Predictions: Defensemen

Continuing with the predictions, now the defensemen:

1) Mark Streit- 15 goals
40 assists
55 points

Returning from injury I think Streit will put up a solid season this year. I think he will proivde something that was very missed on the powerplay last year. Also with the addition of Brian Rolston he will have something that he really hasn't had in his time with the team and that is like a second pointman with a rocket shot. It should be interesting to see how having Rolston now as well influences Streits play.

2) Andrew MacDonald- 6 goals
30 assists
36 points

I think Amac will only improve this year & that is on both sides of his game. I think he will beat the sophomore slump and have himself a very good season.

3) Travis Hamonic- 7 goals
27 assists
34 points
125 PIMS

I think Travis will continue to build on what he showed last year & cement himself as a top four defenseman in this league. By even the middle of the year the pairing of him and Amac could even become our first pairing, in my opinion at least. Additionally off course he will continue to be a physical player like he showed last year accumulating over 100 penalty minutes as a rookie.

4) Mark Eaton- 1 goal
6 assists
7 points

Eaton isn't around for his offensive prowess. Eaton is here to be a stabilizing presence in the top four & because he has a cup to his name so he knows what it takes to win. Hopefully he is able to stay healthy this year.

5) Milan "Juice" Jurcina- 5 goals
15 assists
20 points

The Islanders record with & without Jurcina last year was pretty crazy with how much it varied. For our sake hopefully he is able to stay healthy this year. Also hopefully he is able to get that big shot of his on target more times then not to give us more then expected scoring chances.

6) Steve Staios- 5 goals
15 assists
20 points
60 PIMS

Staios like Eaton isn't here for his offensive prowess. Staios has looked solid thus far on his tryout, which is why the Islanders signed him to a one year deal today. While he isn't the type of guy we needed, he will give us solid depth and a very welcomed veteran presence.

Guys who could see time:

1) Mike Mottau- 0 goals
5 assists
5 points

After the signing of Staios today, I think Mike Mottau now has a seat in the press box to start the season. That is assuming Milan Jurcina is healthy. He like Staios and Eaton is also a good veteran presence with playoff experience.

2) Ty Wishart- 1 goal
4 assists
5 points

After acquiring him from Tampa around New Years for Dwayne Roloson, I thought Ty looked decent up here. I know there are quite a few fans who are down on him, however I think he will be a serviceable depth guy for us this year.

3) Dylan Reese- 1 goal
4 assists
5 points

I think Dylan will see a cup of coffee with us like he has the last two years.