Even though the Isles are still looking for a coach, I find myself in a rare situation, not having much to write about.
With that being said, I figured now would be as great a time as ever to talk about what I expect from the youngsters on the Islanders this season, tackling Kyle Okposo, Jeff Tambellini and Blake Comeau first and then getting to the rest in later posts.
Enjoy.
Kyle Okposo
Predicted Stats- 25 goals, 30 assists, 55 points
Not only do I expect Okposo to lead the Islanders in scoring this season, I expect him to play in all game situations and grow into a player that will eventually be able to help take this team into the playoffs on a consistent basis. Some people may think that 55 points isn’t a lot to smile about, but I think this season will be crucial in determining what Okposo is capable of at the NHL level. Talking to author and Minnesota sports writer Ross Bernstein a few months ago about Okposo’s style, I’m really excited at the possibilities here. While some people believe he won’t be a superstar at this level, I believe he’ll be extremely close to a point a game player and someone who opposing defenses don’t want to play against.
Jeff Tambellini
Predicted Stats- 18 goals, 25 assists, 43 points
Proven at the AHL level, Tambo will finally get the playing time he’s been craving. Just like Okposo, I see him playing in various game situations and proving why he was drafted in the first round in 2003 by the Kings. Not having the size or tenacity Okposo does, I see Tambellini starting off slow until he finds his niche. A good passer with an accurate shot, it’ll take about 25 games until Tambs [wow, two nicknames in one paragraph] understands he’s not in the AHL more. After settling in, I believe Tambellini will develop into a competent and high-ceiling third liner that will develop into a 50-60 point scorer before his career is over.
Blake Comeau
Predicted Stats- 15 goals, 18 assists, 33 points
Unlike Okposo and Tambellini, I see Comeau developing into a gritty, passionate role player that every team in the NHL would love to have on their roster. However, a few variables will have to go his way before he can develop into a true NHL lunch pailer. For one, Comeau is going to have to let his tough play in the corners and in front of the net develop to the point where he gets a little more fiery when intimidated. I know I’ve mentioned this a few times last season, but in order for Comeau to reach the next level, he has to get more space on the ice. The only way that happens is if he proves to the league that a price will be paid if he’s messed with. With his release and instincts, he can be a force on the ice against teams with size up front, he just has to play with more of an edge. His heart and passion is there and so is the skill, he just needs a little more spice.
Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.
Posted under Offseason 2008
This post was written by Patrick Hickey, Jr. on July 29, 2008

Well it seems all along Bruno Gervais had a plan.
Frans Nielsen, aka “The Great Dane†has signed a four-year deal to stay on Long Island. A one-way contract, Nielsen has pretty much sewed up the fourth line center spot behind Mike Sillinger, Doug Weight and Mike Comrie for 08-09.
After the past few days, I’ve gotten a maelstrom of e-mails, instant messages over AIM, X-Box Live and more than a few comments on the site about what direction the team is going after the departure of Ted Nolan.
Despite signing four of their brightest prospects, the Islanders may lose the services of both Frans Nielsen and Bruno Gervais, who both rejected qualifying offers.
Over the past two years, the Islanders have been an extremely interesting team to watch, changing team motif’s and ideas faster than an OCD patient at IHOP.
With Sean Bergenheim about to go to salary arbitration, I have a word of advice for the New York Islanders:
After the Islanders picked up Mark Streit and Doug Weight, the majority of the Islander fans I routinely come in contact with were happy. It’s not that they don’t have faith in a youth movement, they just wanted more options on the bench and of course, depth. The amount of injuries to last season’s team alone exposed that need more than anything. Signing a plethora of AHL and college talent over the past few weeks, the Isles will have new bodies fighting for jobs at Bridgeport this season, but the appearance of Weight and Streit on the Islanders may not be enough to have this team vie for a playoff spot this season.
Well, I definitely didn’t see that happening, but it looks like these two recent pickups may help the Islanders much more than the rest of the NHL thinks.