Line Combos: Line Combos: now, next year, future, etc

[SDIsles34]

With the lack of injuries we suffered last year, it seems inevitable that we will find a few spots available for the opener due to IR.

If JT or Nielsen are unavailable... I would guess Brock Nelson takes a center spot in the top 6.

If Okposo, PMB, Bailey or Moulson go down... You would assume Strome is a lock. Right?

If a bottom 6 player goes down, maybe plug in Regin and/or recall Lee, Persson or Sundstrum.

Will be interesting to see how it shakes out and of course, Training Camp performances will be the tell all.

 

[Riseonfire]

Are people really hesitant to place McDonald as the 13th forward because Strome might be NHL ready?

 

[Macch]

Are people really hesitant to place McDonald as the 13th forward because Strome might be NHL ready?

I would be. Anyone who is taking CMac out of the lineup is undervaluing the role the 4th line plays and the image the Isles are trying to implement.


Strome, Nielsen, PMB, Moulson and even Bailey and Grabner are all on the soft side. We need Grit.

 

[eastonhockey22*]

He made the change in the playoffs when it was MOST important. Bailey brings a much better skillset for how Tavares plays now (goal scorer rather than playmaker) and the coaching staff does get it. Cappy mentioned how he had considered switching Moulson and Bailey for a while until finally doing so at the most critical point in the season.

That can't be ignored.

But would you say it was successful? If I remember correctly they were shut out twice and scored once in another game. When they were on top of their game they played really well... But that was only 3/6 games and most of the point production from the first few games came from the bottom lines rather than the Tavares line. Do you guys think producing in only half the games would be enough to motivating the coaching staff to make changes when they refused to for so long? Aside from saying he "was thinking" about doing it for a long time have they made any official statements?


I also understand that my recollection of events could be far off.

 

[Sheva7]

First 20 games...

Moulson - JT - PMB/Strome
Bailey - Nielsen - KO
Grabs - Regin - CBuck
Martin - Zeek - CMac/Nelson

Last 20 games...

Moulson - JT - Strome
Bailey - Nielsen - KO
Grabs - Zeek - CBuck
Martin - Nelson - CMac

 

[Riseonfire]

I would be. Anyone who is taking CMac out of the lineup is undervaluing the role the 4th line plays and the image the Isles are trying to implement.


Strome, Nielsen, PMB, Moulson and even Bailey and Grabner are all on the soft side. We need Grit.

While I agree PMB might mess with the Roster as him and Strome are both skilled guys, to play the best players you have.

Bailey - JT - Strome
Moulson - Nielsen - Okposo
Grabner - Nelson - PMB
Martin - Zeeker - Clutterbuck

Bolded players are hard nose players, Italics are in between, underlined are soft.

That lineup is gritty enough, and much more skilled than taking Strome out.

 

[Macch]

While I agree PMB might mess with the Roster as him and Strome are both skilled guys, to play the best players you have.

Bailey - JT - Strome
Moulson - Nielsen - Okposo
Grabner - Nelson - PMB
Martin - Zeeker - Clutterbuck

Bolded players are hard nose players, Italics are in between, underlined are soft.

That lineup is gritty enough, and much more skilled than taking Strome out.

I get what you're saying, but I still think Strome has a little ways to go before we pencil him into the opening day lineup. I have no doubt he'll be on the Islanders at some point this season.

I love all of this competition. Its going to make training camp interesting and everyone better

 

[A Pointed Stick]

While I agree PMB might mess with the Roster as him and Strome are both skilled guys, to play the best players you have.

Bailey - JT - Strome
Moulson - Nielsen - Okposo
Grabner - Nelson - PMB
Martin - Zeeker - Clutterbuck

Bolded players are hard nose players, Italics are in between, underlined are soft.

That lineup is gritty enough, and much more skilled than taking Strome out.

I like the list Rise, but how did Grabner get italicized? They had to threaten him during the playoffs to get him to throw a check. He's hard to play against when in a checking role because he is so dangerous vs a scoring unit playing anything but a defensive system in the offensive zone because on transition he traps all of them behind him, and he has good defensive awareness to position to create transition. Physically though, he is Mary Poppins in a sweater.

I'd also move Okposo into the tweener category. Most of last season he was allergic to contact. It wasn't until the very end that he suddenly started playing like a bowling ball on skates. I would wait half a season to see which Kyle shows up. I would probably put Bailey ahead of him in steady progress. Slow, but steady progress into a more physical game.

 

[Glorydays22]

I agree, this is going to be the lineup. They are going to bring Strome along very slowly

Moulson-JT-Bouchard
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Grabner-Regin-Clutterbuck
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

Hamonic/MacDonald
Visnovsky/Strait
Carkner/Donovan

With Boulton and Nelson as extra. Only reason I say Nelson makes the club, not sure Regin is going to be a decent enough center throughout the year. I think he's more of a winger.

Its crazy for the first time in a very long time we actually have too many forwards. Think about it, Strome, Lee, Sundstrom, Persson will be in bridgport. Not to mention because of our depth we lost Ullstrom because he new he wouldn't crack lineup. Then you have wild cards in system such as Kabanov and Petrov

 

[crashthenet]

I would be. Anyone who is taking CMac out of the lineup is undervaluing the role the 4th line plays and the image the Isles are trying to implement.


Strome, Nielsen, PMB, Moulson and even Bailey and Grabner are all on the soft side. We need Grit.

I'm with you. Somebody may move aside but Cmac is a player who produced at the NHL level when given a chance. I think he has more to offer than we've seen.

 

[InformTheMasses]

I like the list Rise, but how did Grabner get italicized? They had to threaten him during the playoffs to get him to throw a check. He's hard to play against when in a checking role because he is so dangerous vs a scoring unit playing anything but a defensive system in the offensive zone because on transition he traps all of them behind him, and he has good defensive awareness to position to create transition. Physically though, he is Mary Poppins in a sweater.

I'd also move Okposo into the tweener category. Most of last season he was allergic to contact. It wasn't until the very end that he suddenly started playing like a bowling ball on skates. I would wait half a season to see which Kyle shows up. I would probably put Bailey ahead of him in steady progress. Slow, but steady progress into a more physical game.

FWIW, in the playoffs last year Michael Grabner was 3rd on the Islanders in hits, right behind Travis Hamonic (far more minutes) and Matt Martin. These weren't quiet hits either, they were very effective body checks, most of which were at full speed. There are only so many of those hits you are going to make during the year before getting beaten down, Grabner is not a 'banger' and shouldn't be asked to be one. As long as he can show up in the playoffs and play like that when it counts, it's enough for me. The Mary Poppins tage is a bit unfair if you ask me.

(This is not aimed at you APS, just an observation on the boards) Another thing regarding Grabner is this myth that he doesn't have good hands. His hands are very good and it shows defensively as well as offensively. Always turning the other team over, and very rarely giving it back. He's among the best on the Islanders in puck possession and has been since he got to LI. And as far as breakaway percentages.... I have no idea what people expect. You would think NHL breakaways were like NBA layups from the flak he gets. I don't knowwhat the scoring percentages are for players on breakaways in the NHL during gameplay when defenders are chasing and slashing from behind... BUT I do know that the Average shootout percentage is below 33% with zero pressure from defense and not having to compensate and use the body to ward off the defense. That's less than a third of the time. I would bet that the scoring percentages on breakaways during game conditions are at least half that.. meaning one goal every 6 chances being average. His breakaway 'failures' are greatly exaggerated and uncalled for. Grabner is the most misunderstood and under-appreciated player on the team, bar none.

I agree with Okposo as a tweener, which is fine.

 

[A Pointed Stick]

FWIW, in the playoffs last year Michael Grabner was 3rd on the Islanders in hits, right behind Travis Hamonic (far more minutes) and Matt Martin. These weren't quiet hits either, they were very effective body checks, most of which were at full speed. There are only so many of those hits you are going to make during the year before getting beaten down, Grabner is not a 'banger' and shouldn't be asked to be one. As long as he can show up in the playoffs and play like that when it counts, it's enough for me. The Mary Poppins tage is a bit unfair if you ask me.

His hits were rather stunning. But as I said, it came after the big talk that was mentioned after game 1, where both he and Boyes started showing up a little more, though Brad was behind Grabner, easily. During the regular season though he was a kleenex. Note too that I am not saying he has to be a wrecking ball - it isn't his game nor would I look to it to be his game. I just wouldn't call him a tweener, which was my entire point.

Another thing regarding Grabner is this myth that he doesn't have good hands. His hands are very good and it shows defensively as well as offensively. Always turning the other team over, and very rarely giving it back. He's among the best on the Islanders in puck possession and has been since he got to LI. And as far as breakaway percentages.... I have no idea what people expect.

I never mentioned his hands, but ok. IMO, the distribution of his scoring chances his first year here was more evenly spread across near crease, top of circles/traffic, and breakaways, like any other normal forward. His second year the non-breakaway, non odd man rush chances dropped off, as did his scoring. That created the focus on his lost opportunities on the rush. Everyone remembers those because they stand out. No one remembers all the garbage shots or mediocre chances that he used to put in, and when those opportunities dwindled, not surprisingly his goal totals did as well. There are other factors in there as well like injuries and linemates and ice time... but IMO, his sophomore slump owed more than a little to the type and location of his scoring chances generated from his modified role in year two. As they put him in a position to score more from anywhere at the top of the crease again, his totals will continue to rise and impress. How they use him has everything to do with this. IMO of course.

 

[RMimagery]

I agree, this is going to be the lineup. They are going to bring Strome along very slowly

Moulson-JT-Bouchard
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Grabner-Regin-Clutterbuck
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

Hamonic/MacDonald
Visnovsky/Strait
Carkner/Donovan

Hickey will be in more than Carkner, unless we're playing a team with 2 or 3 bruisers.

ITM, I agree with your post about Grabs...well said. I think he's entering his prime now and will impress us this year. His PK awareness and defensive game overall improved two fold last season. He really should be a 2nd line player but he gives us a lot of depth on the 3rd line. Clutter will create even more room for him this year. D men do not want to be on the ice when he is.

 

[petrocelli]

training camp and some questions

For this training camp...

And these are just the players with a legitimate chance... Wow!

I'm so excited for Anders Lee, but is he ready and where does he fit??

Is Regin on a two-way contract, and if not, I hope he doesn't steal a spot from a kid, a-la Marty Reasoner.

Bouchard, I love the highlights of this kid. Tons of creativity and speed.. Maybe we should assume he'll be hurt and any little bit we get out of him is a bonus (half joking, but it is scary the guy missed a full season with concussion issues)....

** If Bouchard is with JT, can we afford to put another finesse type player on the opposite wing (Bailey, Strome) or do we need some muscle (Okposo, Clutterbuck), or old reliable (Moulson) once again..

***** I haven't seen the team this deep since, since, since, since............ Jim Dowd was penciled in as our opening night center.... did that really happen or was it just a dream????

So there are 17 forwards listed here.... What are our OPENING NIGHT lines are who doesn't make the cut??

Bailey - Tavares - Bouchard

Moulson - Nelson - Okposo

Grabner - Neilsen - Strome

Martin - Cizikas - McDonald

Clutterbuck - Strome - Regin

Boulton - Lee


Defense




It seems from the Isles official website and some of the recent articles, the Isles staff are looking to give De Haan every opportunity to make the squad this year. I get the feeling Garth and co are pressing to really make that De Haan pick work out. It's almost as if they'd rather see De Haan make the team over Donovan for whatever reaason.. Whatever, just a feeling I get.... so here's my roster heading in (or out of training camp):

9 solid prospects to make the club out of camp, without the likes of Reinhart, Pulock or more realistically for this year, Pedan and Mayfield

Macdonald - Hamonic

Hickey - Visnovsky

Strait - Donovan

Carkner - De Haan

Finley


Your opening night defense?? Who are the odd-men out??


Here are some fun questions....

Who has a better chance of making the club out of training camp this year (and do you see either or both of them making the club):

1) Strome or Anders Lee?



2) Who makes the big club first (doesnt have to be this year)? Pedan or Mayfield

 

[MattMartin]

For this training camp...

And these are just the players with a legitimate chance... Wow!

I'm so excited for Anders Lee, but is he ready and where does he fit??

Is Regin on a two-way contract, and if not, I hope he doesn't steal a spot from a kid, a-la Marty Reasoner.

Bouchard, I love the highlights of this kid. Tons of creativity and speed.. Maybe we should assume he'll be hurt and any little bit we get out of him is a bonus (half joking, but it is scary the guy missed a full season with concussion issues)....

** If Bouchard is with JT, can we afford to put another finesse type player on the opposite wing (Bailey, Strome) or do we need some muscle (Okposo, Clutterbuck), or old reliable (Moulson) once again..

***** I haven't seen the team this deep since, since, since, since............ Jim Dowd was penciled in as our opening night center.... did that really happen or was it just a dream????

So there are 17 forwards listed here.... What are our OPENING NIGHT lines are who doesn't make the cut??

Bailey - Tavares - Bouchard

Moulson - Nelson - Okposo

Grabner - Neilsen - Strome

Martin - Cizikas - McDonald

Clutterbuck - Strome - Regin

Boulton - Lee


Defense




It seems from the Isles official website and some of the recent articles, the Isles staff are looking to give De Haan every opportunity to make the squad this year. I get the feeling Garth and co are pressing to really make that De Haan pick work out. It's almost as if they'd rather see De Haan make the team over Donovan for whatever reaason.. Whatever, just a feeling I get.... so here's my roster heading in (or out of training camp):

9 solid prospects to make the club out of camp, without the likes of Reinhart, Pulock or more realistically for this year, Pedan and Mayfield

Macdonald - Hamonic

Hickey - Visnovsky

Strait - Donovan

Carkner - De Haan

Finley


Your opening night defense?? Who are the odd-men out??


Here are some fun questions....

Who has a better chance of making the club out of training camp this year (and do you see either or both of them making the club):

1) Strome or Anders Lee?



2) Who makes the big club first (doesnt have to be this year)? Pedan or Mayfield

Well for this first time in a long time, we have quality decisions to make. It's only going to get tougher also.

 

[Riseonfire]

FWIW, in the playoffs last year Michael Grabner was 3rd on the Islanders in hits, right behind Travis Hamonic (far more minutes) and Matt Martin. These weren't quiet hits either, they were very effective body checks, most of which were at full speed. There are only so many of those hits you are going to make during the year before getting beaten down, Grabner is not a 'banger' and shouldn't be asked to be one. As long as he can show up in the playoffs and play like that when it counts, it's enough for me. The Mary Poppins tage is a bit unfair if you ask me.

(This is not aimed at you APS, just an observation on the boards) Another thing regarding Grabner is this myth that he doesn't have good hands. His hands are very good and it shows defensively as well as offensively. Always turning the other team over, and very rarely giving it back. He's among the best on the Islanders in puck possession and has been since he got to LI. And as far as breakaway percentages.... I have no idea what people expect. You would think NHL breakaways were like NBA layups from the flak he gets. I don't knowwhat the scoring percentages are for players on breakaways in the NHL during gameplay when defenders are chasing and slashing from behind... BUT I do know that the Average shootout percentage is below 33% with zero pressure from defense and not having to compensate and use the body to ward off the defense. That's less than a third of the time. I would bet that the scoring percentages on breakaways during game conditions are at least half that.. meaning one goal every 6 chances being average. His breakaway 'failures' are greatly exaggerated and uncalled for. Grabner is the most misunderstood and under-appreciated player on the team, bar none.

I agree with Okposo as a tweener, which is fine.

1st bolded: Thats why I listed Grabner as a tweener, because he CAN dish the hits when asked too. His regular season role doesn't ask him to be a banger, but in the playoffs, everyone has to. Remember game 3? Grabner started that game off with a bang, hitting 3 or 4 guys HARD all in the first minute. The place went nuts with each hit.

2nd bolded: Grabners game reminds me of a faster version of Alex Semin with a lesser wrist shot. I like the caps as a 2nd team (If there is such a thing so I used to see around 40 of his games a season). He's great with stick checking, but gets called for a lot of high sticks as a result. I don't recall how Grabner's PIM's were last season, but I'd be willing to bet he has a decent amount of high sticks, which is fine with me considering the amount of turnovers he creates. This guy is a player you simply don't let go of. He won't command a huge payraise his next contract either.

And we got him for ****ING FREE! lol

 

[NYI13]

1st bolded: Thats why I listed Grabner as a tweener, because he CAN dish the hits when asked too. His regular season role doesn't ask him to be a banger, but in the playoffs, everyone has to. Remember game 3? Grabner started that game off with a bang, hitting 3 or 4 guys HARD all in the first minute. The place went nuts with each hit.

2nd bolded: Grabners game reminds me of a faster version of Alex Semin with a lesser wrist shot. I like the caps as a 2nd team (If there is such a thing so I used to see around 40 of his games a season). He's great with stick checking, but gets called for a lot of high sticks as a result. I don't recall how Grabner's PIM's were last season, but I'd be willing to bet he has a decent amount of high sticks, which is fine with me considering the amount of turnovers he creates. This guy is a player you simply don't let go of. He won't command a huge payraise his next contract either.

And we got him for ****ING FREE! lol

The fact that Snow has plucked all of these guys (Moulson, Grabner, McDonald, etc.) off the waiver wire is ridiculous. Props to him on that!

 

[Quicklime]

The fact that Snow has plucked all of these guys (Moulson, Grabner, McDonald, etc.) off the waiver wire is ridiculous. Props to him on that!

Well, Moulson was an FA, but still - now with DiPietro in the past (doesn't that feel good to type/read) I think that we can now finally start trusting Snow more. Not a lot of cash or prestige, but consistent as a good GM should be, and hopefully starting to improve with more business decisions slowly coming more from Brooklyn than Charles Wang.

Bottom 5 finishes aside, look at the playoff roster last year - by and large built by Snow, with Nielsen and Okposo being the standouts from Smith and Milbury. With DP out of the picture, it can be argued that he's showing he isn't just some empty suit, from a very solid looking multi-purpose bottom-6 to signing Tavares to a stupid-cheap contract.

 

[NYI13]

Well, Moulson was an FA, but still - now with DiPietro in the past (doesn't that feel good to type/read) I think that we can now finally start trusting Snow more. Not a lot of cash or prestige, but consistent as a good GM should be, and hopefully starting to improve with more business decisions slowly coming more from Brooklyn than Charles Wang.

Bottom 5 finishes aside, look at the playoff roster last year - by and large built by Snow, with Nielsen and Okposo being the standouts from Smith and Milbury. With DP out of the picture, it can be argued that he's showing he isn't just some empty suit, from a very solid looking multi-purpose bottom-6 to signing Tavares to a stupid-cheap contract.

The fact that he locked up Tavares, Hamonic, Okposo, Nielsen, Grabner, Moulson, etc. all to team-friendly deals is astonishing; the only question mark (and I didn't mind it) was the Nino trade. But we can all see that Snow is building a contender, I believe he will sign a couple of impact FAs when he feels the time is right.

More on topic: After seeing Strome in the scrimmage (I understand it's just a scrimmage afterall) and hearing that he's been training with JT all summer; I believe he will make a strong push to make the roster come training camp.

Bailey - JT - Strome/PMB
Moulson - Nielsen - Okposo
Grabner - Nelson - Clutterbuck
Martin - Cizikas - McDonald

Extras: Regin, Boulton

 

[Quicklime]

The fact that he locked up Tavares, Hamonic, Okposo, Nielsen, Grabner, Moulson, etc. all to team-friendly deals is astonishing; the only question mark (and I didn't mind it) was the Nino trade. But we can all see that Snow is building a contender, I believe he will sign a couple of impact FAs when he feels the time is right.

More on topic: After seeing Strome in the scrimmage (I understand it's just a scrimmage afterall) and hearing that he's been training with JT all summer; I believe he will make a strong push to make the roster come training camp.

Bailey - JT - Strome/PMB
Moulson - Nielsen - Okposo
Grabner - Nelson - Clutterbuck
Martin - Cizikas - McDonald

Extras: Regin, Boulton

Those lines are pretty much exactly what I see, with certain adjustments for more physical games/injuries, inserting a guy like Boulton and/or rotating Okposo or Clutterbuck to the top line for if/when Bouchard has his 'necessary to factor in due to likelihood' injury.

I know some people have an issue with Clutterbuck spending too much time on JT's RW, but one must consider one of two possibilities - Garth either intrinsically knows what this team needs on that innate GM level of understanding, or chemistry can further than one may initially think. As the question came up in "Inglourious Basterds" -

"Everybody needs to calm down. You're letting your imagination get the better of you. You met the sergeant yourself. Willi. You remember him, don't you? His wife had a baby tonight. He had just become a father! His commanding officer gave him and his mates the night off to celebrate. 'The Germans being there was either a trap set by me or a tragic coincidence. It couldn't be both!'"

In this case, I doubt that it's neither. Either Tavares turned Moulson into a 3-time 30 goal scorer, handed Brad Boyes a 50 point average (had last season been 82 games) and taught Parenteau how to be a slightly sub-PPG player, or Snow's targeting the right players, or both. A hard-working player willing to muck and grind to give Tavares space is not a bad thing, and considering how JT seems to amplify the productivity of the rest of whatever unit he plays with, should that not be a logical addition to the top line, especially if it aids in distributing skill and grit throughout the roster, especially when it's missing on the top line and suddenly abundant in the bottom six?

Comfortably buzzed 2am thoughts I'm having before I work in 8 hours, but I figure I'd let the sentiment out. =)

Afterthought:

Teams should ride their advantages. The Pens rode world class skill + goonery, the Bruins ride size, etc. Regardless of how 'sacrilege' to some it may be, the Islanders now have the potential to be the grittiest team period, and it wouldn't be efficient to opt not to find a way to take advantage of this. Snow obviously thought of this conceding that Niederreiter (I totally almost called him 'Nilsson,' and I hope it's of the Robert Nilsson variety he becomes) was fair trade for Clutterbuck and a pick (McAdam.)

A little grind placed on each line isn't a bad thing - people can debate the potency of the East vs. West all they want - the Northeast is a zoo, and if the best advantage the Isles have is Tavares plus a LOT of "bringing the pain" and 200-ft-uphill-battle-style hockey, why not take the advantage and make any opponent have to compensate for one of Tavares + Bailey/Okposo + Moulson/Nelson or Regin + Grabner + PMB or Cizikas + McDonald at all times at the same time as Okposo picks off where he leaves off and Clutterbuck forces opponents to keep their heads up? Potential to draw blood on the counterattack or grind another team down can exist a bit on all 4 lines.

 

[luki here]

FWIW, in the playoffs last year Michael Grabner was 3rd on the Islanders in hits, right behind Travis Hamonic (far more minutes) and Matt Martin. These weren't quiet hits either, they were very effective body checks, most of which were at full speed. There are only so many of those hits you are going to make during the year before getting beaten down, Grabner is not a 'banger' and shouldn't be asked to be one. As long as he can show up in the playoffs and play like that when it counts, it's enough for me. The Mary Poppins tage is a bit unfair if you ask me.

(This is not aimed at you APS, just an observation on the boards) Another thing regarding Grabner is this myth that he doesn't have good hands. His hands are very good and it shows defensively as well as offensively. Always turning the other team over, and very rarely giving it back. He's among the best on the Islanders in puck possession and has been since he got to LI. And as far as breakaway percentages.... I have no idea what people expect. You would think NHL breakaways were like NBA layups from the flak he gets. I don't knowwhat the scoring percentages are for players on breakaways in the NHL during gameplay when defenders are chasing and slashing from behind... BUT I do know that the Average shootout percentage is below 33% with zero pressure from defense and not having to compensate and use the body to ward off the defense. That's less than a third of the time. I would bet that the scoring percentages on breakaways during game conditions are at least half that.. meaning one goal every 6 chances being average. His breakaway 'failures' are greatly exaggerated and uncalled for. Grabner is the most misunderstood and under-appreciated player on the team, bar none.

I agree with Okposo as a tweener, which is fine.

couldnt agree more with your post. I felt grabs is entirely underrated since his sophomore season. Something about him makes him slightly unpopular with the fans and he has to counteract that with good numbers.

I always wondered why he didnt hit more, as speed is a great asset for checks. I guess he answered that question for me in last years playoffs.

 

[startainfection*]

i can't see the isles going into next season with out trading a roster player, i just think it news to happen to make the team more balanced

 

[redbull]

FWIW, in the playoffs last year Michael Grabner was 3rd on the Islanders in hits, right behind Travis Hamonic (far more minutes) and Matt Martin. These weren't quiet hits either, they were very effective body checks, most of which were at full speed. There are only so many of those hits you are going to make during the year before getting beaten down, Grabner is not a 'banger' and shouldn't be asked to be one. As long as he can show up in the playoffs and play like that when it counts, it's enough for me. The Mary Poppins tage is a bit unfair if you ask me.

(This is not aimed at you APS, just an observation on the boards) Another thing regarding Grabner is this myth that he doesn't have good hands. His hands are very good and it shows defensively as well as offensively. Always turning the other team over, and very rarely giving it back. He's among the best on the Islanders in puck possession and has been since he got to LI. And as far as breakaway percentages.... I have no idea what people expect. You would think NHL breakaways were like NBA layups from the flak he gets. I don't knowwhat the scoring percentages are for players on breakaways in the NHL during gameplay when defenders are chasing and slashing from behind... BUT I do know that the Average shootout percentage is below 33% with zero pressure from defense and not having to compensate and use the body to ward off the defense. That's less than a third of the time. I would bet that the scoring percentages on breakaways during game conditions are at least half that.. meaning one goal every 6 chances being average. His breakaway 'failures' are greatly exaggerated and uncalled for. Grabner is the most misunderstood and under-appreciated player on the team, bar none.

I agree with Okposo as a tweener, which is fine.

Grabner (and Boyes) were VERY LIKELY the two players that were called-out by Capuano (I suppose we can't call it "called out" if we aren't sure) - in the playoffs. Grabs really picked up the intensity after the first game and he was excellent, even though his production wasn't spectacular. It was the best I'd seen him play.

You're right that he's got good hands and his finish isn't as bad as we think - it's just that he gets SO MANY breakaways that it's very noticeable how few he converts on. Even a guy like Tavares will only convert one or two out of every six or seven breakaways - but they happen over 40 games, not three games.

What I don't like about Grabner is that he's a difficult player to play with. Although, I will admit, in this past year, he improved dramatically in his passing, decisions and is less a perimeter floater. He's still largely a hover-and-pounce, opportunistic player, and that will forever be his strength. I never want Grabs to become a Clutterbuck or Okposo - not his game, but playing with more intensity and finishing checks will make him a much more effective overall player.

His passing has been his biggest improvement. He still is kind of a random player, positionally, seems to skate around in open space in the offensive zone and cannot seem to cycle or generate any offense from sustained offensive zone pressure. He doesn't score any ugly goals (deflections, rebounds, wrap-arounds, off a scrum) - but again, that's not his game.

But as an off-the-rush player, which is where he's most dangerous, Grabner will always be a second tier guy, not one of the core go-to guys. That's why I don't think his production would improve much with more minutes. But in the time he's given, he can break a game open with those rocket-skates he wears!

He's a valuable player, I wouldn't trade him. What he brings is very unique - but it's limited and pretty tough to fit into any "style" of play. I can see why Florida and Vancouver made him walk - but I'm also sure they regret it.

 

[camper*]

This season like the past will rest on one factor......Who brings it all the time and does not fluctuate past 100% and 80%...and who does not show up most of the games physically and or offensively....everyone has their job....some more physical than others..but you must have some degree of physical play or your just skating around without he puck!

Your top 6 are the teams weakness...and too much emphasis is put massaging their egoes to get them to play...scoring 2 goals a game on these lines then allowing 4 does not work!

Those that would say ..."Oh a certain player is physical cause he can take abuse"?......how about turning the table a bit and dishing out some retribution......the bad guys won't have as much fun playing against you.
Better look at the foundation players who are playing tough hockey...other teams are and are consistantly trying to trade for them from the Isles line up. Teams can find scorers ..they can't find the guys that carry the big hammer to work. Take #17...since being an Islander..his services have been requested on more teams than you have fingers to count. Why have the Isles not traded he for other pieces of the puzzle?
I like Clutters game but he is no #17.....I laugh when someone says he will defend the top lines? This is a pest..not a Hammer....when the Wild played the Isles he wouldn't even give the Marts a second look. Your talking about a mini me type....he should add some checking..yet may also cause more havoc due to Mates having to defend him. Cal is known for CooK type hits and play.....but not a fighter ..just a pest.

 

[A Pointed Stick]

This season like the past will rest on one factor......Who brings it all the time and does not fluctuate past 100% and 80%...and who does not show up most of the games physically and or offensively....everyone has their job....some more physical than others..but you must have some degree of physical play or your just skating around without he puck!

Your top 6 are the teams weakness...and too much emphasis is put massaging their egoes to get them to play...scoring 2 goals a game on these lines then allowing 4 does not work!

Those that would say ..."Oh a certain player is physical cause he can take abuse"?......how about turning the table a bit and dishing out some retribution......the bad guys won't have as much fun playing against you.
Better look at the foundation players who are playing tough hockey...other teams are and are consistantly trying to trade for them from the Isles line up. Teams can find scorers ..they can't find the guys that carry the big hammer to work. Take #17...since being an Islander..his services have been requested on more teams than you have fingers to count. Why have the Isles not traded he for other pieces of the puzzle?
I like Clutters game but he is no #17.....I laugh when someone says he will defend the top lines? This is a pest..not a Hammer....when the Wild played the Isles he wouldn't even give the Marts a second look. Your talking about a mini me type....he should add some checking..yet may also cause more havoc due to Mates having to defend him. Cal is known for CooK type hits and play.....but not a fighter ..just a pest.

Camper, I was wondering when you'd comment on Clutz. If I didn't know any better I would almost say you didn't care for the acquisition. Any chance that's true?

Not that you would hate it though, because the concept of both he and Martin on the ice at the same time should unnerve the opposition. Cal's a free ranging missile, and Martin certainly picks his spots to step into players... I want the season to start tomorrow just to sample what their shifts will bring. Cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war.