In what could prove to be 3 very potent offensive players this season, Mike Comrie, Jeff Tambellini and Josef Vasicek have taken 1st, 2nd and 3rd stars respectively at this year’s camp. Here are the exact point totals per the Islanders Website:
Three Stars of the Lobster Cup Series:
1. Mike Comrie – 4 goals in 2 games: In a losing effort in the final game, Comrie still receives the first star of the series. His line with Bill Guerin and Ruslan Fedotenko was the dominating force behind Team Gillies' win yesterday and Comrie was against outstanding today.
2. Jeff Tambellini – 3 goals and an assist in 2 games: Tambellini has proven that hard work in the minors and an intense off-season workout plan could pay off.
3. Josef Vasicek – 2 goals and an assist in 2 games: Vasicek looked dominant on a line with Tambellini and Satan. The big center will be a force on one of the Islanders top two lines this season.
If you have been keeping track of the updates on the Isles site, Coach Nolan has been speaking very highly of Comrie, even before camp had begun. He was quoted as saying "I think we have a real player here". For me, it was never a question of if Comrie would live up to the expectations cast upon him, but when – and it looks like he is going to be the type of player the team has desperately needed.
Jeff Tambellini continues to impress, building on the success he had down in Bridgeport last season and while called up with the big club. He is making his presence felt in camp, which can only make the decision on whom to keep up tougher on Nolan. There are only one or two spots available – and Bergenheim has a one-way contract so if he also continues to play well, Tambellini may wind up starting the year in Bridgeport.
Josef Vasicek is showing all the nay-sayers why he deserves a chance. Put on a line with Tambellini and Satan, he is able to use his size and make room for the players around him. I think he will be a great addition this year, and like some of the other players picked up become a pleasant surprise.
Tomorrow comes the real test, as the team takes on the Atlanta Thrashers at 7PM. This is the first opportunity to try out your line combinations and systems against a different team. It's a great time to work out the kinks, tweak plays and get ready for opening night.
I am ready; let's hope the team is also.
