RAISING THE TITANIC: The Isles Rise Against The Odds

Don’t look now, but the Islanders have lifted from the depth like the carcass of the Titanic, and are tied at 23 points with a dropping NY Rangers and the Philly Flyers. The Isles, however, were not expected to win a cup like either team. If anything, the other two teams are disappointing their fan base. Meanwhile, the Isles are exceeding expectations of many by jelling, hard work, and scraping points, despite many OT losses.

There are issues to the Isles, but anything from them to stand over a level of mediocre is a wonderful surprise. But there are some things like a goal for and goals against disparity that needs to be overcome to really be a playoff bound team. Same goes for what is still the 3^rd worst league-wide number in Giveaways. BUT, they are a league best in Takeaways.

If there is a big difference to this year’s Isles, it might be in the coach. I said before this season in a few places: Faceoff radio show, Puck Daddy and others that this is a big checkpoint for Islander’s coach (and rap amateur) Scott Gordon. His team has seen new assistants and some very good attributes going on thus far:

The Islanders lead the league in blocked shots. Who is right behind them? Up and coming Colorado and cup champs, Pittsburgh.

Grit, hard-work, and the simple game plans are paying off. So are the production of rookie John Tavares, premium feel-good story Matt Moulson, and a clearly advancing development of Kyle Okposo into the player we were hoping he would be when he was drafted. John Tavares, by the way, as of right now, in his rookie campaign, is 26^th best in the NHL with 19 points. He is tied with just players as Philly’s Jeff Carter and the Blackhawks Patrick Kane.

Matt Moulson is 17^th best in the league in goals, tied with Sidney Crosby and Teemu Selanne.

Though I am still not convinced on Jeff Tambellini, who has scored far more than ever, but still is an on-ice liability with limited play-time. Gordo has gotten water from a stone in my opinion. More on that later.

Dwayne Roloson, who started the pre-season rusty and gawky, has smoothed out beautifully and been by far their best goaltender. He might not do it pretty, but he has been steady. His leadership is showing, where both he and Biron have high save percentages, yet the winning record is when Rolo plays.

Though Sean Bergenheim and Blake Comeau have not show what I feel is top two-line play, they have been excellent third line type players.

Two players who have been emerging this season: Jack Hillen and Frans Nielsen. Both have shown good growth. Jack Hillen is currently 18^th best in the league for defensemen in plus/minus with a plus 6.

On defense, Mark Streit clearly started off  blow…errr slow…but still is 20^th best in defensive point output. Expect better as he’s been coming on strong lately, as he promised.

WEAKPOINTS:

Points for anyone besides Moulson, Tavares and Okposo.

Luckily, Trent Hunter has been back and scoring once again. But when he went down, so did a lot of output besides the top line.

Tambellini opened lots of eyes, but still hasn’t really made everyday player on consistency. Every time you see someone talk up Tambs, mention he’s only played 13 games while healthy. That bespeaks volumes on how coaching still has issue with consistency and destroys the notion of a Tambellini coming out party, even if some fans have climbed aboard that bandwagon.

Josh Bailey, despite arguments that his linemates aren’t exactly scoring champs, still seems a step behind. What should have been a clear #2 center is still struggling. There is still to an argument that he lacks those around him on his lines to shine as an assist-maker. However, despite the Isles bridling at the term: Sophomore Slump, at current pace where Bailey has 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points thus far, he is on a path for LESS points than his rookie campaign with a projection of 23 points. That isn’t good, nor does it show growth. And, THAT IS an issue, despite Bailey apologists out there. It lends much argument to what was brought up by several last season that he should have remained on Windsor.

This can easily turn around if he can pour it on, with some solid linemates, however, erasing the contention. We will see.

The real weaklink to these NY Islanders is the severe lack of depth, most visibly shown on defense.

The Isles already have the oft injured Radek Matrtinek out for the year. It destroys the notion that he’s the league’s best-kept secret when he’s injured every season.

Brendan Witt, out for personal reasons, is a -8 and look about as comfortable as he did last year. One wonders if all is well between he and a team structure and style of play that simply doesn’t fit the older warrior. Meanwhile, Andy Sutton has thrived. Witt has not and how long will be his and the team’s patience in this regard of not such a great fit.

The rest of the D with Freddy Meyer and Bruno Gervais have not quite shown to be anything more than #5 and #6 dmen.

On offense:

Waiver pickup Rob Schremp hasn’t exactly wowed anyone. He has only played in 8 games with 2 assists and a -3. Speaking of taking space, Jon Sim is also -3 with one goal and two assists. If anyone should be packaged with Witt or Biron later this season as a throw in, it should be Sim to make room for youth.

Team weakness is still road games, where their giveaway/takeaway ratio is not so stellar. This is a young team that needs to become road warriors if they seriously want to contend for a playoff spot.

CONCLUSION:

There is not a doubt, as James Mirtle brought up in twitter last night, that the Isles ARE a story this year. They are 14^th overall in the entire league, while 7^th in the East, though they have played almost 4 game more than many teams right behind them, so that spot is rather tenuous. However it is very clear that something IS happening on Long Island, despite the standstill the Lighthouse Project now sits in.

But, it will be a very interesting late November and December that will truly tell the full story. Depth is rather thin, and injuries are happening. Can this team stay healthy? And if not, can they have people pitch in successfully?

If the Isles keep to this level, come the new year, they might be setting themselves up as buyers instead of sellers. This will depend on Rick DiPietro’s rehab and if Witt/Biron has value enough for more than a prospect or draft picks.

To truly add talent, the Isles would have to give up, well a lot more than their scraps they can do without. And that means some prospects.

All these projected thoughts are nil until the Isles show staying power.

Viva Viagra.