So, are you bored this Thursday before the season begins in earnest tomorrow? Luckily I am here with some Isles Preseason Awards on this gray day at the Office Space.
Don't forget to the covers to those TPS reports.
Here's a Real Straight Shooter with Upper Management Written All Over Him AWARD
Frans Nielsen
Frans didn't generate many shots, but there was high impact when he did. He made it count. Add the two assists and you know he's doing more than just be lucky.
O-Face Award
Chris Lee
He gave the Isles the o-face of victory. Then at Florida, the o-face of concern when he was boarded and taken out by a stretcher. Good to know he's cleared to fly, but now back at Bridgeport. He is also out for a stint.
The NHL decided to not to suspend Rostislav Olesz for the hit.
Per the Sun-Sentinel:
"I tried to find him after the game, but he wasn't there. I found his phone number and called him last night and apologized for what I did to him. ...I wished him good luck on the season."
- Rostislav Olesz
We're going to have to have you come in Saturday, ummm yeah Award
Josh Bailey
Due to his injury, he is getting an extended look at practice. Per Greg Logan of Newsday, he might make his NHL debut on Friday in Newark.
*ADDITIONAL NOTE: Per Chris Botta's Blog, Josh Bailey left with an apparent injury during practice and might be doubtful on this weekends games. All this is forced conjecture due to the fact that Isles now do not state much on the injury front. But they will announce that tickets are available!
Jump To Conclusions Award
Jeff Tambellini
He attempts to make the move from AHL to NHL. In 3 games, Tambs generated about 8 shots total. He needs to get in a position to make plays, beat out defenders and shoot that puck. Something Okposo and Comeau are doing far better even if the puck isn't going in.
Don't fret too much, because at least this coach has the wherewithal, plan and patience to work on Tambs making the jump. Tambs can make doubters disappear by following his young teammates lead in just doing the basics on offense. The scoring will come.
Beating the Office Fax Machine Award
Doug Weight
Weight is defying father time where in 3 games had 10 shots and a goal. That's a good productivity ratio. If he can take that into the season, he could be what the Isles need so badly. A wily vet who can be a difference-maker.
You Got A Case of the Mondays! AWARD
Rick DiPietro
Rick likes to always go around and declare himself ready for every game. I keep hearing that people seem to think it's important to "keep Rick happy". So, what, Rick will be mad if he actually is sat sporadically for the backup to get live action? Will he get mad when he's healthy for a full season because he is properly rested based on his bodies needs rather than his mental need?
It's time to stop repeating mantras of what he'd like. The Isles need to stop being enablers. Yes, he's a star. He's a star that needs to be handled like the future depends on it, instead of now where he yaps about what he'd like.
We like the competitive. We like eager. We like the skill level. Rick's worst enemy might be himself if this year ends up like the last two, overplayed and with surgery smocks.
Red Stapler, Move Him to the Basement AWARD
Johnette Howard and Newsday
Newsday who had a freelancer shellac the team last season moved up to find another, albeit better writer, to really delve deep on the Islanders from Australia. In it, we merely got a better rendition of last years hack job. Kudos, boys!
If you are going to throw cash away, come to a game or two. Or better yet, send to BD's rainy day fund. Keep the stapler. You can attach all your Cablevision new directives and directions.
News to Newsday, Isles fans want educated opines not slo-mo Klitscko type ham-handed fists with wordage already plied by the many bloggers they read months ago. The new fan is an educated fan.
Any awards you like to give out, Office Space style?
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