Comments for Offseason Game Plan: New York Islanders at http://hockey.dobbersports.com , comment 1 to 3 out of 3 comments http://hockey.dobbersports.com Sat, 25 May 2013 10:05:46 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/russ-miller/4714-offseason-game-plan-new-york-islanders#comment-21460 I think that we can expect an improvement from the NYI over the first few weeks/months of the season in that other teams will not be prepared for the increase in talent coming from the islanders. However over the long ugly haul of the season a lack of depth (as I see it) and the marathon characteristics of 82 games will rear its ugly head. I feel that the NYI can expect to qualify for another lottery pick, which in itself is a good thing as the team doesn't have a rink worth playing in and the fan base has deteriorated from the glory days. The kids will learn and improve which is the key element for this club going forward. The team needs an identity and leaders to grab the horns and demand consistency from its members. In the longer run the blueline is built around Hamonic, Reinhart, Donovan, Mayfield and to a lessor extent MacDonald/Dehaan. Overall its a blueline with size, wheels, and sandpaper. At least that is how this rangers fan see them. Streit and to a significantly lessor extent Vis are place holders and hopefully will garner a return come trade deadline time in 2013. The glass is half full at this point for the NYI. Hopefully the team will find a home perhaps in Brooklyn because the situation on the Island is ugly. I feel for the fans of the team if they decide to move somewhere such as Hamilton, Seattle or become the 2nd team in Toronto because the talent is approaching the turning of tides. Tavarez is becoming a game breaker and if the club can find a legit 2nd line with scoring threat they will be looking at a good run over the next decade. - donpaulo Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:18:24 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/russ-miller/4714-offseason-game-plan-new-york-islanders#comment-21454 Basically what Isle B. said...we have piles of talent but some guys need to take a step up in their play. Also, couldn't agree more on acquiring some toughness in the top 4 D...I am pretty stoked to see what Streit and Vis can do together though. - allonblack Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:23:04 +0100 http://hockey.dobbersports.com/index.php/russ-miller/4714-offseason-game-plan-new-york-islanders#comment-21451 Pandolfo and Haley will not likely be back. If Reasoner is not bought out (which he should be), he will be strictly a 4th liner, if that. Okposo is probably the likeliest to take Parenteau's spot on the top line, but don't count out Bailey, who looked like a completely different (and much better) player at RW than he ever did in nearly 4 seasons as center. Bailey has the playmaking ability from the wing that could more-effectively replace PAP's skill on that line. Niederreiter should start off the year in Bridgeport after his miserable rookie season. I would think that Strome and Kabanov could make the team if they at all look like they belong in the NHL in preseason. Ullstrom, Joensuu and Cizikas will probably make the team as of now. Nielsen, Grabner (who needs to rebound in a big way) and Martin will all play significant minutes. Last year this team had zero depth scoring. They have the pieces at forward but they need something that makes them fall into place, like a legit 2nd line center. If Strome can make the huge leap and legitimately seize that mantle, this team might finally be able to score some goals. There are 3 holes to fill on defense, even with the acquisition of Visnovsky (assuming they carry 7 defensemen). The Isles really need a legit veteran top 4 defender with some snarl to round out Hamonic, Streit and Visnovsky. MacDonald really ought to be a 5th defenseman, which would leave two spots open for de Haan, Dylan Reese, Ness, Donovan and maybe even Reinhardt. In goal, I think this is the year DiPietro finally, rightfully either steps aside or is shunted aside. Nabokov backed up by either Poulin or Nilsson should give them adequate goaltending. - Isle B. Mon, 25 Jun 2012 09:44:20 +0100