Islander Notables: Bailey-Nielsen-Schremp Plan Failing

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The team is falling back quickly, the progress made recently over. They played horrible in Buffalo but won, they were better at home but lost to the Sabres in the rematch.

Josh Bailey looks like a man without a position, who's confused on both offense and defense, he did not come back from Bridgeport with that problem.

Rob Schremp's offense and defensive game have fallen off dramatically.

Frans Nielsen's offensive game is status quo, he can't score at even strength or on the pp, and he's taking a lot of players offense with him as Jack Capuano makes him his go-to forward on too many occasions.

That leaves one line or the hope of some bounces.

I don't like what I'm seeing and it's forcing Comeau, Grabner to have to rely on individual efforts as Nielsen-Okposo are paired under a third Islander coach.

All the moving around of Josh Bailey is making him a confused hockey player, it's not the right strategy. The Islanders need defensive players, Nielsen being counted on the score simply has not happened.

I don't have an answer but Bailey is the top prospect, the standings dictate he play his natural drafted position which is center. Is there a rule Nielsen cannot play the fourth line and be the second center on faceoffs?

Jeremy Colliton has gotten his chance, there is no rule Konopka cannot sit for a game if they want to continue that look.
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I really have nothing new on Nabokov that I did not write when he was claimed, he wants to stay home he risks the Islanders tolling the contract and his next season if the league sides with the Islanders.

The CBA says he needs to report here and play out his agreement, if he does not wish to honor his agreement, it's his future. Garth Snow has a right to protect DiPietro's health and Poulin's development with the best available player he can find.

Whatever Snow says before the Carolina game that's the bottom line unless he wants Nabokov far away from his prospects which means risking depth. Koskinen returned for Bridgeport but Lawson is still out.

Nova Scotia News: Jon Sim had the following:

"There was a lot of things going on with the whole season with the Islanders and I just felt it was time to move on and just be happy," he said by phone from Switzerland Tuesday. "I was sick of getting sent down and getting called up. I had to make this decision."

NYIFC Comments:
Jon Sim signed a two-way contract knowing there was a good chance he would be sent up and down or not even make the NHL team out of camp. He was given chances on top lines with injuries to Hunter, Okposo and several forwards. He went from thirteen goals to one with the opportunities he was given, and passed through NHL waivers countless times.

Sim should have been loyal to the organization and been the positive he was for Bridgeport on so many occasions. I like Sim a great deal as a player but disappointed to read such comments.

What's next is New York plays more hockey games after the break, jobs are being decided for next season.

Tonight will be very tough, Carolina can score/skate, will be rested/waiting plus they forced some of DiPietro's worst mistakes of the seasons in the earlier game, if he does start Wednesday.

Poulin is outplaying DiPietro in these games, but at his age you don't keep him in the NHL a year out of juniors.

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Tavares Hat-Trick.... New York 5, Buffalo 3

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Heck of an effort and win Saturday night by New York, worth a blog entry because a lot happened.

Tavares could have had five and the Islanders could have had eight or nine if Miller was not at his best. This kids hands, move to the net are getting better and better, he looks very comfortable/confident in front of net. Miller made right play on all three goals.

Of course, even Mick Vukota can score a natural hat-trick here back in 1989 which was ironically a 5-3 New York win.

Vukota got his with about forty seconds to spare vs Tavares.

Early (aside from Grabner's speed or a Comeau miss in front, Tavares-Pareneau 2-0) the first period offense came mostly from the point, but second period the Islanders simply dominated with a level of skating and skill that was a lot of fun to watch.

That second period was a lot like the effort against Vancouver (after first) and several teams recently. Aside from Bailey, everyone was getting chances or kept moving, the Islanders overwhelmed Buffalo and put on pressure they could not stand up against.

So Jurcina get's a penalty at end of first for high-sticking Vanek who is kneeling in crease, next period a 5'5 Sabre makes contact on Milan Jurcina, draws blood but no call with all these officials on ice? Comical, because rule is you are responsible for your stick.

Rick DiPietro played very well, however his stickhandling at the end of the first led to Buffalo keeping the puck in which gave them a powerplay, then another, which led to their 1-0 goal. That may not be fair but as soon as that puck was barely kept in the Sabres got in close and forced a penalty, you could see it coming.

Either Hamonic/MacDonald spread full out to break up a 2-1 in the second which was great and led to Islanders getting a 2-1 the other way. Gervais was outstanding along with all the defenders tonight.

MacDonald has twelve points since December 18th, he is also -8 since 12/27 to go with huge minutes he is given.

Third period was too much of same script, I almost expected Capuano's time out after the first minutes. They have to keep pushing play, not sit back and let game come to them.

Grabner has been so due, his speed every game is generating chances on every shift, and that was a fantastic shot to beat Miller, and finally take off the pressure.

Buffalo was a desperate team 5-1-1 that needed a win tonight to keep pace, both teams could have scored a lot more but in this one New York was the better team.

Would it be a Buffalo-New York game without Hecht scoring? Officiating was again very questionable tonight.

Steve Montador was doing a lot of solid hitting tonight against Islander players, the Islander staff should be showing that footage in meetings.

Round one of four goes to New York, next up what seems like a Devils team that is showing signs of getting it's game back under Jacques Lemaire.

Jon Sim:
If the Islanders and Jon Sim parting was amiable, I have no problem with it. If it was not he signed a two-way contract and was obligated to see through the agreement he signed last summer when he was free to sign with any other NHL team. Bridgeport could have used his scoring on a six game slide and a veteran to help them as he has in the past.

I don't understand why his scoring was missing this year, last year he had thirteen goals and some big ones to keep the club in games. I do believe he got a fair chance this season and played hard, but without the production. Given the current standings, it made no sense to keep him up here, but without Rhett Rakhshani, Nielsen and Okposo this team could well be short a forward in a game they may not want to dress Trevor Gillies.

I'm going to miss Jon Sim, of course I wish him the best of luck in Switzerland.

Updated:
Did you really expect anything but overt negativity from the Dolan's paper after a big night from Tavares and some very good play that has draw praise from opposing players around the NHL?

You think this paper is in business to hype the New York Islanders or credit DiPietro for solid play, it's not happening.

It was a hachet job, designed to be as negative as possible, surprised Baumbach did not lobby for more Al Arbour wins to be taken away.

The good news was Dolan's spin-doctors had nothing new from Wang's December interview, this article was growing stale sitting around waiting for release, so why not pick a night after a good win/Tavares hat-trick to drive away fans?

No arena in the NHL is older than Msg, which is a dump, you think Dolan's paper will ever write that or about the thousands of empty seats at Knick/Ranger games from their mediocre/poor teams?



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Islander Notables

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"If you look at the replay, it's clearly not a crosscheck which is two hands moving forward. It's a push with one hand. The mistake I made is my stick was up there. Is it worth three games for that? I don't think so.

"And on top of that, I missed him. I didn't even get him ... My glove grazed the top of his helmet, not my stick."

No shock, Colin Campbell decided Daniel Briere's second suspension for head-hunting only carries a three game suspension which appears to have been decided based on schedule. Somehow a second suspension (not including his 2006 suspension) for head hunting does not even merit the five games Thomas Pock received with no prior history.

Briere has his own logic, where he thought at best he would receive a game here and is shocked at the decision.

"I made a mistake, my stick was up. I'm the first one to admit that it shouldn't have been there,'' Briere said. "After what happened with Trevor Gillies on Coburn, I said, 'I got to protect myself,' and if you see the faceoff before, he gets me in a headlock and punches me behind the head.''

NYIFC Comments:
So in Briere's world, he needed to protect himself from Frans Nielsen with a five on three man advantage, that included only Mark Eaton and Radek Martinek on the ice while Trevor Gillies was already out of the game? Also Carcillo, needed to hit Nielsen from behind because Briere needed even more help?

About as big a mismatch as the Cablevision's invisible Islander media vs the Comcast Flyer media, in a game of who controls the spin which obviously influences fan viewpoints which Campbell likely uses because player record obviously do not play into this.

If Pock received five game with no record, Briere as a repeat offender for intentional head-hunting must receive ten games, not three. You don't intentionally raise your stick towards anyone's head. PERIOD.

Comical, as usual. If New York did not play Philadelphia Saturday, it likely would have been less games.

No folks, not a word on Trent Hunter's penalty being rescinded by the league, we don't have Pittsburgh media either to lobby for any action.

-Apparently, Rob Schremp is healthy per the Islanders website here.

NYIFC Comments:
Obviously Josh Bailey will not be used in his natural position if he's being moved off center for Doug Weight, who is not going to score at even strength. Only the coach knows what's ahead for Schremp in terms of position but did say last year he must play center.

Jon Sim was placed on waivers here.

NYIFC Comments:
With Schremp and Grabner returning, someone had to go. Matt Martin may or may not be following him to Bridgeport, but Sim on a two-way contract had to standout to remain.

On a two-way contract this year (unlike past) there is a fair chance sim could be claimed to play for another organization at the NHL/AHL level because he is a hard-working player who is good for an organization, and was a huge part of Bridgeport making the playoffs a few years ago. Andy Hilbert has yet to play due to injury so a veteran is needed in Bridgeport.

It seems this club needs a steady fourth line, too many nights it's been three lines and a mix, as Trevor Gillies barely sees the ice. The breaks in Nov schedule indicate Gordon has the luxury this month of going with three lines/mixing.

The hitting Matt Martin brought against the Canadians is an element lacking on this roster.

Would it be a day without another player injury? Milan Jurcina out 2-4 weeks.

First things first, some even strength scoring and a sixty minute game in Carolina.



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New York Resigns Jon Sim

Islanders website: Report Jon Sim has been resigned to a one-year contract, but given a two-way deal, which means he could be playing for Bridgeport or New York.

General Manager, Garth Snow comments.

NYIFC Comments:
Surprising, but this is a two-way contract, which means he is no lock to win an NHL roster spot. Bridgeport needed a veteran forward, he carried them two years ago, after being sent down, and would be a good mentor.

Obviously not the veteran scoring forward Islander fans are looking to in UFA, but this is not the contract Andy Hilbert received for two years. An NHL roster spot will have to be earned.

As a fourth line, thirteen goal player, who works very hard, some grit and a good character player it's a reasonable gamble, if Scott Gordon is using him in the top six, it's not the right move to sign him.

My preference would have been Sean Bergenheim was given this offer, or perhaps Asham, who likely would not accept a two-way contract but welcome back to Jon Sim.

To the best of my knowledge Bridgeport did not sign one veteran forward this summer, nor did they have anyone signed at the forward position who would qualify as a veteran. Sean Bentivoglio, Greg Mauldin, Trevor Smith were not retained. Kurtis McLean, Mike Iggulden were not retained last summer.

If Richard Park cannot find an NHL spot, I hope Garth Snow makes a similar move.



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Islander News Articles 4/7

Will fill in blanks tomorrow with more coverage.

Newsday: John Jeansonne covered Monday's practice with comments from Jeff Tambellini, Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau and head coach Scott Gordon about missing out on this year's playoffs but are looking ahead and will be watching while the thirty plus losses by one goal (open net) are touched upon.

Also reported Defenseman Bruno Gervais left practice early after apparently injuring a shoulder, though Gordon didn't believe it was serious. Veteran forwards Doug Weight and Dean McAmmond both missed practice because of illness. Defenseman Mark Streit (groin strain) returned to practice but forward Kyle Okposo (groin strain) did not. Gordon said three forwards would be summoned from Bridgeport for Tuesday night's game.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Anytime Scott Gordon wants to invite us all over the watch games on that television system sounds good to me.

Newsday: Greg Logan had more about Kyle Okposo who could be named to team with his comments which is essentially a repeat of his earlier blog.

Newsday: Editorial this time singles out David Denenberg (D-Merrick) and claims he has ambitions for higher office, is using his current one to circulate a pretentious petition in support of a project that must still get a lease from the county.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Did you folks really think Cablevision is on any side other than their own which is to save hundreds of millions and expand their own brand? Tom Suozzi reportedly is working on a lease to save time with the developers from Newsday's own coverage.

Newsobserver.com: Chip Alexander confirms Cam Ward will start against New York on Tuesday with head coach Paul Maurice's comments.

Matt Cullen is out tomorrow. Jussi Jokinen continued to center the line with Chad LaRose and Ray Whitney in Cullen's absence. Patrick Eaves, who was a scratch for the Pittsburgh game, was at practice and working on the fourth line with Dwight Helminen and Ryan Bayda. Rod Brind'Amour's line had Scott Walker and Sergei Samsonov on the wings.

The News.com: Adam Richardson shares a very funny April fools joke played on Jon Sim when he was a Los Angeles King years ago in an article that praised him for his excellent play in Bridgeport with the Sound Tigers in a tough situation for him.

NHL.com: Chuck Gormley has comments from Bill Guerin on his trade from the Islanders.

Bridgeport 6 , Albany 3

AHL.com: Recaps Bridgeport's huge win at home against Albany Sunday afternoon led by Jon Sim's hat-trick.

Albany's assistant coach was ejected in the third period with all the powerplays awarded to Bridgeport.

1. ALB Quirk, (3) (Samson, McGinnis), 6:11
1. ALB Weston, (8) (Sutter, Pospisil), 18:34
2. BRI Smith, (30) (Sim), 1:05 (PP)
2. ALB Quirk, (4) (Samson, Tifu), 5:25 (PP)
2. BRI Sim, (10) (Smith, MacDonald), 6:57 (PP)
2. BRI Sim, (11) (Smith, Lee), 19:28 (PP)
2. BRI Walter, (19) (Joensuu, Lessard), 19:49 (PP)
3. BRI Sim, (12) (Iggulden, Fraser), 5:45 (PP)
3. BRI Hennigar, (4) (Callahan, Iggulden), 14:07

Max Gratchev made his professional debut with Sarnia prospect Kevin Poulin who dressed as Bridgeport's backup goaltender, Robin Figren also played.

Jesse Joensuu, Jamie Fraser, Mike Iggulden returned from Bridgeport and played.

Joensuu even had a fight.

Peter Mannino started in goal.

Rank East Division GP W L OTL SOL PTS
1 x Hershey Bears 77 48 21 2 6 104
2 x Bridgeport 78 47 23 3 5 102
3 x WBS Penguins 76 47 24 2 3 99

Eighty game AHL season.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Hershey winning in overtime Saturday against WBS was the worst case situation for Bridgeport and for the most part eliminated them from first place unless the Bears lose two games in regulation and gain no more than one point in the other. Second place should come down to next weekend where again WBS controls the tie-breaker which is wins because of games in hand.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's game coverage and blog entries here recaps Bridgeport's big win with comments from head coach Jack Capuano, Jon Sim in the print article and Peter Mannino, Andrew MacDonald in the blog entry with tie-breaker senarios and the likely end of the calls from Sarnia with only two games next weekend remaining.

Islander News Articles 3/19

The New York Islanders were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Wednesday with Carolina's win against New Jersey.

Newsday: Mr Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog had more from head coach Scott Gordon and Peter Mannino on his win against Chicago in his first game he got to start. Also reported, Joey MacDonald was headed back to the doctor and for now his status for the weekend is in question which could mean another start for Mannino.

It should be noted Newsday also had a brief video of today's practice.

NHL.com: Lindsay Krammer has Jon Sim's comments about playing in Bridgeport and what's ahead.

Point Blank: Mr Botta had comments from Doug Weight about signing with the Islanders beyond this season.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
As always I will provide only a small portion of Mr Botta's work here because you should visit Point Blank.

I like Doug Weight but Islanders either need a top one or two center (Marian Gaborik, Brian Gionta) who can produce at even strength or someone who understands this team will be about it's young players getting the best chances from day one next season. Only Weight knows if that's for him but given his comments in January he sounded like a man not willing to give up his spot and made his case in the media that for me came off more like an ultimatum.

Is Doug Weight willing to be played here like he was in Anaheim if others beat him out for a spot? If I'm coaching Bailey, Nielsen and Tavares if drafted/signed are my three centers down the middle. I'm not changing anyone's spot for Doug Weight and if Scott Gordon is giving Kyle Okposo the left wing powerplay point he should be there over Weight from day one.

Mike Sillinger also sounds like a man who wants to continue his career as a New York Islander and is another center who can win some faceoffs which this roster needs.

Then there is Colliton, Walter and some other players who decisions need to be made on.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio had comments from head coach Jack Capuano, Ben Walter and the teams trainers on how Bridgeport played finished 22 games in 38 days Sunday, going 14-5-0-3 to move from 11 points out of first place to one point back. Trainer John Sullo is quoted in the article with the beatwriter also crediting strength and conditioning coaches Chris Schwarz and Jesse Demers.

New Jersey at New York 2pm Msg+

I did not known until Friday afternoon the Islanders were playing a 2pm game Saturday against the Devils but this is a back to back weekend with the Coyotes coming in Sunday and one of the games Dick Ebersol took off the NBC schedule.

David Clarkson is the only player on the Devils injury list and is questionable for today. Earlier news articles has lineup changes for Brent Sutter who is here for his own Core of the Four weekend he was not part of a year ago.

Niclas Havelid makes his Devils debut, they coming in having won fifteen of nineteen and are only six points out of first place overall and 4-0 since Martin Brodeur returned.

Brent Sutter well remembers that 4-0 loss two weeks ago.

For Scott Gordon's team the revolving lineup will likely continue through the weekend
with Bridgeport and the Islanders both playing. The injury reports have been incorrect with Pock and Thompson so until the game it's impossible to speculate how many will be out or called up at the last minute.

Will be interesting to see what the younger Islanders can do with a hot team locked in and playing very well vs a team on the playoff bubble that just made changes on Thursday. I want to see more of Joensuu, Rechlicz, Callahan and these kids.

Scott Gordon has declared Joey MacDonald will start in goal. No speculating which is a nice surprise that only took sixty odd games for him to stop guarding.

Newday: Greg Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog served up a little pregame misery wondering why Jon Sim was demoted on his recent hot-streak (which continued in Bridgeport's win Friday) when he feels there are others more deserving to be demoted while he asked head coach Scott Gordon who told the beatwriter to ask general manager Garth Snow who explains why as the gm discussed his youth movement.

"For me, first and foremost, we get a chance to see some of our young players come up and play in the NHL," Snow said.

"Jesse Joensuu has played really well the last two games. Having that ability to see our young players is a big reason why we did it. Also Joel Rechlicz came up and played well in his first NHL game [Thursday against the Rangers when the enforcer was credited with an assist on Blake Comeau's goal]. You're going to see more and more young players as the season unwinds here. It will give us a good feel on where we stand with our young players."


NYI Fan Central Comments:
It's a more than fair question to ask but the usual negative them from Mr Logan that we do not see for the Cablevision owned team in their coverage. Sim's had a very tough two years here with the injury and from where I sit being misplayed by Scott Gordon to a large degree to where he did not find his game until recently and played very well beyond stats.

Having written that twenty nine other teams passed on him twice regardless of how he was playing. That's very disappointing but the biggest sign the Islanders did the right thing here for their team moving forward at this time who are have a lot of young left wings with Comeau, Bergenheim, Tambellini (with others in AHL) and should play their natural position with minutes greater than Sim at this point and have a balance between veteran and youth that at this time favors youth.

Maybe Hunter's injury changes that again.