Simon Kills the Kid Line

There is an old expression that says "Don't fix what isn't broken". For the Islanders, it seems as though the team is the farthest thing from broken as of late. Despite an incredible number of injuries, the Isles have won five straight games. So, it would seem that there is no need for change.

According to Greg Logan's latest blog entry, Chris Simon will be returning to the Islanders' lineup tonight after the longest suspension in NHL history (topping the record previously held by none other than Chris Simon). On the other end of this return is Jeff Tambellini, who will be sent back to Bridgeport to make room for Simon. Tambellini had previously been playing with the "Kid Line" along with former Bridgeport teammates Frans Nielsen and Blake Comeau. It was this line that provided the energy that pulled the Isles out of their 7 game skid and put the team back on track.

Now, however, Ted Nolan insists on ripping that line apart to bring back longtime friend Chris Simon. There is no doubt in my mind that this move will prove to be a destructive one for the Isles. Chris Simon is not only a nuisance when it comes to discipline, but is also a detriment to the team hockey-wise too. Between his two massive suspensions, Chris Simon had done absolutely nothing positive for this team. He further proved to me that he is too slow and sluggish to keep up and is past the prime of his career. By inserting him into the spot that Tambellini occupied, Nolan is jeopardizing any chance that the Isles have at making a run for the playoffs.