I haven't noticed that. Not saying it hasn't happened, but I find his game to be most consistent night in and night out on this team for the last 5 years now. I think he is exempt from any criticism for a little while since he has been productive and effective this season, as a number #2. Bigger issue is aucoin and reasoner are two #4 centers. I worry about that going down the line this season much more than fransy
- Isles316

I wasn't going to touch on the 'productive' comments but I do recall at least three of Frans' points coming off of very good individual efforts by Grabner. After 6 games, productivity is a tough thing to define since 4 of his 5 points are secondary assists. NO player is exempt from criticism.

Okposo still very inconsistent. Streit still driving me nuts in defensive end and great on offensive side (especially on PP). Love seeing grabner score on Break away. Casey C is as good as we hoped... I am not thinking top 2 lines but he is a really good 2 way player.

Bailey will be a nice addition too..

CPT u asked me about the results.. .JT almost a point a game last year, Moulson 100 goals in 3 seasons, Grabner 54 goals in 2 seasons, Hamonic and AndyMac very solid players on defense.. .I guess I was trying to say our issue has been the 1 or 2 soft goals let in a game by our sub par goaltending. We were not getting blown away.. on the offensive side we have had very good results. top 7 PP last year..etc.

We have gotten good players.. and have good ones coming up (Ulstrom, Casey, etc.).. I see those as results not just w/L which I know u will say is the only result that matters.. but... We have some results and more help on way (Nino, Strome, Poulin, etc... ) I am cautiously optimistic.
- niteislander

disagree about Okposo - he's being put into a situation where he doesn't belong. Okposo isn't a first line winger, so he's trying his best. I would love to see Bailey on the wing with Tavares and Moulson. When Bailey is slotted as a winger, he produces points. I think Bailey has more of an offensive upside than Okposo and would be a much better fit.

Boyes has been effective on the PP but invisible the rest of the time. I also agree that he needs to step it up considerably and I'd peg him to drop to the third line if someone moves up.
- Isles_since_6

I actually have been paying particular attention to his play with the puck and away. I have a hard time understanding how anyone can say he is playing good?

I wasn't going to touch on the 'productive' comments but I do recall at least three of Frans' points coming off of very good individual efforts by Grabner. After 6 games, productivity is a tough thing to define since 4 of his 5 points are secondary assists. NO player is exempt from criticism.
- keaner17

Agree on your last statement. Just think as far as the isles problems are concerned, He is actually on the isles strengths short list

Look up production of #2 centers. He isn't far behind. He doesn't score enough goals maybe. He isn't a bad #2 at all but you're right, if they get a legit #2 center, than the isles down the middle would be among best in NHL
- Isles316

You said it's not about stats but keep bringing up his overall production and his plus-minus. Can't have it both ways...if your overall stats are relevant, then my stats that support my contention of him playing smaller in physical games have to be just as relevant. Overall though, I agree it's not about just stats. And I'm not underrating him. In fact I called him an intelligent and good player. I'm plenty aware of what he does well and the value he adds. If you think he has played bigger in the tight-checking games, though, then we simply disagree there. If this team ever does take a step forward and is in a playoff race at the end of a season or, God willing, an actual playoff series, there won't be a lot of ice available, and bodies will be flying around. Everyone will need to step it up from a grit standpoint. Sorry if I'm slaughtering a sacred cow here, but I see that as a flaw in his game. I'll use Grabner as an example...non-physical player, but he was plenty involved in the Winnipeg game. Not in the way of knocking people over or throwing big checks...but involved. He wanted the puck. Little more of that from Frans in a physical game would be great.

disagree about Okposo - he's being put into a situation where he doesn't belong. Okposo isn't a first line winger, so he's trying his best. I would love to see Bailey on the wing with Tavares and Moulson. When Bailey is slotted as a winger, he produces points. I think Bailey has more of an offensive upside than Okposo and would be a much better fit.
- Mr.Black

Okposo fits better with Neilson and grabner. Boyes, ullstrom and aucoin might be a good third line. I'm not in love with aucoin though.

disagree about Okposo - he's being put into a situation where he doesn't belong. Okposo isn't a first line winger, so he's trying his best. I would love to see Bailey on the wing with Tavares and Moulson. When Bailey is slotted as a winger, he produces points. I think Bailey has more of an offensive upside than Okposo and would be a much better fit.
- Mr.Black

Agreed though I agree with Keaner. Okposo seems to be playing worse every game. He definitely does not belong on the first line.

a few observations:

-nabby was outstanding!!!
-streit should be traded now, he isnt going to be getting any better or younger. value is high
-boyes, jt, and mm looked SICK on the pp together
-ko honestly looks 5 steps behind everyone, he needs to be moved (diff line or traded)
-boyes needs to play with jt and mm
-hickey and strait have looked very good
-someone let neilson know that hockey is a contact sport (fwiw, id trade him)
-reasoner played a solid game (as did cizikas and martin)
-grabner is in beast mode in every facet of the game. finishing, checking, pk
-every time i watch ulstrom i like him more and more
-carkner is doing ok...at best (but i like his physical presence on the ice)
- LetsGoIsles

1. I'd rather resign Streit than trade him
2. Boyes is doing fine where he is, the chemistry will come
3. Grabner is healthy and he's a beast
4. Never thought I'd say this, but Reasoner has been solid

You said it's not about stats but keep bringing up his overall production and his plus-minus. Can't have it both ways...if your overall stats are relevant, then my stats that support my contention of him playing smaller in physical games have to be just as relevant. Overall though, I agree it's not about just stats. And I'm not underrating him. In fact I called him an intelligent and good player. I'm plenty aware of what he does well and the value he adds. If you think he has played bigger in the tight-checking games, though, then we simply disagree there. If this team ever does take a step forward and is in a playoff race at the end of a season or, God willing, an actual playoff series, there won't be a lot of ice available, and bodies will be flying around. Everyone will need to step it up from a grit standpoint. Sorry if I'm slaughtering a sacred cow here, but I see that as a flaw in his game. I'll use Grabner as an example...non-physical player, but he was plenty involved in the Winnipeg game. He wanted the puck. Little more of that from Frans in a physical game would be great.
- UIF

I haven't noticed that as being an issue in his game. The next two games are the types of games the isles will have to learn how to win if they want to be successful.

Agree on your last statement. Just think as far as the isles problems are concerned, He is actually on the isles strengths short list
- Isles316

Nielsen has been and hopefully will remain one of my favorite players on this team. He's just a real smart player. It's like the term was made for him. He's like a forward version of Kenny Jonsson.

Agreed though I agree with Keaner. Okposo seems to be playing worse every game. He definitely does not belong on the first line.
- Cptmjl

exactly, he's out of his comfort zone and he's only going to decline until he's moved to a different line. Can't get blood from a stone JACK!!!! (frank)!

1. I'd rather resign Streit than trade him
2. Boyes is doing fine where he is, the chemistry will come
3. Grabner is healthy and he's a beast
4. Never thought I'd say this, but Reasoner has been solid
- Mr.Black

Another thing I've heard lately. I don't agree, he still blows overall. As compared to other games he's been great because he's just that bad but he still falls short to me as being described as "solid".

exactly, he's out of his comfort zone and he's only going to decline until he's moved to a different line. Can't get blood from a stone JACK!!!! (frank)!
- Mr.Black

When Moulson was interviewed pregame and was asked about the chemistry with Okposo it seemed like he was forcing the words out. It's obvious there is a lack there of chemistry.

I haven't noticed that as being an issue in his game. The next two games are the types of games the isles will have to learn how to win if they want to be successful.
- Isles316

I'm also aware I'm taking an unpopular position here.

Another thing I've heard lately. I don't agree, he still blows overall. As compared to other games he's been great but he still falls short to me as being described as "solid".
- Cptmjl

when he dove to breakup that pass to Crosby last night, I almost climaxed. I've been so critical of him since he's been here and have hated him but he's impressed me so far this year. Second best PK in the league - solid!

anyone expecting physical play out of Nielson is missing the boat. He's a smart positional hockey player with good offensive instincts who plays in all situations. Fantastic player, but will never be known for driving through players. He's going to get some points and he's rarely going to make mistakes. That's what you get and any team in the NHL would be happy to have him.
- Isles_since_6

i dont think anyone expects it from him, which is why some arent thrilled with him on the team and would entertain dealing him....

when he dove to breakup that pass to Crosby last night, I almost climaxed. I've been so critical of him since he's been here and have hated him but he's impressed me so far this year. Second best PK in the league - solid!
- Mr.Black

Like I said he's got to do alot to make up for all of his other short comings during a game. That was a good play though. Don't get me wrong it's good to see the effort but he still does his gliding routine most of the game.

Just imagine what you could do with an all star goalie?

I'm also aware I'm taking an unpopular position here.
- UIF

Welcome to my world

Just imagine what you could do with an all star goalie?
- rune_74

Does this goalie's name rhyme with bongo?

Like I said he's got to do alot to make up for all of his other short comings during a game. That was a good play though. Don't get me wrong it's good to see the effort but he still does his gliding routine most of the game.
- Cptmjl

agreed. If Snow decided to release him tomorrow, I wouldn't lose sleep.

Just imagine what you could do with an all star goalie?
- rune_74

we have two...

i dont think anyone expects it from him, which is why some arent thrilled with him on the team and would entertain dealing him....
- LetsGoIsles

If that was the case you might as well deal 3/4's of the team because very few are physical. Also whatever return we got for him would not be enough for what he gives to this team.

we have two...
- Mr.Black

this is true

Why?

Who will play center against the other teams top 2 lines?
- Vukota

1) a) bc KO sucks and, no only doesnt he deserve to be playing on the top line with top line minutes and top line players, they also just arent clicking. b) on the powerplay when the 3 of them are playing together it seems as if boyes jt and mm have been clicking and compliment each other nicely (refer to jts goal yesterday).

2) there would obviously have to be something coming back or someone ready to play the 2C if neilson were to be traded...im just saying, i wouldnt be opposed to him being dealt and i would dangle his name out there, use him as trade bait and see what the return would be.