An independent blog on the New York Islanders, the NHL and AHL by a guy from New York.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Isles Notes For 6/5


Arthur Staple reports that, “F Mikhail Grigorenko on LI today visiting with Isles.  Was 40-45-85 for Quebec of the QMJHL this season.”  Grigorenko suffers from the “Russian Stigma,” of a lazy longshot.  He also may be the sleeper of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  He has huge upside, strong play making ability and dangerous hands.  His size and hockey sense make him an appealing pick, but not sure if I’d go there at the 4th position.





Andy Strickland reported that, “The Florida Panthers will likely look to trade Jason Garrison's rights if unable to sign the promising D-man.”  Hmmm.  In 77 games, Garrison was 16 and 17 for 33pts last season.  That’s a 15 point increase from 2010-11 and a 25 point increase from his rookie campaign in 2009-10.  What would the Isles would have to give up?



Chris Botta reported that, “The lone Isles representative at last week's NHL Scouting Combine was the team's scout that covers the OHL and surrounding region, Tim MacLean. (I'm told only Dallas matched NYI with sparse representation). Besides making sure prospects completed the NYI's psych testing, MacLean reminded some of the players that their presence is requested on Long Island. NYI have begun in-person meetings on LI and elsewhere. Murray and Forsberg are among the kids at the top of the list for Snow/Wang visits.”  Islanders Management want to find guys that will fit into their system and their way of doing things.  That’s why they often do things that are, “out of the ordinary” in the NHL landscape.   Lets see what the draft will bring than, shall we?



Per Chris Botta, “The Isles will never say it publicly because this is CW's team, but Rick DiPietro will enter next season as the team's No. 3 goaltender. For the first time since DiPietro's injuries started four years ago, management has learned its lesson. Evgeni Nabokov is the No. 1, with Kevin Poulin (the favorite, with more experience and AHL success) and Anders Nilsson battling for the second spot. The NYI will keep 3. DiPietro's deal will not come off the cap.”  We all know Nabokov has the job to lose as the starter for Long Island, but Poulin will be there and waiting to prove what many fans think they all ready know.  That he is the real deal.  Poulin has shown flashes of brilliance with a string of consistant efforts and solid play.  Do not rule out Nilsson either.  Many scouts say he is better right now and has all the tools to be a projected numer one NHL goaltender.





The Islanders signed RW, Blair Riley to a 1 year, two way deal after a successful ATO campaign last season.  He went 7 and 4 for 11 points in a grinder role with the team.




On June 3rd, the New York Islanders posted their “deal of the week.”  It was “Free shipping for any customer who lives more than 20 miles from the Coliseum Team Store Burn up that phone line!”  Anyone else think the Isles staying in Nassau County will happen?



John Tavares did not make the finals of the EA Sports cover vote.  Its Claude Giroux vs. Pekka Rinne for EA Sports NHL13.  B.D.Gallof reports, “Pekka Rinne vs Tavares for the NHL 13 cover was closest vote thus far. Less than 1% difference.”




NHL Playoff Notes:




ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun notes, “3,705 games later after their entry into the NHL, Kings one win away.”



Eric Hornick mentions, “’42 Maple Leafs only team come back from 0-3 in Finals.”


Rob Simpson posted this yesterday,” Good morning Twitterers. Have a great day and enjoy what could be our last week of hockey for a while.”  Lets hope not.



Other Notes:




Per James Mirtle and the AHL, the “AHL announces CBS Sports Network will televise Games 3 through 7 of the Calder Cup finals in the U.S.”



U.S.A Hockey reported that the U.S. Inline Nat'l Team Falls to Finland, 5-4, in the quarterfinals of the Inline.


Per Dmitry Chesnokov, KHL President confirms the League will play two regular season games in Brooklyn next winter.  According to Medvedev, the short list of KHL teams to play in Brooklyn are: Dynamo, CSKA, Avangard, Salavat Yulaev.


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