NYI Preview: Tavares Era kicks off tonight versus Sid The Kid

October 3, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

It all begins tonight for John Tavares. All eyes will be on the talented 19 year-old Islanders’ first overall pick, who will get baptized into the NHL quickly against Sid The Kid, Evgeni Malkin and a loaded defending champion Pens’ roster fresh off a 3-2 opening win over the Rangers last night.

In AOL Fanhouse Chris Botta’s preview, No.91 notes how much he can take from Sidney Crosby:

“You watch the way he has handled things, the way he plays,” Tavares said of Crosby, “and you learn from it. His influence is big on me.“

How quickly the former Oshawa/London OHL goal record holder adapts on a rebuilding club might determine how competitive the Islanders are this season. He’ll get to start at least with potential power forward Kyle Okposo, who’s a go tonight following a mild concussion suffered a couple of weeks ago on a ferocious Dion Phaneuf hit. Okposo is only 21 and coming off a strong finish to a rookie season that saw him score over 60 percent of his 18 goals after January. You hope the organization got this one right because the former 2006 seventh overall selection has 30-40 goal potential. He wanted to be back for an exciting season opener at what should be a fun Nassau Coliseum atmosphere. Hopefully, it will go alright because he’s a big part of the club’s future.

Another key piece will be second-year playmaking pivot Josh Bailey, who should improve this year following a 25-point (7-18-25) rookie campaign. Nearly half his points came on the power play. Figure that to continue with Tavares, Okposo and No.1 defenseman/PP QB Mark Streit, who was outstanding on the league’s worst team. In his first season on the Island, the former Hab earned his money unlike some players on the other side- posting 16 goals, 40 assists, 56 points, 10 power play goals, a shorthanded tally, 62 penalty minutes and a plus-six rating in 74 contests in 2008-09. Over half (29 PP Pts) the output came on the man-advantage. That he did it on such a lowscoring roster tells you how good the 31 year-old Swiss late bloomer is. With Tavares in the fold, expect those numbers to jump with 20 goals and 70 points a distinct possibility. Never afraid to sacrifice for the good of the team (114 hits, 113 blocked shots), this is a player who’s worth every penny of the five year, $25 million Garth Snow invested in.

While much of the focus is centered around Tavares, he’ll need support from gritty forwards Sean Bergenheim, Richard Park and Trent Hunter. The hardworking trio never takes shifts off and will get dirty. They’re the kinda players every team needs. Especially a young one who’s sure to experience growing pains. If healthy, Hunter could hit 20 goals playing with Bailey while Bergenheim’s coming off a strong season in which he established career highs in goals (15), points (24), shorthanded goals (4), game-winners (5) and penalty minutes (64). It came in only 59 games which is why the Isles should be excited about the 25 year-old Finn who was a former 2002 first round pick. As for Park, he wins battles and scores garbage goals. He can play center or wing and play any situation. Expect second-year coach Scott Gordon to plug the energizer anywhere.

One vet whose mere presence should aid the youth is savvy vet Doug Weight. The playmaking pivot has had a brilliant career. Over 19 seasons, the 38 year-old original Rangers’ 1990 second round pick has been one of the best American-born players, tallying 275 goals and 732 assists for 1,007 points in 1,184 career games. The classy Warren, Michigan native has played for half a dozen teams (NYR, Edm, Stl, Car, Ana, NYI), adding his unique passing skills to every roster. In Year One on the Island, he put up respectable numbers posting 10 goals, 28 assists for 38 points in 53 games. Not only was he a good locker room leader but also played hard even catching rookie Canes’ center Brandon Sutter with a clean shoulder concussing him. For the time being, the valuable playmaker is sidelined with a groin injury. The Islanders can certainly use him.

The club is also hoping for better from Blake Comeau, who oddly enough is a scratch tonight while Matt Moulson, who impressed in exhibition along with Jeff Tambellini are in the lineup. Moulson paced the Islanders in goals during preseason while Tambellini was decent. If he wants to stay in the lineup, a repeat of last season’s nightmarish 7-8-15, minus-20 isn’t advisable. Sadly, those were career bests for the project who enters the final year of his contract. As for Comeau, the 23 year-old former 2004 second rounder must do better than seven goals in 53 games if he plans to crack the lineup. In a tough second season, at least the 18 assists and 25 points were new highs. He’s still young and has better upside than the other two but must prove it.

Snow also took a waiver on Syracuse native Rob Schremp, who despite a ton of tricks hasn’t gotten to display much. In three years with Edmonton who tabbed him 25th overall five years prior, he got in just seven games with his first three points (all assists) coming in a four-game stint last season. Can a player who recovered from a torn MCL finally stick? It’s put up or shutup for the 23 year-old who at least won’t debut tonight.

The Islanders are also hoping vet Jon Sim can contribute after an injury plagued 2008-09 that saw the club send him down to Bridgeport to boost his self esteem. Truth be told, the recently turned 32 year-old from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia isn’t a bad guy to have on a rebuilding team. While he’s bounced around the league playing for eight different teams (Dal, Nsh, LA, Pit, Phi, Fla, Atl, NYI), Sim’s capable of putting up double digits in the goal department. His best season came with the Thrashers in 2006-07 when he tallied 17 goals and 12 helpers. He’ll enter his third year on the Island.

Anytime you boast a potential star, it’s vital to have players who will defend their honor. That tall task will fall on Joel Rechlicz who made a lot of noise versus the rival Devils by going after Colin White following a clean hit of Tavares. Something new Devil enforcer Andrew Peters, who went with him, didn’t care for. Only 22, Rechlicz is a baby who probably doesn’t know any better but also won a lot of respect from teammates. Last year, in 17 games, he racked up 68 PIM. Expect that to hike if he’s a regular on Gordon’s crash line that features bangers Nate Thompson and Tim Jackman. It’s always a plus to have character and Thompson should provide plenty. As far as when Rechlicz will see Peters again, it’s not till November 6. That will be one not to miss.

The blueline boasts the aforementioned Streit, who will log tons of minutes for Gordon in every situation. He’ll need help from physical vets Brendan Witt and Andy Sutton who both must stay healthy because the team lacks quality depth. The same can be said for Radek Martinek, who’s always been a solid regular but rarely stays on the ice. In seven seasons, the 33 year-old Czech has never played all 82. He got into 51 in 2008-09 going 6-4-10 with a minus-16 rating. Martinek is a solid stay at home D who knows how to play. He and fourth-year pro Bruno Gervais are key cogs. Gervais set new career bests in GP (69), goals (3), assists (16), points (19) and SOG (82). The 25 year-old needs to continue developing.

Also in tonight’s lineup anyway is serviceable vet Freddy Meyer, who isn’t flashy. Remember when big things were expected in Philly? Now he’ll basically rotate with Jack Hillen, who probably should see more time as the season evolves.

While Rick DiPietro continues to recover from more surgery, Snow at least upgraded in net inking vets Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron. Both should allow DP to take his time getting ready. Last year, he rushed back which only set him back further. If the club’s wise, they won’t bring him back until late December/early January. What’s the point? Especially when both Roloson, who was a workhorse for Edmonton, and Biron both are capable netminders unlike previous tandem Yann Danis (NJD) and Joey MacDonald (Tor-AHL). It was a must for the Islander GM to bring in proven vets. Especially with a young roster where mistakes can occur. Both must be on their toes starting tonight against a lethal opponent who’s given the club fits.

How well will they do? Hard to say. A lot depends on Tavares, who’ll get plenty of ice-time under Gordon. Many question how much the new franchise center can produce. But he’s plenty gifted with great scoring instincts and a solid work ethic at least offensively speaking. As evidenced by the great hustle and determination he showed in helping Canada rally to tie and comeback to stun Sweden in last year’s WJC semis, he’s extremely tough to take off the puck. Not only does he possess great touch around the net but also adept playmaking skills which should bolster the Islander offense. We saw some of it against the Devils in preseason.

It’s also true he needs work defensively but that will come. So, what’s realistic for the new Islander savior? We say between 25-30 goals and 55-60 points. Tonight will be a great litmus test against one of his heroes.

Who gets to coach it? None other than Gordon, who took the usual bumps along the way in a trying first year. He seems to be a very smart coach who understands that it’ll take some time. What we admire is his desire to play a strong aggressive style which should benefit his brightest young stars. The less defense you’re forced to play, the better. By attacking, it keeps opponents on their heels. How much they dictate remains to be seen. That’s the harsh reality when guiding such a young roster.

Last year, they finished with a league worst 61 points while ranking second worst in offense (198 GF). Figure that to improve. We’re not going to be unrealistic though. If they reach 70 points, that would be a step in the right direction. They’ll be more competitive and hopefully bring more skeptics back in support.

Hopefully, the team’s play will overshadow what happens with Charles Wang’s Lighthouse Project, which hangs in the balance needing Hempstead’s approval. The club desperately needs a new building. We sure hope they get it because it would be ashame to lose a franchise that once won four straight Stanley Cups. As a Ranger fan, I’ve always enjoyed the intense rivalry between the two teams. It’s not just about the players wearing the team logo but also about fans on both sides who bring tremendous energy to one of the greatest rivalries.

Let’s hope there’s a happy ending.

Expected Lineup:

Moulson-Tavares-Okposo

Sim-Bailey-Hunter

Tambellini-Park-Bergenheim

Rechlicz-Thompson-Jackman

Streit-Gervais

Witt-Martinek

Meyer-Sutton

Roloson

Biron