Okposo begins Isles camp with big goals in mind

Kyle Okposo approached this summer with a pretty specific game plan. Each morning before his workout at Total Hockey in Lakeville, Minn., he arrived 15-20 minutes early and took shot after shot after shot on each of the rink's four nets.

With his third full season approaching, the 22-year-old forward diligently worked on quickening his release, disguising his shot and improving the one area of his game he felt needed attention.

"I didn't have the goal production I wanted last year, to get right to the point," Okposo said after the first day of Islanders training camp Saturday.

Although Okposo was one of team's most consistent contributors in every other facet and finished second on the team with 52 points, he went through a severe six-week scoring drought that limited him to 19 goals last season.

However, it wasn't for lack of chances. Over that 18-game span, Okposo averaged 3.1 shots per game.

"The first part - creating chances - he's already done, so the next thing is for him to just put pucks in the net," coach Scott Gordon said. "The biggest thing for him is to establish himself as a scorer with his ability to finish."

Okposo said he already noticed a dramatic difference with his shot after his summer shooting regimen and hopes that will translate on the scoresheet this season.

"This is a big year for me. It's my third full season in the league so now I know what to expect and there won't be any surprises," Okposo said. "I want to be a big part of this team getting over the hump. I want to be playing games in April, May and June."

Okposo is as crucial as any member of the team's young core and knows the team's success hinges on the play of that group. As a leader among not only the young players but also the veterans - he was one of four alternate captains last season - Okposo is taking responsibility for setting the right tone early in the preseason.

"I think we all need to play with confidence," Okposo said. "We all went through stages last season where we played without it and you could see it. It was noticeable on the ice.

"We just have to be able to pick each other up. Each night there is going to be a game where one guy doesn't play well but we have to be able to say, 'Relax, it's fine,' and keep playing."

Okposo said he can already sense a different demeanor on the ice among the young guys who have worked hard throughout the summer to improve. Hopefully, that's the first step toward accomplishing the team's main objective this season.

"First and foremost, we want to make the playoffs," Okposo said. "We want to be playing meaningful games in April."

Injury nags Hilbert: Andy Hilbert left yesterday's practice with a mild groin strain.