TAMBELLINI THE REAL DEAL? Will This Streak End? This And Other Questions Asked & Answered

LETHAL WEAPON?

Jeff Tambellini is also known as a two season whipping boy on Long Island for being a first rounder who failed to live up to 1st round expectations. Well this year, he is showing something far different in 8 games he has 6 goals and 1 assist.

The year before? 65 games played with 7 goals and 8 assists.

In the vacuum of Trent Hunter’s chest injury, Tambellini has stepped in with much needed scoring. The only weakness is his icetime average of 11:53 per game. Clearly, he is being used sparingly, almost like a rapier thrust. But, there is no doubt it is working. I just wouldn’t expect him to blow out expectations now that he’s at least shown an ability to make a dent in the scoring tally. He is still a guy who has been a healthy scratch and string of good games on his return.

There is a good chance this patchwork might continue this season, which might indicate some effectiveness, but let’s not ordain him King of the Rink just yet. There is still some things for Tambs to work out….consistency and effectiveness for more than a stretch.

.500!

yes, the Islanders are at 500, and as always happens when things turn somewhat postive, everyone seems to forget that despite the .500 that there are still issues within. Roloson has come on lately, showing the kind of play that he was known for in Edmonton. Biron had one great outing, otherwise has been quite ordinary. So let’s not suddenly think we are pressing Pittsburgh anytime soon. Let’s take one day at a time, folks and keep expectations, hope and especially HYPE, reasonable.

Despite Tambellini’s scoring, this is still a team lacking anything beyond the top line. Mark Streit has been better. Brendan Witt even has risen out of the -10 ashes to a -7. His icetime has also moved back up.

To me, and I’ve said this many a season…

You cannot judge a team in how they win. It is in how they lose and overcome a losing stretch that might show them to be who they really are. Despite all the fan drama capitulated in message boards, comment sections and such…this slow start was not a slide. It was a stutter. So to me the jury is out until far deeper into this season to see what we have. So, to those suddenly on the win-train thinking all sorts of silliness….I am not onboard.

Ryan Smyth Trade Haters:

Robert Nilsson 1 goal and 2 assists and a -7

Ryan O’Mara still hasn’t seen the NHL, and is on the Springfield Falcons in the AHL also with a goal and 2 assists

Smyth? Has 15 points in 14 games with 6 goals and 8 assists for the LA Kings. Imagine tha.t

Still whining about that trade of two recognized weak players in their system that had value?

Coming up tonight, my endorsement on tomorrows vote, plus possibly more Lighthouse stuff.

Email me: BD@hockeyindependent.com

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