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New Season, New Philosophy - Isles Ready to Go



UNIONDALE, NY - Fans hopeful that new coach's history of winning can turn tide in Long Island.

In 1998, he was ranked 24th by The Hockey New's in their 100 Greatest Hockey Players publication. The Stanley Cup ring he wears on his finger reminds observers of the glory days when he roamed the blueline for his Montreal Canadiens.

The other five rings he won also with the Canadiens are stowed safely in his home.

He's a two-time Norris trophy winner and was named the playoff's most-valuable player in the 1978 playoffs when he led the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-2 series victory over the Boston Bruins.

Reminiscing the good old days, however, is something Larry Robinson hasn't done much lately.

"I've got more important things to attend to," the Hall of Famer smiles.

That's good news for the ever-faithful fans in Long Island, who have felt plenty of disappointment in the recent years with their Islanders failing to qualify for the post-season in the last two years.

"Turning an organization around doesn't occur over night," Robinson remarked. "It's a process that requires a plan and patience. Our goal as a team this season is to improve from last year. We can't look too far ahead, otherwise the things we need to accomplish right now won't be achieved."

With the regular season just around the corner, we take a look at the roster the Islanders will ice on opening night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Will this year's team improve from last season? We'll leave that decision up to you.



2005-2006 Forward Depth Chart

Hejduk (82) - Arkipov (73) - Kariya (75)
Bednar (68) - Roy (70) - Walker (75)
Berezin (68) -Hudler (69) - Hossa (70)
Burrows (67) - Voce (62) - Orszagh (69)

2006-2007 Forward Depth Chart

Connolly (76) - White (77) - Vyborny (76)
Modin (75) - Getzlaf (73) - Hudler (69)
Holik (75) - Wellwood (73) - Zigomanis (71)
Miettinen (72) - Roy (72) - Antropov (71)



This year's group up front lacks superstar names like Milan Hejduk and Paul Kariya but it's obvious the team has made the decision that having depth through four lines is more important than having one superstar line. Younger players like Ryan Getzlaf, Jiri Hudler and Kyle Wellwood will be given the chance to succeed.

Player(s) to watch: David Vyborny, Ryan Getzlaf




2005-2006 Defense Depth Chart

Markov (75) - Tverdovsky (74)
Leopold (73) - Warrener (73)
Karpovtsev (70) - Skrastins (71)

2006-2007 Defense Depth Chart

Phillips (78) - Souray (77)
Preissing (75) - Vandermeer (72)
Hainsey (70) - Heid (63)



This season's group on the blueline looks slightly better than last season's. The additions of Chris Phillips and Sheldon Souray should significantly improve the defense's play at both ends of the ice.

Predicted leader in points: Chris Phillips - 13 G, 59 A, 72 PTS, +36




2005-2006 Goaltender Depth Chart

Vokoun (79)
Huet (68)

2006-2007 Goaltender Depth Chart

Ward (77)
Shields (71)



With the other two positions improved from the season before, there had to be a drop some where, and in net is where it is. Tomas Vokoun was traded in the offseason in a shocking move that saw youngster Cam Ward head to New York in exchange. Ward is a promising young goalie, but Vokoun is an established superstar netminder. It remains to be seen and Ward is up for the challenge, but trading Vokoun may end up being the Islanders' biggest mistake.

Cam Ward outlook: 42 W, 38 L, 2.13 GAA, 0.910 sv. %




On paper the team looks improved, but unfortunately the game isn't played there. Last year, the Islanders were negative in goal-differential allowing seven more goals than they scored. That should change this season, but as in seasons past, competition will be tough in the Gretzky Conference.

This year's team should have plenty of youthful enthusiasm, but it remains to be seen how far that can take the team. There's a solid foundation now on the Island, but as Larry Robinson alluded to earlier, to succeed, the Islanders must stick to their plan and be patient.

Projected finish: 9th in Gretzky - 96 points