I do think I'd rather sprinkle them in though rather than forming a line of three players with little to no NHL experience. I suppose their talent could takeover but there would be some major growing pains there. That's why I prefered putting either Strome or Nino up with JT. Considering Strome spends the offseason working with JT and MM, maybe he would be the perfect fit on the wing. Still, I like Nino's size up there.

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

After watching that Swiss/U.S. game, I'd have to say I wouldn't mind seeing Nino get a shot on that line, even if it's just for a quick look to see what happens. His hitting and willingness to just cause havok by taking the puck to the front of the net are skills that would free a lot of ice up for Tavares. And even his skating looked a lot better. I thought it looked better as the AHL season went on, but it was nice to see his skating appearing to be at a decent level against NHLers on the U.S. squad. Only thing is he still goes down a bit too easily sometimes along the boards...like he expects a hit and overcompensates for it and just wipes out.

((UIF))

Let's assume no moves are made and all holes are filled from within. What would you guys have for lines? I'm thinking:

Moulson-Tavares-Bailey
Grabner-Nielsen-Okposo
Strome-Nelson-Niederreiter
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald
Ullstrom

Vis-Strait
AMac-Hamonic
Donovan-Carkner
Hickey?
Finley?

Nabby?
Poulin

Given that lineup or something similar, what's missing? Where are the biggest holes? I say it's still a first-line right wing and a three-zone top-four defenseman as co-top needs, followed by a better option in net. But really, if the lineup looked like the above one, I wouldn't be cursing management and throwing up the white flag. I'd almost rather see that lineup than see Snow ship out any of the above forwards for a goalie (maybe Ullstrom, but he's not going to bring back much, so why bother?) or see some Boyes-type quick fix brought in as a temporary solution at right wing.

So, If they have a chance to reel in a real option for RW (say, Vanek for example), I'd be all for a trade that includes the first rounder and an above forward (Nino?). Ditto for a real option at D...but not for a strictly offensive d-man. Think they need more physicality back there rather than another intelligent puck mover.

For goalie, I don't like the idea of trading any of the above forwards. Rather trade a lower-round pick and a lesser prospect for an option not named Bernier.

But really, if they went into the season with the above lines, I think they can be competitive. Any legit improvements over that is gravy. Any cheap quick fixes/cap circumvention nonsense/bringing in an old buddy of Snow or Weight for a shot at redemption, etc. is unnecessary and a step backward.

((UIF))
- UIF

Not at all. As long as those kids are ready to play in the NHL who could you? I'd like to see him to add a top 4 stay at home type Dman like I think we all do and it'd be nice to see an upgrade in goaltending but I don't see that happening.

I don't think you can have Strome, Nelson & Nino playing 3rd line minutes. If they are not going to crack the top 6 then you keep them in BP. They without a doubt also need to add another solid defender on the blue line
- Vukota

This could be one of those teams that rolls all four lines. That would be of course if we had a competent coach and of course if these kids are actually NHL ready?

This could be one of those teams that rolls all four lines. That would be of course if we had a competent coach and of course if these kids are actually NHL ready?
- Cptmjl

Good point as long as they get the minutes I guess

Good point as long as they get the minutes I guess
- Vukota

If your fourth line is Martin-Cizikas-McD, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't roll four lines. That line has the potential to be one of the better fourth lines in the league as long as they just actually keep it together and leave it alone to do its thing. All are willing to hit and shoot, all bring it on every shift, all are responsible defensively, two of them get additional minutes as PKers...it'd be nice to have a fourth line that actually performs a role rather than one that's only out there to buy a few minutes rest for Tavares.

((UIF))

After watching that Swiss/U.S. game, I'd have to say I wouldn't mind seeing Nino get a shot on that line, even if it's just for a quick look to see what happens. His hitting and willingness to just cause havok by taking the puck to the front of the net are skills that would free a lot of ice up for Tavares. And even his skating looked a lot better. I thought it looked better as the AHL season went on, but it was nice to see his skating appearing to be at a decent level against NHLers on the U.S. squad. Only thing is he still goes down a bit too easily sometimes along the boards...like he expects a hit and overcompensates for it and just wipes out.

((UIF))
- UIF

We're definitely in agreement on the type of player we'd like to see on that line with JT and I think Nino is THAT guy. I'd even say Strome could be a decent match for his ability to dangle the puck and draw defenders away from the slot area. The problem is he's too damn small to offer a physical presence on that line. So in the end, I think Nino is the best fit there, while Strome centers the second line. Camp is going to be fascinating this year!

Xxkeaner17xX

If your fourth line is Martin-Cizikas-McD, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't roll four lines. That line has the potential to be one of the better fourth lines in the league as long as they just actually keep it together and leave it alone to do its thing. All are willing to hit and shoot, all bring it on every shift, all are responsible defensively, two of them get additional minutes as PKers...it'd be nice to have a fourth line that actually performs a role rather than one that's only out there to buy a few minutes rest for Tavares.

((UIF))
- UIF

I agree

This could be one of those teams that rolls all four lines. That would be of course if we had a competent coach and of course if these kids are actually NHL ready?
- Cptmjl

Agreed. I think Strome could eventually help define a second line for us, but in the beginning, it would be one top line, two number two's and a third line. Not a bad mix actually.


Xxkeaner17xX

If your fourth line is Martin-Cizikas-McD, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't roll four lines. That line has the potential to be one of the better fourth lines in the league as long as they just actually keep it together and leave it alone to do its thing. All are willing to hit and shoot, all bring it on every shift, all are responsible defensively, two of them get additional minutes as PKers...it'd be nice to have a fourth line that actually performs a role rather than one that's only out there to buy a few minutes rest for Tavares.

((UIF))
- UIF

that is a hell of a line. One of the best the Islanders have had in a long time. A lot of energy and can net a few goals. We can even argue that could be a third line

We're definitely in agreement on the type of player we'd like to see on that line with JT and I think Nino is THAT guy. I'd even say Strome could be a decent match for his ability to dangle the puck and draw defenders away from the slot area. The problem is he's too damn small to offer a physical presence on that line. So in the end, I think Nino is the best fit there, while Strome centers the second line. Camp is going to be fascinating this year!

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

Agreed. My biggest fear isn't Snow failing to bring in a goalie or whatever...it's actually that, out of a need to reach the cap floor or just to simply make some kind of move, they'll end up with some useless Rolston/Boyes type signing that'll throw everything out of whack. And then there are the usual "out of left field" camp lineup decisions we have every year that take our expectations and toss them in the blender. I can see a fight breaking out on here come October...

"Why the heck is Cizikas starting the year in Bridgeport!? He was a key part of the team in the playoffs!"

"Well, he took a couple of penalties in preseason and the team's probably more comfortable with a veteran presence in Hecht on that line..."

((UIF))

I just find her blogs completely unrelatable. It's like reading someone's journal rather than an actual piece of news or even speculative banter. "Diary Of A Hometown Hockey Novice". My 9 year old daughter is chomping at the bit to write a better article for the site. Sure it may contain a few lines about ponies and rainbows, yet it still will remain just as (if not more) relative to actual hockey information and I promise she knows just as much about the sport itself.

The constant digs at Brooklyn are lame. We get it, you can't walk to the games anymore and now you're upset that you might have to drive somewhere to make use of your press pass. This blog needs a hazmat team to clean it up at this point but don't worry, she's got plenty more where that came from:


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

Who doesn't like Ponies or Rainbows?!?!?!?!




XxNYIxX

New blog streit not returning declined isles last offer

New blog streit not returning declined isles last offer
- Vukota

Holy Poop!
Xxkeaner17xX

Hmmmm, not an easy lineup to put together. I think Nelson spends a month or two at the Bridge still though we really could use his size up the middle. For the sake of making no sense at all, I threw him on the third line wing...
I could probably think about this five different times and come up with five different lineups:
Moulson-Tavares-Nino
Bailey Strome-Okposo
Grabner-Nielsen-Nelson
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald
Ullstrom

Vis-Strait
AMac-Hamonic
Donovan-Carkner
Hickey

Poulin/Nabokov

I didn't change the defensive lineup but I'd love to see a legit replacement for Strait on that top pairing. I'd also like to see Donovan play his way past Amac on the second pairing.

I would be concerned of potential defensive lapses with my listed top line, but I'm hoping Nino is a bit better in his own end by now. If not, I wouldn't have a problem switching him and Okposo. I've always liked the chemistry of Grabner and Nielsen, so they play together.

As for goaltender, this one's a total mystery though I do think Nabby will eventually sign for one more year and retire.

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

Just looking at your defense, was Strait's contract a one way? If so you need to plug him in somewhere.