“@NYIslanders: #Isles lines at practice: Grabner-Tavares-Okposo; Bailey-Nielsen-Bouchard-Nelson; Moulson-Regin-Clutterbuck; Martin-Cizikas-McDonald-Boulton”

Interesting first line. I like the choices. Is Grabner out of Cappys doghouse? I hope we see that line get playing time.
- David_Volek

More interesting and deserved is moulson on line 3

He'd probably be the best #3 in the sport or close to it. He's not a great #2 but I think he does a good job in that spot. Better than many in the league. If you look at production and versatility of other #2 centers in the NHL you would see that Neilsen is doing just fine there.
- Isles316

I agree, that's why I think he's better suited for 3rd line C
Plus adds more depth to line-up if Isles had a 2nd line C

“@NYIslanders: #Isles lines at practice: Grabner-Tavares-Okposo; Bailey-Nielsen-Bouchard-Nelson; Moulson-Regin-Clutterbuck; Martin-Cizikas-McDonald-Boulton”

Interesting first line. I like the choices. Is Grabner out of Cappys doghouse? I hope we see that line get playing time.
- David_Volek

like the lines, but maybe get KO off the 1st line and try Bales or Nelson instead

More interesting and deserved is moulson on line 3
- Isles316

This is where my concern with Moulson becomes a bigger issue for the Isles. If the Isles aren't going to use him in a first or second line role, he becomes utterly useless and more of a handicap than anything. Grabner did well in that role because his speed allowed him to become a factor regardless of what line he was on. I said prior that I wanted Grabs with JT for a while (though I would put Bailey on the RW, but Moulson on the 3rd line will cause more issues than cures. If Moulson doesn't find his way back on JT's wing over the next 10-15 games, the clock is offially ticking IMO.

This is where my concern with Moulson becomes a bigger issue for the Isles. If the Isles aren't going to use him in a first or second line role, he becomes utterly useless and more of a handicap than anything. Grabner did well in that role because his speed allowed him to become a factor regardless of what line he was on. I said prior that I wanted Grabs with JT for a while (though I would put Bailey on the RW, but Moulson on the 3rd line will cause more issues than cures. If Moulson doesn't find his way back on JT's wing over the next 10-15 games, the clock is offially ticking IMO.
- keaner17

I think he needs a kick in the pants. Maybe this will do it

“@NYIslanders: #Isles lines at practice: Grabner-Tavares-Okposo; Bailey-Nielsen-Bouchard-Nelson; Moulson-Regin-Clutterbuck; Martin-Cizikas-McDonald-Boulton”

Interesting first line. I like the choices. Is Grabner out of Cappys doghouse? I hope we see that line get playing time.
- David_Volek

Capuano is a clown...he'll be gone by mid-season...

I think he needs a kick in the pants. Maybe this will do it
- Isles316

Unfortunately, I don't think it's about effort for Matt. It's about ability. If JT and his RW are dominating and generating chances, Moulson is effective as the pylon who chips rebounds into the net. If defenses are effectively clearing Moulson from the crease and not allowing him to get a stick on the puck, he's completely useless. As I said before, his presence on that line means the RW has to be a dynamic player. Okposo is not that guy.

Unfortunately, I don't think it's about effort for Matt. It's about ability. If JT and his RW are dominating and generating chances, Moulson is effective as the pylon who chips rebounds into the net. If defenses are effectively clearing Moulson from the crease and not allowing him to get a stick on the puck, he's completely useless. As I said before, his presence on that line means the RW has to be a dynamic player. Okposo is not that guy.
- keaner17

I believe that part of his game comes from effort. He needs to out work the defense and put himself in position to cause havoc in front of the net . That is his strength and he's been one of the best players in the league at that the last few seasons. He need to be a beast in front of the net again. You're right, he isn't going to lead an end to end rush or deke through everyone. But he can be the guy who was desperate to score goals like he was 2 seasons ago

I believe that part of his game comes from effort. He needs to out work the defense and put himself in position to cause havoc in front of the net . That is his strength and he's been one of the best players in the league at that the last few seasons. He need to be a beast in front of the net again. You're right, he isn't going to lead an end to end rush or deke through everyone. But he can be the guy who was desperate to score goals like he was 2 seasons ago
- Isles316

At 6'0" 205lbs, Moulson really isn't cut out for outmuscling most NHL defenders in front of the net. While it's true that standing in the crease and scoring dirty goals is Moulson's forte, backchecking, puck retrieval, passing, stickhandling and skating are not. So if Moulson suddenly is ineffective in front of the net, he's ineffective completely. Last years playoff series and final stretch in the regular season greatly concerned me with Moulson. At a time where teams start locking down their defensive games and get more physical in front of their own net, Moulson became invisible. It was one thing when PA was on the rw and other teams defensemen had to account for his playmaking ability along with JT's presence, but without a strong RW option, teams can now collapse low and take Moulson out of the game.
I don't think MM is doing rink turns out there or playing without fire, I think his typical role has become more difficult and perhaps beyond his abilities.
Given it's only 4 games in and he could eventually start chipping more in, I'm worried if he does it only masks a greater problem that will arise in big games.

like the lines, but maybe get KO off the 1st line and try Bales or Nelson instead
- Ur Not Me

Bailey and Okposo played well together last year. I thinking they should put them both with JT.
Bailey- JT- Okposo
Grabner- Neilson- Nelson
Moulson- Regin- Cutterbuck
MM- CC- CM

I agree, that's why I think he's better suited for 3rd line C
Plus adds more depth to line-up if Isles had a 2nd line C
- Ur Not Me

Neilsen is our best option on the 2nd line.

We really don't have anybody else... unless we trade for it in the offseason.

Even then.. Neilsen might be better than any other option out there.

He is playing great so far this year.

The top line needs to deliver.... maybe Grabner's speed will open up more space for Tavares.

Also the 4th line is not playing that well... need them to create some havoc out there.

Just no passion yet from this team.

Bouchard is crap... I would rather have Nelson or a young guy playing and learning and growing than have him take up minutes on the ice.

Regin has been the pleasant suprise. none even acknowledge him as a signing it was that he was for depth. so far he has chipped in and scored, played strong, finished his checks.

Clutterbuck and PMB have not. we can say clutterbuck is just getting back, but he didnt impress in preseason either.

Neidereitter on other hand has 4 points in 5 games.

I know we only 5 games in. But so super impressed with Nielsen, Grabs the most. I like what im seeing from Bailey and KO.

And i still feel that Moulson is one dimensional. Its fine when he scoring, but so noticeable to how bad he is, when he not. He picking up right where he left off end of last season and playoffs. and thats Completely invisible.

Capuano is a clown...he'll be gone by mid-season...
- kear20

Capauno will just keep benching Nelson everytime they lose a game.
I do give him credit though, im so happy he took Moulson off JT line to show he was not getting it done.

I too think Moulson should get dropped to 3rd line and move bailey up

Regin has been the pleasant suprise. none even acknowledge him as a signing it was that he was for depth. so far he has chipped in and scored, played strong, finished his checks.

Clutterbuck and PMB have not. we can say clutterbuck is just getting back, but he didnt impress in preseason either.

Neidereitter on other hand has 4 points in 5 games.

I know we only 5 games in. But so super impressed with Nielsen, Grabs the most. I like what im seeing from Bailey and KO.

And i still feel that Moulson is one dimensional. Its fine when he scoring, but so noticeable to how bad he is, when he not. He picking up right where he left off end of last season and playoffs. and thats Completely invisible.
- Spartiarti

Just recently got promoted to 1st line

Just recently got promoted to 1st line
- Ur Not Me

Biron and Asham on waivers

Biron and Asham on waivers
- Isles316

Would have gladly taken Asham had we not already signed Cal.

Biron and Asham on waivers
- Isles316

Asham had been one of the only players on that team showing any kind of heart. Biron is awful but who backsup now?

Capuano is a clown...he'll be gone by mid-season...
- kear20

Why? Bouchard deserves to be on the first line.

Bailey and Okposo played well together last year. I thinking they should put them both with JT.
Bailey- JT- Okposo
Grabner- Neilson- Nelson
Moulson- Regin- Cutterbuck
MM- CC- CM
- 2raven2

Okposo belongs on the second line. Nothing doing with him on a line with jt

Why? Bouchard deserves to be on the first line.
- Cptmjl

Even if this team goes on its annual ten game losing streak Cappy will stay

Whats the deal with Martinek practicing?

There wasn't anyone in this last FA class, and the guys there were cost WAY too much money...the contract Clarkson got was staggering....actually, I think Toronto's GM was staggering when he made that phone call. To get what we REALLY need- a top end defenseman, especially in his own end, it's going to cost us blood, not just treasure. Those kind of players don't move very often, and if they do, it's going to be a king's ransom in a trade, not a simple free agent signing. Not even the lowest rent teams in the league let theirs go in free agency- Weber is likely taking up nearly a quarter of what Nashville is willing to spend on total payroll, but they kept him.

I still think that if we want Strome to play second line center, we COULD eventually find a winger for JT in free agency...I didn't like what was out there this year, but eventually, there will probably be one. A top flight defenseman, on the other hand, won't be....nor will a goalie who is better than a shot in the dark....
- dcb1

Bobby Ryan was gotten for a decent prospect(Silferberg) another lesser prospect and Ottawa's 3rd round pick in 2014. Certainly we could have offered Nino, a Defense prospect and our 3rd round pick.

Tim Thomas was on OUR property until July 1. He hit FA market and took a reasonable salary with bonus/performance incentives with FLA.

Letang resigned with Pitt for 8 yrs & silly money but we certainly had the space, just not the cojones to get him.

I think people are going to have to face the facts this is how Wang is going to run a hockey team. Snow said he could make a team competitive with a minimum budget. This team will never be big spenders as long as Wang is owner for better or worse(probably better to an extent, somewhat...).
I hate seeing this team just be a couple pieces from being truly competitive. They don't need much and if the money that was spent during the offseason was spent IMO a little wiser our backend hypothetically could've been a little more bearable. Snow made a misstep not addressing it along with goaltending IMO.
- Cptmjl

Whats the deal with Martinek practicing?
- mighty13duck

Reinhart is going to love the idea of Martinek maybe sticking with the Isles.

Moulson is what he is but has been worse when the other wing is Okposo. Okposo does some weird and stupid crap that I think is messing up JT and Moulson. Among other things Okposo is not a first line wing. Time to end the Okposo experiment and try Bailey or do what they should have done for the last 5 years and get a consitent right wing to play on that line.
- flee30

Agreed. Kyle sometimes looks like an 1 yr old Great Dane, in that awkward puppy-to-dog transitional stage...not fully coordinated and galloping around like a doofus. His decision making with the puck is often very poor & unpredictable. I don't think he meshes as well with JT & MM as Bailey would. I wish he were more of a physical player who took the body but he seems shy unlike Martin who looks hard to find a body to crush every chance he gets.