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Evidently only 6 games in and with a 3-3 record, somehow there is already panic on the streets of Long Island. There is already some jumping off a short bus screaming for trades because in 6 games total there is not enough scoring outside the top line. 

Umm.., well be that as it may, you were all here last season and before that, right? When did the Isles have 2nd and 3rd line scoring exactly? Yeah, you were how old back then?

Despite it being far too premature, let us smash right into the big problems at least only a few games in....

Point is, besides Grabner, 2nd line has issues. And besides Grabner on line 2, who is burning up line 3 and 4 ready to break out? Yeah, exactly. 

In fact, if the Isles want to tinker, maybe it's time to place Niño in the lineup, and have him and/or Paranteau both try pushing that 3rd line.

While we are at it, why don't we all just admit at this juncture, Kyle Okposo is just a gritty 2nd line or even 3rd line plug. We can give him a pass on two seasons back. Last year was half a mess. This season, well it is time to show the upside that has him deserving to be on line 2. You can do all the right things, be all over the ice, but it's time to get the assist and goal tallies.

One assist in 6 games, is not goig to cut it. 

Same with the defensive-hyped Nielsen with one goal in 6 games. On line two, defensive as he might be, there needs to be much more. 

Expectations for both are higher, and it will be high time to show this season what they are capable of to determine if they are the long-term answer. 

Third line languishes of Bailey and Comeau are starting to concern the powers that be. Both have goose eggs in 6 games. Zilch. Nada. Zippo.

The tough love on the older Comeau is well deserved and he is in danger of being one of this season’s casualties if he's not careful. He came close to being dealt over the summer, and Garth will revisit if he feels he can shore up another area.

Bailey has this season to show that he's part of the Isles future. Despite the two-season deal, it will be the Isles determining whether he or the impending UFA Nielsen is their 3rd line center of next season and beyond.

Rebuild patience is over, but this is not exactly enough this season to press the panic button. Merely Garth and Capuano giving players a warning on expectations. But here is the reality as well, where are the proven scores with a career track record on line 2 and 3... 

Right. There are none. Not a one. And this is the shortfall of what happens in a rebuild when there isn't proven commodities also mixed in, no guarantees. No sure things. No steady fixtures. In fact, besides the output of line 1, the Isles have nip thing proven except a captain who can get a ton of assists.

The problem is now other teams are starting to get this, focus on the top line. Now you might understand why Garth each season contemplates the notions of Yashin, Satan and others to get a shot. They at least, despite defensive issues, have proven ability at deficiencies the Isles have in spades. The problem there, is that those lapses and deficiencies would cause other issues in areas that actually strong on Long Island. Team unity, locker room, grit, on ice effort, for the most part, is there. By adding to fill one gap, they would be adding other gaps.

This is why we are really seat-belted into the long haul. It will be the growth and development of these players into being the answer without the gaps. It requires patience, holding the line, and sticking to the plan.

There are no magic pills nor players that will somehow make these problems all go away. It will require time, coaching, mentoring, and a lot more. This is what this season, if you have been following my blogs, will be all about. Nobody but who is there currently will likely change this course. It is up to that is there to push through their projections and potentials. 

The NHL season is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The growing and capable of teams ride the highs and look to break the lows. This will be too different for these NY Islanders who need to make sure they do not skid outs to last years car wreck. Meantime, with a .500 record they are far from that low. With two road losses, they clearly need to handle and offset the current shortcomings.

All that comes on the ice, and not through unrealistic notions of trade rumors and hopes. Hope, for those who are in the NHL, is the name of a ship that sunk. Nobody gets by on hope. It's all about effort and focus. Hope is not a part of it, and no magical wave of Garth Snow's wand will solve anything but small issues.

There is a lot more to be played, and fans will need to trust in the GMship of Garth and the coaches, besides the untapped potential being drilled into by those players, for them to get through it. Buy some stronger beer and smoke'em if you got 'em. 

Such is the lot of a rebuild and the fact that the Isles will not deal those chips in Milburyesque fashion.

Be grateful. 

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