Guerin out, Bergenheim in vs Flyers

New York Islander Fan Central | 11/12/2007 03:18:00 PM | | | | | | | | |


Bill Smith looks sharp in the legends game this weekend. No picture of Butch Goring who also played.


Newsday: Greg Logan gives an update on Bill Guerin who did not travel with the club to Philadelphia because of an eye injury but could return against Pittsburgh. Sean Bergenheim returns to the second line left wing position and Richard Park moves to right wing in Guerin's spot with Sillinger and Hilbert. Simon, Ben Walter and Tim Jackman make up the fourth line again. No mention is made of Berard or Meyer.

“Bergenheim is ready to go,” Nolan said. “His hands were a little rusty this morning, but that’s to be expected. I’d rather have some rusty hands than a rusty attitude. One thing about him is that he’s full of energy and he should add a little spark to us.”


Media Blog: Cory Witt reports Howie Rose will miss tonight's game. Steve Mears will call his first NHL game on television, with Chris King taking over play by play on the radio end. Butch Goring will move to the radio side to provide commentary.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
You keep Bill Guerin out until he's ready and do not risk a second injury to his eye, regardless of how long it takes. Good news is Comrie was not on that injury report because it did not look good Saturday and he's had shoulder problems in the past.

Interesting that Bergenheim who was played on right wing several times in preseason comes back from injury and get his second line left wing spot which is the right move to me because that's where he can help the most and his skill set in terms of offense is better than Richard Park. A third line of Hilbert, Sillinger and Park are likely not to do much damage but are due for a huge breakout and go in with some practice time. The work ethic will never be lacking from them.

Islanders need some offense from that fourth line tonight, Walter looks like he's very composed with good offensive instincts and Tim Jackman knows what to do when they are on the ice. Simon has the hands to convert some goals and is due, even though he's been spotted on the other lines and has seem a limited role.

NHL.com: Did not include Miroslav Satan and his two game winning goals in the top three for player of the week.

NHL.com: Long time Flyer writer Chuck Gormley does a full feature praising the Islanders for their excellent start with Paul Holmgrem credititing gm Garth Snow and notes the Islanders are the second least penalized team in the league at this time. Solid work all around here from Gormley.

“We're a resilient bunch,” said goaltender Rick DiPietro, who was tied for third in wins with eight entering this week’s divisional games against the Flyers, Penguins and Devils.

“This is a real good character kind of team that doesn't quit,” echoed Nolan.

“It’s pointless to analyze it,” Satan said. “I'm just glad to help the team.”

“I think Snowy did a great job over the summer,” Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren said. “He picked up some players who were leaders and he’s got a very competitive team. And (Ted) Nolan has always been a good coach.”


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Part of the penalty story is the lack of games played but make no mistake this was a club that had a minus ninety disparity last season. It's a critical jump to be second, especially with the five on five numbers not nearly as good.