With the forwards as currently constructed, I think you have a lot more balance...particularly on the defensive side of things. If Kulemin doesn't produce offensively, he's still a good defensive forward. It's almost an interchangeable second and third line...with either being able to provide secondary scoring or perform a shutdown role. If you have Kulemin-Grabovski-Strome/Lee or Strome/Lee-Nielsen-Grabner out there (assuming Nelson is the frontrunner for the first line LW), you have an almost equal chance of scoring or defending.
- UIF

I get the feeling that, similarly to what Vukota said, that the middle-six lines are going to be more of a 2A/2B combination than a traditional 2nd line/3rd line dynamic.

This, of course, barring any significant moves involving one or more forwards.

I get the feeling that, similarly to what Vukota said, that the middle-six lines are going to be more of a 2A/2B combination than a traditional 2nd line/3rd line dynamic.

This, of course, barring any significant moves involving one or more forwards.
- eichiefs9

Agreed. Barring any moves, like you said, I think it's sort of a new world for the Isles, as defensively responsible forwards have been few and far between. usually the forwards have been either too young to know how to play good D in the NHL yet, additions bolted on who aren't known for solid D (Parenteau, Boyes, Moulson, Vanek...), or tweener or spare-part additions who try hard at both ends of the rink but just don't excel at either.

Going into this season, you possibly have your 2nd - 4th lines mostly made up of players who know what they're doing in their own end, which hopefully leads to less time trapped in their zone.

We will see how that works out? Hopefully he produces and we don't have to cross that bridge. Nielsen has better point totals by the way in shorter time in the NHL
- Cptmjl

Then who?

With the forwards as currently constructed, I think you have a lot more balance...particularly on the defensive side of things. If Kulemin doesn't produce offensively, he's still a good defensive forward. It's almost an interchangeable second and third line...with either being able to provide secondary scoring or perform a shutdown role. If you have Kulemin-Grabovski-Strome/Lee or Strome/Lee-Nielsen-Grabner out there (assuming Nelson is the frontrunner for the first line LW), you have an almost equal chance of scoring or defending.
- UIF

Agreed. One of the things I was happy about with the signing was adding a defensive minded forward to our team. I said it even before we signed either of them. I was hoping Snow was in on one of them.

Then who?
- Vukota

Grabovski

Damn it. Nielsen played 25 more games . They're actually pretty close over their career.

This past year. Grabovski has scored over 20 goals 3 times and over 50 points 3 times. Nielsen had a career year last year and hit those numbers for the 1st time in his career. I have no problem with Nielsen on the 3rd line. Great depth down the middle either way
- Vukota

which is exactly whyd id trade him if the right deal came along...he wont be any better than what he was this past year.

New blog tomorrow

We will see how that works out? Hopefully he produces and we don't have to cross that bridge. Nielsen has better point totals by the way in shorter time in the NHL
- Cptmjl

You sure about that? Nielsen has 254 points in 447 games. Grabovski has 252 points in 425 games.

New blog tomorrow
- Dan Petriw

Fair warning here, Vukota. You've been slow on the draw lately alerting us when to jump to the new thread.

which is exactly whyd id trade him if the right deal came along...he wont be any better than what he was this past year.
- LetsGoIsles

I don't think anyone disagrees. I think the debate would come down to "what is the right deal?". I don't really want to trade him for Sharp and/or Oduya. I'd move him but the right deal would have to significantly upgrade this team.

Keeping him gives us the enormous advantage of having 3 scoring centers down the middle. It extends our forward depth exponentially. Of course, for the the right defenseman I'd move him, but never, ever for a guy like Oduya or Leddy or anyone of that skill level.

You sure about that? Nielsen has 254 points in 447 games. Grabovski has 252 points in 425 games.
- Vukota

You didnt even beat my edit

which is exactly whyd id trade him if the right deal came along...he wont be any better than what he was this past year.
- LetsGoIsles

Sure for the right piece

Grabovski

Damn it. Nielsen played 25 more games . They're actually pretty close over their career.
- Cptmjl

Someday you will learn

Sure for the right piece
- Vukota

Piece of what?

Someday you will learn
- Vukota

I was looking at the wrong totals. Damn wikipedia

Nelson called into the IPB podcast...not much in the way of groundbreaking info, but I thought the takeaway was he said he is just as comfortable at wing or center, and doesn't have an overwhelming preference for either. I think they should leave him at wing and hope he becomes the big shooting winger we've been looking for. And if Lee develops alongside him, then great, make it two. And if Dal Colle comes into the picture in a couple of seasons...well, you get the idea.

Piece of what?
- Cptmjl

A top 4 D-man or hot piece of arse. Eithier one will do

A top 4 D-man or hot piece of arse. Eithier one will do
- Vukota

I guess this is Snow doing his due diligence and exploring every option

A top 4 D-man or hot piece of arse. Eithier one will do
- Vukota

I cant believe im saying this but ill take a top four d man instead.

I cant believe im saying this but ill take a top four d man instead.
- Cptmjl

You can always pay for the latter

The former appears harder to come by.

Or maybe it was the other way around...

You can always pay for the latter

The former appears harder to come by.

Or maybe it was the other way around...
- eichiefs9

We all pay. One way or another.

New blog tomorrow
- Dan Petriw

FYI Dan - Dee is outblogging you roughly 2-to-1, lately.

Her last piece on The Nets mascot being "put out to pasture" and the compelling insight of our very own Sparky and his inspiring journey to being the Islanders arena mascot from the ashes of a doomed arena football team/league was pure gold.

I'm not suggesting you should do more (topics) like her but just a heads up—don't forget to look over your shoulder once in a while.

FYI Dan - Dee is outblogging you roughly 2-to-1, lately.

Her last piece on The Nets mascot being "put out to pasture" and the compelling insight of our very own Sparky and his inspiring journey to being the Islanders arena mascot from the ashes of a doomed arena football team/league was pure gold.

I'm not suggesting you should do more (topics) like her but just a heads up—don't forget to look over your shoulder once in a while.
- jmo16

Dee could be lurking behind him with a knitting tool, ready to strike at a moments notice.

Dee could be lurking behind him with a knitting tool, ready to strike at a moments notice.
- eichiefs9

or some stale cupcakes

I was looking at the wrong totals. Damn wikipedia
- Cptmjl

1st mistake


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