Offseason Post 3. Defense

The defense this year was about 78,000 times better than it was in 05-06. That being said it still needs some improvement. Marc=Andre Bergeron was a good start at the deadline but, I think we need one more defensive-defensemen to really round out this group. Andy Sutton would be a perfect fit. Here are my grades on the defense of 06-07.

Brendan Witt- Witter was a perfect fit for this team. Neil Smith did a good job when he signed him to a 3 year deal. He is a leader and will always stand up for his teammates. He also cut down on silly penalties this year. He is a rugged veteran who will help us again next year.
Grade- A-

Bruno Gervais- Bruno is a fan favorite on the Island already. His happy-go-lucky attitude makes everyone smile when they hear him talk. He is also great with the fans before and after games. He had an impact on the ice this year too. He was one of the best defensemen in the playoffs for us and really picked it up with the big club this year.
Grade- B

Radek Martinek- I feel bad for the guy, he was having a tremendous season for us and looked great until he got hurt in Montreal. Hopefully next season he will be healthy for the whole year and really show us what he is made of. He is fast and has good instincts and a nice shot as well.
Grade- B-

Marc-Andre Bergeron- MAB was just what our depleted power play needed when he came over from Edmonton in February. His laser shot seems to either, break his stick, break someone else's stick, or go in. He did have some blunders in his own end with turnovers and bad passes but you gotta live with that
Grade- B

Chris Campoli & Freddy Meyer- I think both these players need to learn Ted Nolan's system a little bit better. Campoli came into the year thinking he was a sure thing and was sent to the 'A' quickly. He showed signs of improvement and had a pretty good post season. Meyer did a lot of good things but never really made a statement with the Islanders. He had some big hits and nice plays but no goals since coming over for Zhitnik. I think one of these two could be dealt in the offseason.
Grade- C

Tom Poti- Poti was neevr comfortable with the Rangers and it did not take long for him to fit in here. He played on the PP and the PK and made some great plays with his reach. He had more of an edge this year then I've ever seen him have and really played well. I'd like to see him back next year.
Grade- B+

Sean Hill- No excuses.
Grade- F-

My Dream Defense for next year:

Witt-Martinek
Sutton-Gervais
Bergeron-Poti

Campoli dealt for a high draft pick or a prospect.

Meyer 7th defensemen.