By Tom Verde
The Islanders have gotten off to a slow start as far as the win column is concerned, but have really not played too badly or looked overmatched. Those are good things for a team who is committed to rebuilding. The team has looked particularly good against Boston (minus those last 8 minutes) and Pittsburgh. John Tavares has looked good, as have his linemates, Kyle Okposo and Matt Moulson. The goaltending has been a steady rotation and will probably stay that way until one of the goalies gets hot. However this raises the question as to whether a goalie can ever really get hot if he only plays every other game. Martin Biron has looked the more steady of the two, especially after the game in Buffalo, where I felt Dwayne Roloson just looked tired. Here are some thoughts on a few individual players thus far:
John Tavares- has gotten off to a great start, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves in proclaiming him as a capable savior. He has looked good, been in good positions, and certainly has one heck of a wrist shot (just ask Tuukka Rask). The fact that he is tied for the team lead in points (3g, 3a) through five games is a good sign.
Matt Moulson- why Los Angeles thought him to be expendable is beyond me. He has been one of the Islanders best players by far. He is fast and physical, something that works well in Scott Gordon’s system. He isn’t afraid to park in front of the net and I am very pleased with his play thus far. His 3 goals and 3 assists are well deserved and he leads the team with a plus three.
Kyle Okposo- is starting to look like he can blossom into one of the NHL’s elite forwards. He got bigger over the off-season and it shows. He has been very physical, throwing a lot of hits, and has been difficult to knock off the puck. His highlight reel goal against Boston is one of the best so far this season.
Mark Streit- they might as well call him Mr. Consistent. Streit is off to a good start again, with 4 points (1g, 3a) and a plus one so far this season. Look for more of that from one of the best defenseman in the game.
Freddy Meyer- as I said in the season preview, Meyer has been effective when healthy for the Islanders. He has 3 assists and a plus one, tied for second on NYI in plus/minus.
Rob Schremp- this guy has really good and quick hands, and I like what I have seen thus far.
Richard Park- despite his poor numbers (0 points, -5) Park has been one of the best Islanders. He has been threatening on offense, getting some great scoring chances and working hard as always. His faceoffs have been good, and his minus five can largely be attributed by his time spent on the penalty kill and the lack of help from his linemates Nate Thompson and Tim Jackman (0 points combined).
Sean Bergenheim- where has this guy been? I was expecting a lot out of Bergie, especially after his great start last year. Yet he has been held scoreless throughout the first four games, and Scott Gordon is considering switching his line, or his wing side, in an attempt to get him going.
Joel Rechliz- not really sure why he is still in the NHL. He is getting three or so minutes of ice time a night, which as far as I’m concerned, is a waste of a roster spot, which would be better used by Jeff Tambellini.
Josh Bailey- there was a lot of talk about Bailey getting stronger and looking to carry more of the offensive load this year during the off-season. Yet through five, Bailey looks about the same as he did last year. He seems hesitant to shoot, and has just one assist.
