Many think the 27-year old former Flyers prospect could be on the verge of an NHL breakthrough. Goaltenders Ah, let's just cut to the chase. Roberto Luongo stays in Lowell, but will be called up two or three times to stir the pot. Stephen Valiquette, though good enough to be in the AHL, will play 60-plus with Trenton of the East Coast League. He'll also be just 90 minutes away if the Islanders need him to drive over to Syosset for practices.
Forwards There are presumably just eight locks to make the squad at forward.
This gives the Islanders two lines with moderate scoring punch that could go up defensively against the opposition's best. As he did for Trevor Linden's line, Lapointe would bring energy and grit while Jokinen clogs the middle and Lawrence gets to the net. Hrkac seems like a natural playmaking pivot for Mariusz and Mats. Needless to say, my whole plan gets messed up if, for instance, Goring sees himself in Lapointe and moves him back permanently to center. Or it's decided Lindgren should center Czerkawski with a power wing riding shotgun.