In this case, "D" means Draft. We're just a week away from June 26th, a date which we believe will be a watershed moment for the New York Islanders. In case you missed the news, Okposo Net will be in Montreal to share the sensory overload that will be the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. We plan on bringing our readers video, pictures, interviews, and of course, a live blog as the picks happen. And given this team's sometimes tumultuous draft history, who knows what else.
We, along with many others, believe the #1 pick will be John Tavares. But those of you pining for the Isles to take a large Swede may also be in luck, so be sure to stick around throughout the night if you can. Our friend Doug Davidson of Official's Outlook suggests that the Islanders may select David Rundblad at #26 (if they keep the pick). Since we're getting out of the prediction-making business this year, you can see Doug's complete first round mock draft here. Taking Rundblad, a 6'2" defenseman from the Swedish Elite League, might placate some of you in the Victor Hedman camp.
Whatever the outcome of the first day, we hope the Isles are shrewd enough to hold on to the #31 pick overall (1st pick - 2nd round). As others have pointed out, holding that pick is like having a '1A' selection, or the ability to take the "best of the rest" on Day 2. Rounds 2 through 7 take place on Saturday, so Garth and Ryan Jankowski and the scouts can huddle in their suites overnight, assess the situation, and pick 1st again. Delightful!
Whether you're at home relaxing, are one of the 16,000 or so lucky enough to attend the official draft party at Nassau Coliseum, happen to be stuck at work, or are anywhere else, we hope you'll find a few moments to log on to this site and share in our excitement next weekend. We can't wait, and we hope you'll enjoy what we and our fellow bloggers have to bring you.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Kyle Earns an "A" in Our Book
If you haven't voted in the poll on the right hand side of the page, please take a moment to do so now. We've gotten some good feedback from the fans on this subject (verbally and in the comments section), but more is always welcomed. We're leaving the poll open for another 10 days or so to ensure that everyone who wants to vote does so. And thank you to those who have already participated.
The question posed to fans by this blog and others was how they felt the captaincy issue would shape up for the 2009-2010 season. Very simply, has Kyle Okposo done enough during his brief Islanders tenure to warrant wearing a "C" or an "A" on his uniform? At Okposo Net, we strongly feel he deserves the "A," but let's examine the other two possibilities first.
The Captaincy: Realistically, this is just not going to happen for Kyle. It's a case of too much, too soon. The captaincy is normally reserved for a team member of veteran stature who is a vocal leader on and off the ice. Typically, someone fiery enough to energize his colleagues in the locker room yet possessing a calm temperament when dealing with referees. Granted, the "veteran status" requisite has been changing in recent seasons, with young players such as Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews ascending to the post at young ages. For the most part, however, one should be thinking along the lines of a Nicklas Lidström or Shane Doan-type player here (to use current examples).
Since the Islanders don't really have a player that currently fits the bill, we should expect to see the captaincy to go to someone like Mark Streit or Doug Weight this autumn (if a captain is selected). Trent Hunter or Brendan Witt have an outside shot at the "C" as well.
Nothing: Basically, the status quo for Kyle. The main knock on Kyle getting a badge is his inexperience. Let's remember that he's only 21 years old and has played a scant 74 games in the NHL. Is he ready for a leadership role? Nearly 50% of poll respondents say "no," wanting to see him grow as a player for at least another season.
The Alternate Captaincy: While not ready to assume a captainship, yet more than a role player on the Islanders, this is where we feel Kyle currently lies.
Last season, none of the "young Islanders" seemed as willing or able as Okposo to perform in a capacity that was both consistent and increasingly productive on the score sheet. While at times Andy Hilbert, Sean Bergenheim, Bruno Gervais, and others had long stretches of excellent and/or improved play, nobody did it like Kyle. Somewhat absent as a "presence" on the ice during the opening months of the campaign, by the end there wasn't one fan or media member not raving about Kyle's maturity and skill.
But this is not solely about point production. In the locker room Kyle always kept his demeanor the same whether he had participated in a 2-0 win for the Isles or a terrible, soul-crushing loss (of which there were a few). Always willing to answer every question, he became increasingly comfortable and engaging with the media as the season dragged on. We can only assume this was true amongst his contemporaries when the prying eyes of the scribes weren't around to see.
However, part of that comfort was expressed on the ice for all to see in the last few weeks of the season. With basically nothing to play for except personal goals, Kyle found himself embroiled in more altercations with opposing players. He was quick to support his teammates whether they were getting checked through open doors or run into the boards. Kyle was not afraid to get knocked to the ice in a scrum, and was not going to leave a teammate to fend for himself. That says a lot to us, especially on a team that recorded a 61 point season.
Kyle has learned a lot since this time a year ago, having now played a full season with the Isles and in several high profile international competitions. We feel that he has learned something from each experience and utilized the knowledge in his NHL career. While we know that he is still young and there are many able candidates on the Islanders (with hopefully more on the way), we think that Kyle has earned an "A" for next season.
The question posed to fans by this blog and others was how they felt the captaincy issue would shape up for the 2009-2010 season. Very simply, has Kyle Okposo done enough during his brief Islanders tenure to warrant wearing a "C" or an "A" on his uniform? At Okposo Net, we strongly feel he deserves the "A," but let's examine the other two possibilities first.
The Captaincy: Realistically, this is just not going to happen for Kyle. It's a case of too much, too soon. The captaincy is normally reserved for a team member of veteran stature who is a vocal leader on and off the ice. Typically, someone fiery enough to energize his colleagues in the locker room yet possessing a calm temperament when dealing with referees. Granted, the "veteran status" requisite has been changing in recent seasons, with young players such as Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews ascending to the post at young ages. For the most part, however, one should be thinking along the lines of a Nicklas Lidström or Shane Doan-type player here (to use current examples).
Since the Islanders don't really have a player that currently fits the bill, we should expect to see the captaincy to go to someone like Mark Streit or Doug Weight this autumn (if a captain is selected). Trent Hunter or Brendan Witt have an outside shot at the "C" as well.
Nothing: Basically, the status quo for Kyle. The main knock on Kyle getting a badge is his inexperience. Let's remember that he's only 21 years old and has played a scant 74 games in the NHL. Is he ready for a leadership role? Nearly 50% of poll respondents say "no," wanting to see him grow as a player for at least another season.
The Alternate Captaincy: While not ready to assume a captainship, yet more than a role player on the Islanders, this is where we feel Kyle currently lies.
Last season, none of the "young Islanders" seemed as willing or able as Okposo to perform in a capacity that was both consistent and increasingly productive on the score sheet. While at times Andy Hilbert, Sean Bergenheim, Bruno Gervais, and others had long stretches of excellent and/or improved play, nobody did it like Kyle. Somewhat absent as a "presence" on the ice during the opening months of the campaign, by the end there wasn't one fan or media member not raving about Kyle's maturity and skill.
But this is not solely about point production. In the locker room Kyle always kept his demeanor the same whether he had participated in a 2-0 win for the Isles or a terrible, soul-crushing loss (of which there were a few). Always willing to answer every question, he became increasingly comfortable and engaging with the media as the season dragged on. We can only assume this was true amongst his contemporaries when the prying eyes of the scribes weren't around to see.
However, part of that comfort was expressed on the ice for all to see in the last few weeks of the season. With basically nothing to play for except personal goals, Kyle found himself embroiled in more altercations with opposing players. He was quick to support his teammates whether they were getting checked through open doors or run into the boards. Kyle was not afraid to get knocked to the ice in a scrum, and was not going to leave a teammate to fend for himself. That says a lot to us, especially on a team that recorded a 61 point season.
Kyle has learned a lot since this time a year ago, having now played a full season with the Isles and in several high profile international competitions. We feel that he has learned something from each experience and utilized the knowledge in his NHL career. While we know that he is still young and there are many able candidates on the Islanders (with hopefully more on the way), we think that Kyle has earned an "A" for next season.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Draft One Month Away
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.
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.
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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