Official 2011-2012 New York Islanders Thread

[nyislesfan45]

Figured that it'd be a good time for another one of these since the rookie games have started. Let's hope for as many HF.com award nominations as this past year.

[nyislesfan45]

So what do you guys think so far after the first couple of pre-season games?


Good:
-Streit makes the PP look so much better.
-JT looked as quick as ever against the Devs. He was skating circles around them. Moulson, KO, Grabs and Neilsen all looked great.
-Gillies looks to be a top 5 hw this year.
-Staios looks like a good option on the 3rd d-pair.
-I though De Haan and Reese both looked good in the Boston game.

Bad:
-Jurcina and Eaton look slow and soft. Hoping Wishart goes to the AHL too.
-Jay Pandolfo looked like crap, I can see the Isles signing him somehow too.
-Comeau looked disinterested in playing. Same with PaP.
-Even though he looked decent enough, DP was still way out of the net.

[GODARDNYI]

the online streams give me motion sickness, so i had a hard time watching them. gillies looks like a ****ing monster, like a man on a mission.

i feel weird going into this season. i have a higher sense of optimism this year. to tell you the truth, i dont know if thats a good thing. i'm excited that so far they have a team that hasnt been injured before the season starts.

i hate the goalie sitution, and i have zero faith in DP. I dont even want to see him play anymore.

all in all, im just ****in happy hockey is back. i can't wait to start watching games.

[Isles4life]

Despite being permanently pessimistic, I am looking forward to seeing the further development of the young guns like Tavares, Grabner, Moulson, and Okposo, and thrilled to have Mark Streit back anchoring the blueline.

A couple quick comments about active roster decision issues:
-I like Steve Staios. I think they could use his veteran presence on the back end, and I definitely prefer him to the likes of Eaton and Mottau. And before someone else brings it up, I'd rather see Calvin de Haan get some more minor league seasoning before getting a regular roster spot with this team.

-Traditionally, I've always liked Jay Pandolfo over the course of his career. Great role player, but I think he's done. While I'm sure the Islanders will end up decimated by injuries like they always do, there are enough other players I'd like to see in the lineup over what Pandolfo brings at this stage of his career.

-The goaltending by committee makes me nervous as hell. They're stuck with DiPietro (until he gets hurt again) and he doesn't inspire any confidence in me. Can Montoya play anywhere near the level he did last season? I'm also not overly confident in that at this point, but I'm hopeful. And as for Nabokov, they have to find a way to unload him, although he could end up being their best option in net. Obviously Poulin should be out of the immediate picture for now, let him develop while there's a clusterf*ck of other guys in the crease. But keeping the trio of DP-Montoya-Nabokov will only lead to drama and serve as a distraction for as long as all 3 remain members of the Islanders organization. And unless Ricky suffers that inevitable injury in the next week, there's no place for keeping all 3 guys within the organization.

[Two-Four]

I have to agree with the rest of you that I am actually really excited about this season. Despite the whole arena debacle theres a lot to be excited for on the ice.
John Tavares looked great out there. I think this could be a big year for him. Moulson looks like he's going to pick up right where he left off. We'll see what happens with Nino but he looked much stronger than he did last year. Okposo looked good out there. Hopefully it will be a big bounce back year for him. And Grabner just creates so many chances and opportunities out there. His potential seems almost limitless.

Staious looked good. And Hamonic seems stronger(which is needed).
I think Gillies will make a run at the heayweight title this year if he plays enough.
And boy did I miss Streit. I forgot how the power play could look.

I didn't see much from Martin. But it's only one game. Strome was pretty invisible. Might take him a little time to mature physically and mentally.

And the goalie situation is a cluster****. I have no faith in dp being a possible permanent solid goalie situation. And at this point, what makes anyone think Ricky can actually get back to peak playing form. He is so far removed from his peak it's silly. I hate to say it but at thiis point, I wish DP could just go away and we could move on already.

[scrapper62]

I sat against the glass for the game against the Devils and have watched all preseason games thus far. I am impressed. It should take a while before a few of these guys go full-throttle. Okposo, Grabner, Nielsen are great. Streit looks to bring consistency. JT and Moulson are good to go. Screw Pandolfo, Bailey, Reasoner, Mottau, and Eaton. Nino hasn't impressed me yet. Haley, Gillies and Martin would be great if Gillies stays up with the team for most of the season. Things are looking good.

[IhateLindros]

Keep Staois, lose Pandalfo

[metalrider]

Originally Posted by Two-Four

Staious looked good. And Hamonic seems stronger(which is needed).
I think Gillies will make a run at the heayweight title this year if he plays enough.

I doubt it since he's probably gonna get a 20-game suspension for a hand pass.
Unfortunately, I don't think we'll see him that much this year, I hope I'm wrong though.

Staios seems like a great guy and I wouldn't mind keeping him. He's been around for a while now and knows what it take to win, also seems like a great guy to have in the locker room. As for Pandolfo, I didn't like the invite, I would hate if he gets signed.

[LAWMAN]

I have been a little busy with work...but have the Isles announced the opening night roster yet?

[Hagstrom]

Forwards:
Josh Bailey, Blake Comeau, Michael Grabner, Matt Martin, Matt Moulson, Frans Nielsen, Kyle Okposo, Jay Pandolfo, PA Parenteau, Marty Reasoner, Brian Rolston, Ryan Strome and John Tavares

Defensemen:
Mark Eaton, Travis Hamonic, Milan Jurcina, Andrew MacDonald, Mike Mottau, Steve Staios and Mark Streit

Goalies:
Rick DiPietro, Al Montoya and Evgeni Nabokov

Jeremy Colliton, Trevor Gillies, Mark Katic, Nino Niederreiter and Rhett Rakhshani are all listed on the team’s injured reserve list.

[Isles4life]

Well, the team thoroughly entertained us with a great attitude of enforcing down the stretch last year. Not to bring everyone down, but I just wanted to point out to everyone, in case you haven't noticed, that the Islanders are in danger of icing a pitifully soft lineup fairly frequently. While I don't believe Gillies' injury is expected to keep him out long, he's still likely to be the healthy scratch most nights. With Haley having been sent down, that just leaves Matt Martin as the only real source of toughness in the lineup, who I wouldn't say is out of the realm of possibility of seeing some time in the press box as well depending on his play. Even with Martin in the lineup, that's a really soft roster. The potential of no Martin, Gillies, or Haley is a disastrous thought. Travis Hamonic vs. the world.

Where's Mike Comrie when you need him?

[GODARDNYI]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

Well, the team thoroughly entertained us with a great attitude of enforcing down the stretch last year. Not to bring everyone down, but I just wanted to point out to everyone, in case you haven't noticed, that the Islanders are in danger of icing a pitifully soft lineup fairly frequently. While I don't believe Gillies' injury is expected to keep him out long, he's still likely to be the healthy scratch most nights. With Haley having been sent down, that just leaves Matt Martin as the only real source of toughness in the lineup, who I wouldn't say is out of the realm of possibility of seeing some time in the press box as well depending on his play. Even with Martin in the lineup, that's a really soft roster. The potential of no Martin, Gillies, or Haley is a disastrous thought. Travis Hamonic vs. the world.

Where's Mike Comrie when you need him?

**** man, i couldnt agree more... this team is looking VERY soft without gillies and haley. i was hoping that the verteran they were talking about bringing in would have some toughness.

travis hamonic is one of my favorite player in the league...the thought of him having a big role in providing toughness scares me. the dude is tough as nails, but hes not ready yet.

[BobNystromOwnsU]

As much as I love the kid, and am hoping I am wrong here, WTF is Strome doing on that roster?

And I'm not worried about the toughness, Haley will be an Islander sooner than later. Hopefully NOT after JT's skull is crushed.

[GODARDNYI]

Originally Posted by BobNystromOwnsU

As much as I love the kid, and am hoping I am wrong here, WTF is Strome doing on that roster?

And I'm not worried about the toughness, Haley will be an Islander sooner than later. Hopefully NOT after JT's skull is crushed.

same deal as to why nino was up last year... he wont stay up. they just want to have a look and see how he handles himself.

[BobNystromOwnsU]

Originally Posted by GODARDNYI

same deal as to why nino was up last year... he wont stay up. they just want to have a look and see how he handles himself.

Yeah, I know. I'm not sure most think it's a good idea.

We will see.