Over the entire campaign, my first favorite New York Islanders player is Ilya Sorokin; and I don't have to tell you why. But I will tell you this; you won't find a goalkeeper in the NHL who matches Sorokin's athleticism.

* My favorite Islander over the six-game playoff was Kyle Palmieri.

* I figured if a goal was to be scored, he'd be the guy.

* My second fave over the season has to be Zach Parise -- just for what he's done -- scoring-wise -- for his age.

* AND for Zach's never-say-stop hustle -- offensively and defensively -- plus for just being Zach.

* Okay! Over the entire campaign, my first favorite Isle is Ilya Sorokin; and I don't have to tell you why.

* But I will tell you this; you won't find a goalkeeper in the NHL who matches Sorokin's athleticism. (It's all about the legs.)

* A tip of my playoff hat goes in the direction of Big Brock Nelson who persevered despite having to wear the ungainly and uncomfortable mask, protecting his jaw.

* Granted that Scott Mayfield has his flaws -- then again who doesn't? -- but I'd like to see him work out a deal and return to Elmont next season. (We shall see.)

* Full credit to the Canes for coming back in the third and winning in OT in Game Six. That said, they've already shown the Devils why The Hockey News Yearbook picked Carolina to win The Stanley Cup.

* I don't think it's too out of line for the Isles marketers to hold a "How Would You Make Our Power Play Better?" Contest. No? Yes? Undecided?

* Our old pal -- and one time scoring hero -- Miro Satan has climbed high in the hockey world.,

* Satan is the top (hockey) banana in his native Slovakia with a double-dip title no less. He's president and general manager of the Slovakian Hockey Federation.

* I'm encouraged by Oliver Wahlstrom's recovery from that severe knee injury he suffered late last December against the Penguins.

* Ollie expects to start skating soon and hopes to be ready for training camp.

* Meanwhile, for canine cheers, he bought himself a golden retriever puppy named Bentley.

* Someone should tell Ollie that Max and Doug Bentley, were two of the most famous NHL forwards and both are in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

* When last season began, Whalstrom was listed as the club's third right wing behind Josh Bailey and Kyle Palmieri. Before being hurt, he had 16 points (7-9-16) and was en route to his best season on the Island.

* The one Dynasty Islander who Hudson Fasching most reminds me of is John Tonelli.

* Overlooked amid the post-playoff post mortems was the Isles rather significant signing; forward Matthew Maggio of the Junior Windsor Spitfires.

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* At age 20, Double M led the Ontario Hockey League with 54 goals and 111 points. Add to that an impressive plus-41. He finished the spring with three games in Bridgeport and collected two assists.

* Pardon my excitement level, but I can't wait for Lou Lamoriello's postseason press conference with the media!