Bridgeport worked for Pulock, so I think it's a good idea. Give him TONS of minutes, on the PP and PK too. That's what he's used to, getting a ton of ice time. BUT, if the team feels he's made a good 2nd year jump after next year's camp, they will keep him up with the big team. I really think there are no wrong answers, he's just such a good player, he will decide his future by his play.
Yeah it's kinda tough figuring out what our blueline is going to be next season and how Dobson does in these playoffs and camp. He could very well impress in both and earn the spot. No wrong answers at all, hopefully the right decision either way. Cheers.
Have to disagree. I can’t imagine Dobson is getting in the lineup over Hickey. Hickey has always been a staple to our bottom pair. He fell victim to an extremely deep defense this year and than nearly got traded earlier this year to be closer to his brother. Now that he is still here you have to think his 450 games, 115 points, +35 and 24 playoff games is getting the spot well before Dobson, who has yet to even play half a season. Hickey is a very Sturdy 5-6 where as Dobson has had growing pains this year (as to be expected) and his never sniffed playoffs. You can’t afford growing pains in the playoffs especially when you have plenty of reliable NHL experience itching to get back in the lineup. Plus, Hickey steps his game up in the playoffs, he becomes a small wrecking ball and is willing to sacrifice himself and put his team first. He also has always been a tremendous leader through out his entire hickey career. Let’s not forget his clutch OT goal vs this same Panthers team a few seasons ago. All that will factor in heavily with a coach as seasoned as Trotz, he knows experience is huge. None of this likely even matters because you would have to imagine right now that either Greene or Mayfield are our number 6/7 depending on who Trotz decides to go with. Hickey and Dobson would be our 8/9 right now. Need 2 dmen out of lineup just to see one of them. Also and maybe the biggest thing, is none of these guys have played hockey in months. Need to see who stayed in shape and how things play out in training camp. Point is I wouldn’t be shocked if Hickey got the nod over Dobson now that everyone is back to square 1. Chances are hickey still gets moved this summer but until then he is very valuable. Hickey would have had his share of Games This season if not for nearly being traded due to family Issues and then injuries that followed. Regardless, the Islanders have an extremely deep team defensively right now with those 3 guys sitting outside our top 6. Maybe the deepest of any team in the playoffs.
Hickey is neither sturdy nor is he a 3rd pair defenseman for any team with Cup aspirations.
Well played sir.
His statistics and play in his time here says otherwise. Every Stanley cup team ever has a player in the 6 spot that is just as good as Thomas Hickey. He isn’t a number 7 with us right now because of the addition of Greene. But him and Dobson would’ve been rotating games had he not got hurt. We also have an extremely deep defensive team. Agree to disagree. I know some aren’t high on a hickey and some see him as a bottom pair and that’s me. We will see what happens. Hopefully we don’t need to dip outside our top 6 come playoffs.
I have zero reason to lie about this lol I could care less. Its fine you haven’t seen it, I did. It was in an article a while back but I can’t remember who. He was all but gone in a trade because of his brother (like hammer) If I find it I will post. In the mean time everyone is welcome to think what they would like, even after lol idc
I don’t know that Dobson is ready for a full NHL season yet.
