Okposo and Bailey give Islanders fans reason to be excited

From Greg Logan of Newsday:

It was just one of six goals in yesterday's scrimmage at the Islanders' rookie camp, but it looked like a blueprint for the future. No.1 draft pick Josh Bailey penetrated the right circle and dished perfectly to budding rookie star Kyle Okposo in the slot, where he flicked it left to defenseman Andy MacDonald, who buried the shot.

You never know, but the decision to put Bailey, the ninth overall pick in June, on the same line with Okposo, the seventh overall pick from the 2006 draft, could be the start of a beautiful relationship.

Read the entire story here.

As the article points out, Bailey will most likely return to Windsor of the OHL, but the future definitely looks bright for these two talented youngsters.

Okposo gained confidence at the end of last season

From Greg Logan of Newsday:

In his nine games, Okposo managed goals against the Devils and Rangers and totaled five points. The experience, he said, "helped me a lot. It made me realize I can play with those guys, and have an impact. It's a little bit reassuring to have those first few games under my belt."

Read the entire article here.

With Ted Nolan gone, the pressure will be on the Islanders' youngsters even more. Okposo is a very talented player and with some experience, he should come into his own in 2008/09.

Kyle Okposo focused on having a successful sophomore season

From Dan Martin of the NY Post:

"I think we can do big things here, and obviously, I want to be a part of that," Okposo said. "You do pay attention to all the stuff that goes on [with free agency] and who goes where, but I can't worry about that. I have too much to do to get myself ready to play well at this level. I still have a lot to prove. No matter what anyone else thinks of me, if I don't perform on the ice, it's not going to matter."

Read the entire article here.

By all accounts, he will surely be given the opportunity to flourish on the Island this season.

Okposo already looking forward to next season

From Katie Strang of Newsday:

Okposo, who had two goals and three assists in nine games as an Islander, said this past year's experiences will allow him to have a productive season in 2008. No NHL nerves to get out of the way, decisions to muddle his thoughts, no first goal as an Islander looming overhead (he netted the game-winner against New Jersey on March 21). He knows what to expect and how to prepare. He's been getting up at 8 a.m. to complete cardio work, stairs and agility drills to improve his quickness. He said he wants to better his fast-twitch muscles and quicken his first step and three strides off the block.

Read the entire article here.

With a hectic season behind him, expect Okposo to flourish in 2008/09. The former Golden Gopher gives the Islanders a marketable young player and that is exactly what the organization needs. The standout forward has the skill and ability to be loved by fans on Long Island.

NHL Morning Papers--Eastern Conference (Tuesday Edition)

Here are the national morning papers:

• The Leafs are only three points ahead of the NHL draft lottery right now, writes Dave Shoalts of the Globe & Mail.
• Under the radar, the Florida Panthers have moved into playoff contention, writes Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail.
• Kevin Allen of USA Today wonders if Alexander Ovechkin can win the MVP without making the playoffs.

Here are the Northeast Division morning papers:

• Apparently Zdeno Chara's injury status is improving, writes Fluto Shinwaza of the Boston Globe. That being said, more improvement is most likely needed for Chara to return to the lineup.
• The Sabres have some young talent in the NCAA that will be ready to step into the lineup next season, writes Mike Harrington.
• In Montreal, Jaroslav Halak will get the start tonight versus the Blues. Meanwhile, Halak's counterpart Carey Price tells Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette that the NHL should not cut down goaltender padding anymore.
• Chris Neil could return to the Senators lineup as early as next week, according to Bruce Garrioch. As Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen tells us, the referees have sure noticed the change behind the Ottawa bench.
• The Leafs are hoping that Mats Sundin and Nik Antropov will be able to return to the lineup for Friday's game versus the Sabres. While Leafs fans are still hoping for Steve Stamkos, the current Leafs coaches and players are not going to throw in the towel.

Here are the Southeast Division morning papers:

• The Thrashers have lost Erik Christensen to a knee injury, even though the play on which he got hurt looked very innocuous.
• Jeff Hamilton has returned to the NHL, and the Hurricanes are hoping he can replace some of the offense they have lost to injury.
• It looks like Jacques Martin's decision to not play Tomas Vokoun at the start of March has paid dividends, writes Steve Gorten. In other Panthers news, Pete Pellegrin of the Miami Herald profiles David Booth.
• Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post commends Capitals GM George McPhee on his trade deadline acquisitions.
• Andre Roy is happy to be back with his teammates in Tampa, writes Erik Erlendsson.

Here are the Atlantic Division morning papers:

• John Jeansonne of Newsday previews the debut of Kyle Okposo for Islanders fans.
• Long time Devils forward Sergei Brylin is unsure of his future with the Devils, writes Rich Chere.
• The Rangers need to shoot more when they are on the power play, writes Jay Greenbeg of the NY Post.
• The Flyers locker room was given a little makeover yesterday, according to Bob Cooney. As Tim Panaccio explains, the pressure is clearly on John Stevens to turn the Flyers around.
• The Penguins are focusing on winning the Atlantic Division, writes Shelly Anderson. If the Malkin line continues its tremendous play, the division crown will be easier to obtain.

The Western Conference post is soon to follow...

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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