It wasn’t exactly a story book start to a career, but Kyle Okposo is now an NHLer.
Above all else, in a little over 13 minutes of ice-time, Okposo proved that he can skate with the big boys and that he’s going to work as hard as anyone over the next eight games. Again two shots on goal is nothing to jump for joy about, but it’s a start.
Nevertheless, his line with Blake Comeau and Richard Park was easily the Islanders most passionate trio out there, drawing penalties and getting a cycle going on numerous occasions. Okposo was also skating very well and made a few nice passes into the slot. His hockey sense isn’t bad either, as after a mediocre first two or three shifts, he started getting to the front of the net and using his legs more. If that line is given an opportunity to gel, they can be a very fun group to watch.
I’d also like to see KO get a chance on the powerplay as well. Let’s me honest here, with players like Miroslav Satan and Josef Vasicek effectively playing their way off of this team, what can the Isles lose by letting Okposo play with Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie with the man advantage? Absolutely nothin’ if you ask me. Getting him some extra space could also start to build his confidence as well.
More Isles thoughts…
DiPietro has MRI- Looks like the hip that DP tweaked during the skills competition has been much more bothersome then originally indicated. His play during the second half has been one of the reasons why this team has fallen out of contention and it makes you wonder where this team could have been if he had taken the time to heal. I mean seriously, Dubielewicz played a great game last night and has proven he can hold down the fort when he has to. However, instead, DP tried to play through it and that combined with the Islanders miserable offense has sealed their fate this season.
Bergenheim and Hunter have to finish-How many golden opportunities did they have last night? What about Satan? The guy can’t even get off the ice properly anymore. Simply put, this team has no more excuses on offense. They’re just so shook up right now that it feels like they’ll never get it together. Like I said yesterday, it’s time to break this Jefferson Airplane up and start a Starship.
No offense to Rob Davison who plays his tail off every night, but when a guy with three career goals scores the way he did last night and is the only player on your team to light the lamp, you have some serious problems.
Posted under Post Game Rants
This post was written by Patrick Hickey, Jr. on March 19, 2008
I notice where Nolan, while not singling anyone out in particular and praising the kids, basically called last night’s effort “inexcusable.” Ted, where have you been? The “leaders” on this team have been playing inexcusable hockey for quite some time now. The best thing about this disaster is that the kids are going to get a real hard look, something that has been long overdue for this organization. In regards to the “leaders” on this team: I’m sure Nolan has been taking license plate numbers on who quit on him, and those numbers are pretty obvious to the people who watch this team night in and night out. Snow had a lot of say in putting this group together. Now, with a plum position in the deepest draft in quite awhile upon us, Snow is going to have the say at a crucial time for the organization. Should we be worried?