Sorry this has taken so long....but with last week being September 11th.....I had some family up from Florida and my back going out again....it's been a rough 7 days.
Training camp has officially started...and with the wonder that is the Internet....it's very easy to keep up with your teams....even though camp is being held some 759 miles away. (yes I googled Moncton)
Through the marvel of Islanders TV....I was able to watch a good part of each scrimmage and take some notes.....
First of all....we are going to see a new brand of hockey this season. With the team that has been assembled....there is going to be a lot of speed....a lot of hitting....and a lot of grittiness.
Surprise number 1
By default everyone thought the Sillinger-Sim-Hunter line was going to be the second line. Teddy surprised everyone by putting Vasicek-Satan-Tambellini as the second. So far these 3 together have been fantastic together. Tambellini....a lot like last year...has been flying around the ice scoring goals....and Vasicek might be the surprise of camp so far, with his calm demeanor on the ice...and his surprising offensive talents.
Surprise number 2
Blake Comeau looks like a ready NHL player. He has been extremely impressive so far as I've seen and scored a very pretty breakaway goal against DiPietro the other day. If he doesn't make the club....he'll back back up very soon.
Surprise number 3
The new kids....
Justin Bourne, Matthew Spiller, Olivier Labelle, Tomas Marcinko, Aaron Johnson and even Maxim Oulette have all look much better than I anticipated. Obviously none of them will be on the opening night roster.....(and other than Aaron Johnson....I don't expect to see any this season at all)....but at least we wont be seeing any Eric Bouginecki's this season.
Some notes so far....
Mike Comrie has come into camp like a man possessed. He has been buzzing around the net scoring goal after goal. He could be in for a monster year.
Btw....I love the new uniforms...
I don't put much stock into exhibition so i wont even bother.
Also....the NHL now will be broadcasting games live through each teams website....much like MLB does....though....I hope they fix the glitches that I encountered last night.
One last thought about Eric Cairns and Mike Dunham. I think it's a fantastic idea that the Islanders have instituted such a plan that allows former players the opportunity to come back and be part of the organization. As of right now....Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Ken Morrow, Bob Nystrom, Steve Webb, Eric Cairns, Garth Snow, Mike Dunham, Anders Kallur, and Kevin Colley all hold positions with the team. It shows both current and former players that the Islanders organization takes care of there own.
More later this week....
Tony
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