Islander News Articles 9/28

New York Islander Fan Central | 9/27/2007 09:53:00 PM | | | | | | | |
Newsday's Friday article centers around team toughnesshere. The article says indications are it's unlikely DiPietro or Simon play Friday at Msg and again the lineup will feature many players from the Sound Tigers.

Andy Sutton and Chris Simon are quoted.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Don't think it's a big deal that DiPietro plays against the Rangers Friday, but were getting down to the final three preseason games and so far he has not played very much. Also seems Ted Nolan is not sticking to his earlier quote the last three of four games the club would go mostly with the lineup for the season.

Of course with three games in three days upcoming that's something not possible. I would guess were going to see close to the opening night lineup and in Bridgeport against New Jersey on Saturday or against Boston on Sunday.

Sound Tigers also have games Friday, Saturday and Sunday but with both groups combined are carrying close to sixty players.

Former Islander commentator Joe Micheletti had this in the NY Post today.

Q: The Islanders lost their two best offensive players, Ryan Smyth and Jason Blake. Is there any chance they can make the playoffs?

A: I see a chance to make the playoffs because of Rick DiPietro. He alone gives them the chance. He is as fiery a goaltender as there is in the league, and he keeps improving. But there are many question marks surrounding this team. The players they brought in - Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie - are nice players, but are they going to give them enough offense to stay competitive? We will have to wait and see on that.

Ct Post had articles on Trevor Smith and Pascal Morency. The Sound Tigers released defenseman Sean Offers and forwards Mitch Woods, Rob Sirianni, Aaron Slattengren and Matt Scherer from camp late Wednesday.

Almost half of the 38 players remaining in camp will play in tonight's exhibition game against Providence, at 7 p.m. at The Rinks at Shelton. Unlike Wednesday, Capuano said, this lineup will include more of the team's expected regulars.

"Now, it's game on," Capuano said. "We've got to put guys in there to do the job."