Just got word of three callups by the Islanders. Forwards Jeff Tambellini, Frans Nielsen and Kip Brennan will join the big club filling in for either Park or Hunter who are questionable with the flu and also Mike Sillinger whom will be out three weeks with an injured hip (Cue the old man jokes now). Brennan will fill Jackman’s role, who was sent back to Bridgeport. Maybe we will see one of Kip’s knockout punches? While Jackman was a good energy player, always good for a timely big hit – he did not bring the toughness the team is sorely lacking. Brennan isn’t shy when it comes to dropping the gloves and could help prevent his teammates from being pushed around without answering to anyone. Mike Comrie and Mike Komisarek were battling all game on Saturday – I was surprised that nobody stood up and made him answer for that.
I seriously hope Tamby gets an extended look this time and the others compliment the current roster. This is a pretty huge development considering Nolan’s reluctance to go with youth this season. If Nolan has learned anything from the reserves down in Bridgeport, he wouldn’t have to look much further than the play of Blake Comeau. Comeau has been given more ice time the last several games and the result is profound – Blake has been one of the Islanders most consistent forwards. The line of Comrie centering Satan and Comeau appeared to have some chemistry Saturday in Montreal – so I would like to see them play together a bit longer. I may just get my wish, because these were the lines seen skating together at today’s practice:
Fedotenko-Vasicek-Guerin
Comeau-Comrie-Satan
Brennan-Hilbert-Hunter
Tambellini-Nielsen-Bergenheim
As the time is beginning to tick down towards the trade deadline, it’s better to use what you have within the organization to try to spark something. For as long as I have been following hockey – especially the Islanders, I have heard the team say they do not want to disrupt chemistry by making too many roster moves. I don’t really think the disruption of chemistry is something this team needs to worry about right now, as they really don’t have much chemistry. The absolute worst thing that can happen by making a few callups is that the team will respond. The team has been broken for far too long and I really hope that management hasn’t made the mistake of letting things get too far out of control.
Per Islanders Site on the play of the three call ups at practice:
- Despite going up against more experienced players, Frans Nielsen more than held his own when practicing draws against Josef Vasicek and Andy Hilbert. Wing Blake Comeau also took part in the faceoff session
- For the second year in a row, Frans Nielsen will play in his first NHL game of the season and meet the defending Stanley Cup champions. Last year, on January 6, Nielsen made his NHL debut and skated against the Carolina Hurricanes. Tomorrow, the Anaheim Ducks visit the Coliseum.
- It is still unsure whether recently un-retired Teemu Selanne will make his season debut on Tuesday against the Islanders. Regardless, Ted Nolan said the Islanders will prepare as if he is dressing.
- Nolan also indicated that six defensemen will skate in tomorrow’s contest against the Anaheim Ducks.
