I missed the game tonight against Montreal, but looking at the recap I wanted to discuss a few things. The more veterans that get placed in the lineup, the more I like the results. Here is my take on the most notable point producers:
Jon Sim
Sim tallied two goals tonight, based on the description from the recap they are the exact type of goal we can expect from him all season – gritty, hardworking goals. Sim is not afraid to get to the front of the net, something we have sorely missed since the days of Mark Parrish. I am really excited to see what he can do for the Islanders. The fans down on Atlanta seem to rave about him, and many of us here in Islander Nation feel he will be a great replacement for Asham.
Bill Guerin
Guerin also got himself on the board tonight, which is refreshing to see him continue to produce after his great season last year. I did not see the goal or a replay, so I cannot comment further – but Guerin is a player I cannot wait to see more of, I just hope he can be the player we need him to be.
Onto a player whose name may not be all over the score sheet but continues to contribute – Josef Vasicek. Vasicek was all over the place in the game against Boston last night. He killed penalties, won some key face-offs and even dropped the gloves. For all the bad I heard about him, I think he is going to be a solid pick-up and agree with the notion that he is this years Kozlov.
Lastly, I don't know how anyone else feels about the preseason, but I don't put too much stock into winning or losing. Here is why; IT IS PRACTICE. It is nothing more than a glorified scrimmage to get the teams and coaches back into the swing of things. The preseason record to date means nothing and is no indication on how the Isles will fair this coming season. While some players may give 100% out there, others are told to sit back and take it slow – and this is why it shouldn't be taken too seriously.
The only thing I really care about in the preseason; beating the Rangers and working on the special teams. According to Corey Witt, the power play teams have already begun to work on "new systems". Check out Corey Witt's Blog for more!
