemed to experience a bout of temporary amnesia “I don’t remember making any gesture,” Wisniewski said to reporters. I’m sure the kind folks at the NHL’s Hockey Operations office will jog his memory soon enough.
In the other locker room, Avery added his two cents: “Can you imagine if I did that?” Avery asked rhetorically. “[Expletive]. Last time they sent me to rehab. That’s crazy.”
Commissioner Gary Bettman, who was in attendance, said he didn’t see Wisniewski’s gesture and had no immediate response when he fielded questions during an impromptu media scrum between the second and third periods.
“I didn’t see it, but I heard about it,” Bettman said. “My guess is Hockey Operations will look at it and do what needs to be done.”
* Comeau says his confidence is rising after a solid end to last season. “I’m just shooting the puck more. I worked hard this summer, came back in shape and I'm still feeling good. My confidence is rolling.”
As for his affinity for playing the Rangers: “I don’t know what it is. I always seem to get some bounces and play well. I guess I just like to feed off the rivalry.”
When a reporter noted the Islanders have struggled playing the Rangers at the Coliseum in the recent past, Comeau gently jabbed back, “This year we haven’t.”
* During Bettman's Q and A with the media, when a reporter prefaced a question by stating the Islanders needed a new arena, Bettman piped up, “Ya think?” The commish went on to say the team was in desperate need of a new building, but that the next move lies with local government officials.
Per Bettman, there are currently no plans to relocate any NHL franchise or to expand the league. He added that Quebec City, one rumored destination for a relocated team, would need a new arena to be considered a viable market.
* "Entourage" actor Kevin Connolly was in the Isles locker room after the game and was rather pumped about the win.
Coming into the Columbus Day grudge match with the Isles' rivals, Comeau had put up seven goals and 11 points in 13 games against the Blueshirts. That hot streak continued today, as he recorded an assist and two goals, including the game-winner in the Isles’ stunning 6-4 comeback victory.
Box Score
Plus
+ Comeau
Easily identifiable by the red cape fluttering behind him, I put the Isles forward in the plus column midway through the second period. At that point he "only" had the Isles' first goal -- capping a strip job from Michael Del Zotto deep in the Ranger zone -- and an assist on the team’s second marker. But it was more than the offensive production that caught my eye today. Six minutes into second, he blocked a Steve Eminger shot at the point and started two on one that almost led to goal by linemate P.A. Parentau. Comeau epitomized a tireless Islander team that refused to be outworked.
+ E (and W) for Effort
Building off that last point, the Islanders played like the hungrier team today. They came out faster and kept firing all game long. They were outshot and stoned more than a few times by Henrik Lundqvist (whose performance wasn’t really 5-goals worth of awful). If Lundqvist wasn’t as sharp as he was, the damage would have been much, much worse. Islanders head coach Scott Gordon has to be thrilled with the way his team has responded in the wake of injuries to, well, everyone. The next question is how long the Isles can sustain the effort level.
+ The Rangers' Second Line
Brandon Dubinsky (1 G, 1 A), Artem Anisimov (1 G, 1 A) and Ryan Callahan (1 A) were dynamic on even strength and special teams. Dubinsky and Callahan logged more ice time that even Marian Gaborik. There was one big blemish on Callahan though, as he took an offensive zone tripping penalty with just under six-minutes remaining. That began the downward spiral that ended in the Rangers’ loss. Since the trip was a borderline call though, I’m still slotting the unit in the plus column.
Minus
- Ranger Giveaways
Del Zotto turned over the puck twice deep in the Rangers’ zone, which directly led to both early Islander goals. He and his partner, Dan Girardi, finished a combined minus-3, though both scored for the Blueshirts. That’s the double edged sword that Del Zotto wields. He giveth, but he also taketh away. And when the Rangers taketh the loss, you have to put it in the minus column.
- Gaborik’s All Alone … And … Oh…
It’s astounding how an amazing goal scorer like Marian Gaborik can be so completely awful at penalty shots. He was stoned by Rick DiPietro in the first period today after getting hauled down on a shorthanded breakaway by Doug Weight, an event that first ignited the fire for Islander fans. I’m trying to track down Gaborik's career penalty shot percentage, but in overtime shootouts he has just 2 goals in 18 attempts. How is that even possible for a 40-goal scorer?
- Isles Special Teams
This was a hard call. Until the final Islander PP goals that tied and won the game late in the third period, the Islanders were 0-3 with a man up and yielded goals on first two Ranger PPs and another just after the third penalty expired. When the Isles had their first man-advantage, they had to haul down Gaborik to prevent that shorthanded breakaway. If the Rangers/officials weren’t so accommodating with two late-game penalties, this thrilling win could have ended quite differently. It won't dampen the mood today though.
Notes and Quotes
* As pointed out elsewhere, Islanders D James Wisniewski made a lewd gesture towards Rangers pest Sean Avery near the end of the first period. (Here’s a YouTube link, but if you don’t want to watch, imagine Wisniewski kindly encouraging Avery to really scrub that hard-to-reach plaque off his back molars.)
After the game however, the D-man seemed to experience a bout of temporary amnesia “I don’t remember making any gesture,” Wisniewski said to reporters. I’m sure the kind folks at the NHL’s Hockey Operations office will jog his memory soon enough.
In the other locker room, Avery added his two cents: “Can you imagine if I did that?” Avery asked rhetorically. “[Expletive]. Last time they sent me to rehab. That’s crazy.”
Commissioner Gary Bettman, who was in attendance, said he didn’t see Wisniewski’s gesture and had no immediate response when he fielded questions during an impromptu media scrum between the second and third periods.
“I didn’t see it, but I heard about it,” Bettman said. “My guess is Hockey Operations will look at it and do what needs to be done.”
* Comeau says his confidence is rising after a solid end to last season. “I’m just shooting the puck more. I worked hard this summer, came back in shape and I'm still feeling good. My confidence is rolling.”
As for his affinity for playing the Rangers: “I don’t know what it is. I always seem to get some bounces and play well. I guess I just like to feed off the rivalry.”
When a reporter noted the Islanders have struggled playing the Rangers at the Coliseum in the recent past, Comeau gently jabbed back, “This year we haven’t.”
* During Bettman's Q and A with the media, when a reporter prefaced a question by stating the Islanders needed a new arena, Bettman piped up, “Ya think?” The commish went on to say the team was in desperate need of a new building, but that the next move lies with local government officials.
Per Bettman, there are currently no plans to relocate any NHL franchise or to expand the league. He added that Quebec City, one rumored destination for a relocated team, would need a new arena to be considered a viable market.
* "Entourage" actor Kevin Connolly was in the Isles locker room after the game and was rather pumped about the win.
I wonder if Christopher Columbus knew that part of his lasting legacy would be bringing daytime hockey to Long Island? The blog is heading out to Uniondale to check out the clash between the Rangers and Islanders today. Here are four blips to put on your radar.
Encore
The Rangers' Derek Stepan was going to get a lot of attention early in the season because he's all shiny and new and the team's youngest addition. But after scoring three times in his Blueshirt debut for a goal-starved team, the spotlight is officially on. I'll be watching to see how he follows up his sublime first game. And I doubt I'll be alone.
Is the best yet to come?
Marian Gaborik didn't score a single goal in the Rangers' 6-3 win over Buffalo, though the top line got on the scoreboard thanks to Erik Christensen. If Gaborik and linemate Alexander Frolov can get on track early in the season, and the secondary lines keep clicking, the Rangers could have a far more potent scoring attack than most anticipated.
Who's No. 1?
The bubble wrap didn't work. John Tavares suffered a mild concussion in the Isles' season-opening 5-4 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars and will most likely miss this afternoon's game. Who will step up in his absence? Newsday reported that Josh Bailey centered the top line at practice yesterday, so expect him to get the nod today. As for Tavares, Chris Botta says he should be held out all week. I have to agree with him on that score. There is no sense risking the future of your franchise unnecessarily.
Another powerful performance?
For at least one game the Islanders didn't miss Mark Streit at the point. The power play, abysmal in the 2009-10 campaign, was clicking on all cylinders Saturday night. The team potted three goals on eight attempts with the man advantage, including one by newcomer James Wisniewski, who will need to stay strong without Streit. The Rangers' PK is a solid unit and will provide a good test. But there should be more than a few opportunities, because, hey, it's Rangers-Islanders. Someone should make sure the penalty box doors are oiled.
Morning Links
Encore
The Rangers' Derek Stepan was going to get a lot of attention early in the season because he's all shiny and new and the team's youngest addition. But after scoring three times in his Blueshirt debut for a goal-starved team, the spotlight is officially on. I'll be watching to see how he follows up his sublime first game. And I doubt I'll be alone.
Is the best yet to come?
Marian Gaborik didn't score a single goal in the Rangers' 6-3 win over Buffalo, though the top line got on the scoreboard thanks to Erik Christensen. If Gaborik and linemate Alexander Frolov can get on track early in the season, and the secondary lines keep clicking, the Rangers could have a far more potent scoring attack than most anticipated.
Who's No. 1?
The bubble wrap didn't work. John Tavares suffered a mild concussion in the Isles' season-opening 5-4 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars and will most likely miss this afternoon's game. Who will step up in his absence? Newsday reported that Josh Bailey centered the top line at practice yesterday, so expect him to get the nod today. As for Tavares, Chris Botta says he should be held out all week. I have to agree with him on that score. There is no sense risking the future of your franchise unnecessarily.
Another powerful performance?
For at least one game the Islanders didn't miss Mark Streit at the point. The power play, abysmal in the 2009-10 campaign, was clicking on all cylinders Saturday night. The team potted three goals on eight attempts with the man advantage, including one by newcomer James Wisniewski, who will need to stay strong without Streit. The Rangers' PK is a solid unit and will provide a good test. But there should be more than a few opportunities, because, hey, it's Rangers-Islanders. Someone should make sure the penalty box doors are oiled.
Morning Links
- Lighthouse Hockey previews today's matchup from the Isles' POV. And also explains why it's the best rivalry in New York sports.
- The Post's Larry Brooks says tonight's game is the Rangers' first opportunity to prove the game in Buffalo wasn't an aberration.
- Also, here's the Post recap from the Isles-Stars game.
- The Rangers' team site previews today's rivalry matchup.
- As does the Isles' team site.
- The Rangers expect a fast start from the Islanders and Derek Boogaard expects to be busy, according to the Daily News.
In preparation for tomorrow’s season opener, here are five points to watch for when the Islanders take the ice against the Dallas Stars at Nassau Coliseum.
John Tavares 2.0
I admit I didn’t have to dig to deep for this one, but it’s tough to overlook former No. 1 overall picks. Everyone’s excited to see what Tavares can bring to the rink this season. Can he equal the Steven Stamkos-redux hype? How much better can he make his teammates? If the Isles want a shot at the playoffs this season, Tavares will have to far surpass his freshman point total of 54. It’s only one game, but tonight we’ll get a chance to see how far he’s come since last season.
El Niño
Two reasons to watch the wunderkind: The first is sheer talent. He’s the team’s top prospect for a reason and fans will want to see what he can do in a regular-season environment. Second is whether he can hack it in the NHL or whether he’ll be sent back to juniors to save a year on his contract. Given the current injury predicament, Niederreiter has ample opportunity to stick with the big club, but if he looks overwhelmed, there’s no sense forcing the issue and holding him beyond the nine-game trial run.
Special Teams
The Islanders’ single biggest deficiencies last season came with an uneven number of skaters on the ice. New York ranked 27th on the power play and 29th on the penalty kill. In Game 1 we’ll see if there’s been any improvement or whether the units are still works in progress.
Is anyone there?
Tickets to the opener are being heavily discounted (up to 40 percent off). The Stars aren’t exactly a sexy opponent, but it is the season opener. If the place is half full (maybe I should say half empty), that would be another sad note on which to start the season.
Victory!
With a nod to Johnny Drama, let’s be honest, after the past month of injuries, the Isles need some good news in a bad way. Beating the Stars won’t win the Cup, but it will generate a little positivity and break up the steady stream of punches the team’s been absorbing since Mark Streit went down. And hey, the kids in Edmonton got it done against the Flames last night (behind a beautiful goal by rookie Jordan Eberle), so why not the Isles too?
Morning Links
John Tavares 2.0
I admit I didn’t have to dig to deep for this one, but it’s tough to overlook former No. 1 overall picks. Everyone’s excited to see what Tavares can bring to the rink this season. Can he equal the Steven Stamkos-redux hype? How much better can he make his teammates? If the Isles want a shot at the playoffs this season, Tavares will have to far surpass his freshman point total of 54. It’s only one game, but tonight we’ll get a chance to see how far he’s come since last season.
El Niño
Two reasons to watch the wunderkind: The first is sheer talent. He’s the team’s top prospect for a reason and fans will want to see what he can do in a regular-season environment. Second is whether he can hack it in the NHL or whether he’ll be sent back to juniors to save a year on his contract. Given the current injury predicament, Niederreiter has ample opportunity to stick with the big club, but if he looks overwhelmed, there’s no sense forcing the issue and holding him beyond the nine-game trial run.
Special Teams
The Islanders’ single biggest deficiencies last season came with an uneven number of skaters on the ice. New York ranked 27th on the power play and 29th on the penalty kill. In Game 1 we’ll see if there’s been any improvement or whether the units are still works in progress.
Is anyone there?
Tickets to the opener are being heavily discounted (up to 40 percent off). The Stars aren’t exactly a sexy opponent, but it is the season opener. If the place is half full (maybe I should say half empty), that would be another sad note on which to start the season.
Victory!
With a nod to Johnny Drama, let’s be honest, after the past month of injuries, the Isles need some good news in a bad way. Beating the Stars won’t win the Cup, but it will generate a little positivity and break up the steady stream of punches the team’s been absorbing since Mark Streit went down. And hey, the kids in Edmonton got it done against the Flames last night (behind a beautiful goal by rookie Jordan Eberle), so why not the Isles too?
Morning Links
- The team site looks at Andrew MacDonald, who will attempt to fill the skates of the injured Streit.
- The New York posts says that how the Islanders react to their bad luck will determine the fate of their season.
Nino Niederreiter will break camp with the Islanders, while fellow prospect Calvin de Haan will return this his junior team in Oshawa after the Islanders made their final moves of the preseason today.
Those outcomes played out pretty much as expected, as the Islanders have now reduced their roster to the legal limit of 23. Niederreiter, the team's top prospect, could still be returned to his junior team in Portland, Ore. after as many as nine NHL games. de Haan likely needed to crack the team's top two defensive pairings to stick with the big club.
Matt Martin was also assigned to Bridgeport in the AHL.
The Islanders open the season Saturday at home against the Dallas Stars.
Here's a look at how the final 23 breaks down:
Forwards: Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau, Trevor Gillies, Michael Grabner, Trent Hunter, Zenon Konopka, Matt Moulson, Nino Niederreiter, Frans Nielsen, PA Parenteau, Jon Sim
John Tavares, Doug Weight
Defensemen: Mark Eaton, Bruno Gervais, Jack Hillen, Milan Jurcina, Andrew MacDonald, Radek Martinek, Mike Mottau, James Wisniewski
Goalies: Rick DiPietro, Dwayne Roloson
Nathan Lawson, Rob Schremp, Kyle Okposo and Mark Streit will begin the season on injured reserve.
The announcement triggered some interesting cap tweets from TSN's Daniel Tolensky, who wrote that the Isles' top 12 forwards total just $11.675 million in salary this season. That led to some interesting follow-up discussion on his time line in which he states his dissatisfaction with the state of the franchise. Definitely worth checking out.
Those outcomes played out pretty much as expected, as the Islanders have now reduced their roster to the legal limit of 23. Niederreiter, the team's top prospect, could still be returned to his junior team in Portland, Ore. after as many as nine NHL games. de Haan likely needed to crack the team's top two defensive pairings to stick with the big club.
Matt Martin was also assigned to Bridgeport in the AHL.
The Islanders open the season Saturday at home against the Dallas Stars.
Here's a look at how the final 23 breaks down:
Forwards: Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau, Trevor Gillies, Michael Grabner, Trent Hunter, Zenon Konopka, Matt Moulson, Nino Niederreiter, Frans Nielsen, PA Parenteau, Jon Sim
John Tavares, Doug Weight
Defensemen: Mark Eaton, Bruno Gervais, Jack Hillen, Milan Jurcina, Andrew MacDonald, Radek Martinek, Mike Mottau, James Wisniewski
Goalies: Rick DiPietro, Dwayne Roloson
Nathan Lawson, Rob Schremp, Kyle Okposo and Mark Streit will begin the season on injured reserve.
The announcement triggered some interesting cap tweets from TSN's Daniel Tolensky, who wrote that the Isles' top 12 forwards total just $11.675 million in salary this season. That led to some interesting follow-up discussion on his time line in which he states his dissatisfaction with the state of the franchise. Definitely worth checking out.
The rosters for the 2010-11 opener will be finalized at 3 p.m. today. That means quite a few borderline players will be holding their breath until the final roster announcements are made.
Here are some morning links to whet your appetite to what should be a busy day in the hockey world.
Islanders
Here are some morning links to whet your appetite to what should be a busy day in the hockey world.
Islanders
- Chris Botta wonders if the team would actually cut Jon Sim after having him greet fans at last night’s team open house. He adds his speculation
- The Islanders waived Andy Hilbert and claimed Michael Grabner. Lighthouse Hockey provides some background info on the new acquisition.
- LH also offers its roster speculation here.
- The Post writes that the Isles will look to P.A. Parentau to provide some scoring punch.
- The team site writes on the leadership role of Doug Weight.
- And now for something completely different, a discussion of King James. And we’re not talking about LeBron. Check out the video.
- The Blueshirts gave themselves some flexibility today by placing Tim Kennedy and Todd White on waivers.
- Larry Brooks frowns on the Kennedy move in the Post.
- Rick Carpeniello offers a Q&A with play-by-play man Sam Rosen.
- Blueshirt Banter evaluates the Christian Ehrhoff trade rumor.
- BSB also consults the most mystical of oracles, the Magic 8-ball, to gain insight into the 2010-11 Rangers season.
- Though he begins by discussing the White/Kennedy waivers, Jesse Spector notes that Erik Christensen has won the job as the team’s top-line center. It would seem Derek Stepan’s Calder Trophy aspirations take a hit. I’ll reserve my judgment since the Fedotenko-Stepan-Avery line has looked strong and the Rangers desperately need some secondary scoring.
- According to the Star-Ledger, the Devils will in fact move ahead with a 20-man roster, ending (for now) the trade speculation that surrounded this team since it signed Ilya Kovalchuk. I’m skeptical this plan will work for anything beyond a week or two though.
- The Post has more on the Devils’ cap situation.
- The team site offers some notes from new head coach John MacLean.
- Matt Taromina and Alex Urbom will be staying with the team, according to Tom Gulitti.
- More from Gulitti, the Devils experimented with five forwards on the PP.
Isles face decision on de Haan, Niederreiter
October, 5, 2010
10/05/10
11:44
AM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPNNewYork.com
Yesterday, head coach Scott Gordon spoke briefly of his remaining decisions to trim his roster to the legal NHL limit. That likely means weighing the future of Nino Niederreiter and D Calvin de Haan this week.
Based off of little more than the team's injury situation, I'd think Niederreiter has a great shot at sticking for the full season. If he's sent down either before or after his nine-game trial period, it's likely because the team is focusing on the future rather than the present. de Haan on the other hand faces a little steeper climb due to the team's additions to the defense over the offseason and his need to get good ice time in order to continue his development. That likely means he'd need to crack the top four defensive slots.
And finally, some good news from the ice this morning as the team Twitter feed tweets that Niederreiter is back and practicing after undergoing some examinations following a pair of slashes from Mike Cammalleri. Yesterday, the NHL served Cammalleri with a one-game suspension for the chops.
Morning Links
Based off of little more than the team's injury situation, I'd think Niederreiter has a great shot at sticking for the full season. If he's sent down either before or after his nine-game trial period, it's likely because the team is focusing on the future rather than the present. de Haan on the other hand faces a little steeper climb due to the team's additions to the defense over the offseason and his need to get good ice time in order to continue his development. That likely means he'd need to crack the top four defensive slots.
And finally, some good news from the ice this morning as the team Twitter feed tweets that Niederreiter is back and practicing after undergoing some examinations following a pair of slashes from Mike Cammalleri. Yesterday, the NHL served Cammalleri with a one-game suspension for the chops.
Morning Links
- Scott Burnside pens the Islanders preview for ESPN.com. It’s a pretty frank assessment of the franchise right now, meaning he sees the team’s ownership and relocation worries blocking any silver lining from its growing collection of talent.
- Jim Kelley of SI examines the deep hole in which the Islanders find themselves.
- Over at NYI Point Blank, Chris Botta writes on the team’s defensive upgrades.
- Lighthouse Hockey evaluates the breakout potential of F P.A. Parentau.
- Larry Brooks wrote over the weekend that the Islanders are making a mockery of the salary cap by using payments to past players Alexei Yashin and Brendan Witt to reach the salary cap floor.
- Puck Daddy asks the fans if Cammalleri got what he deserved.
Islanders are NHL's longest shot for Cup
October, 5, 2010
10/05/10
8:53
AM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPNNewYork.com
With a relatively quiet day, I thought we'd start off with some league-wide links to get geared up for the Oct. 7 start to the season.
For the wise guys and gals among our readers, LoHud’s Rangers Report blog has posted the Stanley Cup odds for the 2010-11 season. The Devils come in at 15-1, while the Rangers sit at 40-1 and the Islanders at 100-1 – the longest odds in the NHL along with Columbus. A bunch more lines in there as well.
More to come on each of the area teams, but for now, savor these links.
Morning League-Wide Links
For the wise guys and gals among our readers, LoHud’s Rangers Report blog has posted the Stanley Cup odds for the 2010-11 season. The Devils come in at 15-1, while the Rangers sit at 40-1 and the Islanders at 100-1 – the longest odds in the NHL along with Columbus. A bunch more lines in there as well.
More to come on each of the area teams, but for now, savor these links.
Morning League-Wide Links
- The first set of ESPN’s power rankings were released yesterday with the Devils leading the local teams (No. 6), followed by the Rangers (22) and Islanders (27). Insider also released its preseason player power rankings, which uses the GVT value metric of Puck Prospectus to determine who deserves the Hart Trophy for league MVP. The only local candidate on that list, Zach Parise, ranks sixth, just ahead of Steven Stamkos and behind Ryan Miller.
- The NHL and the Officials’ Association have reached a tentative agreement to avoid a labor disruption.
- The NHL and KHL have agreed to honor each other’s contracts, meaning teams won’t have to worry about players pulling an Alex Radulov and bolting for the KHL in the middle of their NHL deal. A lot of writers, including this one, thought this would be a necessary hurdle before the NHL agreed to let its players participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics is Sochi, Russia.
After a 17-player cut down over the weekend the Islanders lost yet another key contributor to injury, announcing that Rob Schremp will miss 3-4 weeks with a back injury.
Add Schremp's name to an IR list that already includes Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo. Even worse, prized prospect Nino Niederreiter could join them. The young Swiss wing is undergoing examinations today after sustaining a pair of slashes from Montreal Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri in Saturday's preseason game in Quebec. FanHouse has some footage of Cammalleri's Paul Bunyan imitation.
The Isles' remaining roster stands at 28 names, meaning the team has a few more cuts to make, though the injury situation has clouded the picture to some degree. The blue line is looking particularly crowded with nine names (not including Streit) still in the mix.
The Islanders, or whatever is left of them, begin their season Saturday at home against the Dallas Stars.
Add Schremp's name to an IR list that already includes Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo. Even worse, prized prospect Nino Niederreiter could join them. The young Swiss wing is undergoing examinations today after sustaining a pair of slashes from Montreal Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri in Saturday's preseason game in Quebec. FanHouse has some footage of Cammalleri's Paul Bunyan imitation.
The Isles' remaining roster stands at 28 names, meaning the team has a few more cuts to make, though the injury situation has clouded the picture to some degree. The blue line is looking particularly crowded with nine names (not including Streit) still in the mix.
The Islanders, or whatever is left of them, begin their season Saturday at home against the Dallas Stars.
Following the announcement of D Mark Streit's six-month absence there are a few items today discussing how the Isles can try to replace their top D-man: one from within, one from without.
Internally, Chris Botta writes that the team will look long and hard at Andrew MacDonald. MacDonald has been paired with James Wisniewski since Streit's injury and told Botta he's happy with a recent vote of confidence from head coach Scott Gordon:
MacDonald played 46 games last season and averaged just over 20 minutes of ice time. And don't let last season's offensive numbers fool you. In his final season in junior hockey with the Moncton Wildcats, MacDonald averaged nearly a point per game (14 G, 44 A in 65 games) and put up 33 points in 69 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in 2008-09.
The developing D-man is no stranger to facing stiff competition either. According to the stats of Gabe Desjardins at Behindthenet.ca, MacDonald's quality of competition score (which measures the talent level of opposing skaters players see each shift) is the highest of any Islander D with more than 40 games last season, including Streit.
Externally, disgruntled D Sheldon Souray was placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers yesterday. The Toronto Globe and Mail has already linked the Islanders as a potentially interested party to claim him.
When healthy, Souray is one of the best point-producing defensemen in the NHL (117 points in his last two seasons of 80 games or more) and could quarterback the Islanders' power play. However, he's been stewing all summer that the Oilers rushed him back last season and the team ordered him to stay away when camp began. Since then they've been trying to trade him to no avail.
On the surface, Souray fits with the Islanders. However, the Islanders have spent these past few seasons building from within and adding a big-contract guy like Souray ($5.4 million for the next two seasons) would go against that MO. And bringing an alleged malcontent into a locker room of young guys might not be the best move to help team chemistry. Also consider that the Oilers are a team very similar to the Islanders in their rebuilding process and they're desperately trying to get rid of this guy.
The internal solution of MacDonald seems a much better fit at this point.
Internally, Chris Botta writes that the team will look long and hard at Andrew MacDonald. MacDonald has been paired with James Wisniewski since Streit's injury and told Botta he's happy with a recent vote of confidence from head coach Scott Gordon:
“It’s always nice to hear the good stuff, but I have to prove it on the ice,” said MacDonald, who had a goal and six assists in the NHL last season. “One thing I’ve learned since junior is that when you think too much, when you over-analyze a situation, you put yourself in trouble. Last year, I was pretty much focused at the NHL level on my defense. If the coaches decide to give me more of an offensive role, I would welcome the opportunity.
“The one thing I can pretty much guarantee you is, not one guy is going to replace Mark Streit.”
MacDonald played 46 games last season and averaged just over 20 minutes of ice time. And don't let last season's offensive numbers fool you. In his final season in junior hockey with the Moncton Wildcats, MacDonald averaged nearly a point per game (14 G, 44 A in 65 games) and put up 33 points in 69 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in 2008-09.
The developing D-man is no stranger to facing stiff competition either. According to the stats of Gabe Desjardins at Behindthenet.ca, MacDonald's quality of competition score (which measures the talent level of opposing skaters players see each shift) is the highest of any Islander D with more than 40 games last season, including Streit.
Externally, disgruntled D Sheldon Souray was placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers yesterday. The Toronto Globe and Mail has already linked the Islanders as a potentially interested party to claim him.
When healthy, Souray is one of the best point-producing defensemen in the NHL (117 points in his last two seasons of 80 games or more) and could quarterback the Islanders' power play. However, he's been stewing all summer that the Oilers rushed him back last season and the team ordered him to stay away when camp began. Since then they've been trying to trade him to no avail.
On the surface, Souray fits with the Islanders. However, the Islanders have spent these past few seasons building from within and adding a big-contract guy like Souray ($5.4 million for the next two seasons) would go against that MO. And bringing an alleged malcontent into a locker room of young guys might not be the best move to help team chemistry. Also consider that the Oilers are a team very similar to the Islanders in their rebuilding process and they're desperately trying to get rid of this guy.
The internal solution of MacDonald seems a much better fit at this point.
Isles drop pair to start preseason
September, 30, 2010
9/30/10
9:32
AM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPNNewYork.com
The Isles opened their preseason with a pair of losses last night, falling to the Flames in Saskatoon 3-2 and to the Flyers in Philly 3-1.
The losses aren’t entirely surprising given their opponents have had a combined 11 games to shed the summer rust, and showed that edge early in both games. The Flames and Flyers each leaped out to three-goal leads before the Islanders could answer. The win is Calgary’s fifth of its undefeated preseason.
I can’t seem to find a box score for the Isles-Flyers game, which contained most of New York’s A-team, but Calvin de Haan and Trevor Gillies accounted for the two Islander goals. In Philly, Krys Kolanos netted the lone Islander goal against a close approximation of the Flyers' varsity squad.
According to the Islanders team site, head coach Scott Gordon, who traveled with the Saskatoon squad, thought the penalty kill was solid, as was the play of de Haan.
In Philly, G Dwayne Roloson’s play was the game’s highlight for New York.
Isles-Flyers Box Score
SI Picks Isles 14th in East
The Sports Illustrated NHL Preview came out yesterday with the magazine picking the Islanders to finish ahead of the Florida Panthers and no one else in the East. SI applauded the signing of “capable” defensemen Mark Eaton and Milan Jurcina, but Pierre McGuire wrote that the only way the Islanders make the playoffs is if Rick DiPietro stays off the IR and regains his sterling form from his early career.
Morning Links
The losses aren’t entirely surprising given their opponents have had a combined 11 games to shed the summer rust, and showed that edge early in both games. The Flames and Flyers each leaped out to three-goal leads before the Islanders could answer. The win is Calgary’s fifth of its undefeated preseason.
I can’t seem to find a box score for the Isles-Flyers game, which contained most of New York’s A-team, but Calvin de Haan and Trevor Gillies accounted for the two Islander goals. In Philly, Krys Kolanos netted the lone Islander goal against a close approximation of the Flyers' varsity squad.
According to the Islanders team site, head coach Scott Gordon, who traveled with the Saskatoon squad, thought the penalty kill was solid, as was the play of de Haan.
In Philly, G Dwayne Roloson’s play was the game’s highlight for New York.
Isles-Flyers Box Score
SI Picks Isles 14th in East
The Sports Illustrated NHL Preview came out yesterday with the magazine picking the Islanders to finish ahead of the Florida Panthers and no one else in the East. SI applauded the signing of “capable” defensemen Mark Eaton and Milan Jurcina, but Pierre McGuire wrote that the only way the Islanders make the playoffs is if Rick DiPietro stays off the IR and regains his sterling form from his early career.
Morning Links
- Lighthouse Hockey issues a rallying cry to Islander fans.
- Training Camp Daily from the Isles’ official site is back on the scene today.
- The Calgary Herald has some player reaction on the Streit and Okposo injuries.
- And here’s the Herald’s take on last night’s preseason game.
Tavares, Del Zotto and Sophomore Slumps
September, 29, 2010
9/29/10
4:34
PM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPNNewYork.com
The Sophomore Slump.
As the summer ends, the cliché is almost impossible for second-year players to ignore. It’s everywhere. In season previews, puck prognosticators will warn against it. In locker rooms, the media will ask players about it. Those freshman phenoms coming off successful first seasons may as well have the phrase stitched on the back of their sweaters.
The Rangers and Isles have two such key contributors: Michael Del Zotto and John Tavares. We spent time talking about the Isles’ budding star a few weeks back. And NHL.com offers a closer look at the Rangers’ young D-man today. But I want to talk about the slump itself. Here’s the thing: More often than not, it’s a myth.
Last season we had Tom Awad of Puck Prospectus examine the sophomore slump for Insider’s NHL preview and he found that it’s actually more like a sophomore surge. In the article, Awad sites the famous example of Teemu Selanne’s slippage to 25 goals in Year 2, after debuting with 76. Here’s what he found about Calder Trophy winners since then:
Not bad. Now about that surge …
Sophomore slumps do happen (Steve Mason, call for you on Line 1. Steve Mason …) otherwise the saying wouldn’t exist. According to the averages however, we should certainly expect improvement from both of the area’s top rookies last season.
As the summer ends, the cliché is almost impossible for second-year players to ignore. It’s everywhere. In season previews, puck prognosticators will warn against it. In locker rooms, the media will ask players about it. Those freshman phenoms coming off successful first seasons may as well have the phrase stitched on the back of their sweaters.
The Rangers and Isles have two such key contributors: Michael Del Zotto and John Tavares. We spent time talking about the Isles’ budding star a few weeks back. And NHL.com offers a closer look at the Rangers’ young D-man today. But I want to talk about the slump itself. Here’s the thing: More often than not, it’s a myth.
Last season we had Tom Awad of Puck Prospectus examine the sophomore slump for Insider’s NHL preview and he found that it’s actually more like a sophomore surge. In the article, Awad sites the famous example of Teemu Selanne’s slippage to 25 goals in Year 2, after debuting with 76. Here’s what he found about Calder Trophy winners since then:
“… only Barret Jackman, Alex Ovechkin, Scott Gomez and Bryan Berard experienced any drop-off among skaters. Jackman's drop was attributed to injury (he played just 15 games in Year 2), and Berard's production dipped all of two points. Ovechkin? He still put up 46 goals and 92 points.”
Not bad. Now about that surge …
“Most players improve in their second year, and it is in fact the year in which players exhibit the largest year-over-year improvement. Since 1968, first-year players have scored at a rate of 0.39 points-per-game, while second-year players have averaged 0.45 points-per-game, an improvement of about 15 percent.”
Sophomore slumps do happen (Steve Mason, call for you on Line 1. Steve Mason …) otherwise the saying wouldn’t exist. According to the averages however, we should certainly expect improvement from both of the area’s top rookies last season.
Another bad break for Islanders
September, 29, 2010
9/29/10
10:58
AM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPNNewYork.com
Did Garth Snow break a mirror this summer? Seriously, I'm asking.
Yet another key player went down for the Islanders, with Kyle Okposo requiring shoulder surgery that will sideline him for 2-3 months. That's on top of the weekend news that Mark Streit's bum shoulder that will have him out for six months. In sum, that's two of the Isles' top three scorers from 2009-10 out of action for extended periods to start the season.
It's hardly an exact science, but if you take the estimated recovery times as hard return dates, Okposo should be back around Dec. 28 (missing 34 games), with Streit returning March 26 (with six games left on the schedule, if the Islanders even let him suit up at all). Apply their point-per-game averages from last season to that span and the Islanders will be looking to replace 67 points during that stretch, or about 11.5 percent of their total point production from all of last season. No biggie.
What's really crushing is that the Islanders had a shot to make the playoffs. Seriously. Were they a shoo-in? No, but they're a young, improving team and -- more importantly -- the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture is very, very fuzzy. Is anyone really prepared to say, without a doubt, that the Canadiens, Rangers, Hurricanes or Lightning are playoff locks? I'm not.
Now Snow and head coach Scott Gordon will have the unenviable task of replacing two of their top players. Subbing for Streit will likely be impossible. In today's NHL, top-pair, puck-moving defensemen are as rare as photos of Don Cherry in a conservative suit. Okposo's absence will likely mean a much longer look at top prospect Nino Niederreiter, who is almost certain to play the entirety of the nine-game sample stretch allowed under NHL rules. After that time the Isle will have to decide whether to keep him around or send him back to his WHL team in Portland, Ore. and start the clock on his contract a year later.
Keeping the rook around may seem like a simple solution to replacing Okposo, and by most accounts, scouts and talent evaluators believe Niederreiter has the NHL-ready body to endure the league at age 18. But in the team's long-term plans it may be smarter to save the year of service and send him back to Portland.
Barring a miracle, it seems clear that the Islanders won't contend this season, but the foundation is in place for a bright future. While Niederreiter may be able to contribute from Day 1, how much does it matter if he's just contributing to another non-playoff campaign? Shelve him for a year, however, and the Islanders have a cheap supporting scorer to complement John Tavares, Josh Bailey and a healthy Okposo and Streit through 2014.
It's hard to wait a year, but with some $20 million coming off the books at the end of this season, the Islanders could reform into a very serious contender with some free agent help. (Check out the 2011 crop of UFAs via ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.) That's something Snow will think long and hard about before deciding El Niño's immediate future.
Morning Links
Yet another key player went down for the Islanders, with Kyle Okposo requiring shoulder surgery that will sideline him for 2-3 months. That's on top of the weekend news that Mark Streit's bum shoulder that will have him out for six months. In sum, that's two of the Isles' top three scorers from 2009-10 out of action for extended periods to start the season.
It's hardly an exact science, but if you take the estimated recovery times as hard return dates, Okposo should be back around Dec. 28 (missing 34 games), with Streit returning March 26 (with six games left on the schedule, if the Islanders even let him suit up at all). Apply their point-per-game averages from last season to that span and the Islanders will be looking to replace 67 points during that stretch, or about 11.5 percent of their total point production from all of last season. No biggie.
What's really crushing is that the Islanders had a shot to make the playoffs. Seriously. Were they a shoo-in? No, but they're a young, improving team and -- more importantly -- the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture is very, very fuzzy. Is anyone really prepared to say, without a doubt, that the Canadiens, Rangers, Hurricanes or Lightning are playoff locks? I'm not.
Now Snow and head coach Scott Gordon will have the unenviable task of replacing two of their top players. Subbing for Streit will likely be impossible. In today's NHL, top-pair, puck-moving defensemen are as rare as photos of Don Cherry in a conservative suit. Okposo's absence will likely mean a much longer look at top prospect Nino Niederreiter, who is almost certain to play the entirety of the nine-game sample stretch allowed under NHL rules. After that time the Isle will have to decide whether to keep him around or send him back to his WHL team in Portland, Ore. and start the clock on his contract a year later.
Keeping the rook around may seem like a simple solution to replacing Okposo, and by most accounts, scouts and talent evaluators believe Niederreiter has the NHL-ready body to endure the league at age 18. But in the team's long-term plans it may be smarter to save the year of service and send him back to Portland.
Barring a miracle, it seems clear that the Islanders won't contend this season, but the foundation is in place for a bright future. While Niederreiter may be able to contribute from Day 1, how much does it matter if he's just contributing to another non-playoff campaign? Shelve him for a year, however, and the Islanders have a cheap supporting scorer to complement John Tavares, Josh Bailey and a healthy Okposo and Streit through 2014.
It's hard to wait a year, but with some $20 million coming off the books at the end of this season, the Islanders could reform into a very serious contender with some free agent help. (Check out the 2011 crop of UFAs via ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.) That's something Snow will think long and hard about before deciding El Niño's immediate future.
Morning Links
- In the meantime fans can fixate on the team's first action of the preseason with two split-squad games tonight in Saskatoon (vs. the Flames) and Philadelphia (vs. the Flyers, obviously). Chris Botta has the lineup breakdowns. Nieddereiter will skate with the Saskatoon platoon on a line with Bailey and Rob Schremp. Tavares will join them. You'll probably be able to spot him as the player skating in eight-layers of bubble wrap.
- Lighthouse Hockey has more on the signing of former Devils D Mike Mottau, who is not exactly beloved on the Island, given his history with Frans Nielsen.
- Devils scribe Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger has more on the Islanders' newest signee.
Mag rankings place Isles 28th in NHL
September, 27, 2010
9/27/10
6:32
PM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPNNewYork.com
The positive playoff vibes coming into the season took a hit with the shoulder injury to Mark Streit, but according to the Puck Prospectus projections used to compile ESPN The Magazine's 2010-11 power rankings, maybe Streit isn't missing much.
The Islanders place 28th in the NHL in the rankings, just ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are tagged as the East's worst team.
According to a note in the article, the numbers were crunched before the team's top defenseman went down, so it doesn't even account for Streit's absence from an already meager power play.
But let's not dwell on the dark side. Puck Prospectus also provides point total projections for young star John Tavares. While some are looking for a Steven Stamkos-like breakout season, Prospectus isn't quite so bullish, but they do see a very successful campaign.
Before anyone discounts the Prospectus scoring projection out of hand, you may want to know that the outfit accurately predicted Sidney Crosby's net-scorching season last year. They're not just pulling this stuff out of thin air. And while the projection doesn't match the epic season of Stamkos, 70 points is nothing to sneeze at.
The Islanders place 28th in the NHL in the rankings, just ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are tagged as the East's worst team.
According to a note in the article, the numbers were crunched before the team's top defenseman went down, so it doesn't even account for Streit's absence from an already meager power play.
But let's not dwell on the dark side. Puck Prospectus also provides point total projections for young star John Tavares. While some are looking for a Steven Stamkos-like breakout season, Prospectus isn't quite so bullish, but they do see a very successful campaign.
"The Islanders would like nothing better than for John Tavares' sophomore season to resemble that of Steven Stamkos. This is unlikely, if only because so few players break out so dramatically. It's more realistic to expect 70 points from Tavares, as he and the Islanders' other young guns are still a year from contention ..."
Before anyone discounts the Prospectus scoring projection out of hand, you may want to know that the outfit accurately predicted Sidney Crosby's net-scorching season last year. They're not just pulling this stuff out of thin air. And while the projection doesn't match the epic season of Stamkos, 70 points is nothing to sneeze at.
Weekend update: Streit, Redden and more
September, 27, 2010
9/27/10
8:33
AM ET
By Mike Hume | ESPNNewYork.com
Here are some quick hits to get you caught up on the big news over the weekend. Check back later today for some more on the Isles, Rangers and Devils, including a glimpse of the ESPN The Magazine Power Rankings that will be released today.
Islanders
The Islanders’ playoff hopes took an enormous hit during Saturday’s practice as Mark Streit reportedly suffered a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff that will sideline the team’s top do-everything defenseman for six months, according to Newsday. A TSN report lists the Swiss D-man as out indefinitely after falling awkwardly into the boards following a check by teammate Matt Moulson.
Last season, Streit was the Islanders’ ice-time leader by a wide margin, and given his offensive skill set, replacing him may be altogether impossible. Blue line depth was already a problem for the Islanders, who brought in D James Wisniewski to help over the summer. Now Wisniewski and his fellow blueliners are all moved up a peg. Whether or not they can handle that responsibility will likely tell the Islanders’ playoff fortunes for this season.
If the Islanders look outside the organization for help they could turn to the Edmonton Oilers, who are still shopping Sheldon Souray. The Devils’ Bryce Salvador is no replacement for Streit, but he’s on the market as well, as the Devs look to free up cap space after signing Ilya Kovalchuk. And given the latest roster move by the Rangers, there’s always another option …
Rangers
The inevitable happened Saturday as Wade Redden was placed on waivers without even suiting up for a preseason game. He missed the first game against the Devils to be with his wife while she gave birth to their first child. He was waived before the second game on Saturday -- another win for the Blueshirts.
The move gets the Rangers below the salary cap for this season and gives them an additional $2.45 million of room. As for Redden, he will clear waivers at noon ET Monday. If he goes unclaimed (more than likely) he must report to the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford to protect the remaining $23 million (and four years) owed to him on his contract.
Devils
Also on the salary cap front, there may finally be some movement as the Devils try to get below the ceiling. According to Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record, the Avalanche are reportedly interested in acquiring Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner if GM Lou Lamoriello were to make him available.
With a young roster, the addition of Langenbrunner would add some veteran leadership and the Avs have more than enough cap space to absorb Langenbrunner’s $2.8 million hit for this season. Langenbrunner already has some chemistry with the Avs' Paul Stastny; the two skated on a line with Zach Parise at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Any deal would require Langenbrunner’s approval however, as he has a no trade clause.
Langenbrunner did not play in the team’s third preseason game Saturday, with Alex Vasyunov replacing him on the line with Patrik Elias and Jason Arnott.
Islanders
The Islanders’ playoff hopes took an enormous hit during Saturday’s practice as Mark Streit reportedly suffered a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff that will sideline the team’s top do-everything defenseman for six months, according to Newsday. A TSN report lists the Swiss D-man as out indefinitely after falling awkwardly into the boards following a check by teammate Matt Moulson.
Last season, Streit was the Islanders’ ice-time leader by a wide margin, and given his offensive skill set, replacing him may be altogether impossible. Blue line depth was already a problem for the Islanders, who brought in D James Wisniewski to help over the summer. Now Wisniewski and his fellow blueliners are all moved up a peg. Whether or not they can handle that responsibility will likely tell the Islanders’ playoff fortunes for this season.
If the Islanders look outside the organization for help they could turn to the Edmonton Oilers, who are still shopping Sheldon Souray. The Devils’ Bryce Salvador is no replacement for Streit, but he’s on the market as well, as the Devs look to free up cap space after signing Ilya Kovalchuk. And given the latest roster move by the Rangers, there’s always another option …
Rangers
The inevitable happened Saturday as Wade Redden was placed on waivers without even suiting up for a preseason game. He missed the first game against the Devils to be with his wife while she gave birth to their first child. He was waived before the second game on Saturday -- another win for the Blueshirts.
The move gets the Rangers below the salary cap for this season and gives them an additional $2.45 million of room. As for Redden, he will clear waivers at noon ET Monday. If he goes unclaimed (more than likely) he must report to the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in Hartford to protect the remaining $23 million (and four years) owed to him on his contract.
Devils
Also on the salary cap front, there may finally be some movement as the Devils try to get below the ceiling. According to Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record, the Avalanche are reportedly interested in acquiring Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner if GM Lou Lamoriello were to make him available.
With a young roster, the addition of Langenbrunner would add some veteran leadership and the Avs have more than enough cap space to absorb Langenbrunner’s $2.8 million hit for this season. Langenbrunner already has some chemistry with the Avs' Paul Stastny; the two skated on a line with Zach Parise at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Any deal would require Langenbrunner’s approval however, as he has a no trade clause.
Langenbrunner did not play in the team’s third preseason game Saturday, with Alex Vasyunov replacing him on the line with Patrik Elias and Jason Arnott.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Katie Strang
After spending the past two seasons as the Islanders beat writer for Newsday, Katie Strang joins ESPNNewYork.com to cover the Rangers, Isles and Devils. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
Mike Hume
Mike Hume is a general editor for ESPN Insider, for which he coordinates NHL coverage, including the NHL Draft Blog. He has followed hockey since The Whale skated at the Civvy, and has covered the sport since 2004.
