Isles News

         Last night the Islanders lost in Overtime to the Panthers, but gain a point which puts their total to 21 which so far is good for 7th in the Eastern Conference. Their record is 7-6-7
          NHL analyst Pierre McGuire suggests that Rick DiPietro will return (in a day or 30) and if the Islanders acquire “the right top-six forward” for Martin Biron, “they can make the playoffs.” I’m not here to debate the playoffs part; we’ll know in a few weeks how realistic that may be. But a present-day, top-six forward?
       I have to disagree with him here. If Garth Snow can prod a 20-goal, 50-point second-line forward - I assume it would be a wing - for Biron, Michael Farber may have to name him SI’s GM of the Year for the second time in four years. Biron was passed over by many teams in the summer and signed a one-year deal with the Islanders three weeks after the UFA market opened. The view here is that many teams will be interested, but none will offer or have the luxury of offering a significant roster player for Biron. A solid prospect or draft pick, maybe. Maybe even both. But take someone out of their lineup who could crack the Islanders’ top six and immediately contribute to a playoff run? Seems like a stretch.
         Here’s hoping Pierre is right. Would love to see Marty get big minutes with a contender, and the Islanders add a legitimate top-six veteran wing. I just can’t put money down on that one.