Before we start, I'd like to congratulate my two fellow Isles Blog Box members,
Tom Liodice (TheTigerTrack.com) and
Michael Schuerlein (Islesblogger.com) who decided that they wanted to see if the NHL would credential them for the Draft in Ottawa. It is done, with the help of Isles Media Coordinator, Corey Witt. Two Isles blog box members will be on-hand in Ottawa, as others, including yours truly, will be covering the Draft Party on Long Island.
As The Isles Turn
If there is any indication to Coach Ted Nolan and GM Garth Snow still not seeing things eye to eye, it was yesterday, as according to Greg Logan in Newsday. Nolan disagreed with the assessment that the coaching staff did not have faith with Dubie. He did agree with Snow's statement that he came in out-of-shape, however. Nolan was kinder, offering up that he was out of shape because of an injury over the summer.
This comes as another shining example of a disconnect between Nolan and Snow, especially when their largest one, besides carry-over from the trade deadline, was over Dubie getting the call over The Rick against the Rangers. And leaves the giant fulcrum between the two seeming to be their longterm goalie, Rick DiPietro, and Dubie their capable backup who has filled in admirably in two consecutive seasons.
It lends more credence that Snow is simply not a fan, and why Joey McDonald is slated to backup Rick, despite not having shown any indication that he can be depended on in the pinch outside of Bridgeport.
Moreover, with Nolan in the last year of his contract, and with he and the GM not seeing eye-to-eye last season, it does leave one with an unsettled feeling on if (or when) the Isles slide or disappoint, how contentious it might get between the two. OR, this is simply a difference of opinion and there is nothing to it.
I'm seeing more of the former than the latter here.
Speaking of The Rick
Surprise...he's having more surgery!
Rick DiPietro announced while on a radio show yesterday, that he was having minor knee surgery. Per Logan, this will not affect his previous surgery timetable.
The Upcoming Draft
Though most feel the Isles are going to take a defenseman in the 1st round, they are also looking carefully at forwards.
We've already mentioned that the Isles were talking to
Zach Boychuk.
Another forward the Isles are taking a long look at is Boston University's
Colin Wilson who recently wowed those at the combine in the physical portion. I know a lot of Isles fans, besides other team's hockey fans who are big supporters of Wilson.
The money is still on a defenseman at the #5 slot. I hope to have more on which direction they are going later this week.
- BD
Join the Discussion:
»