For those that are dying for any Islander action info. I was at the Ryan Shannon Big Assist charity event in Stamford tonight. The Mississauga Mudflap looking like he hasn"t missed a beat potting two goals with the quick release....
Though only an exhibition from a pure talent review, Van Riemsdyk and St Louis were best players on the ice., Pacioretty has jets when he turns it on, and Jonathan Quick was fun to watch. Good night for a good cause. 

 It pains me to ask this..but watching the last 10 games, and it seems to me the Isles forwards lose the majority of battles for loose pucks at both ends of the ice. They also seem to spend much more time getting knocked down than their opponents. Bailey, Comeau, Parentau, Grabner, Schremp, even Frans at times come to mind. Though knocked about a bit I give JT a pass as I see improvement in his strength since last year, and he is only 20. I know Bailey is only a year older, bulked up, but i haven't seen the improvement in this category I would have liked.I am not talking about hitting here, just the ability to win pucks in confrontation.  Seems like we do have more physical based players in the pipe/future..Martin, Hamonic,Nino come to mind.  What sayeth the Isles brethren.

it's early, but I feel like I am watching the ghost of Pierre Turgeon. Shifty, great hands, quick shot, strong down low, good vision.  The wrister off the back foot. I would be more than happy with a Pierre type in his prime. Thought his comment about shooting on the fly since the ice was choppy late in the period was very interesting. If he has that kind of head we are in good shape