The Kids are Alright!

I was at the Coliseum yesterday to witness what was probably the most gratifying win of this lost season yesterday. Not only did we handily beat the #2 ranked team in the conference, chasing one of the game's all-time great goalies in the process, but more importantly we did so on the backs of our team's youth. It's always encouraging for a team going through a youth movement to outplay one of the conference's elite, while receiving such impressive contributions from the young players to whom you are giving an opportunity.

To recap, the Islanders soundly defeated the Devils 7-3 in a matinee yesterday, receiving three goals from 25 year old Sean Bergenheim, a goal from 20 year old Kyle Okposo, 2 assists from 19 year old Josh Bailey, a goal from 23 year old Blake Comeau, and even a goal and assist from 24 year old Jeff Tambellini. Additionally Jesse Joensuu turned in another strong effort, showing solid work along the boards and a knack for creating opportunities with his play around the net.

While losses are preferable to meaningless wins at this stage of the season in order to solidify a top 2 pick in June's draft, wins like yesterday's, that come from the efforts of the young players on the roster can be looked at not as meaningless, but as building blocks. Kudos to Scott Gordon who has obviously done wonders teaching the young players on the team. Getting consistently good play from Okposo over the second half of the year and getting more than just flashes of brilliance out of Bergenheim. It is apparent to me that the right coach for a youthful rebuilding team is in place.

Hopefully the Islanders (9-8-3 in their last 20, 3-1 since sending their former captain home) don't get too good this season. They still desperately need a top 2 pick in the draft. The presence of either John Tavares or Victor Hedman would accelerate the rebuild dramatically.

Comments?

-Brian