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Your 2011 New York Islanders?

by Rob McGowan

on 07/28/2010 - 11:20

After a brief hiatus that involved a family cruise to Bermuda, I am finally back at The Checking Line to talk some Islanders hockey. I apologize for the drag in blog frequency...but I figured now is as good a time as any to talk about the Isles roster since I've had plenty of time to think (and I am home sick from work).

The first question is whether or not the Isles are done with sprinkling free agents into their lineup. They've done well so far, adding enforcers Zenon Konopka and Jeremy Yoblonski (who will probably be an AHL call-up), as well as youngster P.A.

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Grading The Isles Moves Thus Far

by Rob McGowan

on 07/07/2010 - 19:45

July 1st came and went with plenty of Free Agent action for many fans' delight. But for Isles fans, it was a quiet day. For those who read the many blogs that are available just a click away on the Internet, many knew to expect minimal movement, if any, by GM Garth Snow.

It wasn't until the following day that the Islanders decided to get their hands dirty. Former Pittsburgh Penguin Mark Eaton was signed to a two-year contract to start off the fun, just before defenseman Milan Jurcina was signed as well. A few moments later, P.A.

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Isles Create Roster Space, Changes Coming July 1st?

by Rob McGowan

on 06/29/2010 - 00:16

The Islanders have decided to not tend qualifying offers to Sean Bergenheim and Jeff Tambellini, making them set to become Unrestricted Free Agents on July 1st. Nathan Lawson, Dylan Reese, Dustin Kohn, Rob Schremp and Matt Moulson were tendered their offers, extending the Islanders rights to keep them with the big club. You can expect that they are likely to accept their offers with little or no negotiating.

So what does this mean for the rest of the roster?

Jon Sim, Tim Jackman and Richard Park are still without contracts and heading into free agency most likely looking for new homes.

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Gearing Up For The Draft

by Rob McGowan

on 06/23/2010 - 14:14

If you haven't bought your tickets, now is the time...the Islanders draft party is set for this Friday at the Nassau Coliseum with the 5th overall selection solely in Garth Snow's hands. Yours truly, (as usual every year) will be unable to attend due to work obligations...but here is a brief primer of the scenario's that I think might go down on draft day.

In order...

1) Rick DiPietro is traded to Edmonton for their first overall pick.

HA! No, I'm not that crazy. But it was worth a shot.

Speaking of goalies, I don't see the Isles drafting any this year.

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Between The Pipes

by Rob McGowan

on 06/14/2010 - 15:12

Dwayne Roloson answered any question that lingered about who would be the Isles starter by the end of the 2009-2010 season. During last year's off-season, the Islanders signed Roly to a two-year deal to be Rick DiPietro's 1-A back-up that could handle a heavy work load if he were to injure himself for the umpteenth time. However it became clear that Rick wouldn't be ready once Martin Biron was signed to a one-year deal.

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Catching Up With Kyle Okposo

by Rob McGowan

on 06/09/2010 - 13:44

As promised, today I interviewed Kyle Okposo over the phone to talk about the World Championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, and more! Check it out here!

http://thehockeywriters.com/one-on-one-with-kyle-okposo/

-Rob McGowan

Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM

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Time To Play Catch Up

by Rob McGowan

on 06/07/2010 - 12:22

Hey everyone, remember me? Yes, it has been almost a month since I've posted a blog. I got very busy with finals around the end of May. But I will also admit that I have been enjoying some time off to myself to relax a little after completing my first semester of Graduate school. For those interested, I got a 4.0.

It has been relatively quiet in Islander country lately; otherwise I would've jumped off my lazy ass and written something. Hamonic has been signed as well as Poulin and Ullstrom.

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Should the Isles Bring Back Doug Weight?

by Rob McGowan

on 05/03/2010 - 13:15

Doug Weight is the current captain of the New York Islanders, but for how long?

Weight appeared in only 36 games this year due to injuries to his shoulder that eventually forced him into shutdown mode since his ailments required surgery. In that short time-frame, he scored 1 goal and 16 assists for 17 points. Despite having a solid outing on offense the year before, the Isles mainly brought him back to Captain a young team that could benefit from his leadership. He is a first-class act and understood that his job was to serve as a mentor for this team.

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Isles Key RFA's: What Will Snow Do?

by Rob McGowan

on 04/19/2010 - 12:29

Yes, I am FULLY aware that the playoffs are going on right now. About every other blogger on this site is having a field day with playoff blogs - and I don't blame them. Whether or not their respective teams are in it, they are doing a great job providing their perspectives on the most exciting time of the year for the NHL.

I am still rooting for the Hawks, Kings, Coyotes, Avs, Devils, Caps, Sens and Sabres - although I did not pick my favorites to win each series.

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Islanders Stand Still At 5th Pick

by Rob McGowan

on 04/14/2010 - 12:26

Fingers were crossed and prayers to the hockey Gods were made, but it all came down to the luck of the draw - something the Islanders did not have land in their favor. The draft lottery was conducted last night and the Isles went in with the 5th worst record in the NHL. That gave them an 8.1% chance of moving up to grab the first overall pick. Instead, they ended up standing still with the 5th selection; not the best-case scenario, but it certainly was not the worst as there was a slim potential of them moving back to 6th.

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