New York Islanders 2009-2010 Season Review

The highly anticipated rookie year of John Tavares and the 2009-2010 New York Islanders season came to an end on the same note it started, an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on home ice. It was a crazy and unexpected year on many levels that fell short of expectations for management and coaches, but far exceeded mine. A record of 34-37-11 with 79 points after a 26-47-9 with 61 points last season. And the only additions were Tavares, two goaltenders, and two long shot dream free agent signings in Matt Moulson and Rob Schremp. Lets go through and give a year in review for all the players, coaches, and management.

Garth Snow: B+
Garth went out and signed Dwayne Roloson and Marty Biron, two top NHL quality goaltenders in the offseason thinking he would trade one of them when Rick DiPietro returned. He ended up not trading either of them, as DiPietro played only 8 games this season. He also found little known Matt Moulson and Rob Schremp who will be a big part of the Islanders future. Garth traded Andy Sutton at the deadline for a second round pick which was the result of a weak market. It was only a year ago Snow got a first rounder for Chris Campoli. Garth did a lot with a little, but he must go out and find a goal scoring winger and a top 4 defenseman this offseason. He says he has no restrictions on what he can spend, so hopefully the team salary will climb significantly this offseason.

Scott Gordon: A
Coach Gordon entered his second season as the Islanders head coach and turned the Islanders from a basement team to a middle of the pack team. He had his team in the thick of the playoff race all year. The players are buying into his system, and the goals are coming. The penalty kill was his only weak spot. They finished the season at 76%, 29th out of 30.

John Tavares: B+
John had a fantastic rookie season with 24 goals, 30 assists for 54 points. His play after the Olympic Break was significantly improved, not just statistically, but his defensive and play without the puck got better. He will easily score 30 goals on a consistent basis in the future. The kid is only 19 years old. He will get bigger and stronger and will be a force. He is the cornerstone of the Islanders future.

Mark Streit: A
Streit is the backbone of the defense and would be my choice for captain next season. He averaged over 25 minutes of ice time and quarterbacked the power play. An outstanding all around defenseman who's play on defense is surprising a lot of people, including me. The stats were down, but once the Islanders get bigger and better up front, his numbers will increase.

Kyle Okposo: B+
This was Kyles second full season with the Islanders. His offensive numbers do not give him enough credit. This kid has the potential to score 40 and reminds me so much of Jason Blake with his speed and peskiness he brings to every game. The puck just seems to find him. He is only 21 years old, so give him a few more years and he too will be making eye opening plays on a consistent basis.

Matt Mouslon: A+
The biggest surprise of the Islanders season. A long shot to even make the team out of training camp, Moulson played well enough in camp to earn a roster spot. He was the teams leading scorer with 30 goals, and the only real consistent sniper the Isles had. They must bring him back next year.

Frans Neilsen: B+
Will win a Selke trophy by the time he retires. Underrated defensively and a great distributor of the puck. Kills penalties and is always matched up against the opposing teams top line. Reminds me of Michael Peca, only better.

Blake Comeau: B
Really turned his game around toward the last month of the season. Needs to be more consistent and play like he did the last part of the season for a full one.

Josh Bailey: B
Played well given the fact that this was his second full season. He switched from center to wing and back and forth a lot. Played much better without the puck this season than last, and will get bigger and stronger, hes only 20.

Rob Schremp: B
Excellent skills and puck handling ability. The goal he scored while batting the puck out of mid air was phenomenal. Above average skater, should be back next season.

Sean Bergenheim: B
Above average skating ability and strong along the boards with the puck. Just wish he would put himslef in better positions to shoot more, but he turned it on late. I could see him playing with Rob Scremp and Josh Bailey on a line next season.

Rest of the defense: B-
The play of Jack Hillen and Andrew MacDonald are the real bright spots on the defense along with Mart Streit. The way Hillen and MacDonald are engaging and reading plays has far exceeded everyones expectations and they both deserve the contracts they have for next season. Freddy Meyer is by far the teams best defensive defenseman. He shut down a lot of good offensive players on opposing teams on a consistent basis. Reminds me of a younger Brendan Witt and at age 29, should be brought back. Bruno Gervais did not live up to expectations after a good season last year. The team traded Andy Sutton at the deadline and Gervais was expected to fill the void, but did not do so. The Islanders need to bring in a high quality defenseman for next season.

Rest of the offense: C
Jon Sim played much better this year after being sent down to Bridgeport towards the end of last season. He was a pest to opposing teams and drew a lot of penalties. Tim Jackman played well on the fourth line and had 98 penalty minutes. Jeff Tambellini did not make the most of the limited time he played this year and did not secure a consistent spot in the lineup. I believe Richard Park, Jon Sim, Jeff Tambellini, and Doug Weight will not be back next season.

Rick DiPietro: I
Ricky played in only 8 games after returning from knee injuries in November. He had swelling in his knee and did not return after the Olympic Break. He is under contract for a long time, and the story will continue once training camp begins next September. Will he be ready? I don't think he even knows.

Marty Biron: B
Played well after the All-Star break sharing time with Dwayne Roloson. Could have been useful to another team at the trade deadline. I believe he played well enough to earn a contract next season with another NHL team.

Dwayne Roloson: A
The teams MVP by far. Hands down the only reason why the Islanders were not at the very bottom of the cellar in the league. .907 save % and 3.00 GAA with 23 wins. Will be the teams starting gaoltender entering camp next season.

Comments