In exactly one month (6/26), the Islanders will have a chance to radically alter the composition of the franchise. As everyone must know by know, the Isles hold the #1 overall pick in the draft, and the likely (although not officially confirmed) draftee will be center John Tavares. However, where general manager Garth Snow and his scouting staff will really hopefully earn their money is with the selections that follow, of which the Islanders have 10 (including another 1st rounder).
The best news in all of this is that Okposo Net will be inside Montreal's Bell Centre during the draft. That's right, to bring you each pick live, as they happen. If there are any trades, we'll of course have that information too. The Islanders and the NHL have been kind enough to grant us access to the proceedings and we plan to utilize the opportunity to the fullest. So on draft day, please check this site often.
Since we've been idle for many days, we're also putting up a poll on the right hand side of this page. Very simply, it asks whether Kyle's performance this past season has earned him the right to wear a captain's badge in 2009-2010. We'll share our own thoughts on this matter in the near future, but for right now we want to take the public's temperature on whether Kyle deserves to sport the captain's "C," an "A" (alternate captain), or nothing at all. Please let us know your feelings on the matter, and if you would like to make a case in depth, the comments section is always open.
As always, thank you for reading.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Kyle and US Come Home Medal-less
Despite losing 4-2 in the bronze medal game to Sweden on Sunday (5/11), both Kyle and the US team have nothing to hang their heads about. Russia won the gold medal, defeating Canada (silver), and as stated a very tough Swedish side finished third.
While the US would have hoped to medal, one can't complain about finishing just behind three of the elite hockey programs in the world. Kyle shouldn't be discouraged either, having completed his nine game stint with two goals and three assists and a +3 rating. His plus/minus trailed only Jason Blake on the American squad.
The fact that Kyle more than held his own against some of the world's best talent bodes well for the future of the Islanders.
The next major event to look forward to is the NHL Entry Draft on June 26th and 27th, where we'll likely see some of Kyle's future mates added to the Isles.
While the US would have hoped to medal, one can't complain about finishing just behind three of the elite hockey programs in the world. Kyle shouldn't be discouraged either, having completed his nine game stint with two goals and three assists and a +3 rating. His plus/minus trailed only Jason Blake on the American squad.
The fact that Kyle more than held his own against some of the world's best talent bodes well for the future of the Islanders.
The next major event to look forward to is the NHL Entry Draft on June 26th and 27th, where we'll likely see some of Kyle's future mates added to the Isles.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Kyle Scores but US Falls Short
On Friday (5/8) in Switzerland, Kyle Okposo gave his best effort to help the United States reach the gold medal game, but the team fell just short of their goal. We could give you a quick game recap, but Newsday's Greg Logan has already taken care of it here. Thanks, Greg.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Okposo Assists Oshie; Americans Advance
Having reached the knockout stage of the 2009 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, on Wednesday (5/6) Kyle and crew found Finland standing in their way on their march to a medal. The Finns, who finished second in their group to Canada, had not lost a game in regulation in the tournament. That streak ended when the US team upended them and sent them packing with a 3-2 victory.
The entirety of the scoring occurred during an active second period. Finland jumped out to a lead on a power play strike from Niko Kapanen in the opening minute. The Americans equalized with a power play goal of their own, and then Mr. Okposo and David Backes assisted on a T.J. Oshie goal to put the US ahead for good. The teams exchanged goals later in the period, but Finland was unable to put anything past goalie Robert Esche in the 3rd, and the US skated away with the one-goal win.
Kyle improves his tournament stat line to 1 goal and 3 assists (and one "fight" versus Islanders teammate Mark Streit) in 7 games. He is sporting a +4 overall, which is very solid.
The next game will be a rematch against the very tough Russian team. Earlier in the tournament the Russians dropped the US by a 4-1 score. The tilt will take place on Friday (5/8) morning (Eastern Daylight Time). If Kyle scores or does anything notable in the game, you'll read about it here.
Good luck, US team!
The entirety of the scoring occurred during an active second period. Finland jumped out to a lead on a power play strike from Niko Kapanen in the opening minute. The Americans equalized with a power play goal of their own, and then Mr. Okposo and David Backes assisted on a T.J. Oshie goal to put the US ahead for good. The teams exchanged goals later in the period, but Finland was unable to put anything past goalie Robert Esche in the 3rd, and the US skated away with the one-goal win.
Kyle improves his tournament stat line to 1 goal and 3 assists (and one "fight" versus Islanders teammate Mark Streit) in 7 games. He is sporting a +4 overall, which is very solid.
The next game will be a rematch against the very tough Russian team. Earlier in the tournament the Russians dropped the US by a 4-1 score. The tilt will take place on Friday (5/8) morning (Eastern Daylight Time). If Kyle scores or does anything notable in the game, you'll read about it here.
Good luck, US team!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Kyle Toasts French at Worlds
After three games of maximum effort with minimal results, Kyle Okposo finally made his presence felt at the 2009 IIHF World Championships on Friday (5/1). Coming into the game against France, KO had registered 7 shots on goal but had recorded only a single point (an assist in the opening game). That all changed as Kyle finally hit his stride in Berne, Switzerland.
Just four minutes into the game Okposo beat French goaltender Fabrice Lhenry for a power play goal that gave the US team a lead they would never relinquish. David Backes assisted on Kyle's tally.
After Backes scored one of his own at the 10:38 mark and assisted on a third team goal, Kyle got involved again in the second period. This time, playing at even strength, Kyle helped defenseman Keith Ballard put one behind Lhenry to open up a 4-0 lead for the red, white, and blue squad (technically the French sport the same colors, but you catch our drift here...).
It was all the Americans would need, though each side would score two additional goals before the final horn sounded. Final score from Switzerland: United States 6, France 2.
Through four games overseas Kyle now has a goal and two assists, his numbers greatly enhanced by Friday evening's performance.
Next up for the United States is a very tough test in the form of undefeated Russia on Saturday (5/2) night. There won't be much time for Kyle to bask in the afterglow of a very good multiple point game.
Just four minutes into the game Okposo beat French goaltender Fabrice Lhenry for a power play goal that gave the US team a lead they would never relinquish. David Backes assisted on Kyle's tally.
After Backes scored one of his own at the 10:38 mark and assisted on a third team goal, Kyle got involved again in the second period. This time, playing at even strength, Kyle helped defenseman Keith Ballard put one behind Lhenry to open up a 4-0 lead for the red, white, and blue squad (technically the French sport the same colors, but you catch our drift here...).
It was all the Americans would need, though each side would score two additional goals before the final horn sounded. Final score from Switzerland: United States 6, France 2.
Through four games overseas Kyle now has a goal and two assists, his numbers greatly enhanced by Friday evening's performance.
Next up for the United States is a very tough test in the form of undefeated Russia on Saturday (5/2) night. There won't be much time for Kyle to bask in the afterglow of a very good multiple point game.
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