Science breaks down at those dimensions

We may get to see the initial returns on whether the Islanders’ second-round pick pans out: Large goalie Mikko Koskinen turns 21 on July 18 and, Greg Logan reports, wants to come over this season. He’s listed as 6-foot-5, 187 pounds, but he’s apparently two inches taller. That’s even bigger than Stephen Valiquette. He talks to Steve Mears here.

The Isles also went Big European Goalie at 62, taking Anders Nilsson (6-5, 220). Three younger players followed.

Andy Bathgate to the Penguins in the fifth round. Better be as good as his grandfather. (How could the Rangers trade that pick to Pittsburgh?)

Ryan Bourque to the Rangers in the third round; they also picked up big Brian Boyle from L.A.

A few Connecticut natives plucked up, but all upstaters, from the birthplaces. If you know of an exception, please let me know.

Another time the draft mattered immediately: 2004, with Steve Regier. He signed in Salzburg this week.

And just randomly, a story about the events of 1979 at Foreign Policy. (Hat tip: Freakonomics Blog.)

Michael Fornabaio