I Know What Snow Didn't Do Last Summer - pick up any decent new scoring talent.

By now you’ve all heard the news: Garth Snow’s prodigy coach Scott Gordon has been let go. Gordon, who was to lead our rag tag team of young miscreants to not only Lord Stanley’s cup, not only beat the Russians at their own game, but with some help from Russell Crowe maybe even beat the Rangers. (1/3 aint bad)

All we have right now is wild speculation and Garth’s word that we “needed a change.”

Well he’s right, we do need a change. But will we get one? Players like Weight and Grabner claim “interm” coach Jack Capuano has altered the strategy, and simplified things. Capuano himself however claims to be sticking to the plan. Gordon’s plan, the same system Capuano’s been running in Bridgeport for the past 2+ years.

Tomorrow night will answer some of these questions, when we finally see the product on the ice. But many questions remain. Lets take a look.

Who will take over?
Another AHLer? Sounds about right knowing Wang’s pocketbook.

Doug Weight? The Islanders organization is a bit like the Mob. No one ever really leaves, and they seem to hire almost exclusively from within. As Garth Snow before him made the leap to GM, Doug Weight could be welcomed into a new role as coach. But can our powerplay afford losing his “veteran experience”?

Bruno Gervias? Bruno continues to be the most dynamic man on the planet, leaping from role to role, life to life, putting things right that once went wrong. Hoping each time that his next leap, will be the leap home. Might this be his true calling? God I hope not.

A real coach? As in, someone with NHL experience? There is a deep pool of talent available, including several familiar with bringing rebuilding teams back to glory. But will they be interested in an organization so crazy, it was once rumored to have planted dinosaur eggs in MSG? We couldn’t get top teir free agents for all the cha-ching in Wangs wong this summer, why should we think this will be any different.

What could have been... OK its out of my system now I swear.

What will Gordon’s new role be?
Since they’re paying him til the end of the year anyway, the Isles have opted to keep Gordon on as an advisor. What does that mean? Who knows. I guess the “Strategist” lives on, in some manner. Maybe he can advise Bailey to use less chains next time he works out. Someone needs to spot Bailey with those things, I’d hate to have a David Carradine situation on our hands.

How have there not been any good “Gordon Fisherman” puns until now? Seriously, I’m a genius.

1) Ryan Miller.

He’s the reigning Vezina trophy winner and he helped bring team USA 1 goal away from Olympic Gold. He had to settle for Silver, but he was named MVP of the tournament, and rightly so. Last year Miller set a career high in wins with 41, while posting a 2.22 goals against and .929 save percentage. Miller didn’t just come out of nowhere and put up these stats, he’s been a great goalie for years, so I don’t see any reason why he can’t keep playing like this.

2) Fresh Blood

The Sabre’s brought up two rookies to fill out their roster. First theirs Tyler Ennis. Ennis saw some ice time last year playing in 10 games and scoring 9 points. His hard work earned him a spot on the playoff roster where he added 4 points in 6 games. While not on the Sabre’s roster, Ennis the Menace tore up he AHL and won the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award for rookie of the year. Who won that award the year before him? His current rookie teammate Nathan Gerbe.  Gerbe is a tiny guy for NHL standards, standing at 5′ 6″. However, he makes up for his size with his speed and his skating ability. Oh yeah having a lazer for a shot doesn’t hurt either.  Gerbe also played 10 games last season and posted 5 points.

3) Tyler Myers

Tyler is the Sabres 2010 Calder Trophy winning defenseman. Tyler immediately made the jump from draft pick to rookie and played all of the 2010 season on the Sabres. Paired with the now departed Henrik Tallinder, Myers put up some good numbers scoring 11 goals and 37 assists in 82 games. In addition to providing key defense with his 6′ 8″ frame, Myers blesses the Sabres with quite impressive skating mobility for someone of his size.

4) Tougher and Wiser

During the off season the Sabres addressed their need for grit, something they lacked severely during last years playoffs against the bruins. The Sabre’s bring tough guy Cody McCormick to their roster this year who along with Mike Grier, Paul Gaustad, Patrick Kaleta, and Matt Ellis, should allow the Sabre’s to protect the puck a little better on both ends of the ice. Joining those players, is NHL veteran Rob Niedermayer who will help captain Craig Rivet with mentoring this young Sabre’s squad. Niedermayer won the cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and will bring his experience to the face off circle, showing them how hard work and dedication pays off.

5) The Stars Re-emerge

With confidence in Ryan Miller in net, more grit, leadership, and new offensive talents; expect big years from a few faded stars. So far in pre-season, Derek Roy has scored 10 points in 5 games. If he can carry this production over to the regular season, the Sabre’s offense will be that much scarier. Let’s not forget this team ranked 10th in the league in goals last year. Playing with the likes of Ennis, Gerbe, and maybe even a healthy Tim Connolly should help Roy achieve that goal no problem. The Sabre’s can also rely on a healthy Thomas Vanek this year, who was sorely missing  throughout most of the playoffs because of a slash to the leg. Vanek was in a bad scoring slump last year and managed to come around the last week of the season to bring his goal total to 28 for the year. Not a terrible number, but certainly not what you’re hoping for from a 2 time 40 goal scorer. Like Roy, Vanek should benefit from his new teammates and raise his goal total back where it should be.

I don't normally drink beer, but when I do.... It's Miller Time!

6) Lindy Ruff

Perhaps the best yearly asset for the Sabre’s organization is coach Lindy Ruff. Ruff is the longest tenured coach in the NHL, having coached 13 with the Sabres. He is one of the best coaches in the league and is almost constantly in the running for the Jack Adams award. Ruff gets the most out of his players, and he certainly has developed the talent on the Sabres for several years now.

I don’t want to put my foot in my mouth, but I would have to say the Sabres win the Northeast again. Hopefully they prove me right.

How I felt when I heard Sim made the roster over Martin.

How Matt Martin felt.

Forwards:

Comeau – Tavares – Parenteau
Moulson – Nielsen – Hunter
Bailey – Weight – Niederreiter
Gillies – Konopka – Sim
Grabner

Defense:

Eaton
Wisniewski
Martinek
MacDonald
Mottau
Hillen
Jurcina
Gervais

Goalies:

DiPietro
Roloson

Look for DiPietro to get the start, and Grabner to sit the first 2 games. Nino’s officially made the lineup, and management has 9 games to decide if they want to keep him. Also, look for that fourth line to log some extra minutes on Monday’s day game against the Rags. And lets hope they mic up Konopka

They should have waited til Frans got off the ice to break the news of Mottau's signing

Well its been an interesting training camp, and to think the first exhibition games aren’t even until today. Its prognosis negative for the NY Islanders lately, with Streit out for probably 6 months (Shoulder) and now Okposo out till around December (Shoulder… sigh).

Moulson, Moulson, what have ye done? If there’s any positive to be pulled from this, it’s the opportunity this provides to some of the new/younger players. Wisniewski was already set to shine, now he better tear it up. And he’ll have his chance, undoubtedly absorbing most of Streit’s minutes like the defensive sponge he is. Also, let’s not forget Martinek is actually healthy right now. So between that, and the younger guys already trying their damnedest to make a name, we might not be THAT bad off.

Seems like more of a Wario to me.

I was (and still am) HIV positive this year would be Okposo’s break out, but I guess we’ll have to wait till Christmas to open that sexy Luigi-dressing package. Our forward lines were already a little thin, now we’re real thin; relying entirely on last year’s core upping their game. Lets hope Moulson makes up for his Streit-gimping on the scoreboard, and Tavares has a Stamkos-style sophomore year. And isn’t Bailey past due too? Center him or wing him, but just let him get comfortable already.

The Isles have invited even more players to the camp, and just picked up defenseman Mike Mottau on a two year, one way. He’s been mostly healthy lately, putting up around 15-18 points a season with Jersey the last three years. It all points towards Martinek, MacDonald, Wisniewski, and Eaton moving up a rung, and Mottau stepping into the 3rd line or so, keeping the depth, depth.

Regardless, the first couple of games this season should be filled with our hottest prospects, with cameos from Nino, DeHaan, Martin, and possibly Hamonic (Shoulder… ok wtf). Come October 9th, I won’t be complaining watching a Moulson, JT, Comeau, Bailey, Shremp, and Nino top six.

Nice hustle, Witt.

Jon Sim was resigned for a year.  Andy Hilbert has also just been resigned for a one year two way contract.  AHL player Rob Hisey also joins the ranks with a similar contract to Andy.  So theres our depth, I suppose.

That being said, much is still up in the air.  The Islanders still need one more top 6 forward.  Signing an UFA looks pretty unlikely at this point.  Could Garth get lucky again with a steal of a trade?  Yea, and monkeys will fly outta my butt.  If anyone can pull if off, he can.  Training camp begins soon, and several surprise invitations have been given out.  Vets like Ruslan Fedotenko could end up fighting it out with rookies like Petrov for the last spot.

The Goalie Situation: Thank god we have Rolison for one more year.  DiPietro claims to be health and skating.  And management must believe him since we have no real alternative backup goalie outside of our AHL powerhouse Lawson.   Katie strang says the rumors of dealings with Niemi are BS.  But even if DP is, and can remain, healthy, does he still have what it takes? Throwing him right back into the big club is the worst idea since casting Stephen Baldwin in Slapshot 2.  We’d be better off just putting a garbage can in front of the net when Roli needs a rest.  I can never get anything past that goddamn can!  Or just send DP to Bridgeport for a few weeks to get his sea legs back.

Nino scores on the penalty shot

Nino the boy wonder was particularly impressive.  Size-wise he might just be NHL ready, and the kid has some slick moves and great hands. He took a penalty shoot in the second period and deked the pants off goalie Brian Robbins for the goal. He also tried a baseball style goal in the skills competition but came up short on accuracy.  If this were two years ago he’d probably be on the roster come October, but that would be rushing it.  He could benefit from another half year or so in the AHL if the Isles can spare him.

The quickly growing fan favorite Matt Martin also looked impressive.  His stride seems improved, and he was zipping his weight all over the ice and into opponents.  I’d be surprised if he didn’t finally break into the big club for real this year.

Travis Hamonic was also looking ready for prime time.  His size is incredible compared to a few short years ago, and his presence on the ice was noticeable.  Bruno might just find himself out of a job if he isn’t careful.

Kabanov fights it out behind the net with Hamonic

Kirill Kabanov is definitely a most skilled forward.  He had some great shots, great puck handling and maneuvering, and in this game had an uncanny ability to find himself open.  Unfortunately the kid is tiny out there.  Another year or two to mature both physically and emotionally will do him wonders.  He had great energy out there and was obviously grateful for the fan support, rooting them on when the game was over.

Robin Figren and David Toews also showed some great potential, particularly Figren in the break away skills competition.  He deked and did a full 360 in front of the net with the puck held tight between the ice and the tip of his downward pointing stick.

Net minder Mikko Koskinen was a giant out there, and performed great in the scrimmage.  But his slow lateral movement when faced with 6 incoming pucks in the skills competition might be concern enough for him to stay put for another year or so.

Matt Donovan and Joey Diamond were also some nice surprises out there, and are sure to warrant second looks by the islanders.  The biggest disappointment of the night, besides the long lines to get in, was the absence of Kirill Petrov, who complained of shoulder pain before the scrimmage.

Koskinen The Giant on ice with Kabanov and Niederreiter

Nino: "In 48 hours, I'll be accepting your apologies."

Prospect camp started this week with almost all our top prospects attending.  Petrov, Kabanov, Nino, Hamonic, Koskinen, Nilsson et al.  Notable injured are Calvin de Haan (whose present and skating, but not dressed) and Kevin Poulin.  See here for a full list.

This years camp is closed to the public with the exception of the Orange vs. Blue prospect scrimmage and skills tourney, taking place this Saturday at 7:00.  Purew.in will be in attendance and we’ll have a full write up to follow (and pictures as well, if they let this non-professional photographer in with his “professional” camera)

Our predictions? Hamonic, Petrov, and Nino are NHL-ready caliber talent that should steal the show.  Does Gordon and company agree? 48 hours from now, if they’re not convinced, I’m not convinced.

The Isles have also aquired some talented free agents, including defensemen Mark Eaton and Milan Jurcina, and forwards Zenon Konopka and P.A. Parenteau (the inevitable Tambellini replacement).  Konopka is a super entertaining enforcer, and Eaton is a skilled defensive defenseman.  The overall theme? Size, these are all big friggin guys.

And we wont even touch on the Kovalchuk fiasco.

1 – Direct Parking Traffic

At Christmas time he uses a whistle and break dances