Trilogy Part 3: Playoff Prediction? I Don't Know!!

Would anyone expect anything else from me here this year. You shouldn’t. But, before I move on and before you read anymore of my piece, you need to read my colleague Toby Smith’s playoff write up here on Isles Talk. One of the best playoff previews I’ve read by far this year. So go ahead I’ll wait………. back? thank God. Okay here we go.  As I’ve stated before, this is a team that was built to make the playoffs, and the Islanders have done just that. But how far will they go? I will say this, the longer Sidney Crosby is out of the Pens lineup, there’s always a better chance. Continue reading →

Trilogy Part 2: More Like '75 Not '93

Garth Snow had a plan to rebuild the New York Islanders organization. The method was simple, build through the draft and sprinkle in a few free agents. Fans approved of it because they knew it was time for one after the 2008 season. Five years later, after drafting well and getting a few steals along the way, the New York Islanders are back in the playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Most fans in there 30′s or later remember the last time these two teams met, a miraculous series win for the New York Islanders. So it’s only fitting that 1993 would be brought up again, especially 20 years later. But when I see this current team, I don’t see 1993 all over again. I see something even more special coming….. Continue reading →

Trilogy Part 1:Season Review

For those who read my “predictions” article at the start of this season, I basically said that I had no clue where the Islanders were going to finish. I didn’t get much of a response from Islanders fans from Long Island, but my NHL fans (Rangers, Devils, Flyers, Penguins) here in Pa said mine was either a cop-out or “The best politically correct piece of work” they have ever read from me. So in this this article, I’m here to defend myself. Continue reading

Isles Talk: Playoffs Begin Now For Isles

It’s starting to feel like 2007 all over again, only this time there’s no Ryan Smyth trade to talk about. The Islanders are now in a position where the playoffs look reachable and we can thank the Devils once again for there generous inability to win with games in hand. Many fans believed every game for the last 5 games were all playoff games and that that every point was crucial. Well, the second half was true, every game from the season opener to the finale are always crucial points, but to say the Islanders were in a playoff race about a week or two ago? Not so fast. Continue reading →

Add Mayfield To Bridgeport

#Isles Transaction - Scott Mayfield has agreed to terms on a 3-year entry-level contract. Will report to #BST on ATO. nyisl.es/jN93w
— NYIslanders (@NYIslanders) April 5, 2013

All I have to say is...WOW!!! Isles fans, you've been waiting for this and now it's here. Your draft picks are in Bridgeport and they'll be there to develop where they belong. I can say with confidence that the Islanders probably have one of the deepest if not the deepest prospect pool in Bridgeport today. They are the envy of the League. For now, don't play the armchair GM and think of trade scenarios for the draft just yet. Because if you are, Mike Milbury will be proud of you right now. What should Isles fans do? Pack the Coliseum and go to Bridgeport games because for the time being, Isles fans now have two great teams to watch.

Strait Skating Again

Brian Strait back on skates! No. 37 skated solo today after #Isles practice for the 1st time since 2/18. instagram.com/p/Xu2gaAkw0c/
— NYIslanders (@NYIslanders) April 5, 2013

Like Joensuu, this is like picking up a free agent and just adding more quality than depth. There's a reason why Strait got a new contract extension from the Isles at the beginning of the season. He's that good. I've seen him many times as a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguin (little more than an hours drive for me) and I can tell you this folks, every Penguins fan, from the minors to the big club were very heated and sad the the Isles plucked him off of waivers, but at the same time were very excited for him because he is an NHL ready defenseman. The quicker he comes back, the more dangerous the Islanders are.

Isles Talk: Isles Keep Chemistry

So the trade deadline has come and gone and the Islanders have decided to stand pat and not make any major trades. They were buyers, signing prospect Anders Lee to a deal and he has already paid dividends by scoring his first goal, on his first shot, against the Winnipeg Jets last night in a 5-2 victory. I’m sure today though that Mark Streit, the Islanders captain was the focus of today’s meetings whenever Garth Snow was making or receiving phone calls. He was not traded and by doing so allows the team to quickly move forward and keep their focus on their next challenge, the Washington Capitals. For a bonus, the Islanders also have Jessie Joensuu back once the Islanders no longer needed the minimum 23 man roster, so Joensuu will add another dynamic and depth to this team.   Continue reading →

Time Is Now For Joensuu

#Isles will be recalling David Ullstrom today from Bridgeport. Jesse Joensuu likely to travel with team to Florida as well.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) March 13, 2013

And so, with Micheal Grabner out for at least a week, it's time to see what the Islanders have in Jesse Joensuu, the Islanders second round pick from 2006 and Bridgeport Sound Tigers alum. Personally, I'm excited for this because from here on out, he should get a long look and if he produces, it's like gaining a free agent mid season. Am I expecting much from Joensuu? Not really. However, he is definitely third line material who can score in bunches. A low risk high reward type of player who has had to take a longer road to get where he is today. He knows his role, he knows what's needed of him, the question is this: Can he stay on the Islanders on a regular basis?  At this point in his career it will be easy to tell whether he's ready or not.

Mid Season Assessment

Now that the Isles have played in 24 games this year, it’s time for a mid season assessment. Before I continue, I don’t do grades for a mid season. In the end you either passed (playoffs) or failed (no playoffs). The point of this mid season assessment is to see where the Isles have come from the previous season and what is needed for a passing grade. Let’s begin.
Continue reading →

Isles Talk: No Need To Hit The Panic Button......Yet

After a great start to the season, the Islanders have slipped into a three game losing streak and are now below the NHL .500 mark. With ten games already played in a 48 game season, is it time for Islanders fans to panic and start looking forward to the lottery? Hardly. Continue reading →