News:Josh Bailey netted his 11th of the season in a shootout loss to Carolina on Tuesday.
Analysis:Josh Bailey continues his strong late-season play, and with the Islanders qualifying for the playoffs, he could be a sneaky pick in postseason pools.
News:Josh Bailey scored a goal and assist in the Isles 5-4 shootout victory over Winnipeg on Saturday.
Analysis:Josh Bailey has been a different player over the past month than at any time in his career. He is playing with extreme confidence and is anchoring a second line that is giving the Islanders something they desperately needed, secondary scoring.
News:Josh Bailey scored both Islanders goals in Thursday's 2-1 win over Boston.
Analysis: After ending his four-game scoring streak with a quiet game Tuesday, Josh Bailey got right back on the horse with the two-goal effort, his first such game since a five-point explosion back on March 29, 2012. With seven points in six April games, the former ninth overall pick's seized a major role in the Isles' offense lately, skating more than 17 minutes in each of the last five contests.
News:Josh Bailey scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's win over Tampa Bay. He is currently on a four-game, five-point (two goals, three assists) scoring streak.
Analysis: He has seven goals and seven assists in 29 games this season, a pace that would establish a new career high if this were a full season. His output hasn't increased much over his five years in the NHL, but it's sometimes easy to forget he's only 23 years old. There's still room for future growth, but this could be an example of the Islanders' uncanny ability to stunt their youngsters.
News:Josh Bailey (upper body) scored a goal in Monday's win over the Devils.
Analysis:Josh Bailey was forced to leave Saturday's game against the Penguins after a hit into the boards, but that didn't prevent him from playing and notching his sixth goal (in 26 games) Monday night.
News:Josh Bailey (upper body) is likely to play Monday versus the Devils, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.
Analysis:Josh Bailey suffered the injury when he was checked from behind during the game Saturday and went face/head first into the boards. It looks like he avoided an injury though and should be good to go as the Islanders continue to mount their playoff push.
News:Josh Bailey was forced to leave the game Saturday after a hit into the boards.
Analysis: The hit occurred near the end of the second period and led to a five-minute major power play for the Islanders. Josh Bailey was hit from behind into the boards by Chris Kunitz but was able to lift his head before impact. No word yet on the exact nature of the injury but it will almost certainly be to his head or shoulder.
News:Josh Bailey scored his fifth goal of the season in a 3-2 win over Washington on Tuesday.
Analysis: Three of his goals have come in his last five games. This would be the definition of hot for Mr. Josh Bailey, who's had a lot of trouble finding the score sheet this year.
News:Josh Bailey had a goal and an assist in a 5-3 loss to Ottawa on Tuesday.
Analysis:Josh Bailey is having his worst season to date, totaling only three goals and seven points in 19 games. The former first-round pick could be playing his last season in an Islander uniform.
News:Josh Bailey scored his first goal of the season in an overtime loss to Toronto on Thursday.
Analysis: Not what the Islanders were expecting out of a former first round pick. Josh Bailey has been extremely disappointing just like so many other Islanders.
News:Josh Bailey (knee) is expected to make his season debut Saturday against the Sabres, Newsday reports.
Analysis: There was a chance Josh Bailey could have made his debut Thursday, but the Islanders decided not to rush him. Check on his performance before adding him on a roster.
News:Josh Bailey (knee) could play Thursday versus the Rangers, according to Newsday.
Analysis: If the Islanders feel he isn't ready to play Thursday then Josh Bailey would make his season debut Saturday. What line he ends up playing on is also up in the air. There doesn't seem to be a spot for him as a top-six forward right now.
News: Coach Jack Capuano indicated Monday that Josh Bailey (knee) will skate with the team and be evaluated "midweek," according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.
Analysis: The report suggests that Josh Bailey -- who hurt his knee while playing in Germany during the NHL lockout -- may not return to game action until Saturday's tilt against the Sabres.
News:Josh Bailey (knee) will practice Thursday, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.
Analysis: Good news for Josh, but he is still a week away from playing in a game for the Islanders.
News:Josh Bailey (knee) is close to returning to action, Newsday reports.
Analysis:Josh Bailey had 32 points in 80 games last season for the Islanders and will boost their forward depth upon his return.
News:Josh Bailey (knee) is hoping to skate Monday, according to Newsday.
Analysis: A best-case scenario for Josh Bailey is a return to practice in about 10 days. Bailey has never truly found his goal-scoring touch at the NHL level, but the Isles will welcome him back with open arms once he is ready to play again.
News:Josh Bailey (knee) has been suspended by the Islanders, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.
Analysis:Josh Bailey was suspended for getting injured while playing overseas. The NHLPA can't be happy about this, but Bailey will be reinstated once he passes his physical.
Isles' Bailey Out 2-4 Weeks After Having Knee Scoped
News:Josh Bailey is expected to miss two-to-four weeks after having his knee scoped, Newsday's Arthur Staple reports.
Analysis: Apparently Josh Bailey hurt his knee while playing in Germany during the lockout, and the timetable of two-to-four weeks means that he's unlikely to be on the ice when the Islanders' season begins.
News:Josh Bailey will head to Germany to play during the lockout, according to the Islanders Point Blank.
Analysis: Only real thing to note hear is that if you're trying to read behind the scenes, the more players that elect to play in other leagues at this point in time could be a very big hint that the lockout is not going to end anytime soon. If they thought it was, they might hang around home, especially during the holiday season.
News:Josh Bailey is expected to remain at wing this season,according to Newsday.
Analysis:Josh Bailey played wing on a line with Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo during the last five weeks of the season, and the trio seemed to have pretty good chemistry. Bailey has been a disappointment since being drafted ninth overall in the 2008 NHL draft. Perhaps a shift to wing will finally allow him to reach his potential.
News:Josh Bailey factored into all five Islander goals in Thursday's win over Pittsburgh, scoring twice (once shorthanded, once into an empty net) and dishing out three assists.
Analysis:Josh Bailey, who has a six-game points streak going, also put up a three-assist night Tuesday in the first of New York's home-and-home set against the Pens. Of his 31 points on the season, 12 have come on this streak. The former ninth overall pick (in 2008) was rushed to the NHL and has been slow to develop offensively, but perhaps he's finally found the form that made him such a high pick. Bailey's an interesting late-round gamble for next year's drafts.
News:Josh Bailey grabbed three assists in Tuesday's win over the Penguins, giving him a four-game points streak.
Analysis:Josh Bailey has been busy lately with six points over the last four games, boosting his season total to 26 thanks to Monday's effort. Bailey has some value in very deep leagues, but he's not going to score too often for the Islanders.
News:Josh Bailey scored in Tuesday's loss to the Capitals, his first game back after missing two contests with back spasms.
Analysis:Josh Bailey is not blessed with being on the team's top line, but he does fill a variety of roles for the Islanders. He has 15 points in 61 games on the season and plays a more defensive game.
News:Josh Bailey (back) won't play Sunday against the Senators, the Islanders' official site reports.
Analysis:Josh Bailey is day-to-day with back spasms, but with just 14 points and a minus-13 rating in 60 games, he operates on the fantasy fringe.
News:Josh Bailey (back) won't play Friday versus the Rangers, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.
Analysis: No word yet on when Josh Bailey may return to the lineup, but the injury is not expected to keep him out for more than a game or two.
News:Josh Bailey (back) missed practice Thursday, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Not only didn't Josh Bailey practice, but he was sent back to the doctor to get his ailing backed checked out once again. All signs point to Bailey missing the game Friday.
News:Josh Bailey has a whopping three goals and 11 points in 37 games so far this season.
Analysis: Ouch, not numbers expected from a former first round pick. Josh Bailey signed a two-year contract with the Isles just before training camp began, but one has to wonder if the Isles are starting to regret that decision.
News:Josh Bailey, held scoreless for the first dozen games this season, finally broke through with his first goal in Thursday's OT loss to the Avs.
Analysis: His ice time has been falling steadily, putting the young center's roster spot in question. After a promising sophomore season, Josh Bailey struggled mightily last year and is still trying to find his game at the NHL level. On the bright side, the former first-rounder just turned 22 last month and still has plenty of room for development.
News:Josh Bailey has had a horrific start to the season, as ye has yet to score a point and only has four shots on goal in six games.
Analysis: We bring this up because once Nino Neiderreiter returns from his groin injury, someone will have to sit, and there have been rumors that someone could be Josh Bailey if he doesn't pick up his game.
News: The Islanders have agreed to a two-year contract with Josh Bailey, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Yet another promising youngster for the franchise is signed, but this one came down to the final hour once the team set a Friday morning deadline. Josh Bailey was a bit of a disappointment in 2010-11 and even had to spend some time in the AHL, so we wouldn't go overboard in selecting him this season because at best he's still a second-line center who hasn't jumped to the next scoring level in the NHL. That said, the former ninth overall pick still has some nice promise, as he'll only turn 22 next month.
News:Josh Bailey has yet to agree to a contract with the Isles, according to Newsday.
Analysis: The Islanders have a self imposed deadline of 7am Friday, if he is not signed by then, a team rule states that the player won't play the entire season. Should make for a restless night's sleep.
News:Josh Bailey has yet to sign a contract with the Islanders, according to Newsday.
Analysis:Josh Bailey is confident that the two sides will strike an agreement shortly, and they better because Islander owner Charles Wang has a rule that if you don't sign and report to camp before it opens, you don't play that season.
News: The Islanders extended a qualifying offer to Bailey on Sunday, according to Newsday.
Analysis: This virutally assures that Bailey will remain with the team next season. Blake Comeau, Micheal Haley, Jesse Joensuu, Dylan Reese, and Ty Wishart also received qualifying offers.
News: Bailey scored his 10th goal in Sunday's 3-2 shootout loss to New Jersey.
Analysis: Bailey extended his current scoring streak to three games and three points (1G, 2A). Bailey has 23 points in 55 games for the Islanders.
News: Bailey scored his ninth and tenth goals of the season versus New Jersey on Thursday.
Analysis: Bailey has been a man on a mission since his recall from the AHL earlier this week. He had a couple of great opportunities to light the lamp Wednesday versus Tampa but they didn't go in the net, however Thursday those same opportunities did reach gold. Bailey will not be sent back down to the AHL even if he plays poorly as he would have to pass through waivers, and even the Islanders wouldn't risk that.
News: Bailey was recalled by the Islanders on Wednesday and should be in the lineup against Tampa Bay, NHL.com reports.
Analysis: He rediscovered his scoring touch with Bridgeport (AHL), while the Isles' inconsistent offense could get a nice shot in the arm after he picked up six goals and 11 assists during his demotion. Bailey will be playing in his 160th NHL game Wednesday, significant because he'll now have to clear waivers in order to be sent back down to the minors. He should be with the big club for good now, as a result.
Isles' Bailey has Three Goals and Eight Points in Six Games for Bridgeport
News: Bailey has three goals and eight points in six games for Bridgeport of the AHL, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Looks like Bailey received the message the Islanders were trying to send. One would think he would be recalled shortly seeing as though the Isles are still having goal scoring problems.
News: Bailey (pectoral) returned to action for Springfield of the AHL, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Bailey suffered a minor pectoral strain last week, but was able to play Friday and even registered an assist. When he returns to Long Island is anyone's guess, but one would think it would have to be soon as the Isles aren't exactly lighting up the scoreboard without him.
News: Bailey suffered a minor pectoral strain Saturday, according to Newsday's Katie Strang.
Analysis: Bailey is only expected to miss a few days, not that it matters to fantasy owners much as he is still in the AHL to work out some confidence problems.
News: Bailey felt a pull in his upper body during his game at Bridgeport on SAturday, according to Newsday's Katie Strang.
Analysis: This was Bailey's first game with Bridgeport and it obviously could've gone better. Bailey was sent to the AHL to help his confidence after going 13 games without a point, but this can't be what the Isles had in mind. At least the injury is not considered to be serious at this time.
News: Bailey has been loaned to Bridgeport, the Isles' official site reports.
Analysis: The former first-round pick got off to a fast start this season, but has cooled since and is scoreless in nine November contests while toting a minus-8 rating. We have to think he'll be back in the NHL after a few weeks, but Bailey will have to rediscover his scoring touch in the minors before that happens.
News: Bailey was playing on the fourth line in practice Tuesday, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Bailey just hasn't been the same player since suffering a hip injury in late October. He has now gone 13 games without scoring a point and the Islanders had him practicing with Matt Martin and Trevor Giilies Tuesday. The Islanders are trying anything they can think of to snap themselves out of this 13 game winless streak, Bailey isn't the only problem, but you can't demote every skater to the fourth line.
News: Bailey will move back to his natural center postion, according to Islanders Point Blank.
Analysis: Bailey had been playing wing, but with the team in the middle of a seven-game point-scoring streak, they have decided to shake things up a bit.
News: Bailey (hip) will return to the Isles' lineup against the Habs on Wednesday night, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: He was off to a nice start with six points (3 G, 3 A) in six games before suffering the injury, so go ahead and activate him from your bench if you've already scooped him up from the waiver wire.
News: Bailey (hip) participated in Monday's practice, Chris Botta of AOL FanHouse reports.
Analysis: Bailey did not play in Saturday's game, but he is on track to return to action in the Islanders' next game Wednesday.
News: Bailey (hip) will not play in Saturday's game against the Panthers, reports the Islanders' official site.
Analysis: Bailey was hoping to return for this matchup, but it is often better to rest another game than return too early. The Islanders' next game is October 27, which likely will give Baily enough time to be back on the ice.
No Decision Yet on Bailey's availability Saturday for the Isles
News: The Isles have yet to make a decision on whether or not Bailey (hip) will play Saturday, according to Newsday's Katie Strang.
Analysis: Bailey suffered a bruised hip during Monday's game and was forced to miss the game Thursday. Bailey wants to play and is expected back in the lineup Saturday assuming he doesn't suffer a setback in the pre-game skate.
News: As expected, Bailey (hip pointer) will not play Thursday against Tampa Bay, Newsday's Katie Strang reports.
Analysis: The Isles will hold him out of this game, but this isn't an injury that will keep Bailey out for much longer. He's expected to play Saturday.
Isles Bailey has a Hip Pointer, Not a Flexor Strain
News: Bailey's injury has been labeled a hip pointer, not a hip flexor strain, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Hip pointer is a fancy term for bruised hip bone. Bailey's prognosis has not changed, he didn't practice Wednesday and is unlikely to play Thursday, but should return for the Isles next game on Saturday. That being said, Bailey would like to play on Thursday, stating that this injury is something you just have to deal with during the hockey season.
Bailey will Likely Miss Thursday's Game for the Islanders
News: Bailey (hip) will likely miss the game on Thursday, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Bailey suffered the injury during the game Monday, and while missing a game can't be considered a good thing, it's truly the best-case scenario outcome for the Islanders as they are already without one of their top scorers in Kyle Okposo and number one defenseman Mark Streit.
News: Bailey, who suffered a hip injury Monday night, is listed as day-to-day, the Islanders' official site reports.
Analysis: There's still no official timetable for Bailey's return, but his day-to-day status is a good sign he won't be out long.
News: Bailey left the game Monday in the second period with a hip flexor injury, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Hopefully this isn't a significant injury as Bailey seemed poised to have a breakout season. He is the Islanders' leading scorer with three goals and seven points and has been one of the main reasons the team is off to a hot start. The Islanders don't believe the injury is serious and they don't play again until Thursday, so we should have a better idea when he will return to the lineup in the next day or two.
News: Bailey posted a goal and an assist in Monday's win over the Rangers.
Analysis: Bailey isn't much of a scorer, with just 35 points in 73 games last season. We wouldn't bank on two-point nights being a typical thing for Bailey.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey will be out four to six weeks due to facial fractures and lacerations suffered when he was boarded on Thursday, according to Newsday. Bailey was injured during the third period of a 7-3 loss after being hit from behind by Penguins LW Alexei Ponikarovsky. Ponikarovsky has been suspended for the final two games of the regular season.
Analysis: Bailey had only 16 goals and 19 assists in his second season, but remains a solid long-term Fantasy keeper option. He can be released in seasonal formats.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey used the Olympic break to get healthy from an upper-body injury and was back on the ice on Tuesday against Chicago. Bailey last played an NHL game on Jan. 31 at Florida.
Analysis: Bailey has recorded points in two of his last four games before getting injured and has 27 points on the season for the Islanders. Bailey has seen his value drop this season thanks to just minimal improvement from his rookie campaign of 2008-09. He remains a solid long-term keeper option but shouldn't be used in anything but the deepest of seasonal Fantasy leagues right now.
News:Newsday reports that Islanders C Josh Bailey (upper-body), RW Tim Jackman (eye), and D Jack Hillen (jaw) will all be activated off IR in time for Tuesday's game vs. Chicago.
Analysis: The Islanders have one of the least-viable Fantasy lineups in the NHL, and Bailey has seen his value drop this season thanks to just minimal improvement from his rookie campaign of 2008-09. He remains a solid long-term keeper option but shouldn't be used in anything but the deepest of seasonal Fantasy leagues right now. Hillen and Jackman are also minimal factors.
News: The Islanders have placed C Josh Bailey (upper body) on injured reserve.
Analysis: After a nice little run in early January, Bailey had cooled down considerably lately with just three points in his last nine games before this injury popped up. Bailey's value really lies more as a long-term keeper option than a seasonal one, so don't worry too much about his expected return.
News:Newsday reports that Islanders C Josh Bailey will be out until after the Olympic break with an upper-body injury. The issue is only expected to actually sideline the youngster for a couple of weeks.
Analysis: After a nice little run in early January, Bailey has cooled down considerably lately with just three points in his last nine games. Maybe this injury was slowing him down a little bit. This injury shouldn't affect too many Fantasy owners, as Bailey's value really lies more as a long-term keeper option than a seasonal one.
News:Newsday reports that Islanders C Josh Bailey has left the team to get an upper-body issue checked out back in New York.
Analysis: After a nice little run in early January, Bailey has cooled down considerably lately with just three points in his last nine games. Maybe this injury has been slowing him down a little bit. This injury shouldn't affect too many Fantasy owners, as Bailey's value really lies more as a long-term keeper option than a seasonal one.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey scored his 13th goal of the season in Saturday's loss to the Flyers. Bailey has just two goals in his last eight games after scoring three in his first four 2010 contests.
Analysis: Youngsters like Bailey are prone to streakiness, so his Fantasy owners just have to deal with that. Bailey remains a solid keeper prospect, but should only be starting in the deepest of seasonal formats.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey returned from an illness on Tuesday in a 7-2 loss to Washington. Bailey did get into the scoring action as he recorded an assist on Kyle Okposo's goal in the second period.
Analysis: Bailey ended December and began January on a ridiculous hot points streak but had just one in his previous five games entering Tuesday. Bailey now has 26 points for the season. Bailey is a nice young talent for the Islanders, but he's just an option in deeper leagues for now.
News:Newsday reports that Islanders C Josh Bailey was at the doctor's office, not practice, on Tuesday morning. He is apparently under the weather.
Analysis: Bailey was red-hot earlier this month, but he's cooled down a little since then with no points in his last three contests. Maybe this unknown issue has been affecting his production a little. Bailey is a nice young talent for the Islanders, but he's just an option in deeper leagues when healthy for the time being.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey scored his 12th goal of the season Monday in a win over the Devils. He now has 11 points in seven 2010 games.
Analysis: The 20-year-old Bailey is clearly in the midst of his finest NHL spell to date and is certainly worth a look in leagues with 12 teams or more right now.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 on Tuesday against the Red Wings. He has four goals and eight assists during a seven-game point streak.
Analysis: Bailey has been playing some of his best hockey since coach Scott Gordon removed him from his center role and put him on the left wing. He seems a lot more at ease and focused on offense. Bailey could be on a breakout run, but he still remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey picked up the first three-point game of his career in Saturday's win over the Coyotes. He scored and added two assists.
Analysis: Bailey has suddenly found his offensive touch over the last couple of weeks with 10 points in his last six games. He's definitely worth a look in deeper leagues at the moment as he's connecting nicely on the top line with Kyle Okposo and John Tavares.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 on Friday against the Stars. The Isles drew even at 1 at 7:16 of the first period when Bailey took advantage of a Dallas defensive breakdown. New York's Trent Hunter sent a soft shot toward the net that dribbled off Marty Turco's pad. Stars defenseman Trevor Daley whiffed on a clearing attempt, with Bailey firing the puck past Turco on the Islanders' first shot on goal.
Analysis: Bailey has three goals and four assists during a five-game point streak. He also hasn't finished below even in 12 games. This is arguably Bailey's most complete stretch of his young career. The second-year forward is still having his ups and downs, so he remains more of a low-end Fantasy forward. But it's great to see him making strides.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey scored the team's only regulation goal on Tuesday in a 2-1 shootout win over Columbus. Bailey's goal opened the scoring in the game, scoring on a tip-in 10:04 into the first period.
Analysis: Bailey was picking up the scoring pace in late November but the month of December has not been nearly as kind to him or his Fantasy owners. He remains just a low-end Fantasy option who is most useful in leagues that include face-off stats.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey scored a goal during Friday's game against the Penguins. Mark Streit helped generate New York's first goal with a spin move at the left point before firing a hard shot. Brent Johnson made the initial pad save before an open Bailey slammed home the rebound at 9:05. Bailey has seven goals on the season.
Analysis: Bailey has scored in four of his last five games and has been on a roll since coach Scott Gordon benched him for one game. Bailey has definitely gotten the message. Gordon expects a lot from Bailey despite the fact he is behind John Tavares on the depth chart. Bailey is more valuable in the faceoff circle, so consider him a low-end Fantasy option. We aren't sure how long this scoring run will last since Bailey is a better passer than scorer.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey had his team's lone goal during a 4-1 loss to the Blues on Saturday. The Islanders grabbed the early lead as Bailey's wrister from the top of the right circle got past a screened Chris Mason 5:10 into the game. It was Bailey's fifth of the season and second in two nights.
Analysis: Bailey spent a game in the press box recently for his poor play and the second-year center definitely seems to have gotten the message. Coach Scott Gordon expects a lot from Bailey despite the fact he is behind John Tavares on the depth chart. Bailey is more valuable in the faceoff circle, so consider him a low-end Fantasy option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports C Josh Bailey, the Islanders' first-round pick (ninth overall) in the 2008 entry draft, was a healthy scratch Friday night in Carolina before returning to the lineup one night later in Florida. Bailey recorded an assist but has only six points in 19 appearances this season.
Analysis: It appears coach Scott Gordon doesn't care what round of the draft you were taken in, if you are not producing, you will take a seat. Bailey has definitely been a disappointing offensive player in 2009-10 after showing a little promise late in his rookie campaign. Bailey remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until his breakout run.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey scored his second goal of the season on Saturday in a 5-0 win over the Sabres. The goal came 15:20 into the second period and gave the Isles a 4-0 lead with a slap shot.
Analysis: Bailey has four points so far this season with two goals and two assists. He is not much of an offensive threat night in and night out, making him just a low-end option in standard formats.
News: C Josh Bailey, the Islanders' first-round pick in 2008, struggled in his first NHL season with just seven goals in 68 games. But Bailey has served as a sage mentor of sorts for 2009 first-overall pick John Tavares during the team's summer mini-camp in July. "In juniors, you're used to being one of the biggest and oldest guys in the league. You've got to kind of find ways to beat guys more than you did before," the 19-year-old Bailey said. "(Tavares) had a ton of hype around him and he's deserved that. He's going to be a phenomenal player for us. He's his own player. I know people like to compare players, but the best I can say is that I think in a few years, people will be comparing players to him. He does things his way. And at the draft down the road, they'll say, 'Oh, he plays the game like John Tavares.'"
Analysis: Bailey could have spent the 2008-09 season back on the juniors circuit after he opened the season on IR with a leg injury. But New York figured he had more to learn on the NHL level since they weren't in contention and Bailey got his first taste of pro life last season. He had 25 points, nine of which came in the last 20 games. Bailey, a 2008 first-round pick, is a developing center, but still has low-end Fantasy appeal to begin the 2009-10 season.
News:Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey scored goals in the lowly New York Islanders' 2-0 victory over the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings on Friday night. Bailey scored his sixth goal with 4:51 left in the second period, putting a rebound into an open net after beating Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg out of the corner. It was his third goal in three games.
Analysis: Bailey is having his best scoring stretch as a pro, but he doesn't have an assist in seven games and that's never good for a center. Bailey has 23 points in 60 games as a rookie and has shown at times this season he is going to have a bright future. But since his best days are still ahead, Bailey has low-end Fantasy appeal and is more of a long-term keeper.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey scored twice in Saturday's loss to the Sabres.
Analysis: Bailey has just five goals in this, his rookie season, but is only 19 and could have a bright NHL future. He remains just a keeper Fantasy option for now, but has the potential to turn into more next season.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, Islanders C Josh Bailey hasn't immediately posted the type of offensive statistics befitting a top-10 pick in the first round of the NHL entry draft. But as Islanders coach Scott Gordon put it aptly last week: "He's 19 years old. You're not worrying about (numbers)." The Islanders easily could've allowed Bailey, the ninth overall selection in the 2008 draft, to hone his all-around game with another season in junior hockey. But Bailey has been forced to learn under fire at the NHL level, and the playmaking center appears to be gaining confidence with each game. He even was rewarded with a season-high 20:40 of ice time, including more than six minutes on the power play, in a 3-2 overtime loss Tuesday in Toronto. "It's been an adjustment," said Bailey, who brings a three-game point scoring streak (1-3-4) into Thursday's game against Montreal. "You get used to, last year, a couple of points every game, or at least a couple of points every couple of games. The jump in levels, the first year, it's hard to get constant points. "But Coach gave me more than enough opportunity to succeed. All in all, it's been good."
Analysis: Bailey has a grand total of 20 total points for the Islanders this season in 53 games played. Bailey recently scored against the Coyotes but has been pretty dismal overall. He's only worth having if you're in a long-term keeper league.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey scored a goal against the Coyotes in a 3-1 win on Sunday. The Islanders moved ahead 2-1 when Bailey put home Mike Iggulden's wrist shot at 9:18.
Analysis: This was only Bailey's third goal of the season and 19th overall point. He had two assists in the team's prior game, so he is seeing a recent uptick. However, he's only a low-end option reserved for the deepest of leagues and a long-term keeper.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey tallied a pair of assists and finished at minus-1 during Saturday's game against the Devils. It was his first points in seven games.
Analysis: Bailey has totaled just two goals and 16 assists in 51 games as a rookie. New York opted to waste a year on his entry-level contract in 2008-09 despite the fact they didn't have a chance to contend. The Islanders figured now was the best time to get him acclimated to the NHL game. Bailey is pretty much just a long-term Fantasy keeper at this stage.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey was able to score one of two Islanders goals in a 3-2 loss to the Panthers on Thursday. His goal came on a slap shot with assists going to Chris Campoli and Frans Nielsen.
Analysis: In his first season with the Islanders, Bailey has been a regular in the rotation with the Islanders but hasn't made much of an impact on the league. He remains someone you want to have in long-term keeper leagues but little else.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 in 12:31 of ice time Thursday against the Thrashers. It was his first points in seven games and his second two-assist game of his career.
Analysis: The 2008 first-rounder was a surprise addition to the Islanders' roster at the beginning of the season, and after he got past his injury woes, he has been a staple in the forward rotation. New York is committed to getting him adjusted to life in the NHL, but Bailey still has marginal Fantasy appeal outside of long-term keeper formats.
News: Islanders rookie C Josh Bailey scored a goal and finished at plus-2 during Friday's game against the Coyotes. Bailey beat Mikael Tellqvist on a one-timer from between the hashes 3:41 into the third period to pull the Islanders to 4-2. It was the first goal of his NHL career and it gave him 10 points on the season.
Analysis: The 2008 first-rounder was a surprise addition to the Islanders' roster at the beginning of the season, and after he got past his injury woes, he has been a staple in the forward rotation. New York is committed to getting him adjusted to life in the NHL, but Bailey still has marginal Fantasy appeal outside of long-term keeper formats.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey picked up an assist for a second straight game Saturday in a loss to the Sabres.
Analysis: While it's nice Bailey has stuck around this season in the NHL, the rookie has played less than 12 minutes in each of his last two games and isn't worth using in seasonal leagues until his ice time increases.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the No. 9 pick in the draft has gotten to Game No. 10. And with that, the Islanders announced Saturday that first-round pick Josh Bailey will remain with the team "for the rest of the season" instead of being sent back to his junior team, the Windsor Spitfires. Bailey, 19, had five points in his first nine appearances, and the first year of his entry-level contract kicked in once he appeared in his 10th game Saturday night against Ottawa. "Obviously, there were times I was sitting in my hotel room thinking it was almost a matter of time before I went back to junior," Bailey said. "Once they told me I was staying ... I told them I'm starting to get my confidence as a player."
Analysis: Bailey has shown enough glimpses to prove he belongs in the NHL, although it didn't hurt his case that Isles centers Frans Nielsen, Mike Comrie and Mike Sillinger are on the injured list. Sillinger figures to return Thursday at Washington after completing a three-game conditioning assignment at AHL Bridgeport Saturday night. Bailey has averaged more than 17 minutes per game in his last six appearances, quickly gaining coach Scott Gordon's trust with his vision and passing ability, particularly on the power play. "I think it really comes down to the maturity of the player, and Josh is a mature player and person," Gordon said. "Like I said, he's done everything right that we've asked him to do ... Whoever he's going to play with down the road is going to be a better player because he's one of those players who can make something out of nothing. That's an exciting thing to have because those players are hard to find." Bailey is going to get his chance to shine in 2008-09, but since New York is not a top offensive team, he remains a low-end Fantasy forward until he has a breakout run.
News:The Sports Xchange reports C Josh Bailey, the ninth overall pick in the June draft, has played just three NHL games, but it sounds as if the Islanders are strongly considering keeping him in the NHL beyond the nine-game threshold before the first year of his entry-level deal counts against his contract this season. At 19, Bailey would have to return to his OHL junior team in Windsor if he doesn't stay with the Islanders. "He hasn't played at a junior pace. So, that's very encouraging. Whether he'll be able to maintain that through these nine games will probably dictate whether he stays here or goes back to junior," coach Scott Gordon said. "I think the bonus for us if he's able to stay here is that it accelerates his progress for next year."
Analysis: Bailey wasn't much of a scorer in the OHL until he suddenly exploded for 96 points in 67 games last season. He has just one assist in three games and has taken three penalties. His numbers don't show a lot of progress, but the Islanders would know better from an internal standpoint. Even if Bailey sticks around, he plays for a bad team and might not have very friendly Fantasy numbers. Bailey remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo -- a couple of key first-round draft picks -- sparked the New York Islanders' struggling power play and helped the team to a much-needed victory. Okposo and Trent Hunter scored power-play goals, and Joey MacDonald made 29 saves to lead the Islanders to a 3-1 victory against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. Bailey, who made his NHL debut on Tuesday, recorded his first point when he set up Okposo's second goal of the season 12:42 in, a power-play tally that tied it at 1. "After last game, it's good that Coach (Scott Gordon) shows that confidence in me because, then when I get out there I have confidence, too, because he sent me out there in those situations. I'm just trying to make the most of it," said Bailey, selected ninth overall in the draft this year, held at Scotiabank Place -- the Senators' home arena.
Analysis: Gordon is impressed with the 19-year-old center's "puck poise." "Just the patience that he has to protect the puck, put it into areas where he can get a read and get a look and find plays," Gordon said. "That to me is the biggest thing that he's got going for him." Okposo recovered the puck from one of the on-ice officials following his goal before skating over to the Islanders bench and flipping it to a member of the team's equipment staff to keep for Bailey. "He's a good guy, like that," Bailey said. "He wouldn't let that get away." Bailey wasn't much of a scorer in the OHL until he suddenly exploded for 96 points in 67 games last season. He might not stick around long this season in the NHL, but the Islanders are starving for any kind of spark, so who knows. He still remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Islanders rookie C Josh Bailey had a mixed NHL debut Tuesday in a loss to the Flyers. He led his team in shots with four, but took a costly penalty late in the game with his team down 2-1. He also had a hooking call against him in the first period.
Analysis: Bailey wasn't much of a scorer in the OHL until he suddenly exploded for 96 points in 67 games last season. He might not stick around long this season in the NHL, but the Islanders are starving for any kind of spark, so who knows. He still remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Islanders rookie C Josh Bailey, out all season with a lower body injury, could return to action in Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 10-16).
Analysis: Bailey wasn't much of a scorer in the OHL until he suddenly exploded for 96 points in 67 games last season. He might not stick around long this season in the NHL, but the Islanders are starving for any kind of spark, so who knows. He still remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey continues to be sidelined by a lower body injury. He was supposed to be back by late October for New York but could not return for Saturday's game against the Canadiens. There is no timetable for his return but it should come in early November.
Analysis: Bailey, 19, isn't likely to play more than nine NHL games before he is returned to his OHL junior club in Windsor for contractual reasons. Bailey still remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:The Sports Xchange reports C Josh Bailey, the Islanders first-round draft pick, will be sidelined about two to four weeks with a lower-body injury. "He was feeling good, and then, all of a sudden, it was there," Gordon said. "I guess it could have been a lot more serious had he not stopped when he did."
Analysis: Bailey, 19, isn't likely to play more than nine NHL games before he is returned to his OHL junior club in Windsor for contractual reasons. Bailey still remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: Islanders C Josh Bailey could not play in Saturday's contest against the Blues. A first-round pick in the 2008 draft, he was scratched by the Islanders during Friday's opener against the Devils. He left practice on Thursday after 10 minutes. The team did not say whether he was injured, but he has been bothered by an undisclosed ailment in recent weeks.
Analysis: Bailey was expected to start this season with the Islanders and get looked at in the first three weeks or so before he reaches the 10-game mark, as if he goes over that limit, it counts as a year against his NHL contract. It's still not clear where he will spend the 2008-09 season, but his value is clearly mostly in keeper formats right now.
News: Center Josh Bailey, a first-round pick in the 2008 draft, was scratched by the Islanders during Friday's opener against the Devils. He left practice on Thursday after 10 minutes. The team did not say whether he was injured, but he has been bothered by an undisclosed ailment in recent weeks.
Analysis: Bailey was expected to start this season with the Islanders and get looked at in the first three weeks or so before he reaches the 10-game mark, as if he goes over that limit, it counts as a year against his NHL contract. It's still not clear where he will spend the 2008-09 season, but his value is clearly mostly in keeper formats right now.
News:Newsday reports that Islanders C Josh Bailey left practice early Thursday, likely after a reoccurence of the undisclosed injury that has been bothering him for a couple of weeks.
Analysis: Bailey was expected to start this season with the Islanders and get looked at in the first three weeks or so before he reaches the 10-game mark, as if he goes over that limit, it counts as a year against his NHL contract. It's still not clear where he will spend the 2008-09 season, but his value is clearly mostly in keeper formats right now.
News: The New York Islanders signed C Josh Bailey, the team's first-round pick in the 2008 draft, to a three-year, entry-level contract on Thursday.
Analysis: Bailey is likely to spend the 2008-09 season in either the OHL or the AHL, so his value lies solely in long-term keeper leagues at this point.
