At least now we know that the dour expression on Chris Campoli's face in the locker room Saturday night wasn't simply the result of watching his mates blow a two-goal lead. Still, it was quite a shock to get home from work, turn the computer on, and find that Campoli's step-forward season has come to a premature end due. Just as surprising was the announcement that the contract of Freddy Meyer has been extended two years. How closely the two events are related is hard to say.
It's possible that the extension for Meyer was rushed into being in order to instill confidence in him as his role suddenly becomes that much more secure. However, I tend to doubt that Meyer really needed such a boost. His overall play over the last 20 games likely had more to do with Garth Snow being convinced that it was time to give Meyer more security. Let's not forget that despite being demoted, scratched, and bounced around the country this year, Meyer was always a well-regarded prospect, and he now seems to be fulfilling his potential. Certainly Meyer is at least as deserving of the two-year deal as Brent Sopel was of the three-year pact he just got from the Hawks.
To me, the key factor as far as Campoli is concerned is the loss of continuity in his development. The season-ending surgery surely leaves a hole in the roster, but it's not one that the rest of the corps can't come together to cover up. Campoli took a step forward this year, not a giant leap. Defensively, he has been physically stronger, more positionally sound, and generally a responsible, reliable blueliner. Offensively, he was just barely on pace to match his rookie-season numbers. No, he didn't have Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Semin to play with the way Mike Green does. But at some point, the Islanders need a quarterback whose presence in the lineup is not subject to his defensive shortcomings. It's disappointing that we'll have to wait until 2008-09 to see if Campoli can be that guy.
Happy Birthday to Mike Bossy, born on this date in 1957.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Meyer Re-Ups, Campoli Down and Out
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1 comment:
What's up outsider, thanks for the comment in response to my recent post, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I'm going out on a limb here and assume that by quarterback without defensive shortcomings you are referring to Bergeron. Throw Satan on the point and I'm not too suprised by the shorties we give up. Have a good weekend, Jim.
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