Thanks, you to keaner17. You would think the Isles would have something about it on their site.
- SCLI

They're trying to figure out how to spin this into a positive...

A. Isles give Hamonic time to recharge
B. Finley ready to battle Malkin!
C. A-Mac promoted to top pairing
D. Fill in the blank

Thanks, you to keaner17. You would think the Isles would have something about it on their site.
- SCLI

You know better SCLI than to go the Isles site for real news.

You know better SCLI than to go the Isles site for real news.
- ses111

What the hell was I thinking?

They're trying to figure out how to spin this into a positive...

A. Isles give Hamonic time to recharge
B. Finley ready to battle Malkin!
C. A-Mac promoted to top pairing
D. Fill in the blank
- keaner17

So typical.

I don't think Ullstrom is the first-line player we're looking for either, folks. I think he's exactly where he'll thrive...third line, with the ability to move up to the second line for a short while if injuries occur. I'm not exactly doing cartwheels over McDonald, but honestly, at this point in time, why would we want to even mess with the McD-Aucoin-Ullstrom line? They've scored together in every game but the first one. They do well as a trio of old-fashioned grinders that just chip the puck in, cycle, and get the puck to the net.

If they're going to do anything with the first line, I wouldn't mind putting Grabner back with JT and see what happens. I know, I know...it was tried last year, but clearly this is a different Grabner we're watching this season.

They're trying to figure out how to spin this into a positive...

A. Isles give Hamonic time to recharge
B. Finley ready to battle Malkin!
C. A-Mac promoted to top pairing
D. Fill in the blank
- keaner17

A-Mac is a soft as warm jello pudding. That's my fill in the blank entry.

I don't think Ullstrom is the first-line player we're looking for either, folks. I think he's exactly where he'll thrive...third line, with the ability to move up to the second line for a short while if injuries occur. I'm not exactly doing cartwheels over McDonald, but honestly, at this point in time, why would we want to even mess with the McD-Aucoin-Ullstrom line? They've scored together in every game but the first one. They do well as a trio of old-fashioned grinders that just chip the puck in, cycle, and get the puck to the net.

If they're going to do anything with the first line, I wouldn't mind putting Grabner back with JT and see what happens. I know, I know...it was tried last year, but clearly this is a different Grabner we're watching this season.
- UIF

Boyes should be given a shot up on the first line. You're not going to separate Grabs and Nielsen. Let KO skate (or try to skate) with them. I don't want to break up that third line right now. They look good together. You're not going to promote Cizikas, Boulton or Martin to the first line. Boyes is the default guy if you don't want to break up Grabs and Nielsen.

I don't think Ullstrom is the first-line player we're looking for either, folks. I think he's exactly where he'll thrive...third line, with the ability to move up to the second line for a short while if injuries occur. I'm not exactly doing cartwheels over McDonald, but honestly, at this point in time, why would we want to even mess with the McD-Aucoin-Ullstrom line? They've scored together in every game but the first one. They do well as a trio of old-fashioned grinders that just chip the puck in, cycle, and get the puck to the net.

If they're going to do anything with the first line, I wouldn't mind putting Grabner back with JT and see what happens. I know, I know...it was tried last year, but clearly this is a different Grabner we're watching this season.
- UIF

UIF all I know is KO is not droid we are looking for. I'd like to see what Ullstrom can do with JT. Anyone at this point that does not fall over the bueline at this point.

A-Mac is a soft as warm jello pudding. That's my fill in the blank entry.
- Jethro09

Peter and Staple we talking the other night like A-Mac is this real great keeper on D for years.

UIF all I know is KO is not droid we are looking for. I'd like to see what Ullstrom can do with JT. Anyone at this point that does not fall over the bueline at this point.
- ses111

I just feel like we're always screaming about secondary scoring, and they're finally getting it from one of the lines. We shouldn't be so quick to want to mess with that, imo.

Peter and Staple we talking the other night like A-Mac is this real great keeper on D for years.
- ses111

I think he's a "keeper", but he's soft as Jell-O. He hits nobody. He gets shoved around all game. Against physical teams, A-Mac gets handled and is less impactful as a result.

I don't think Ullstrom is the first-line player we're looking for either, folks. I think he's exactly where he'll thrive...third line, with the ability to move up to the second line for a short while if injuries occur. I'm not exactly doing cartwheels over McDonald, but honestly, at this point in time, why would we want to even mess with the McD-Aucoin-Ullstrom line? They've scored together in every game but the first one. They do well as a trio of old-fashioned grinders that just chip the puck in, cycle, and get the puck to the net.

If they're going to do anything with the first line, I wouldn't mind putting Grabner back with JT and see what happens. I know, I know...it was tried last year, but clearly this is a different Grabner we're watching this season.
- UIF

Don't mistake my comment for Ullstrom to get first line minutes as saying he's an actual first line player. He's not, nor will he likely ever be. He does however have strengths in the very areas our first line needs. If it doesn't work out, it's easy to go back to what was prior. I think we're early enough in the season that we don't HAVE to do anything yet, but it might not be a bad idea to see what he can do in that role.

As for Grabner, I don't think his presence on the first line would work for the very opposite reason that makes Ullstrom a decent cadidate. The Isles need someone who can hold their ground in front of the net and physically battle in the corners while having enough skill to create opportunities and even score. Right now, Ullstrom might be the only guy on the team that meets that description.

Boyes should be given a shot up on the first line. You're not going to separate Grabs and Nielsen. Let KO skate (or try to skate) with them. I don't want to break up that third line right now. They look good together. You're not going to promote Cizikas, Boulton or Martin to the first line. Boyes is the default guy if you don't want to break up Grabs and Nielsen.
- Jethro09

I don't think they're inseparable. Maybe two seasons ago, but that magic ain't what it used to be. As for Boyes, he looked great against Toronto...not so much since. I think Grabner's earned it more. But, I do agree with you...I think Boyes will probably get the next look there.

Don't mistake my comment for Ullstrom to get first line minutes as saying he's an actual first line player. He's not, nor will he likely ever be. He does however have strengths in the very areas our first line needs. If it doesn't work out, it's easy to go back to what was prior. I think we're early enough in the season that we don't HAVE to do anything yet, but it might not be a bad idea to see what he can do in that role.

As for Grabner, I don't think his presence on the first line would work for the very opposite reason that makes Ullstrom a decent cadidate. The Isles need someone who can hold their ground in front of the net and physically battle in the corners while having enough skill to create opportunities and even score. Right now, Ullstrom might be the only guy on the team that meets that description.
- keaner17

Agreed there. I've been saying since last season that a true power forward, which I think is basically what you're describing, on that line would put a lot of things in place for this team.

"I can tell you Al Arbour wouldn't have a rookie out in the last minute." Oh yeah, more proof Jack is NOT Al Arbour.

There aren't a whole lot of people who are comparable to Al Arbour....but SOMEONE should be teaching them how to play defense. The OT winner is a microcosm of what is wrong with their D- Jokinen skates in, untouched, takes a shot, unblocked, and the center is MIA while Kane jams the net and pushes the rebound over the line.

Here are some examples of what SHOULD happen when the opponent crosses the blue line, and cuts toward the slot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY1bUvx3_ao

Perhaps someone should make them sit in the film room and watch this video, until it sinks in....

Agreed there. I've been saying since last season that a true power forward, which I think is basically what you're describing, on that line would put a lot of things in place for this team.
- UIF

Right, and right now Ullstrom's been winning battles behind the net and in the corners and creating opportunities. Wingers are being foced to drop in and help defensemen handle him which frees up space for guys like Aucoin. I'd like to see what JT can do with those opportunites.

Okposo has failed miserably in that area. Since it appears that's just 'not the type of player he is', we can either watch the top line suffer as a result, or see if this kid can do even bigger things with more talent.

It's definitely nice to be getting such production out of our third line (though I think McDonald is a waste of space), but I'm far more interested in making our top line as effective as possible.

[quote=dcb1]

Either way...same MAJOR problem form last year....Isles have trouble holding the late lead/winning 3rd periods... We can't lose late leads and expect playoffs. We were lucky to hold off Tampa and were tied w/ Boston only to implode late in the third.

I hope the PK continues to perform as it had....yes Buff got the first last night but they had been perfect up until that one. Nabby should have had Burmistrov's shot...HIT HIS GLOVE DEE not shoulder....check your prescription....even Butchie called it....

[quote=dcb1]
though Aucoin was even deeper in the zone than Hickey at the time so there was no way he was going to pick Kane up. Even if he were back, I'm willing to bet he would have dropped back for the trailing man since Hickey skated side by side with Kane from the Jet's blueline.

I really thought Hickey played well, but it did disappoint me to see that he was unable to keep up with Kane. I suppose that's more of a testament to how underrated Kane's skating is.

Right, and right now Ullstrom's been winning battles behind the net and in the corners and creating opportunities. Wingers are being foced to drop in and help defensemen handle him which frees up space for guys like Aucoin. I'd like to see what JT can do with those opportunites.

Okposo has failed miserably in that area. Since it appears that's just 'not the type of player he is', we can either watch the top line suffer as a result, or see if this kid can do even bigger things with more talent.

It's definitely nice to be getting such production out of our third line (though I think McDonald is a waste of space), but I'm far more interested in making our top line as effective as possible.
- keaner17

I see your point. I guess I wouldn't smash my head against the wall or anything if they gave it a shot. I just think Ullstrom's doing very well where he is...keeping things simple with two other players who like to keep things simple. If it ain't broke, and all that.

As for the first line, I get the desire for a shakeup, but it's not like it's not producing...they've combined for 15 points in five games. I think it's the second line that's looked like it needs a kickstart in the last couple of games. Definitely needs at least one player who won't have a "zero" in the hits category more nights than not.

though Aucoin was even deeper in the zone than Hickey at the time so there was no way he was going to pick Kane up. Even if he were back, I'm willing to bet he would have dropped back for the trailing man since Hickey skated side by side with Kane from the Jet's blueline.

I really thought Hickey played well, but it did disappoint me to see that he was unable to keep up with Kane. I suppose that's more of a testament to how underrated Kane's skating is.
- keaner17

All I'm saying there is that as I envision "defense", Hickey shouldn't have been skating with Kane, he should have been back farther in the neutral zone in the first place. As soon as the defensemen saw Aucoin lose control of the puck (the first time, not when he actually made the pass), they should have backed off, knowing that any timing associated with a potential offensive play that could have involved one of them as a trailer was completely thrown off, and it was best to be safe rather than sorry.

This team far too often has only one guy back, because they have far too many small, fast defensemen who seem to think offense first, no matter what. This would be OK if they were larger, but they're not- they can't muscle anyone off the puck, and if you're going to skate side by side, as opposed to the forward coming towards you, your ONLY shot is if you take control of the positioning issue, which you can't when you're 5'10" and 170 lbs soaking wet, going against a big guy like Kane. They play defense like they're the 1981 Edmonton Oilers.....their offense is improved over three or four years ago, but they're not going to win games 11-5, like that team could.

The other thing in that situation is this- KNOW YOUR OPPONENT. Jokinen isn't Marian Gaborik- he's not going to blow by you if you step towards him. I think it was Strait (I was watching it without the sound, while I was on a conference call programming a router, so I'm not sure) who stood there and watched him move toward the slot and take that shot, and did nothing- the stick or the body should at the very least have been in the lane, or preferably, he should have lined Jokinen up and drilled him (thus the example I provided in the last post).

I see your point. I guess I wouldn't smash my head against the wall or anything if they gave it a shot. I just think Ullstrom's doing very well where he is...keeping things simple with two other players who like to keep things simple. If it ain't broke, and all that.

As for the first line, I get the desire for a shakeup, but it's not like it's not producing...they've combined for 15 points in five games. I think it's the second line that's looked like it needs a kickstart in the last couple of games. Definitely needs at least one player who won't have a "zero" in the hits category more nights than not.
- UIF

Nielsen is simply not a second line center. Of course that dynamic will change when Bailey returns since he'll presumeably end up on the wing for one of those top three lines. This team really needs an impact second line center. Someone with size and ability.

All I'm saying there is that as I envision "defense", Hickey shouldn't have been skating with Kane, he should have been back farther in the neutral zone in the first place. As soon as the defensemen saw Aucoin lose control of the puck (the first time, not when he actually made the pass), they should have backed off, knowing that any timing associated with a potential offensive play that could have involved one of them as a trailer was completely thrown off, and it was best to be safe rather than sorry.

This team far too often has only one guy back, because they have far too many small, fast defensemen who seem to think offense first, no matter what. This would be OK if they were larger, but they're not- they can't muscle anyone off the puck, and if you're going to skate side by side, as opposed to the forward coming towards you, your ONLY shot is if you take control of the positioning issue, which you can't when you're 5'10" and 170 lbs soaking wet, going against a big guy like Kane. They play defense like they're the 1981 Edmonton Oilers.....their offense is improved over three or four years ago, but they're not going to win games 11-5, like that team could.

The other thing in that situation is this- KNOW YOUR OPPONENT. Jokinen isn't Marian Gaborik- he's not going to blow by you if you step towards him. I think it was Strait (I was watching it without the sound, while I was on a conference call programming a router, so I'm not sure) who stood there and watched him move toward the slot and take that shot, and did nothing- the stick or the body should at the very least have been in the lane, or preferably, he should have lined Jokinen up and drilled him (thus the example I provided in the last post).
- dcb1

I think we're over-analyzing 4-on-4 hockey a bit. Nearly every OT goal you see (other than the nonsense where they call a penalty in OT and give a team a 4-on-3) is a result of either a play made with three attackers and one man back, or a quick counter strike because a team failed to score while committing three attackers.

All I'm saying there is that as I envision "defense", Hickey shouldn't have been skating with Kane, he should have been back farther in the neutral zone in the first place. As soon as the defensemen saw Aucoin lose control of the puck (the first time, not when he actually made the pass), they should have backed off, knowing that any timing associated with a potential offensive play that could have involved one of them as a trailer was completely thrown off, and it was best to be safe rather than sorry.

This team far too often has only one guy back, because they have far too many small, fast defensemen who seem to think offense first, no matter what. This would be OK if they were larger, but they're not- they can't muscle anyone off the puck, and if you're going to skate side by side, as opposed to the forward coming towards you, your ONLY shot is if you take control of the positioning issue, which you can't when you're 5'10" and 170 lbs soaking wet, going against a big guy like Kane. They play defense like they're the 1981 Edmonton Oilers.....their offense is improved over three or four years ago, but they're not going to win games 11-5, like that team could.

The other thing in that situation is this- KNOW YOUR OPPONENT. Jokinen isn't Marian Gaborik- he's not going to blow by you if you step towards him. I think it was Strait (I was watching it without the sound, while I was on a conference call programming a router, so I'm not sure) who stood there and watched him move toward the slot and take that shot, and did nothing- the stick or the body should at the very least have been in the lane, or preferably, he should have lined Jokinen up and drilled him (thus the example I provided in the last post).
- dcb1

I agree with the wealth of your comment but bolded the one part where we may disagree a bit, though not based on positional play. The thing was, Aucoin fanned on the pass, but still had the puck and continued to attempt again. It all happened so fast I don't think Hickey had the time to bail out. My biggest problem was that Hickey was too close to Aucoin and needed to trail about 5-7 feet further back. If there's one place I can fault Hickey, he stopped skating for the final 20 feet to the net which gave Kane time to wait on the rebound. It's understandable since he thought Nabby would control the rebound, but an experienced dman would know to bust arse until you get to you man. He really shouldn't have been in there but perhaps Hamonic's injury forced him out there?

As I mentioned, watch how fast Kane pulls away from Hickey. Not a good thing when a smallish dman gets dusted like that!
[http://youtu.be/cfTdrC5kAqs

Redden is on a good team and coaching is excellent. He probably wouldn't be as effective if he was on the Islanders.
- kear20

ohh stop.. why cant anyone realize that Redden was a good player in a very bad situation in NY?

XxNYIxX