Tweaking The Chemistry

Per Arthur Staple,

 

Players at NVMC for camp.

Fwds in A group: Moulson, Tavares, Bouchard, Bailey, Nielsen, Okposo, Grabner, Regin, Boulton, Martin, Cizikas, McDonald, Strome, Nelson and Sundstrom. Also one other group change: Chris Bruton is here in place of Johan Sundstrom,  Anders Lee has joined the Coliseum group today.

(Kyle Okposo is not skating for Isles due to eye injury.)

Eight D are: Strait, Hamonic, Visnovsky, Hickey, MacDonald, Donovan, Reinhart and Carkner.

Two goalies are Nabokov and Poulin. Those 25, plus Clutterbuck (skate laceration), are with main group.

Lines at Isles practice: 26-91-12, 40-51-21, 16-29(Nelson)-96, 17-53-13, 36-28(Sundstrom)-18(Strome).

Isles Camp at Iceworks:

Fwds:  Persson-Sundstrom-Kabanov; Wetmore-Miller-Diamond; Halmo-Quine-Clark; Johnson-Keenan-Gallant.

 

Certain parts of the groupings between NVMC and Iceworks were an interesting choice by management.  I am sure Capuano and crew wanted more of a look at some players and passed on a few others for now.  Kabanov is a highly skilled player who is most likely on the "bubble" in the depth of the Isles organization if he doesn't start turning more heads, and doing it now.

I love the possibility for Nelson, Strome, Donovan & Reinhart to get a serious look to make Isles roster, at least for a possible 9 game audition.  It looks as if Nelson and Donovan are pretty close, while Strome and Reinhart are looking better and better to start with the big club.  Nelson has grown so much after last season with the BST.  You can see how calm and composed he is with the puck and while in the transition game.  Donovan has looked good in camp this year, picking up right where he left off from his call ups last season.  Strome has so much offensive upside, I cant wait to see his level of play with 2 years of NHL experience.  On the defensive side, the Isles could use Reinhart's size and offensive ability on the blue line. 

If Kevin Poulin doesn't show he is ready to take the next step, Anders Nilsson could very well be given the chance per sources close to Isles camp, including B.D. Gallof.  A player can play 9 games and not turn pro, keeping certain eligibilities for the organization he is signed with.  The question is can they meet the level of play required as a back up, behind an aging 38 year old starter in Nabokov.  The #1 job can open due to injury, flat play or a trade for Nabby if the deal was right.  Any of these moves would require Poulin of Nilsson to take the reigns and make this team his.

Sundstrom, de Haan, Ness are a few names who may be on Managements short list for a call up due to injury for the upcoming season.

Lets hope they're dialed in on offense, tightened up on D and the PP looks as good as the PK.

 

Preds at NVMC tomorrow. 

 

 

 

 

Isles Notes:

 

Nassau County Legislature unanimously approved $229M project to overhaul the Nassau Coliseum.


Help make Back for More @NYIslanders Anthem!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhKNuoaGHO0 … … … … … … … … … #Isles #believe #STRONGisland @FFDP