New York Islanders 2005-06
Team Payroll: $38,454,340
General Manager: Michael Milbury; 11th year with the New York Islanders
Head Coach: Steven Stirling; 2nd year with the New York Islanders
Forgotten Moves:
Team Mode: The New York Islanders are in a playoff run mode. Of course
they lost Captain Michael Peca and their defensive workhorse, Adrian
Aucoin, but they have done a nice job in adding to their offensive
lines with the signing of Miroslav Satan. They have also added nicely
to their defense with the likes of Alexei Zhitnik, Brent Sopel , and
Brad Lukowich.
To Take Charge: Without a doubt, the Islanders are looking for Alexei
Yashin to take control. Alexei was given the “C” at the beginning of
the preseason. A big year is not only expected of Yashin, it is
required of him. Milbury finally got him the winger he’s been longing
for so there are no excuses for Yashin. Also lurking in the back of
his mind should be the potential of the Islanders buying out his
contract at the end of the season.
On The Rush: The Islanders’ offense improved significantly with the
addition of Mirolslav Satan and Michael York. In the last six seasons,
Satan has scored 194 goals, ranking him ninth in the NHL. York should
be a solid second-line center. In 03-04, he only played 61 games, but
registered 16 goals and 26 assists. He finished the year a + 18. The
Islanders Power Play has also improved due to the fact that they are a
quick team. Look for Bates and Blake to contribute in all offensive
scenarios.
Covering The D-Zone: MIlbury has made several moves on the blueline.
He lost Kenny Jonsson, Roman Hamrlik, and workhorse, Adrian Aucoin.
Milbury quickly replaced his quality players, with newer and younger,
quality players. Alexei Zhitnik came over from the Buffalo Sabres. He
only scored one goal, but added 33 assists. Brent Sopel from the
Vancouver Canucks will log his share of minutes on the blueline. Last
season he scored 10 goals and assisted on 32 others. Brad Lukowich
arrived fresh off of his Stanley Cup winning season with the Tampa
Lightning. He only scored 5 goals and registered 14 assists in 79
games, but he finished the season a +29. Some say that Isles took the
biggest hit when they lost Adrian Aucoin. Personally, I agree but I’m
a realist. The defensive additions will help the Islanders not only in
breaking out of their own zone, but by moving the puck swiftly up the
ice. Don’t be surprised if the Islanders Penalty Killing is in the top
half of the NHL, and I would expect a good number of short-handed
goals as well.
Guarding the Net: It’s no question that Rick DiPetro is the Islanders’
go to guy in net. If you had any doubts, Milbury erased them all when
he offered Ricky a 15- year contract. In 2003-04 he played 50 games
and went 23-18-5 with a goals-against average of 2.36. He only signed
a one year deal so he knows that he must perform. He will probably
play 60 games this year and with some playoff experience under his
belt, the Islanders expect big things from Ricky D. The Isles will go
as far as he will take them. Veteran goalie Garth Snow signed a 3 year
deal to remain with the Islanders. In the past, Snow has won some key
games for the Islanders. He can be out of action for a month, be
called upon last minute, and come out with a great performance. He
will be vital when the Islanders play his former team, the
Philadelphia Flyers. In 2003-04 Snow went 14-15-5 with a 2.80
goals-against average.
Talking About My Generation: The Islanders are stacked with prospects,
lets just hope Mike Milbury keeps them all. Sean Bergenheim, drafted
22nd overall in the 2002 Draft, should find himself on the roster. In
18 games in the NHL he had a goal and an assist. Petteri Nokelainen,
their top pick in 2004, is having a great training camp and as a
result, he could earn some NHL minutes. As an 18 year old playing in
Finland during the lockout, he had 15 goals and five assists in 52
games. Perhaps the Islanders’ most coveted prospect is Robert Nilsson.
In 41 games in 2003-04, recorded 21 points (8+13) and 10 penalty
minutes for Leksand. He also broke Swedish Elite Team records held by
NHL stars Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund.
Projected Lines:
Mattias Weinhandl-Alexei Yashin-Miroslav Satan
Jason Blake-Oleg Kvasha-Trent Hunter
Shawn Bates-Mike York-Mark Parrish
Line 4: TBD
Alexei Zhitnik-Brad Lukowich
Janne Niinimiaa-Brent Sopel
Radek Martinek-Chris Campoli/Joel Bouchard
Expectations: 9th-11th in Eastern Conference
Projected: The Islanders are a better team offensively and with the
new rules, it’s anybodys guess as to how they’ll perform. They are a
playoff team and can finish anywhere from 5th-8th in the Eastern
Conference.