Well, numbers don't lie, now do they?
The top five (or bottom five if you want to look at it that way) draft lottery progression remained in the same sequence it started out in with Edmonton first and the NY Isalnders fifth. Sure, we all dreamed about some upset moving us up closer to that coveted number one. But hey! Let's be realistic, we've already been first to the podium. Edmonton never has. This is good for them and it will still be good for the Islanders.
Assistant GM Ryan Jankowski and his staff have their work cut out for them. But they've been able to do a pretty admirable job so far. I'm sure they will be able to make the right decision(s) this year as well.
Ofcourse the Islander faithful are hoping for a quality D man since the Isles seem to be lacking in that area. I immediately found this choice progression wish list on my old home, NY Islanders Country message board:
Cam Fowler, D --
Erik Gudbranson, D
Brandon Gormley, D
In that order.
Let's not forget that we do have some very promising D of our own, so the NY Islanders may very well not go for position but for what they always say they will go for: "the best player available at the time."
Also, let's not forget that in the next few weeks the draft pundits will move these kids up and down the rankings almost daily. There are so many factors that go into this crap shoot. And that's what it is -- a crap shoot.
We really don't know who will be available at the time GM Garth Snow approaches the podium in Los Angeles. We also don't know what sort of deal he may make on the draft floor just moments before Gary Bettman calls him to the stage. Maybe this time we won't overhear Brian Burke angrily mumble "Garth said NO."
Whatever happens on that fateful night in June, it will once again be 'historic.' Until that night, we will ponder, argue, dream and argue some more. Hopefully, it will make the next few months go just a little faster.
A BIG congratulations to NY Islanders head coach Scott Gordon for being named Team USA coach for the upcoming World Championships in Germany in May. It seems as if our NY Islanders will be well represented on the World stage. Won't that be nice? Especially if Gordon can add a little more hardware to his coaching resume?
And to think, when the Islanders head coaching position was available I was lobbying for Paul Maurice. I'm certainly glad no one listened to me!!
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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