Islanders Mini-Camp, Day 2

At Day 2 on Isles Mini-Camp, there was more individual work and an emphasis on scrimmaging.  Several players have begun to get noticed by the attending media and coaching staff.  Several players are working hard to improve and get noticed as was evidenced yesterday.  But three players that are working like they are on a mission are Ryan Strome, Brock Nelson and Anders Lee.  The trio have gotten a taste of the pro's with Bridgeport, and all are key pieces in the rebuild.

Per Islanders.nhl.com, “I know I have to get stronger and work on all parts of my game,” Strome said. “I’m going to come to camp ready to battle. Nothing is going to be a given. I know I have to work hard. There may be question marks at training camp, and I’ll be looking to fill one of those spots and show that I belong.”

On the Playoff experience, Nelson said, “It was a bit of a whirlwind, but a great experience,” Nelson said of his first game. “That’s the highest level you can get to. It was bittersweet, because it ended up being the end of the year for the team. The game was exciting nonetheless.”

 

“It’s positioning for me,” Lee said of his biggest summer self-improvement project. “Knowing the systems, being able to get in here and learn that and adapt to the changes from the college level is key. If you know the system, you’ll be in the right spot at the right time.”

 

Daniel Friedman shared some more first hand observations and quotes:

"I see a lot of Frans Nielsen in Victor Crus-Rydberg."

Frans Nielsen will figure into the future success of the Islanders just as he has done through the dark times.  With purpose and belief that things will improve as the team matures with him and around him.  Nielsen has been a strong leader on this team for many years and is a huge asset for the Islanders.

Crus-Rydberg has impressed those attending with strong efforts as well.  He seems to have bought in to the spirit of the camp and is learning the system by working hard and doing what ever is asked of him.

"Same skaters from Blue team who stood out to me yesterday do again today: Strome, Mayfield, Quine."

"Skaters from Orange team who've stood out: Pulock, Reinhart, Crus Rydberg, Nelson, Lee, McAdam."

Ryan Strome, when asked how hungry he was to make the team: "I think about it every day."

Ryan Strome just went 1-on-1 with Scott Mayfield. Strome tried to go around him, Mayfield drove him wide. Excellent defense.

Mayfield is right there with Reinhart and Pulock as far as im concerned.  He's a big positional D-Man with strong skating and great hockey sense.  He can play a physical game and has a booming shot.  With some experience and a feel for the pro game, Mayfield will be a dominant defensemen for the Isles.

I asked Ryan Pulock if there's a specific part of his game that he's drawn attention to in this camp: "Defensive zone coverage.  I have the offensive skills, they're good enough. Now I just need to work on my defensive skills, be tougher on guys."

I asked Pulock if that was something the coaches were stressing with him: "Yeah, for sure. It's all about attention to detail, it'll help."

 

I love the players embracing what the team is offering by the way of instruction.  No one seems to be scoffing at the drills or work outs.  No one is concerned with their draft order, just about what they can do to be a part of the system and make the team.

I asked @CrusRydberg if the fact that he was a later draft pick motivates him: "It not about what round you're picked; just come to play."

 

 

Blue vs. Orange Scrimmage is tomorrow, July 11th @ 7pm at the NVMC.  Details found here.

 

 

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, "Josh Bailey has filed for salary arbitration."  Tom Schultz added, "In case you're wondering Thomas Hickey, the Isles other un-signed RFA, is not eligible for arbitration."

Staple, "Isles 3rd round pick Taylor Cammarata will arrive at prospect camp on Thursday."

Per Chris Botta, "In press release, Brooklyn Arena LLC makes it official: Brett Yormark and Co. control Isles' biz ops. Garth Snow's got the hockey."

IPB - Everyone Was Confused About Kevin Poulin's Waiver Status.

Per Isles Nation, "Isles have experienced a surge of 2,200 new STH, as well as an 86% renewal rate for the 2013-14 season.."

Minnesota Wild signed former Isles/BST (D) Jon Landry to a 1 year 2 way $625,000 contract.

 

Here's a quote from our former Captain, who left a generous multi year contract offer on the table from the Islanders in order to become a free agent ....

Streit:" I wanted to be on a team that really wants to win. The Flyers great tradition; it’s a hockey town. They have great fans."

Hmm.  Sounds like thanks for nothing Isles Country.