What's your roster projected to be opening night? Is this a reasonable expectation:
X - Tavares - Okposo
Kulemin - Grabovski - X
Bailey - Nielsen - Grabner
Martin - Cizikas - Clutterbuck
X=Strome, Lee, Nelson, Conacher, Halmo

I think Nelson is most likely to earn one of the X's and Strome probably the second one...it will probably come down to how the lines get set. For example, if Grabner or Bailey play on the 2nd line and there's a spot open only in the bottom 6 and Nelson takes the 1LW spot, then I could see Strome starting the season for a bit in the AHL to get those 1st line minutes.
- rangerdanger94

That's pretty dead on, as of now

XxNYIxX

What's your roster projected to be opening night? Is this a reasonable expectation:
X - Tavares - Okposo
Kulemin - Grabovski - X
Bailey - Nielsen - Grabner
Martin - Cizikas - Clutterbuck
X=Strome, Lee, Nelson, Conacher, Halmo

I think Nelson is most likely to earn one of the X's and Strome probably the second one...it will probably come down to how the lines get set. For example, if Grabner or Bailey play on the 2nd line and there's a spot open only in the bottom 6 and Nelson takes the 1LW spot, then I could see Strome starting the season for a bit in the AHL to get those 1st line minutes.
- rangerdanger94

I'd agree this is probably the way they see it. The way I see it is Nelson should be a given in the lineup, and Bailey should be in the press box, behind at least Strome and Lee, and maybe Conacher, too. However, we all know from a certain sh*tty goaltender that Charlie doesn't like paying people the money he's paying Bailey without seeing them on the ice. This is why it would be best to turn him into a draft pick, at this point.

What's your roster projected to be opening night? Is this a reasonable expectation:
X - Tavares - Okposo
Kulemin - Grabovski - X
Bailey - Nielsen - Grabner
Martin - Cizikas - Clutterbuck
X=Strome, Lee, Nelson, Conacher, Halmo

I think Nelson is most likely to earn one of the X's and Strome probably the second one...it will probably come down to how the lines get set. For example, if Grabner or Bailey play on the 2nd line and there's a spot open only in the bottom 6 and Nelson takes the 1LW spot, then I could see Strome starting the season for a bit in the AHL to get those 1st line minutes.
- rangerdanger94

Seems pretty dead on to me.....Nelson on the top line, and Strome on the second line wing. I'd like to see Anders Lee on the third line sans Bailey. Bailey with Frans and Grabner makes for an all skill no will line. Who's gonna go to the dirty areas? I'm hoping Snow can send Bailey back to Toronto (where I think he'll be a better player).

[quote=XxNYIxX]I think because he doesn't have to clear waivers and if he cant crack the top 6 (which I see as impossible right now) he ISNT earning the spot. Unless you think earning a bottom six role is a big accomplishment. Its better for him to play top line mins in Bridgeport then to "earn" bottom six mins on the Island.

XxNYIxX

Top 6 and bottom 6 minutes are not the same anymore in the NHL. Teams used to roll their first 2 lines constantly, 3rd line a little less and barely with the 4th line. Today's NHL is a little more rounded and spread out. You still have your Ovechkins who don't get off the ice it seems, but, a team like the kings roll their 4 lines fairly evenly. I honestly don't think 3rd line minutes is an insult to a 21 year old. Is his talent built for the 1st line? Yes, we all hope so but I'm not disappointed that he would play on a 3rd line with Neilsen and Bailey/Lee/Grabner to start a season.

[quote=XxNYIxX]I think because he doesn't have to clear waivers and if he cant crack the top 6 (which I see as impossible right now) he ISNT earning the spot. Unless you think earning a bottom six role is a big accomplishment. Its better for him to play top line mins in Bridgeport then to "earn" bottom six mins on the Island.

XxNYIxX

Top 6 and bottom 6 minutes are not the same anymore in the NHL. Teams used to roll their first 2 lines constantly, 3rd line a little less and barely with the 4th line. Today's NHL is a little more rounded and spread out. You still have your Ovechkins who don't get off the ice it seems, but, a team like the kings roll their 4 lines fairly evenly. I honestly don't think 3rd line minutes is an insult to a 21 year old. Is his talent built for the 1st line? Yes, we all hope so but I'm not disappointed that he would play on a 3rd line with Neilsen and Bailey/Lee/Grabner to start a season.
- brodydog29

You bring up great points about the NHL and the rolling of 4 lines vs years ago when the 3rd and 4th lines were more about checking and fighting etc. The one thing I've noticed is that in everyone's proposed "lineups" there's an over abundance of forwards. Everyone's lines have two players and then a choice of 4 guys to fill out that 3rd player. Something has to give....there are too many forwards signed to one way deals and Bridgeport isn't the answer for everyone.

You bring up great points about the NHL and the rolling of 4 lines vs years ago when the 3rd and 4th lines were more about checking and fighting etc. The one thing I've noticed is that in everyone's proposed "lineups" there's an over abundance of forwards. Everyone's lines have two players and then a choice of 4 guys to fill out that 3rd player. Something has to give....there are too many forwards signed to one way deals and Bridgeport isn't the answer for everyone.
- kindlyrick

Ill say it again. Hes trading someone. I cant see someone like strome or lee who bith showed they should stick starting in bdgpt unless they have a horrible camp. Explaining to these kids that they're going to start in bdgpt after playing well last year due to an over abundance of forwards would be ridiculous. Id hate to be the guy to tell them.

Ill say it again. Hes trading someone. I cant see someone like strome or lee who bith showed they should stick starting in bdgpt unless they have a horrible camp. Explaining to these kids that they're going to start in bdgpt after playing well last year due to an over abundance of forwards would be ridiculous. Id hate to be the guy to tell them.
- Cptmjl

Man I agree, but lets be honest with ourselves. This is the islanders.....anything is possible.

Ill say it again. Hes trading someone. I cant see someone like strome or lee who bith showed they should stick starting in bdgpt unless they have a horrible camp. Explaining to these kids that they're going to start in bdgpt after playing well last year due to an over abundance of forwards would be ridiculous. Id hate to be the guy to tell them.
- Cptmjl

What's the deal with David ulstrom ? Is he playing in Europe again?

New blog on Monday

What's the deal with David ulstrom ? Is he playing in Europe again?
- kindlyrick

Yes... But he was a DIASTER there last year

Yes... But he was a DIASTER there last year
- Dan Petriw

How so?

In fairness to him, his game is N American, and he was playing on a larger sheet.

Edit : I just looked up his numbers and they were similar to his numbers in his time with the isles. Basically a pt every 3rd game. How is that a "disaster"?

What's your roster projected to be opening night? Is this a reasonable expectation:
X - Tavares - Okposo
Kulemin - Grabovski - X
Bailey - Nielsen - Grabner
Martin - Cizikas - Clutterbuck
X=Strome, Lee, Nelson, Conacher, Halmo

I think Nelson is most likely to earn one of the X's and Strome probably the second one...it will probably come down to how the lines get set. For example, if Grabner or Bailey play on the 2nd line and there's a spot open only in the bottom 6 and Nelson takes the 1LW spot, then I could see Strome starting the season for a bit in the AHL to get those 1st line minutes.
- rangerdanger94

It's probably about right...still think Clutterbuck, Grabner and or Bailey will be traded for a d-man which will open up a spot for Lee...

Man I agree, but lets be honest with ourselves. This is the islanders.....anything is possible.
- kindlyrick

Theres always that factor.

Islanders: Sharp and Leddy

Hakws: Neilsen, Martin, Pokka, and 5th rounder

Sharp-JT-KO
Kulemin-Grabo-Nelson
Lee-Strome-Grabner
Clutterbuck- Cizikas-Conacher

If I'm Garth I give Chicago what they are looking for in Neilsen and Martin. Use Boulton (only in games when needed) to fill the shoes of Martin. I then package Bailey with Donvoan and a pick/prospect and go after a top 4 D man.

Before any of you get your panties in a bunch, this is me wishing out loud.
- bjpgallagher

Leddy is overrated. I'd rather have a defensive defensemen who can move the puck well. I'd rather pay for a great one than for another 5-6

Trade for Franson yay or Nay? They have Rielly, Gard, Franson, all considered puck movers.

Trade for Franson yay or Nay? They have Rielly, Gard, Franson, all considered puck movers.
- Danformo

If the Leafs would take Bailey straight up, I say yes.

How so?

In fairness to him, his game is N American, and he was playing on a larger sheet.

Edit : I just looked up his numbers and they were similar to his numbers in his time with the isles. Basically a pt every 3rd game. How is that a "disaster"?
- kindlyrick

hegot benched on his first team..and ended up getting bought out. he ended up in thedoghouse in his next team too...not sure what to think of him cause he had some nice season in b'port..but his skating isn't awesome..i would say thats the only thing keeping him from sticking here

hegot benched on his first team..and ended up getting bought out. he ended up in thedoghouse in his next team too...not sure what to think of him cause he had some nice season in b'port..but his skating isn't awesome..i would say thats the only thing keeping him from sticking here
- Dan Petriw

His skating??? I think his skating was above average. Stupid penalties....now that's a different story...

If the Leafs would take Bailey straight up, I say yes.
- kindlyrick

This

If the Leafs would take Bailey straight up, I say yes.
- kindlyrick

Getting rid of Bailey for just about anything is a positive move. A pick or a prospect or even to bolster Bridgeport's line up. It's Addition by subtraction. Open up a spot for a younger, hungrier more talented player. Bailey has had more then enough chances to prove himself. Time to bring in some fresh meat! Someone who seems to care!

Getting rid of Bailey for just about anything is a positive move. A pick or a prospect or even to bolster Bridgeport's line up. It's Addition by subtraction. Open up a spot for a younger, hungrier more talented player. Bailey has had more then enough chances to prove himself. Time to bring in some fresh meat! Someone who seems to care!
- SCLI

Do not agree with this, I think he needs to be part of a deal to bring back a solid D-men, but not get rid of him just for the sake of getting rid of him.

XxNYIxX

i think strome's play during camp will dictate where he is.... which is why i believe he will be in the opening night roster for the isles
- Dan Petriw

He's proved himself in the AHL already. Was well over a point a game last season and top scorer before he was called up. 18 pts in 37 games on the Island. Over a season, that makes him one of the top 5 scorers on the team. I would think he would have to look awful in camp for them not keep him up for good. They can't worry about "another Josh Bailey." He's ready and willing to stick his nose in it and get dirty. And let's not start heading down Nino Blvd again, screwing with the players minds and over-coddling them. Bottom line, if he's better than MacDonald or Boulton or Martin he deserves to play. He'll be better than more than just those players.

He's proved himself in the AHL already. Was well over a point a game last season and top scorer before he was called up. 18 pts in 37 games on the Island. Over a season, that makes him one of the top 5 scorers on the team. I would think he would have to look awful in camp for them not keep him up for good. They can't worry about "another Josh Bailey." He's ready and willing to stick his nose in it and get dirty. And let's not start heading down Nino Blvd again, screwing with the players minds and over-coddling them. Bottom line, if he's better than MacDonald or Boulton or Martin he deserves to play. He'll be better than more than just those players.
- jmo16

i agree let him play...can always send him to bport if he struggles

Getting rid of Bailey for just about anything is a positive move. A pick or a prospect or even to bolster Bridgeport's line up. It's Addition by subtraction. Open up a spot for a younger, hungrier more talented player. Bailey has had more then enough chances to prove himself. Time to bring in some fresh meat! Someone who seems to care!
- SCLI

Here in lies the problem. Bailey has worth, but I personally think he's unhappy on this team. Maybe it's because he was drafted first round as a playmaking center, and has NEVER been given top 6 ice. Whatever the case, we've all seen glimpses of Bailey "turning it on". The fact that he's been sucking it up, for whatever the reason doesn't mean he sucks. I'd be willing to bet money that if he were traded he'd be that playmaking center the isles drafted (who played first line minutes in juniors).

Bottom line, bailey is not a bottom six forward. I don't buy into the argument that he hasn't earned the top six minutes. He's never played consistently with what the isles consider top 6 talent. That said, if he's not in the top 6 plans (which he isn't) then move on. I'd rather move him for whatever they can get for him, rather than misusing him and "hoping" he turns it around. How many more years are they gonna hope he turns it around??? Cut the chord for the sake of the team and the player. Move on already.

Here in lies the problem. Bailey has worth, but I personally think he's unhappy on this team. Maybe it's because he was drafted first round as a playmaking center, and has NEVER been given top 6 ice. Whatever the case, we've all seen glimpses of Bailey "turning it on". The fact that he's been sucking it up, for whatever the reason doesn't mean he sucks. I'd be willing to bet money that if he were traded he'd be that playmaking center the isles drafted (who played first line minutes in juniors).

Bottom line, bailey is not a bottom six forward. I don't buy into the argument that he hasn't earned the top six minutes. He's never played consistently with what the isles consider top 6 talent. That said, if he's not in the top 6 plans (which he isn't) then move on. I'd rather move him for whatever they can get for him, rather than misusing him and "hoping" he turns it around. How many more years are they gonna hope he turns it around??? Cut the chord for the sake of the team and the player. Move on already.
- kindlyrick

Yeah he has. He's had more time in the top six than Grabner has. He just hasn't taken advantage of it, and now he has the next wave of forwards coming in who are taking advantage of the minutes they're getting. It's tougher and tougher to play the "Bailey the poor victim" card. He's disappeared for long enough stretches that would have made him a healthy scratch on most teams, and he didn't even miss a shift here. At some point, his lot is his to own, and personally, I think that point was about two seasons ago.

That said, here's the Standard Bailey Disclaimer: Yes, he has talent, and yes he was handled poorly his first season...six years ago.