A Very Big Win
By: Geoffrey Gottlieb
Tonight’s game was a huge win for the Islanders. Not only did they beat their arch rival in the Rangers, but they have also improved their record to 8-4 and have moved into a tie for first place with the Philadelphia Flyers (with one game in hand). I have always been a huge Mike Comrie fan. I really enjoyed watching him play for Ottawa last year, and although he clearly didn’t play that the role of the Heatley-Spezza-Alfredsson line did, he was a solid part of that team's offense. Comrie works hard every night and every shift. His pass to Fedotenko was absolutely incredible. He was all over the ice and now has 15 points on the season.
Rick Dipietro was awesome as usual. He had 28 saves and many were spectacular especially the game saver on Chris Drury in the final minutes of the game. Fedotenko was great again as well. Lately it really seems that he is feeling more and more comfortable on the ice and really starting to generate solid scoring chances each shift. Although starting slow, Hunter has a goal in each of the last 3 games. Although he did make a terrible play tonight on the 2 on 1 in which he held the puck way too long, he made up for it with a tremendous shot over Lundqvist’s shoulder. He needs to do just that—make faster decisions and shoot the puck quicker.
The defense played pretty well tonight, and with Berard coming back on Saturday an excellent power play will be even more improved. My only problem tonight was Hilbert and Silinger. Hilbert gets way too much ice time. I don’t understand how a guy with 0 points and a –8 on a first place team is getting 16:51 of ice time. I don’t care if Hilbert skates hard, he isn’t talented enough to get that much time despite how hard he skates and his defensive attributes. He can’t score and tonight I believe he screened DP on Drury’s power play goal. As for Sillinger, to me right now he is the worst player on the team. He is 36 years old and I honestly think it’s time for him to hang up his skates. He had a great career playing in over 1,000 games and recording 525 points. However, no part of his game looks remotely decent. He is averaging 18:53, which I think is ludicrous. The best part of his game over his entire career was his ability to win face-offs. Tonight he lost 9 out of 15 face-offs. I hope I am wrong and he can turn his game around but I doubt that after a horribly lethargic start to this season. On a more positive note the team continues to play well and with the solid goaltending of DP, the Islanders can beat any team in the league on any given night right now.
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13 comments:
All,
First welcome my good friend Geoff to the Isles discussions we will be having all year.
I couldn't agree more regarding Hilbert and Silinger. I'm learning to appreciate what Hilbert brings, but I agree he sees way too much ice time. He is an effective penalty killer, but after watching the replay you are correct Geoff in that he did screen DP. On a shot from 30 feet out a forward needs to either get out of the way or get down an block the shot. DP will eat that shot every time if given a decent look at it.
Silinger is the worst. THIS GUY ACTUALLY IS THE CENTER ON OUR 2nd POWERPLAY LINE!!!! I love how Nolan fires this team up, but sometimes his hockey decision making is more than questionable. Why wouldn't he have his second scoring line out there as the forwards on the second power play unit? It's just mind boggling.
I don't like Park on the second line. I know that this line has generated some much needed offense, but I'd really like to see more of Ben Walter. Although he is a center by trade, I'd like to see Nolan bump this kid up to play with Vasicek and Satan. This team can't go all year with Richard Park as the team's second line center, so let's see what Walter can do.
What most impressed me was how the Isles found a way to light the lamp last night. While I figured this team would rely heavily on garbage goals, last night proved we have some guys who can really score. I personally believe Henrik Lundqvist to be the best goaltender in the NHL (even better than DP) but that didn't stop the Isles. Entering the thrid period, I didn't see the Isles getting one goal, not to mention three. But then Hunter released a wicked shot over Lundqvist's shoulder and suddenly there was life in the building. Fedotenko added a one timer, but then came the biggest goal of the night: Miro Satan heading right at Lundqvist from 20 feet out and BOOOOOM. A tremendously deceptive release has always given Satan the ability to score big goals like that. On a shot straight on, from 20 feet out, and for Miro to make Henrik look that silly just shows how good that shot was. Big win boys.
Geoff,
Great first post, its about time you starting blogging with me and Justin.
Great game last night. As Justin said what Hilbert brings on the defensive end is very promising but Nolan rewards this with way to much 5 on 5 time. I am not sure who Nolan is trying to trick but Hilbert is no more then a penalty killing 4th liner. He should be seeing 8-12 mins a night, not an average of 16.
As for Sillinger, I think that taking him off the power play would actually make his overall play better. This guy looks tired because he is, Nolan overuses him way to much. By giving him the time off on the power play it would make his 5 on 5 and PK that much better. I think his ice time is fine but how he is being used is wrong. I doubt Sillinger has really major power play time in his career like he has here on the island.
Justin,
Lets remember, Bergs should be back shortly so Park's time there is limited.
I agree that Walter should see more time.
Best Win Percentage in the division with games in hand. Let's hope the boys can keep up this hard play.
Welcome Geoff, god to have you aboard.
Gotta disagree with you about Drury's goal. I watched the replay several times and DP was not screened. he just blew it by not closing the pads quick enough. Look at his reaction after the goal and you can tell he knew he should have stopped it. Hey, goalies give up soft ones once in a while. It happens.
I do think that Sillinger should have his ice time reduced, but not by much. He brings a lot of leadership and experience out there and is always yapping instructions to the other players. I think that he especially helps Gervais and Campoli with their positioning, by always letting them know where they should be. Just listen to him when he was miked up last week. It's a long season and he will come around.
Hilbert is another story. The guy flat out can't score, period. I would love to see Walter in his place and see him reduced to PK duty with Park. But long time readers here already know this.
One thing that is of increasing concern is Snow's inability to get some players signed. I was reading an interview with Comrie and he said that he could not sign an new deal until after January due to the CBA. Anyone have any info on that?
Teams are locking up players like crazy and I am afraid that next year we will not be able to retain any of these guys. I don't think anyone wants a repeat of last year.
So far, I would look to sign Hunter, Vasichek, and open talks with Comrie and perhaps Fedatanko. I also think that Witt should be given a 2 year extension. He has been a rock and the soul of the defense..........Bill
Bill,
I just looked at the CBA online and the Comrie interview is correct. The rule states, "A Player who is party to a one-year SPC may not enter into an
"extension" of such SPC prior to January 1 of the League Year covered by such SPC."
I agree that Hunter, Vasichek, Comrie and Tank should be resigned. Also before Guerin was named captain, I was hoping that Witt would named captain. I would love to see him finish his career here on the island.
After this week of hockey we just had here, who would want to leave this place?
The place really is rocking this year. What do you think Drury was thinking as he came into the NVMC twice now and saw a packed house while his own team lost again. He was too good for the Isles but so far we have had the last laugh. Let's keep it up.
I think (hope) [pray] snow knows that he must get busy after January to work on signing Hunter, Comrie, Vasicek, and Fedotenko. A lot of what those players choose to do will depend on how the Isles have played at that point in the season. If we are solidly competing for a playoff spot, then I think those players would be more inclined to stay.
The Campoli signing is looking tremendous right now. Gervais should be next in line.
Right about Gervais. I forgot about him. Both he and Campoli have surprised me this year.
Perhaps Nolan should look at these two and realize that the younger guys can play when given a real chance.
Drury, Gomez and Smyth were never superstars in my opinion. They were all second level type players who paled in comparrison to Crosby, Kovulchuk, Heatlty, Spezza or Ovetchkin. They just happened to be the only upper level type players available when some GM's lost their minds.
The Rangers would have been better off paying Nylander. He had magic with Jagr........Bill
"Drury, Gomez and Smyth were never superstars in my opinion. They were all second level type players who paled in comparrison to Crosby, Kovulchuk, Heatlty, Spezza or Ovetchkin. They just happened to be the only upper level type players available when some GM's lost their minds. "
Man, I remember saying this around July 1st over on the Newsday blog, and getting blasted for it. From everyone. Those contracts for everyone but Drury (who I still believe is well worth what he got) were panic contracts by big market teams feeling the pressure of the new CBA. How can the Rags, Leafs, Wings, and Avs face their media/network contracts if they DIDN'T sign a big contract? The talent pool out there this past year was weak, and will be weak (see almost any of Bill's posts the last few weeks about players signing extensions) from now on. Teams will no longer be built through free agency, but teams will certainly be crippled through free agency. Those GMs and owners who do not embrace the extension signings / efficient drafting model this new CBA demands will be "Yashin-ed" or "Holik-ed" (and coming soon...."Gomez-ed" and "Blake-ed") for years.
My take on the Isles, in light of this news about restrictions negotiating with players who are signed for 1 year, is they have managed to avoid this mess. As long as Snow does sign those guys mentioned in previous posts come January, we're in good shape. We'll stay competitive this year, we have decent talent coming up, and we'll still have some money left to sign some solid role players come free agency. Of course, we should be sparing now cost for college/international scouting at this point either...bring back Torrey's scouting team!
That said, if these guys walk after this year, I'll be worried. I'm optimistic they won't though- the combination of winning (so far), playing in front of great crowds, living on Long Island, and playing for the players coach Ted Nolan should be enough for these guys to realize when not to give up on a good thing.
Plus, Ms. Duff has to like Long Island... I mean, where else can she drive her new birthday present to nice beaches? (obscure, I know, but I know Bill read that interview :) )
Good post Nyisles, I couldn't agree more. Every year there seems to be at least a solid group of 5-10 free agents available. Every once in a while, a superstar can be had for the right price.
What worries me is that Comrie, or Fedotenko, or Vasicek might realize that sadly they will be among the top free agents available come the summer of 2008. They might believe they will be able to take advantage of a shortage of core players available in order to really cash in this summer. I know what I want them to do, but the real question is what would you do?
Yes ,obviously we need these players to come back.I think it is going to depend on a lot of things. Clearly, most importantly we need to do well this year. If not we have no chance of signing these guys. I am very excited for Okposo next year. It’s definitely a big transition from college hockey to the NHL. He will only be 20 years old and hopefully the extra year at Minnesota will help improve his overall game.
Also, what you said about Gomez Drury and Smyth was perfect. Gomez is one of the most overrated players in the NHL. He had 13 goals last year and every time I watch the Rangers play Gomez becomes invisible. In my opinion the Rangers should put Gomez on the second line and Drury on the first. I definitely think that would help their scoring problems. Drury is clearly more talented then Gomez and has been a winner his entire life. Smyth could be the worst skater in the NHL. However his ability to crash the net and score garbage goals is very valuable. The guy scores some of the grossest goals I have ever seen. But, he still scores goals. I believe Comrie is a much better player then Gomez.
Geoff, I agree with your post. Gomez is a very good play maker yet is overrated. I'm happy Smyth didn't accept more money to stay with the Isles. The $6 million a year or w/e the Isles offered was too much for a player who is constantly injured and on the downside of his career.
Interesting stat of the day:
The Isles alltime record against the Devils is 102-59-22-4. Wow.
Even cooler, from 1974-75 through the 1983-84 season the Islanders did not lose a single home game at the Coliseum to the Devils. The Islanders sported a 23-0-1 record during the 10-year span on their home ice.
Truth be told, the only real "game changers" in hockey are goaltenders. They are the one player that can carry a team on their backs and turn a mediocre team into a Cup contender.
All the other free agents in the world are only pieces of the puzzle. Yes, signing a player like Drury may make your team stronger and move you up a few places in the standings, but he cannot win a Cup by himself. All three local teams are lucky to be set in that area.
January is not that far away. Hopefully Garth has some solid contracts prepared and ready to be signed by Hunter, Gervais, Vasichek, Fedatanko and Comrie.
So far, I have been impressed with Satan's play with Vasichek. They really look for each other and seem to be developing a great chemistry between them. I would like to see what Walter could do on that line.
In the little I have seen him I have been very impressed with his play. Seems like he would be a natural fit on that line...Bill
Bill- I agree with everything on your post, especially that last paragraph.
Does everyone agree on re-signing all the guys Bill mentioned? For me, it's a bit early to make a certain decision, but, if everyone plays as they are right now until January, I'm all in. It is clear they enjoy playing with Nolan, and perhaps more importantly, with each other.
What is Gervais' contract situation right now?
I'd add one person left out of the re-signing list: Satan. He's in a contract year, and if he keeps playing like this w/ V-cek, we should sign him. He's been nothing but a trooper ever since he got here, and I believe that by signing him, we send the message to players that we are willing to take care of them if they play well. However, he's getting up there in age, and even though he clearly doesn't rely on his speed to score, he's only going to get older..
What does everyone else think?
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