Newsday: Greg Logan updated the Newsday Islander blog Thursday with a wide range of subjects discussed. From Dubie not being in shape at camp, to how well he played, his UFA status, Joey MacDonald and a set goaltending rotation. The veterans were discussed in detail as the gm praised Guerin and Comrie, in Guerin's case for his leadership beyond the numbers and apparently gutting out injury as well.
Jack Hillen playing those two games used up one year of his two year contract according to Mr Logan and would be restricted next summer but was praised by the gm for how he performed. Hillen wanted this arrangement in his contract to sign for two years and lose a year by playing for an NHL team going into signing with any club.
Garth Snow also talked about the direction in building with prospects means they have to improve or it will not work, that expectations are to win next season while they could add UFA also. The draft and who the gm is looking at was also discussed in detail.
NYI Fan Central Comments:
This was a very good update, without Mr Logan stirring something up. I guess he saved that for the print edition most of the fans read already. I'm somewhat confused why Kyle Okposo can play nine games in the NHL and not lose a year off his contract while Jack Hillen does?
If there was competition to sign Hillen and this had to be in the deal, Isles decided to accept it.
Reading from the general managers comments it's simply hard to guess at what direction he wants to go in. On one hand he talks about veterans underachieving, on the other we have read Satan was offered a contract extension. I have seen offers to Fedotenko and Vasicek along the way also. And of course the gm talks about the prospects playing and it being a younger team.
I have no problem with the guessing, I think a gm should always keep any opportunity open to improve his club and not tell the media what he's absolutely going to do.
If Dubie came into camp not in the best shape, I cannot answer to it. What I can write is he played four poor periods against Toronto/Atlanta and in all of them the team in front of him was terrible. I do not remember much of the 8-3 loss against Carolina. Aside from that I saw a goaltender who gave his team a good chance to win every time he played who in my estimation stole some games.
College Hockey: Notre Dame advanced to the NCAA Championship game Saturday with a 5-4 overtime win against Michigan.
NYI Fan Central Comments:
Congratulations to former Islander assistant coach Jeff Jackson.
Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's preview for Friday night's game at Harbor Yard vs Lowell Devils has Blake Comeau's comments on playing in the NHL with Jack Capuano's comments as to how much he has improved. Mr Fornabaio also reports it appears unlikely Tomas Marcinko, or Rob Hennigar, will join Bridgeport at the end of the year.
Lowell Devils at Bridgeport Sound Tigers
WHEN — Tonight, 7:30
WHERE — Arena at Harbor Yard
ON THE AIR — No radio; Webcast and B2 Networks Internet pay-per-view at www.soundtigers.com
Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio blog reported Frans Nielsen skated on Thursday among several items.
Lowell Sun: Covers the Devils affiliate which is out of playoff contention is coming off a 3-0 loss to close out it's home schedule.
The Patriot News: Tim Leone has Hershey coach Bob Woods comments about the Sound Tigers and his own team entering the final weekend.