Those who have read my work, whether it is on this web page, or New York Sports Day, or the View from Section 317, know that I try to be a real optimist when it comes down to my hockey team.  I always believe that there is a chance that my team can ‘squeak’ it out, and get that win or goal that they need to propel themselves. 

Hey – what Islander fan had real 100% confidence in Wade Dubielewicz to win those last few games, and get us into the playoffs?

I can stare at my keyboard, and with a straight face, say a qualified YES!

However, July 1^st came into play.  That fateful day, in the annals of Islanders history, that made me feel like my heart drop to my toes.

Ryan Smyth:           gone to Colorado

Jason Blake:            gone to Toronto

Viktor Kozlov:          gone to Washington

Tom Poti:                gone to Washington

Richard Zednik:        gone to Florida

And all we got to show for it was Jon Sim. (he is already turning heads, myself included, and should be a perfect fit for the Isles)

Bloggers and forum writers were running to their computers in droves, asking themselves a very important question:

Is Garth off his rocker?  All these guys gone with no plan?  Is this a ploy to move the team?

I think we had every excuse but the Grassy Knoll theory… Well maybe we did.

Garth and Ted had a distinct and precise plan.  If his assets were going to other locales, they knew the types of players that they wanted, and would go out and acquire them.

And acquisitions they got…

Bill Guerin – the new captain, replacing the overpriced and listless Alexei Yashin.  Guerin is the type of player that will command instant respect and reverence without even saying a single word.  He had 35 goals last season in St. Louis and San Jose, but seemed to disappear in the playoffs.  A fresh start, with the responsibility and respect from all around, should make him a useful leader with Brendan Witt and Mike Sillingers has his XO’s.

Mike Comrie – the big test for him.  At 26 – this is his fifth stop on his NHL tour.  But this year, is a make or break year for him.  Offensive power and potential is there, but attitude, and off-ice situations have hounded him.  He needs to put all the past behind, and be ready to be ‘the’ guy to be counted on for scoring.  Also – he will raise the testosterone level of the stands, if his girlfriend Hillary Duff stops by.

Ruslan Fedotenko – The cup winning scorer in 2004, “Tank” is also like Comrie, on a one year contract.  He also has a lot to prove, after a disappointing 06-07 campaign.  He is big, can not be taken off skates easily, and can be a presence in front of the opposing goaltender.  Getting 25 goals out of him, can be a big plus to this team.

Jon Sim – had a career year in Atlanta, with a good deal of time, on a line with Ilya Kovalchuk.  Has already shown in camp to be a leader in the locker room and on the ice.  In addition, he has shown a good scoring touch, getting two goals in their win in Moncton against Montreal.   This could be a jewel in the rough.

Then later in the free agent window, Snow and Nolan received the latest presents:

Andy Sutton – a slightly smaller version of Zdeno Chara – standing 6 foot 7 and nearly 250 pounds, he can be a brick wall on skates.  A defiant shot blocker, with a scoring touch to boot.  He can replace the likes of both a Tom Poti and Sean Hill, with his qualities.

Josef Vasicek – This Slovak has a ring with Carolina, and returned there late last year after not getting much playing time in Nashville.  He is another strong man on skates (6 foot 4 and over 230), and has shown the passion and intensity that Ted Nolan demands from his players.  This could be another pleasant surprise.

Bryan Berard – this year’s version of Richard Park.  He walked onto camp and has turned just about everyone’s head, with his inspiring play, and his need to prove the naysayer’s wrong that he was all washed up at the tender age of 30.  He may have only partial, if any, vision in one eye, and a messed up back, but don’t tell him that he can not play the game.  The Rhode Island schooled player (high school) GM took the Woonsocket Rocket, and hopes to see that magic again.

The team looks dramatically different than this past season, but the dynamic should still remain.  This will be a team that will work hard, create chances when they are there, and stick to a solid two-way approach to the game.  The returnees know that, and the newcomers are quickly adapting to it.  The biggest decisions will be the players that Nolan will bring to battle come October.

On Defense, you have nine NHL capable defensemen fighting for six spots.  Arron Johnson, who played 61 games for Columbus last season, has done a great job.  We all know what Berard is capable of.  He is going to make it a tough decision on the management team, as to who will be kept.

On the forward end, there hasn’t really been too many surprises for guys that were not expected to make the team.  Sean Bates, who had major groin issues the last half of 06-07 has not practiced with the team, and his career may be hanging on thin ice (no pun intended).  Andy Hilbert, according to reports, had not had a good camp, which can open the door for players such as Blake Comeau, and Franz Neilsen to sneak into the top 12.  Chris Simon will not be available until game 6, as he serves the end of his suspension.

In nets, year 2 of the DiPietro 15 year plan starts, with great expectations of him being a Top 10 goaltender in the NHL.  As fans, nothing less is expected.  Wade Dubielewicz, who stunned the NHL world by winning his last 5 games to make the playoffs on the last game of the season, will be the backup this year, replacing the retired Mike Dunham who will be the goalie coach.  “Dubie” should get the opportunity to make a good start, and allow DiPietro to stay fresh throughout the season.  If one of top two goalies spends any time on the injury list, Mike Morrison, formerly of the Oilers, and Joey McDonald, formerly of Detroit and Boston, will be a ferry ride away to help the team out.

Prognosis:  The Atlantic Division will be the strongest group of five in the NHL.  The Devils seem to be the only team in the league that did not either improve or stand equal.  I am going to go out on a limb, to say that if the Isles stay above .500 in the first 12-15 games this season; I believe that all five teams in this division CAN make the playoffs.  Tune in come April and see if my predictions are right.