ISLANDERS NOTEBOOK 10/4:

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/04/2007 01:18:00 PM | | | |
Islanders head coach Ted Nolan spoke following practice Thursday about a variety of topics pertaining to the team and the season NYI.com

"Bill Guerin has really taken control of the team," said Nolan. "He's a guy who goes out of his way to meet everyone on the team. Billy doesn't just talk to the so-called experienced guys on the team. You'll see him sitting at meals with the young guys. He's also really good at getting the team up before games. He's a real motivator, and has shown his leadership throughout Training Camp."

"You always learn from what you did before," said Ted. "We made some adjustments for this year. Bringing in Gerard Gallant, who has tremendous experience in the league, was a big help. We also brought in John Chabot, who is also a good character guy, to help on the coaching staff. Dan Lacroix will now be added help with us on the video side. I brought in a group of people to make me better. Plus, I know the personnel on the team better. I know what to expect from them and will use that to my advantage. I'm more familiar than last year, which will make for easier start to the season."

"We found our first line through free agency with Guerin, Comrie and Fedotenko. They looked like a good line to put together from the get-go. In the exhibition games, they seemed to have chemistry right from the start.

"We added a little more punch to our Hunter-Sillinger line by putting Sim in the mix. Hilbert is a reliable defensive guy, who will fit in well with Satan and Vasicek. Park is as versatile as anyone. He could play well on the fourth line or the first line or the third. He'll anchor that fourth line which also has Bergenheim, who is enthusiastic and likes to play the body. We feel like we have a good mix and good chemistry with all four lines."

"Miro has looked really hungry this year," said Ted. "He'll get his opportunities out there on the power play and we think he'll thrive in that situation."


Nolan's WFAN interview is archived here for those who missed it this morning.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Nolan did not mention Berard and talked about Satan on the pp point which looked like a terrible early season decision a year ago.

On WFAN, Joe Beningo and Evan Roberts asked directly about signing Berard. Nolan said said Berard is still here at his own expense trying to convince us to sign him that the evaulation continues but the club is hoping it works out and praised his talents.

A lot of talk about grit and character. Praise for Snow. Nolan said they got a first line esstentially for free and felt the club did well in free agency. Also that Satan should do better with players who can get him the puck and that he's healthy.

Praised Aaron Johnson and Freddy Meyer.