As I sit here in my Newark hotel room just a few hours before the 2008-09 Islanders season begins, here are a few keys to the season (brought to you by the letter “S”):
Structure – Under new head coach Scott Gordon, the Islanders have the structure and on-ice guidance that was lacking last year. Now it’s a matter of finding out if the system will work and if everyone will buy in. So far, Gordon has said that everyone has been receptive and that he’s going to use the system until it proves him wrong. Yesterday, he told us that even if times get tough, the execution is going to be reviewed way before the structure is changed. Since Day 1 in Moncton, every player has been brought up to speed on how the 2008-09 Islanders are going to play, which is a great start to a new era.
Santé – The French word for “health” (I couldn’t think of another one). The Islanders have to get healthy and stay that way, especially the defense and most notably Rick DiPietro. If injuries mount like the ones that decimated the Isles last year, no team would stand a chance at a playoff spot.
Scoring – Much like last season, scoring is the big topic. This season, in addition to having all of the veterans chip in to some degree, the Islanders need to have a young player (or two) step up and have a breakout year. We’re not talking about 50 goals, but a significant contribution from one of the kids. Maybe it’s Jeff Tambellini, or Kyle Okposo, or even Josh Bailey, who knows? But they need a young player to really take a big stride this season. Knowing Gordon’s track record with developing players, it’s very possible.
After today’s morning skate, there’s really a lot of excitement on both sides with it being opening night and everyone having a clean slate. I know we’re looking forward to kicking off a new season tonight on our new radio home, 94.3 FM WMJC.
Be sure to send us your e-mails at radio@newyorkislanders.com. We'll be answering your questions on the air all season. Thanks to everyone for listening and have a very fun and enjoyable year. We’ll see you at the Coliseum!
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
MEARS: Ten Questions
This Saturday, the NHL will officially begin its 91st season. Last month, ESPN.com posed ten questions to writers Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun before training camps began. Now with the season about to start, take a stab at these questions yourselves and we'll see how we do in April. I’ll provide my take as well:
1. Which player will challenge Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin for the 2008-09 NHL scoring title?
-- Jarome Iginla
2. Who is your early pick to win the Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)?
-- Steven Stamkos
3. Where and when do you see Mats Sundin landing for the 2008-09 season?
-- I think he’ll end up back in Toronto after the Leafs perform slightly better than the awful team everyone is expecting them to be. Of course, that would completely go against everything Sundin stood for during last year’s trade deadline when he refused to be a “rental player” because he believed that someone should be with a team from training camp through the playoffs.
4. Will there be a Stanley Cup hangover in Detroit?
-- Yes. It’s just too tough in today’s game to win back-to-back Cups. There are too many obstacles you have to overcome, including the shorter and demanding summer. One thing in Detroit’s favor will be the fact that they’re quite used to the target that usually accompanies the defending champs’ backs. The Red Wings always have one there.
5. Which was the most effective off-season move?
-- As far as a team addressing a glaring weakness, the Islanders’ signing of Mark Streit to help the power play was a great one. Especially with the way he looked in his first two exhibition games. I also like the Devils signing of Brian Rolston, who scored 31 goals last year.
6. Which new coach has the best chance of success? Which coach is on the hot seat?
-- How can you argue with the team that Todd McLellan has inherited in San Jose? The heat might be on Alain Vigneault in Vancouver.
7. Will the changes in goalie-equipment rules have the desired effect, or are we destined for bigger nets?
-- No and no. The equipment changes weren’t drastic enough to make a difference.
8. Which of last season’s 16 playoff teams will not reach the postseason in 2008-09?
-- Ottawa Senators in the East. Minnesota Wild in the West.
9. How will this season’s Winter Classic play out at Wrigley Field?
-- It should be another great event for the NHL with two clubs that are expected to be playoff teams in the West. I just hope the weather holds up in Chicago. Even the league has acknowledged that eventually, one of these will become a rare hockey rain (or snow)-out.
10. What exotic location should host the start of the 2009-2010 NHL season?
-- Why not an Islander game in China? Of course a lot of obstacles would have to be dealt with. But given the Islanders’ work through Project Hope with bringing youth hockey to parts of China and the recent Summer Olympics in Beijing, it seems like something that could at least be considered.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
1. Which player will challenge Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin for the 2008-09 NHL scoring title?
-- Jarome Iginla
2. Who is your early pick to win the Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)?
-- Steven Stamkos
3. Where and when do you see Mats Sundin landing for the 2008-09 season?
-- I think he’ll end up back in Toronto after the Leafs perform slightly better than the awful team everyone is expecting them to be. Of course, that would completely go against everything Sundin stood for during last year’s trade deadline when he refused to be a “rental player” because he believed that someone should be with a team from training camp through the playoffs.
4. Will there be a Stanley Cup hangover in Detroit?
-- Yes. It’s just too tough in today’s game to win back-to-back Cups. There are too many obstacles you have to overcome, including the shorter and demanding summer. One thing in Detroit’s favor will be the fact that they’re quite used to the target that usually accompanies the defending champs’ backs. The Red Wings always have one there.
5. Which was the most effective off-season move?
-- As far as a team addressing a glaring weakness, the Islanders’ signing of Mark Streit to help the power play was a great one. Especially with the way he looked in his first two exhibition games. I also like the Devils signing of Brian Rolston, who scored 31 goals last year.
6. Which new coach has the best chance of success? Which coach is on the hot seat?
-- How can you argue with the team that Todd McLellan has inherited in San Jose? The heat might be on Alain Vigneault in Vancouver.
7. Will the changes in goalie-equipment rules have the desired effect, or are we destined for bigger nets?
-- No and no. The equipment changes weren’t drastic enough to make a difference.
8. Which of last season’s 16 playoff teams will not reach the postseason in 2008-09?
-- Ottawa Senators in the East. Minnesota Wild in the West.
9. How will this season’s Winter Classic play out at Wrigley Field?
-- It should be another great event for the NHL with two clubs that are expected to be playoff teams in the West. I just hope the weather holds up in Chicago. Even the league has acknowledged that eventually, one of these will become a rare hockey rain (or snow)-out.
10. What exotic location should host the start of the 2009-2010 NHL season?
-- Why not an Islander game in China? Of course a lot of obstacles would have to be dealt with. But given the Islanders’ work through Project Hope with bringing youth hockey to parts of China and the recent Summer Olympics in Beijing, it seems like something that could at least be considered.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
JAFFE: Comparing this Camp to Past Years
Everybody has been a lot more comfortable at this camp compared to last year because everyone has been here already. The people of Moncton know what to expect, along with the Islanders' medical, training staff and equipment staff. You can tell they have everything they need and that's very important at Training Camp since you have 60+ guys to deal with all of the time.
Scott Gordon has been adamant that Training Camp is about practice. We need practice. To borrow a term from Allen Iverson, "Practice, it's about practice." It's important for the team to get adjusted to the new coach and the new attitude. There are also a lot of different players. Last year half the camp was about scrimmaging and we're not seeing that this year.
The positives are that everyone is on the same page. Whether you're an NHL guy, an AHL guy or someone going back to the Coast, you know exactly what is being taught. They're teaching it by zone – piece by piece. Having multiple ice sessions in a day, you can continue to build on the system.
Just to speak about one player on the bubble, Josh Bailey, it's going to come down to strength and his ability to handle the pro game, which is so much faster. How does he acclimate himself? How does he adjust himself, especially in the defensive zone as a center? Everyone who knows hockey knows that the center position is extremely difficult to transition to coming from juniors or college to the NHL. My first impression has been positive, but I don't know if he'll stay up yet.
For a player like him, these pre-season games will be very important. You will see him play more than most veterans. I expect him to ride the roller coaster and by the end of Camp to be very comfortable. I wouldn't be surprised to see him start the season and get a few regular season NHL games and then they'll have to make a decision.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Scott Gordon has been adamant that Training Camp is about practice. We need practice. To borrow a term from Allen Iverson, "Practice, it's about practice." It's important for the team to get adjusted to the new coach and the new attitude. There are also a lot of different players. Last year half the camp was about scrimmaging and we're not seeing that this year.
The positives are that everyone is on the same page. Whether you're an NHL guy, an AHL guy or someone going back to the Coast, you know exactly what is being taught. They're teaching it by zone – piece by piece. Having multiple ice sessions in a day, you can continue to build on the system.
Just to speak about one player on the bubble, Josh Bailey, it's going to come down to strength and his ability to handle the pro game, which is so much faster. How does he acclimate himself? How does he adjust himself, especially in the defensive zone as a center? Everyone who knows hockey knows that the center position is extremely difficult to transition to coming from juniors or college to the NHL. My first impression has been positive, but I don't know if he'll stay up yet.
For a player like him, these pre-season games will be very important. You will see him play more than most veterans. I expect him to ride the roller coaster and by the end of Camp to be very comfortable. I wouldn't be surprised to see him start the season and get a few regular season NHL games and then they'll have to make a decision.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
MEARS: From the Stands in Moncton
Training Camp for the 2008-2009 New York Islanders is underway and off to a fast start, as I sit here in the stands of the Tim Horton’s 4-Ice Centre in Moncton. If you attended some of the rookie workouts in Syosset last week, you’d probably be familiar with what has taken place over the last two days here… highly intense workouts with lots of speed. Yesterday, forwards crashed the creases from the blue line with another forward trying to angle him away. Defensemen worked on puck retrieval and breakouts. Today’s workouts dealt more with that all-important transition from defense to offense.
“There’s an emphasis on fast puck movement and using the defensemen,” said Islanders Pro Scout Rob Cowie. “A lot of the drills deal with getting the defensemen involved in the offense. Scott is really teaching defensemen to think about getting into the attack and it’s important that our forwards recognize that and know that it’s available. You have to think and you have to skate.”
As for who has stood out so far, it’s tough to tell by just watching drills. But I do agree with Gordon’s approach of implementing his systems and philosophies instead of just running scrimmages with everyone beating up on each other.
On the broadcasting side, Billy Jaffe and I filmed a segment yesterday for the Season Preview Show on MSG-Plus and we’ll have some other things for Islanders TV later in the week.
“There’s an emphasis on fast puck movement and using the defensemen,” said Islanders Pro Scout Rob Cowie. “A lot of the drills deal with getting the defensemen involved in the offense. Scott is really teaching defensemen to think about getting into the attack and it’s important that our forwards recognize that and know that it’s available. You have to think and you have to skate.”
As for who has stood out so far, it’s tough to tell by just watching drills. But I do agree with Gordon’s approach of implementing his systems and philosophies instead of just running scrimmages with everyone beating up on each other.
On the broadcasting side, Billy Jaffe and I filmed a segment yesterday for the Season Preview Show on MSG-Plus and we’ll have some other things for Islanders TV later in the week.
As usual, the people of Moncton have been wonderful and extremely kind. From the servers at restaurants, to the drivers who take us to the rink, to the folks at the hotel front desk, everyone in this town really shows you why Eastern Canada is one of the best places in all of North America. It should be a great week and we’ll know a lot more when the preseason begins on Tuesday against Boston.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
MEARS: Paying Homage to "Ice Hockey"
This week, EA Sports will release the video game NHL ’09, which will be the latest in a great series of games that dates back to the early 1990’s. People ask me all the time, “How did you get started in hockey broadcasting?” It wasn’t in high school or college, but in my house while I was growing up. I would play hockey video games and announce while I played.
The very first hockey game I ever played was the Nintendo classic simply known as “Ice Hockey.”
In today’s hockey video game, you can be anyone from Dion Phaneuf (who is on the cover of NHL ’09) to Trent Hunter to Milan Jurcina. Back in the days of “Ice Hockey,” here were your player choices: Fat guy, medium guy, or skinny guy. The fat guys had the heavy shot, the skinny guys could fly, and the medium guys were completely average in every way. Of course, all “Ice Hockey” all-stars know that the best combination for the four-man team was two fat guys, one skinny, and one medium.
And the teams you selected weren’t NHL teams, but instead an international Cold War-era battle between two of these: USA, Canada, the Soviet Union, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, and Poland (apparently a hockey powerhouse back then).
You had to love the game: no offsides, slapshots from the top of the crease, penalties only for fights (which was just everyone in a violent pile), a great tune played during the game, sell-out crowd, and a zamboni show between periods two and three. Classic.
So before the Islanders season begins, do me a personal favor and dust off the old NES and play a game of “Ice Hockey” with your native country. Just remember to blow air into the cartridge for no reason before playing it.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
The very first hockey game I ever played was the Nintendo classic simply known as “Ice Hockey.”
In today’s hockey video game, you can be anyone from Dion Phaneuf (who is on the cover of NHL ’09) to Trent Hunter to Milan Jurcina. Back in the days of “Ice Hockey,” here were your player choices: Fat guy, medium guy, or skinny guy. The fat guys had the heavy shot, the skinny guys could fly, and the medium guys were completely average in every way. Of course, all “Ice Hockey” all-stars know that the best combination for the four-man team was two fat guys, one skinny, and one medium.
And the teams you selected weren’t NHL teams, but instead an international Cold War-era battle between two of these: USA, Canada, the Soviet Union, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, and Poland (apparently a hockey powerhouse back then).
You had to love the game: no offsides, slapshots from the top of the crease, penalties only for fights (which was just everyone in a violent pile), a great tune played during the game, sell-out crowd, and a zamboni show between periods two and three. Classic.
So before the Islanders season begins, do me a personal favor and dust off the old NES and play a game of “Ice Hockey” with your native country. Just remember to blow air into the cartridge for no reason before playing it.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
MEARS: Less Games for Rick?
How important is a lighter workload for your starting goaltender? Over the last four seasons, NONE of the four starting goalies who made it to the Conference Finals were in the top ten in games played during the regular season. Take a look at the four netminders and where they ranked in games played in the regular season:
2007-2008: PIT - Fleury (36th), PHI - Biron (14th), DET - Osgood (30th), DAL - Turco (13th)
2006-2007: OTT - Emery (15th), BUF - Miller (11th), DET - Hasek (18th), ANA - Giguere (19th)
2005-2006: CAR - Ward (47th), BUF - Miller (22nd), ANA - Giguere (11th), EDM - Roloson (27th)
2003-2004: TBL - Khabibulin (18th), PHI - Esche (28th), SJS - Nabokov (14th), CAL - Kiprusoff (32nd)
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2007-2008: PIT - Fleury (36th), PHI - Biron (14th), DET - Osgood (30th), DAL - Turco (13th)
2006-2007: OTT - Emery (15th), BUF - Miller (11th), DET - Hasek (18th), ANA - Giguere (19th)
2005-2006: CAR - Ward (47th), BUF - Miller (22nd), ANA - Giguere (11th), EDM - Roloson (27th)
2003-2004: TBL - Khabibulin (18th), PHI - Esche (28th), SJS - Nabokov (14th), CAL - Kiprusoff (32nd)
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Friday, July 18, 2008
MEARS: On the Road Again
With Thursday’s release of the 2008-2009 NHL schedule, we now know the date to look forward to ... when the puck drops on a new Islanders season. On October 10th the Islanders, with a new leader behind the bench, will travel to Prudential Center to face an old rival in the New Jersey Devils. Although this will be just a short trip to Newark, beginning on the road is nothing new to the Islanders franchise. It will be the ninth consecutive season in which the Isles start on the road and 32nd time in franchise history. They’ve actually played more season-opening games in Los Angeles than on Long Island! Also, the last time the Islanders opened a season against the Devils? The memorable 1992-93 campaign which saw them reach the Conference Finals.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
KING: Ozzie & Blakey
Who can ever forget the famous red leg pads he wouldn’t surrender and the remarkable 9-0-1-1 start he led the Isles to? How about the way the old barn on Hempstead Turnpike rocked with the chants of “Oz-zie, Oz-zie!” during the 2002 playoff series against the Leafs? And let’s not forget that when the Islanders finally traded him away in March of 2003, it opened the door for the arrival of another goaltender who was had the Coliseum chanting “DP, DP!” ever since.
When I first sat with him in the Leafs locker room just days after he learned the news, you would never know anything was wrong at all. It was the typical hugs and handshakes for all of the local media seeing him for the first time in a Leafs uniform. We shared lots of laughs and swapped summer vacation stories, but eventually the talk turned to the “C” word. Jason finally got emotional when speaking of his family. But he also knew that his wife Sara, who had already won her own battle against cancer when pregnant with their first child, would be his rock to help get him through the hard times. To the surprise of almost no one that really knows him, Jason completed the season as one of only three players to appear in all 82
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Monday, July 7, 2008
Mears on IslesNation.com
Just a heads up, Islanders Play-by-Play man Steve Mears will appear on the IslesNation.com tonight at 7:00 PM. The show is hosted by Stephan Herrmann and Tony.
Enjoy it.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Enjoy it.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
MEARS: Ready For Round Two?
With so much talk about who the Islanders will take with the fifth overall pick on Friday, you almost forget that they will have nine selections on Saturday in Rounds Two through Six. That includes two picks in the second round (the 36th and 53rd). Here are some names which might be on the Islanders’ radar screen in Round Two:
Zac Dalpe – Center, 6’0” 170 lbs. – Scored 63 points in 46 games for Penticton of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League this season. Scouts say his shot is his best asset.
Luke Adam – LW, 6’1” 210 lbs. – A power forward currently playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. This season, he scored 66 points in 70 games.
Daultan Leveille – Center, 5’11” 163 lbs. – Garth Snow has said “speed” is one of the key characteristics he’s looking for to build the Islanders into a contender and Leveille has it.
Tyler Ennis – LW, 5’8” 161 lbs. – While he lacks size, Ennis is also a fast skater and scored 91 points in 70 games for Medicine Hat in the WHL.
Corey Trivino – Center, 6’1” 168 lbs. – Considered a solid second-round pick, Trivino is headed to Boston University this season (a school which the Isles are quite familiar with) and has been ranked 36th by both TSN and The Hockey News.
Speaking of Round Two, don’t forget that the Islanders have two selections in the second round of the 2009 Draft, which could come into play in a possible deal. The extra pick was part of the September trade which sent Petteri Nokelainen to the Boston Bruins for Ben Walter.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
Zac Dalpe – Center, 6’0” 170 lbs. – Scored 63 points in 46 games for Penticton of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League this season. Scouts say his shot is his best asset.
Luke Adam – LW, 6’1” 210 lbs. – A power forward currently playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. This season, he scored 66 points in 70 games.
Daultan Leveille – Center, 5’11” 163 lbs. – Garth Snow has said “speed” is one of the key characteristics he’s looking for to build the Islanders into a contender and Leveille has it.
Tyler Ennis – LW, 5’8” 161 lbs. – While he lacks size, Ennis is also a fast skater and scored 91 points in 70 games for Medicine Hat in the WHL.
Corey Trivino – Center, 6’1” 168 lbs. – Considered a solid second-round pick, Trivino is headed to Boston University this season (a school which the Isles are quite familiar with) and has been ranked 36th by both TSN and The Hockey News.
Speaking of Round Two, don’t forget that the Islanders have two selections in the second round of the 2009 Draft, which could come into play in a possible deal. The extra pick was part of the September trade which sent Petteri Nokelainen to the Boston Bruins for Ben Walter.
To discuss this post at IslanderMania.com, click here.
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