Opinion: Isles Viewing Party-Gate

The Islanders announced last week their next Meetup will be Friday, August 19 at Champions to watch a replay of the Islanders 9-3 dominating win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 11. The game was considered somewhat controversial due to an indefensible hit by Trevor Gillies. Not to mention a multitude of brawls that resulted in suspensions given to Gillies, Matt Martin, and Eric Godard. Micheal Haley got into three fights, including one against goalie Brent Johnson. Lost in all of this was the fact the Islanders scored nine goals in a game that many fans consider a franchise turning point that brought the Isles together with them primed to take the next step.

After this announcement, the media took it upon themselves to call it another instance of the Islanders, well, being the Islanders - aka being a classless, joke of an organization with no respect for the league, its fans, and its players. Some links (hat tip to Islandermania):

CBS Sports
Pro Hockey Talk
The Pens Blog
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Deadspin

And the one positive article:

Puck Daddy

Of course, we all know the Islanders have done some, well, loony things over the years. Does that mean this is one of them? Absolutely not. First of all, the Islanders have had quite a few meet-ups over the course of the summer, including one a few weeks ago joined by Matt Moulson to rewatch Game 4 from the 2002 playoffs against Toronto. They are not just having a one-time event to celebrate their biggest and most gratifying win of the season.

This is a game that MSG+, not the Islanders, is re-airing. Every summer, MSG/MSG+ shows the top games of the season for the Islanders, Rangers, Knicks, and Devils. Can one person argue that this is not one of the Islanders games of the season? Remember, they scored nine goals. This exact game would be a highlight for every single team in the league if they played it. Yes, even the Penguins.

Let's take a look at the game itself. Other than the Trevor Gillies/Eric Tangradi incident, which is completely and utterly indefensible, what exactly was so wrong? One could argue the Matt Martin on Max Talbot sequence. I have seen this compared to Todd Bertuzzi/Steve Moore. This could not be farther from the truth. In fact, Martin has the ability to completely suckerpunch Talbot in the back of his head, but when he saw Talbot turtle, he held up. Still, his suspension was warranted and that should have closed the book on that.

One could argue the Micheal Haley trio of fights, including the one against goalie Brent Johnson. Except for the fact that Johnson was out at the blueline challenging Haley. And while that was happening, former Islander Eric Godard jumped off the bench to interfere. Yet the Islanders were the ones fined for losing control of their players - completely justifiable, but it goes both ways.

In fact, it was not even the game itself - which from start to finish was a complete annihilation by the Islanders, but it was the post-game reaction from fans and players alike. Without taking a time machine back to February 12 - we all know about Mario Lemieux's statement, the media commentary, and fan commentary, we can honestly say the fact that this game is being branded as the worst thing to happen to the NHL last season is absolutely ridiculous.

It has been six months since that game. It is time for everybody - Islander fans, Penguin fans, the media - to get over it. For one night, the Islanders were the better team. For one night, they beat the Penguins with their hockey sticks and with their fists. The next game, in April, the Isles and Pens battled to a 65-minute draw before a Penguins victory in the skills competition. Now, all we want to do is look forward for the teams' first meeting of the season in October.

The whining by Pittsburgh, especially The Pensblog, needs to stop. The Islanders are not celebrating this game like they won the Stanley Cup. They are trying to establish a connection to their fans through social media, by replaying a game shown by MSG+ as one of the highlights of the season. They have done it for other games. And after this, they will do it for more. This is not an anti-Penguins event - it is to get fans excited for the 2011-12 season. Because let's face it, there is nothing the Islanders have done transaction wise to get the casual fan excited.

We completely defend the organization here. And we would do so even if it was a one-time event. If the rest of the league wants to call the Isles pathetic and classless and a waste of the team, then the fans and team should embrace that identity. No, they should not goon it up - that is not what I am saying. But they should wear that chip on their shoulder, play hard and drive to get better so that in the end - they can be the ones that said "We told you so." So on that note, because well, we loved that game, here are the highlights:

AT: Just to add in a quick comment, I completely agree with Carey here. Penguin fans need to grow up. We've had a terrible past few seasons and this game (along with the other games MSG replays) was one of the few moments last season that Islander fans really had something to celebrate. No, not the Gillies or Martin cheapshots, but standing up to a team in general that has completely disrespected us - even after being in our situation not too long ago with both their arena and on ice problems. Totally pathetic showing by the once again hypocritical Pittsburgh fans and media who still have Matt Cooke on their roster, one of the most renowned cheap shot artists in the game. In the past few months, this is the only major mention of the game, and in itself it isn't really that major. Just a simple meetup for Isles fans through social media. Yet, it seems as if we've left a stinger embedded deep within the city of Pittsburgh that not even the best pair of pliers could possibly pull out.

It's pretty funny as well how the general media has completely misunderstood everything about the game to this day, even with the information out there. Such as Deadspin inferring that the DiPietro-Johnson fight took place on the same night that the 9-3 game occurred. Stick to making jabs at Brett Favre's endowment, Deadspin.

I think the uproar over this is hilarious and I hope the Islanders do more things similar to this in the future as long as it aggravates Penguins fans and the uneducated media. We already have no sympathy around the league, it's time to put up our guns - and not just on the ice. As fans.

Season Preview: Andrei Pedan

Andrei Pedan

Position: D

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 203 lbs
Birthdate: July 7th, 1993 (18 years old)
Birthplace: Kaunas, Lithuania (Russian national team)
Acquired: Draft, round 3, 63rd overall, 2011 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Team: Guelph Storm
2010-2011 Stats: 51 GP - 2 G - 10 A - 89 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Guelph Storm
Team Role: Top 4, 2 way D-man

Last year: Pedan had a great year with Guelph in his first year in the OHL. He was a staple on their defense and really ramped up his offensive abilities in the playoffs, contributing 8 assists in 6 games. Pedan really adjusted to the North American game well, and his decent mobility with his size allowed him to shut down defenders and break up 2 and 3 on 1 rushes very easily. His hockey sense was a major reason why Guelph's defense was so solid last year. He had and has a very solid shot, but needs to learn to use it more.

Expectations: Pedan will only grow further into his already gigantic body, and will need learn to refine his defensive and offensive game so he can make it in the NHL. If he continues at the pace he's going, he will see time in the NHL in 1-2 years. We expect a very solid defensive year from Pedan with ramped up offensive prowess after an offseason training hard. He also needs to work on not taking bad penalties, as while he is known to drop the gloves to defend his teammates, a good portion of his PIMs came from normal penalties that should not have been taken. Pedan should have a very solid year for the Storm.

Projections: 63 GP - 5 G - 15 A - 20 P

Thoughts:

AT: I loved this pick and still do. Pedan (along with Mayfield) was exactly the type of pick we needed. Our defense is filled with skilled players, but no really large dominating force such as someone like Pedan who is known to use his body in order to make the plays he needs to make. Ty Wishart and Milan Jurcina are both larger players, but don't really have that "bone crushing hit" caliber to them. It's nice to have a player like Pedan in the system and I'm sure we will see him in the NHL sooner rather than later, possible in a year or two. We can only hope his game continues to stride forward and he continues to fill out that big 6'4" frame of his.

CH: Like Alex said, Pedan was exactly the type of pick the Islanders needed. We loved this pick when it was made at 63, as he marked the 4th of the 5 picks the Isles took in our top 100. Big and strong, Pedan has the ability to use his size to his advantage. He is physical and has no qualms about using his body. Now that he is used to the North American style, he should be completely adjusted and is primed for a much better second season. This was evident by his great play in last year's OHL playoffs. It's time for Andrei to take the next step, and if he does, the Islanders can say they have yet another potential NHL player on their hands.

Season Preview: Brenden Kichton

Brenden Kichton

Position: D
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 174 lbs
Birthdate: June 18, 1992 (19 years old)
Birthplace: Spruce Grove, Alberta
Acquired: Draft, round 5, 127th overall, 2011 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Team: Spokane Chiefs
2010-2011 Stats: 23 G - 58 A - 81 P - 31 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Spokane Chiefs
Team Role: Top-4 Defenseman

Last year: Kichton had a true breakout season on the powerful Chiefs team last season. With 81 points in just 64 games and a +55 rating, Kichton proved he had the ability to be a high level offensive defenseman at the WHL level. Kichton had similar results in the playoffs, totaling 11 points in 17 games for the Chiefs with a +10 rating. Playing with top Ottawa prospect Jared Cowen, Kichton really took his game to the next level as a veteran WHL player and will need to bring the same experience as an over-ager next year.

Expectations: Losing Jared Cowen was a major blow to the Spokane defense, but they will be getting Kichton back for sure this season. Kichton should be poised to have another very productive season, though he is not yet in overager. The Chiefs still have a pretty decent and experienced defense, but Kichton will certainly be counted on to be a leader there. It's imperative for the Chiefs that he maintains his stellar QB play while adding the quality of play in the defensive zone that he provided.

Projections: 57 GP - 19 G - 41 A - 60 P

Thoughts:

CH: The Chiefs are a pretty experienced team, and Kichton will certainly be counted on to provide leadership and good two-way play. It's hard to imagine him having another dream season like 2010-11, but he should still be extremely productive and could average over a PPG again. I liken this pick to when the Isles chose Jared Spurgeon (also from Spokane) towards the end of the 2008 draft. While they did not sign him, Spurgeon has found a home with the Minnesota Wild. Perhaps this is the Isles taking a mulligan on Spurgeon and going with someone who has similar potential. Definitely more of a "now" pick, Kichton could be ready for AHL play next year and from there it's certainly possible he sees NHL time. The key is how his size and defensive ability translates to the next level. For now, however, it's just important for Brenden to put together another great WHL season.

AT: Solid player in the WHL, but his stats are "inflated" per se after being on a very, very powerful Spokane team with a deadly offense. He's on the smaller size so he'll be fighting with many other smaller height offensive defensemen in the Isles system such as Aaron Ness, Matt Donovan, Calvin De Haan, Robbie Russo and Mark Katic. He will certainly add to the AHL roster and could definitely flourish being paired with someone like De Haan, but first we need to see if he can put up another solid season in Spokane. I definitely like this pick and I'm glad he was chosen, but I need to see more before I can really make a true judgment.

Season Preview: John Persson

John Persson

Position: RW
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 192 lbs
Birthplace: Östersund, Sweden
Acquired: Draft, round 5, 125th overall, 2011 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Team: Red Deer Rebels
2010-2011 Stats: 33 G - 28 A - 61 P - 34 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Red Deer Rebels
Team Role: Top 6 forward

Last year: An older player for the draft, Persson finally got his chance to play big minutes in the WHL after coming over from Sweden and proved himself quite well. Playing with the likes of this year's #1 overall, Ryan Nugent Hopkins, Persson found himself with a very admirable 61 points, coupled with a 30+ goal season. Garth Snow noted that his skilled hands were one of the reasons he was drafted. An absolute power forward, Persson was also known for his fighting ability.

Expectations: Red Deer's success depends on if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins gets sent back to Red Deer. While he is not completely quintessential to the team making the playoffs, his addition would allow players like Persson to continue to flourish with his power play expertise and general playmaking skills. Persson will be 19 for this season and older than a good portion of his comrades, so he should be able to come into his own this season if he is slotted with the right teammate to set him up.

Projections: 68 GP - 35 G - 30 A - 65 P

Thoughts:

AT: Persson could end up being a great value pick for a 5th rounder. He reads like a cross breed between Jesse Joensuu and Matt Martin, the latter being where on the Islanders he will fill his role when his time is finally here. Obviously he has a nose for the net and when properly set up, can achieve great success. Seeing him with one of our (by then) seasoned prospects such as Cizikas, Ullstrom, Lee or Nelson on the bottom 6 in the future is a very exciting thought. Persson needs to prove that he can come into his own, but I have high hopes for this young kid from Sweden.

CH: It should be very interesting to see if Persson ends up playing on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins this year, assuming he stays with the Rebels and not with the Oilers. I had not heard of Persson when he was picked, but the more I read on him the more I think he was a good pick for the organization. Persson can only play one more year in the WHL and is eligible for the AHL next season, and with a lack of wings at the AHL level (only Rakhshani), he should be able to slide in and potentially make an impact. He needs another productive year, but this under-the-radar pick could easily become a member of the Sound Tigers next season.

Season Preview: Robbie Russo

Robbie Russo

Position: Defense

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 190 lbs

Birthplace: Westmont, Illinois, United States

Acquired: Draft, 4th round, 95th overall, 2011

2010-2011 Team: US U-18 (USDP)

2010-2011 Stats: 60 GP - 4 G - 26 A - 30 P - 27 PIM

2011-2012 Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Team Role: Bottom Pairing Defenseman

Last year: Russo played top four minutes and was one of the most reliable defenseman for the U-18 National Program for the United States. He played in all situations for the team, compiling 30 points in 60 games. Russo also had a stint for the USNTDP in the USHL, playing 24 games and assisting on six goals. He had an incredible WJC U-18 tournament in Germany with 8 points in 7 games while representing his country as the captain of the team.

Expectations: Russo enters next season committed to Notre Dame. He will join the very solid program as a freshman and will play alongside Anders Lee, who is entering his sophomore season. Notre Dame has a pretty young blueline led by Stephen Johns and Sam Calabrese. Because of that, Russo will certainly have his chance to make his mark. Expect the defenseman to be a project lasting at least three years, if not all four at Notre Dame. Chances are he starts at the bottom of the totem pole, but with solid play, he should earn himself for icetime by the end of the year. It really all depends on Robbie.

Projections: 28 GP - 2 G - 11 A - 13 P

Thoughts

CH: I was a huge fan of Russo at the spot they took him. We had him ranked at #50, so I thought it was a great value pick for them to grab him at #95. The fact is that Russo is certainly a project and won't see any professional time until the Isles lease comes to an end. But he has potential to be a solid AHL defenseman at the very least, if not more. If he makes the NHL, he will most likely be a bottom pairing defenseman, which is still great value for a 4th round pick. Ironically, in reading previews to the 2011 Draft, a prominent blog, Western College Hockey, compared Russo's play to Matt Donovan. Pretty good company to be in, so his development curve will certainly be one to watch. Keep the Irish on your radar this year, for sure.

AT: Russo is going to a fantastic hockey program at Notre Dame where he will join fellow Islanders draft prospect Anders Lee. As Carey stated, we had him ranked pretty high, so to get him at 95 is a bit disconcerting but more-so enjoyable in terms of value. He's not a large D-man and will probably never push anyone off of the puck, but has the skills to make it to the NHL as a puck moving D-man who has defensive capabilities. It will be fun to watch him develop over the next few years at ND. 

Signing: Isles Sign F Sean Backman

The Islanders announced today that they have signed AHL depth forward Sean Backman to a one year, two way deal. Backman played 4 years with the Yale Bulldogs and played a year with the Dallas Stars' affiliate last year, racking up a little over 20 points. Most notably is that Backman happens to be Matt Moulson's brother in law.

AT: As I've always said, after Bridgeport's abysmal season last year, I'll take any improvement on the team, regardless of where. Backman had some decent stats playing for Yale and played okay for his first year at the minor league level, so he should be able to slot in about 30-40 points playing on the bottom 6 forward slot at Bridgeport, and unless he shocks the world with his play will not be called up to the Islanders any time soon.

He happens to be Matt Moulson's brother in law (and at this point I question if Moulson has any brother in laws who don't play hockey... his other is Jonathan Quick of the Kings) which clearly had a lot to do with this signing. While some might see giving favors to players in the form of signing their relatives is a sort of hockey spoils system, we need to remember that Moulson himself was invited to the Islanders training camp in 2009 because of his relationship with John Tavares. Sometimes, these things work out, and again, there is no way Backman sees any NHL time unless he performs at an elite level in camp or he outshines everyone at Bridgeport. With new forwards Casey Cizikas (most likely), Tim Wallace and Tyler McNeely as well as the returning Jeremy Colliton, Rhett Rakhshani and David Ullstrom, it's hard to see Backman outshining anyone right out of the gate.

CH: Nothing wrong with adding a bit of depth here. Backman reminds me of a Sean Bentivoglio type player - undersized, speedy, can fill in on a top-9 role in the AHL. The Islanders need these types of players to hold down the fort, especially if they have guys like Tim Wallace and Rhett Rakhshani coming up every so often. It's obvious that Moulson's connection is a reason this signing was made, but who cares? The fact is, as Alex pointed out, that Moulson was partly brought in because of his relationship with John Tavares. It's good to keep these connections in-house. It makes the organization come together as it shows a sense of loyalty to the players. Maybe Backman won't make an impact, but this is still a worthwhile signing. Organizationally, the Islanders are better off with Backman today, a guy who can maybe score 30 points in the AHL.

Season Preview: Mitchell Theoret

Mitchell Theoret
Position: Center
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 196 lbs
Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Acquired: Draft, 7th round, 185th overall, 2011

2010-2011 Team: Niagara IceDogs
2010-2011 Stats: 9 G - 11 A - 20 P - 52 PIM
2011-2012 Team: Niagara IceDogs
Team Role: Top-9 Center

Last year: Theoret played a bottom 6 role last year, but still put up a respectable 20 points in the time he was given. He was still fairly young and on a team that has two great centers in fellow Islanders draftee Ryan Strome as well as Alex Friesen. Theoret was on the 4th line, but when injuries took their toll on the IceDogs depth chart, Theoret was able to become an effective power forward-esque type player. He was also known to be a very high character guy which we know Garth Snow is enamored with.

Expectations: Theoret will definitely be seeing more playing time this year. If he can find consistency in his game, it would not be surprising to see him slotted in on the 2nd line as a winger. With his skilled hands and effectiveness at creating scoring chances, Theoret could become quintessential to Niagara's 5-on-5 play. He still has time to prove himself, and with an advanced role this year, the opportunity to show what kind of player he is sits right in front of him.

Projections: 66 GP - 20 G - 22 A - 42 P

Thoughts

AT: The minute Theoret was picked, everyone knew it was most likely a favor to Strome as they had a very good connection and friendship back in Niagara which will continue to flourish once Strome and Theoret inevitably return to the OHL for the 2011-2012 season. However, with the scouting reports and with the play he has shown so far, Theoret could end up being a 7th round pick we love in the future. He will never be a Henrik Zetterberg, but a very solid 3rd line center or winger in the NHL is completely possible. It's up to him to take advantage of his increased playing time this year.

CH: I questioned this pick when it was made, because like Alex said the intentions of it were clear. However, showing loyalty is not necessarily a bad thing. When I saw Theoret at rookie camp, it was clear that he was more than just a sparkplug type. He can play a little too. It will be very interesting to see how he develops this year, if he sees time with Ryan Strome on a good Niagara team, and what kind of impact he makes. This is a big year to prove that Theoret was deserving of his pick.

Season Preview: Corey Trivino

Corey Trivino

Position: Center

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 174

Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario

Acquired: Draft - 2nd Round, 36th Overall, 2008 Draft

2010-11 Team: Boston University
2010-11 Stats: 37 G, 8 G, 20 A, 28 PTS, 23 PIM
2011-12 Team: Boston University
Team Role: Top-9 Center

Last Year: Trivino started off the season serving a suspension due to an off-ice incident, but ended up having a very solid year for BU last year. He finished with 28 points in 37 games playing generally in a 2nd/3rd line role. Trivino was very solid defensively and on faceoffs, while having the second most points on the BU squad, which had 13 NHL draft picks on the team last year. Trivino also finished with 3 assists in his 3 playoff games.

Expectations: Trivino faces a lot of pressure as he enters his senior season for Jack Parker's Terriers. Not only does he have a lot to prove to get signed by the Islanders, he is also expected to be one of the leaders of his team as a senior. The team does have very good talent in Charlie Coyle and Matthew Nieto, but Trivino needs to play an important support role this season for both BU and to get himself an ELC from the Isles.

Projections: 38 G - 11 G - 23 A - 34 P

Thoughts

CH: After being picked very early on in the masterful 2008 draft by the Islanders, Trivino has not lived up to the expectations of his selection. However, since he did go the college route, he has had time to develop under the great tutelage of Jack Parker. This has clearly done him well, as Trivino finished with more points last year than his freshman and sophomore years combined. He enters this season with a chance to earn a contract in an organization that is extremely deep at center. To do that, he will have to be practically spectacular. Given his role on BU this year, there is nothing that will prevent him from having a very solid season. If he does, it will be sure to make the Islanders think twice before releasing him. The ball is in your court, Corey.

AT: Once thought of as a bust by some fans, Trivino showed some really solid stuff last year on a very strong Terriers program up at BU. Still extremely small, Trivino needs to bulk up and hone in on the hockey skills that he is lacking in. He still has a shot to be a part of Bridgeport in a few years and could contribute once finely tuned by the Terriers program, but as for right now he needs to focus on showing he is ready for the professional level by contributing as much as possible at BU this year. 

Season Preview: Jason Clark

Jason Clark
Position: LW
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 183 lbs
Birthplace: Eden Prairie, Minnesota, United States
Acquired: Draft - 3rd round, 82nd overall, 2010 draft



2010-2011 Team: University of Wisconsin Badgers
2010-2011 Stats: 14 GP - 0 G - 1 A - 1 P - 6 PIM
2011-2012 Team: University of Wisconsin Badgers 
Team role: Bottom 6 forward

Last year:

As expected of a freshman hockey player, Clark did not play much and when he did, was not utilized. Wisconsin has a very good team and Clark was not expected to get much playing time when players like Craig Smith and Mark Zengerle, one an older player and one who is simply shining at UW.  Both represent the main part of the offense for UW. Clark played 14 games as a bottom 6 forward and only had 1 assist.

Expectations:

If he can prove himself, Clark could find himself as a more utilized 3rd line player. He's not a dynamic player by any means, but his hockey sense is very efficient and there could be a way he could find himself some chemistry and stability on UW's bottom 6 as a sophomore.

Projections:

27 GP - 4 G - 7 A - 11 P

Thoughts

AT: Clark has potential, which is why he was drafted in the third round and in the top 100. He was a producing player with good hockey sense for his age at Shattuck St. Mary's, the famous high school in Minnesota that has produced many hockey greats currently playing in the NHL, including the Islanders' own Kyle Okposo. He certainly needs to improve his hockey skills and will probably not be signed by the Islanders before his time at UW is done unless he really proves himself, but we know he has the potential to produce.

Signing: Islanders Re-Sign Blake Comeau to 1 year, $2.5m deal

The Islanders announced they have re-signed forward Blake Comeau to a 1 year deal worth $2.5m, avoiding the August 4th arbitration date.

AT: First thing that came to my mind when I saw this was that he was getting traded. We all believed he was going to be included in some sort of deal for a top 4 defenseman, and with this sort of deal it sorts of confirms it. I believe he would still be an RFA after this deal is up since he is only 25, and that sets up a perfect sign and trade sort of situation for whoever he's being traded to. Obviously, this is all conjecture right now, but a deal like this screams of a trade. If so, we wish you the best, Blake. A major trade is exactly what the Isles need in order to prevent fans from jumping off the ledge at this point.

CH: I have to agree with Alex here. Comeau had a breakout season with 24 goals and 22 assists last season. As a result, his value as at an all-time high and now that he is on a one-year deal at a very reasonable price range, he gives potential suitors both roster flexibility and potential production. If the Islanders are going to focus on acquiring a top-4 defenseman, Comeau is almost sure to be a main piece of that deal. We should final out relatively soon if that is the route they decide to go, potentially even happening as soon as tomorrow.

However, there is of course the chance the Islanders decide to keep Comeau this season. For a guy who played the majority of last season with linemates such as Jesse Joensuu, Jon Sim, Rob Schremp, and a struggling Josh Bailey, Comeau still put up a very productive season, tallying his first 20-goal season. It would not surprise me in the least to see the Islanders keep Comeau, with hopes the 25 year old can expand on his breakout.

I would place the odds of Comeau staying or going at 50/50, to be perfectly honest. I would not surprised to see him traded, nor would I be surprised to see him kept. This is very much a wait-and-see situation, but for all we know, we could even find out tomorrow.