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."
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.
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.
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