Training Camp Notes

With the season just over two weeks away, this year's New York Islanders squad is beginning to take shape. New coach Scott Gordon has decided against intersquad practice scrimmages and instead devotes all time on the ice to teaching all players, whether veteran or young prospect, Gordon's style and systems of play. Specific line combinations are still being hammered out and probably won't be set until about the last preseason game.

Rookie center Josh Bailey is making his case to make the squad after showing off his talents during practices as well as adding a goal and assist in the team's first preseason game when the Islanders' rookies defeated the Boston rookies 8-4.

When was the last time the Islanders doubled their opponents shot total? The answer is the teams first preseason game when the Islanders outshot the Bruins 38-19 in a 2-1 OT victory. If the team can consistently shoot the puck this much more this season, we should all be in for a pleasant surprise for this upcoming season. I do realize that this is just a preseason game but the foundation of the season is being set now for what is to be expected for this upcoming season.


Injury Front -
The key to the franchise, Rick DiPietro, has been rehabbing on his own while working with the teams goalie coaches. While no set return date has been released, it is believed that DP will get a preseason game under his belt and then split the opening weekend games, most likely playing the home opener vs. the Blues, letting Joey Mac get the season opener at the Devils.

Additionally, center Mike Sillinger is continuing to rehab from hip surgery, performed during the off season, does not look like he will ready for the beginning of the season. Since it does not look like he will be ready for the start of the regular season, his absence has opened a spot for someone like Josh Bailey to come in and step up. Hopefully Bailey will produce early and often allowing Snow's youth movement to really take charge this season.

On the blueline, Chris Campoli left the first preseason game after being nailed on the boards by Michael Ryder. Coach Gordon would not disclose the injury but stated that it was neither his shoulder (which he hurt last season and had corrective surgery over of the offseason) nor a concussion. Hopefully Chris will be back on the ice sooner then later.