eventually... but not now & they all don't deserve top 6 at this moment or the immediate future for that matter.


XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

exactly..thats why camp is going to be soo interesteing..you got the likes of Strome Nino and Nelson who will be fighting for roster spots. Okposo Bailey Moulson can rest on their laurels..they need to come in with that same fire as they are going to be pushed by these kids

I think we are just waiting on her next blog.... should be any min

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

exactly..thats why camp is going to be soo interesteing..you got the likes of Strome Nino and Nelson who will be fighting for roster spots. Okposo Bailey Moulson can rest on their laurels..they need to come in with that same fire as they are going to be pushed by these kids
- NYI78

This years camp is going to be pretty special. There should be some very good battling for jobs.

XxNYIxX

I don't think it's likely the Isles move any of those players. My 'guess' would be that they allow Boyes to walk as well as Aucoin and Reasoner, thus giving Nelson, Nino and Strome time with the club while Bailey signs an extension. After the showing they had during the last month and subsequent series, I can't imagine they'd move Okposo.
- keaner17

Nelson would be a good fit on the Oilers as we need size down the middle, badly. But Islanders would probably want a defensive prospect in return? We have 4 quality guys in Klefbom, Marincin, Musil, and Gernat. Be tough for Oilers to send one of them packing to get another forward.

I would be prepared to move Musil or Gernat and the 37th overall for Nelson. Contingent on us actually addressing our D needs in the NHL rather than prospect system. We have D prospects but our D at the NHL level needs work.

I would agree with that, but he is the choice given to them & they are going to pick their guy over anyone elses. Who can blame them?

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

I dunno...I'd have a hard time taking Josh Bailey over Sidney Crosby if I was voting ...but I get what you're saying. They're naturally voting for the jersey, but it was a pretty organized push that almost worked.

Nelson would be a good fit on the Oilers as we need size down the middle, badly. But Islanders would probably want a defensive prospect in return? We have 4 quality guys in Klefbom, Marincin, Musil, and Gernat. Be tough for Oilers to send one of them packing to get another forward.

I would be prepared to move Musil or Gernat and the 37th overall for Nelson. Contingent on us actually addressing our D needs in the NHL rather than prospect system. We have D prospects but our D at the NHL level needs work.
- ystoil

Problem is, if we were to trade a huge asset like Nelson, we'd want a player who would be an impact now. We have a few guys already in our system who are top notch defenseman prospects. I think both teams are looking for similar things which makes them unlikely trade partners.

I don't really see why Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo have to be top-six players. I know I've mentioned Nielsen's interview with Staple before...probably too many times...but he stated his preference for playing a defensive role, knowing who he's going up against each game, and hoping someone (he mentioned Strome) can step in and fill the second-line center spot.

http://www.newsday.com/sp...ng-his-new-role-1.4882658

Since KO and Bailey seem to have good chemistry with Nielsen, and since they're already filling a hybrid second/third line role (counted on for scoring support and shutting down top lines), I don't see why they can't be a very effective third line as opposed to a second line, once and if some of the up-and-comers can prove they belong in second line scoring roles. I don't think we'd have to get rid of KO, Bailey and Nielsen if our prospects end up being better goal scorers. Those three have shown this season that even if they're not scoring, they can keep other teams' top lines off the board by maintaining a good forecheck and keeping teams honest with a quick transition game...in addition to being responsible in their own zone. Plus, while none have really been absolute prolific goal scorers up to this point, all have been at least competent in that department at various times. Taken together, that pretty much defines what you'd want out of a perfect third line, imo.

I don't really see why Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo have to be top-six players. I know I've mentioned Nielsen's interview with Staple before...probably too many times...but he stated his preference for playing a defensive role, knowing who he's going up against each game, and hoping someone (he mentioned Strome) can step in and fill the second-line center spot.

http://www.newsday.com/sp...ng-his-new-role-1.4882658

Since KO and Bailey seem to have good chemistry with Nielsen, and since they're already filling a hybrid second/third line role (counted on for scoring support and shutting down top lines), I don't see why they can't be a very effective third line as opposed to a second line, once and if some of the up-and-comers can prove they belong in second line scoring roles. I don't think we'd have to get rid of KO, Bailey and Nielsen if our prospects end up being better goal scorers. Those three have shown this season that even if they're not scoring, they can keep other teams' top lines off the board by maintaining a good forecheck and keeping teams honest with a quick transition game...in addition to being responsible in their own zone. Plus, while none have really been absolute prolific goal scorers up to this point, all have been at least competent in that department at various times. Taken together, that pretty much defines what you'd want out of a perfect third line, imo.
- UIF

valid point they could be the third line down the road

Eventually someone is going to be traded

we cannot fit Strome/nino/KO/Bailey/Moulson/Nelsen all in our top 6
- Danformo

You can most certainly fit those guys. Its called getting rid of Moulson.

Moulson was horrific in last 15 games of season and worst isles players in Playoffs. Hands down. You guys Bashing Boyes, if Moulson did the one job he gets paid to do, isles would have been in 2nd round. thats right, he stands in front of net and puts in tap in goals and he fanned on his last 15 opportunities.

Josh Bailey outplayed him bigtime on top line and even Tavares said Josh is incredible playmaker.

Moulson should be traded for a dman.

I don't really see why Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo have to be top-six players. I know I've mentioned Nielsen's interview with Staple before...probably too many times...but he stated his preference for playing a defensive role, knowing who he's going up against each game, and hoping someone (he mentioned Strome) can step in and fill the second-line center spot.

http://www.newsday.com/sp...ng-his-new-role-1.4882658

Since KO and Bailey seem to have good chemistry with Nielsen, and since they're already filling a hybrid second/third line role (counted on for scoring support and shutting down top lines), I don't see why they can't be a very effective third line as opposed to a second line, once and if some of the up-and-comers can prove they belong in second line scoring roles. I don't think we'd have to get rid of KO, Bailey and Nielsen if our prospects end up being better goal scorers. Those three have shown this season that even if they're not scoring, they can keep other teams' top lines off the board by maintaining a good forecheck and keeping teams honest with a quick transition game...in addition to being responsible in their own zone. Plus, while none have really been absolute prolific goal scorers up to this point, all have been at least competent in that department at various times. Taken together, that pretty much defines what you'd want out of a perfect third line, imo.
- UIF

I definitely agree that I like the chemistry those three have shown over the last two seasons. I suppose the biggest issue in keeping that line intact was Matt Moulson. If Moulson continues to be a pylon on the left wing, the Isles are again in a situation where they need Bailey to play on Tavares' wing. I think the Isles may have every intention of making Strome a winger, maybe to allow room for Nelson to play second line center eventually. I suppose anything is possible at that point, but if this team gets an effective RW to play with JT (Nino or FA, whatever), then in theory that should make Moulson more effective and allow Nielsen/Okposo/Bailey to be reunited. It also should allow Grabner to maybe join Nelson and Strome.
** I also think Grabner would be fine with Okposo and Nielsen since that line really had some nice chemistry two seasons ago. This allows Bailey to remain on the top line with JT and Nino but also makes Moulson the odd man out.

You can most certainly fit those guys. Its called getting rid of Moulson.

Moulson was horrific in last 15 games of season and worst isles players in Playoffs. Hands down. You guys Bashing Boyes, if Moulson did the one job he gets paid to do, isles would have been in 2nd round. thats right, he stands in front of net and puts in tap in goals and he fanned on his last 15 opportunities.

Josh Bailey outplayed him bigtime on top line and even Tavares said Josh is incredible playmaker.

Moulson should be traded for a dman.
- Spartiarti

Well if he is that bad then what kind of D-man are you expecting in return?

Eventually someone is going to be traded

we cannot fit Strome/nino/KO/Bailey/Moulson/Nelsen all in our top 6
- Danformo

trade one of them to buffalo for miller or two of them for vanek

You can most certainly fit those guys. Its called getting rid of Moulson.

Moulson was horrific in last 15 games of season and worst isles players in Playoffs. Hands down. You guys Bashing Boyes, if Moulson did the one job he gets paid to do, isles would have been in 2nd round. thats right, he stands in front of net and puts in tap in goals and he fanned on his last 15 opportunities.

Josh Bailey outplayed him bigtime on top line and even Tavares said Josh is incredible playmaker.

Moulson should be traded for a dman.
- Spartiarti

I understand your criticism of Moulson, however the guy has scored 97 goals over the past three seasons prior to this year and was on pace for about 28 this year. He's not pretty but he gets the job done. I'm not saying we should move mountains to cater to him but he's earned the right to have a bad series.

Boyes on the other hand, who you seem to defend often, has done nothing over the past few seasons in this league prior to being allowed to play caboose to JT and MM. The guy is NOT a top six forward by any means and his stats show it.

I understand your criticism of Moulson, however the guy has scored 97 goals over the past three seasons prior to this year and was on pace for about 28 this year. He's not pretty but he gets the job done. I'm not saying we should move mountains to cater to him but he's earned the right to have a bad series.

Boyes on the other hand, who you seem to defend often, has done nothing over the past few seasons in this league prior to being allowed to play caboose to JT and MM. The guy is NOT a top six forward by any means and his stats show it.
- keaner17

I understand your criticism of Moulson, however the guy has scored 97 goals over the past three seasons prior to this year and was on pace for about 28 this year. He's not pretty but he gets the job done. I'm not saying we should move mountains to cater to him but he's earned the right to have a bad series.

Boyes on the other hand, who you seem to defend often, has done nothing over the past few seasons in this league prior to being allowed to play caboose to JT and MM. The guy is NOT a top six forward by any means and his stats show it.
- keaner17

moulson needs to be watched closely though..if he is indeed a one trick pony who is allergic to contact and does not play a lick of d he has to be considered to be moved at next seasons deadline. i'm not saying write him off..he just needs to be put under the microscope

I don't really see why Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo have to be top-six players. I know I've mentioned Nielsen's interview with Staple before...probably too many times...but he stated his preference for playing a defensive role, knowing who he's going up against each game, and hoping someone (he mentioned Strome) can step in and fill the second-line center spot.

http://www.newsday.com/sp...ng-his-new-role-1.4882658

Since KO and Bailey seem to have good chemistry with Nielsen, and since they're already filling a hybrid second/third line role (counted on for scoring support and shutting down top lines), I don't see why they can't be a very effective third line as opposed to a second line, once and if some of the up-and-comers can prove they belong in second line scoring roles. I don't think we'd have to get rid of KO, Bailey and Nielsen if our prospects end up being better goal scorers. Those three have shown this season that even if they're not scoring, they can keep other teams' top lines off the board by maintaining a good forecheck and keeping teams honest with a quick transition game...in addition to being responsible in their own zone. Plus, while none have really been absolute prolific goal scorers up to this point, all have been at least competent in that department at various times. Taken together, that pretty much defines what you'd want out of a perfect third line, imo.
- UIF

Bailey-Nielsen-KO are not top six players. They are a perfect third line. They are defensively responsible, have some offense and clearly work well together. They are a picture-perfect third line on a contending team. Look at the third lines on the other teams left in the playoffs right now. Bailey/Nielsen/KO easily match up with any of them.

Hopefully, the Isles ice a team where all four forward line can be counted on to contribute so they can roll four lines. Right now the Isles have a great third and fourth line in place. They need to get a second line and a RW to play with JT on the first line to round out the forwards. Those spots may be filled internally or by trade/FA. Time will tell.

moulson needs to be watched closely though..if he is indeed a one trick pony who is allergic to contact and does not play a lick of d he has to be considered to be moved at next seasons deadline. i'm not saying write him off..he just needs to be put under the microscope
- NYI78

As long as Moulson is potting 30 goals per season, he's not a problem. He's had four productive seasons on JT's wing. No reason to move him out of there at this point.

moulson needs to be watched closely though..if he is indeed a one trick pony who is allergic to contact and does not play a lick of d he has to be considered to be moved at next seasons deadline. i'm not saying write him off..he just needs to be put under the microscope
- NYI78

I mentioned right after the series that I felt the time was NOW to at least start name dropping Moulson, but I don't think I'd play 'abandon ship' with him. A lot of what Moulson does is predicated on the other two guys drawing enough attention that he can slip into the greasey areas and tap a goal or two in. I think of him as a poor man's Esposito. Since his contract is nearing the end, it's definitely time to fish or cut bait, but I'm willing to wait and see what a better right winger will do for his game.

This years camp is going to be pretty special. There should be some very good battling for jobs.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

Do you take the time to sign your posts? Or is it some automatic thing you have set up?

Nelson would be a good fit on the Oilers as we need size down the middle, badly. But Islanders would probably want a defensive prospect in return? We have 4 quality guys in Klefbom, Marincin, Musil, and Gernat. Be tough for Oilers to send one of them packing to get another forward.

I would be prepared to move Musil or Gernat and the 37th overall for Nelson. Contingent on us actually addressing our D needs in the NHL rather than prospect system. We have D prospects but our D at the NHL level needs work.
- ystoil

why would we want a defensive prospect for a player who should be on our roster next season? Nelson is a big, skilled forward who should have a great shot to make the team out of camp and as far as defensive prospects we already have Donovan, Mayfield, Pedan, Reinhart, just to name a few, what could the oilers offer us that we'd actually think was a good deal and trade away a big skilled forward for? Nothing. Both teams have similar parts, and because of that the Oilers and Isles wouldn't be good trading partners. Unless you're giving us a top line winger to play with JT I don't see any kind of deal here, and don't try and sell Hemsky as a top line winger.

valid point they could be the third line down the road
- NYI78

Gives Capuano(or whoever is coaching? Please God!!!)the option of really rolling four lines effectively.

Well if he is that bad then what kind of D-man are you expecting in return?
- Vukota

a bad one

moulson needs to be watched closely though..if he is indeed a one trick pony who is allergic to contact and does not play a lick of d he has to be considered to be moved at next seasons deadline. i'm not saying write him off..he just needs to be put under the microscope
- NYI78

I don't think he needs to be put under the microscope just bcs it is evident what his problem is to most. He needs to get back to his game and get in front of the net, keep his stick on the ice(he prob could've scored an additional 5 goals just by doing this)and skate when he needs too. If he can't get rid of him, I don't care how many goals he's scored. He was down right unwatchable at times this season. He needs to get back to his game. Reminds me of Hunter after his rookie season or Parrish when they decided they were going to be perimeter goal scorers. None of them had the talent and Moulson certainly isn't the exception.

Bailey-Nielsen-KO are not top six players. They are a perfect third line. They are defensively responsible, have some offense and clearly work well together. They are a picture-perfect third line on a contending team. Look at the third lines on the other teams left in the playoffs right now. Bailey/Nielsen/KO easily match up with any of them.

Hopefully, the Isles ice a team where all four forward line can be counted on to contribute so they can roll four lines. Right now the Isles have a great third and fourth line in place. They need to get a second line and a RW to play with JT on the first line to round out the forwards. Those spots may be filled internally or by trade/FA. Time will tell.
- Jethro09

If we had them as a 3rd line, that would mean our top 2 would be REAL special... A better-than-average GM might be capable of accomplishing that...ours however cannot. Be surprised if we see an improvement over Boyes this off-season even with all the UFA's on the market. Garth can't trade. He's a waiver-wire dump bear and a Father Flannagan to "almost-was's " and "coulda/shoulda-been's" His biggest "deal" will be re-signing Bailey and/or Streit.

Do you take the time to sign your posts? Or is it some automatic thing you have set up?
- GirouxForTheShow

Oy Veigh