Since I discussed what I wanted to see from the team this season in my last post, I thought I’d discuss the things that could ruin my hockey experience in 2009.
1- A change in philosophy if the team is close to a playoff spot at the trading deadline-
If this team is within striking distance and they decide to take a chance on another Ryan Smyth clone, I will personally fart in every seat in Nassau Coliseum. If it fails, not only would it ruin any chance this team has at getting any respect in this league, it will also reduce Garth Snow’s credibility as a General Manager and make it even harder in the future for the team to bring in key veterans to support the youngsters.
2- Radek Martinek or Brendan Witt going down for any prolonged period of time-
When these guys are healthy, I believe they are one of the top defensive units in the NHL. They inspire this team to play with their marbles hanging out and they support Rick DiPietro in a way that brings out his best. Having them out would also force youngsters into the lineup that may not be ready and could cause a chain reaction of inconsistency to occur, similar to that of what happened last season down the stretch.
3- An uber inefficient powerplay…again-
If last year’s team could have potted a few more goals on the powerplay, things could have been very different. As for why this found it’s way on this list, watching an inferior powerplay irks the crap out of me the same way as watching a football team that can’t stop the run does. It’s embarrassing to watch and says wonders about the depth and overall polish of a team. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen again this season.
4- Rushing Josh Bailey-
I know the kid just bought a house on Long Island, but I really don’t want to see another Tim Connolly or Taylor Pyatt situation where the guy goes somewhere else and starts to play well after earning his bumps and bruises here. Let him develop for another season or two and then bring him up.
5- Mike Sillinger misses most of the season again-
Greg Logan reported the other day that Silly most likely won’t be ready for the season opener. Hate me for saying this if you want, but I think he could have been the best center on this team last year if he was completely healthy. That third line of him with Trent Hunter and Jon Sim can be gangbusters too if they get a chance. If he misses a bunch of time this season, Ben Walter and Jeremy Colliton will most likely get time there, and while I like both of them, the Isles need as much offense as possible and Silly can provide it.
Posted under Offseason 2008
This post was written by Patrick Hickey, Jr. on September 13, 2008
