Snowballing Islanders
That snowball effect that I grazed over a few days ago is starting to get bigger and bigger. The New York Islanders have now dropped their 5th consecutive game and are on the verge of watching their season spin out of control. Even more strange is that the Isles still boast a winning record and are a mere 6 points out of first place in the Atlantic Division and two points out of 8th in the East with a game in hand. But the recent lack of offense is more than alarming. In the Isles last 12 games, they have scored only 16 goals! That's 1.3 goals per game for 12 games!
I can't even recall an Isles team from the dreadful years from 1995-2000 that scored less goals than this group. You remember that game in which the present-day Isles were supposed to break out? Well it happened 4 games ago when we first played Atlanta. From that game on, we have scored a mere 4 goals in 4 games and have been shut out twice.
I've been through to exhaustion all the quick fixes that might help this group. Removing Silinger from the PP, benching Comrie for a game, giving Vasicek more ice time, calling up Walter, etc., but none of that will truly solve what is intrinsically wrong with this group. Anyone who knows the game of hockey can spot that the Isles struggles stem from their lack of desire to crash the net in order to create strong scoring chances.
How many times over the recent weeks did the Isles go through a game with less than 5 scoring chances per game? That's less than 5 opportunities to score a goal in a game! A good team should generate about 10 scoring chances per night, in hopes of capitalizing on 3-4 of them. If you get lucky or the opposing goalie is off his game, then there's a chance at 5-6. But with the Isles generating roughly 3-4 scoring chances per game, it's not surprising that we average 1.3 goals per game over this recent slide.
Howie Rose and Billy Jaffe repeatedly pointed out how the Isles have been content cycling behind the net, around the perimeter, in the corners, while no one pays the price to crash the net. When was the last time an Islander player scored a goal on a rebound? You know, a hard earned rebound goal like the one Bergenheim almost had tonight. When was the last time an Islander scored on a one timer from the slot? Not any time recently because no Islander has been willing to put himself in a position to score that type of goal. This problem stands out so much that even the most casual fan can spot what's wrong. The Isles have been lucky to score the 1.3 goals per game that they average over the last 12 games. We didn't score tonight so we can't look for an example of some lucky goals here. But Wednesday night saw Comrie take advantage of an awkward deflection and Sutton throw a prayer from the point. That is the only way the Isles have been scoring goals. What is most upsetting to Isles fans is that they feel like they are in a twisted version of Groundhog Day--where every game is the same old story of a team not willing to make the sacrifices to score at the NHL level.
Some might argue that this team is not skilled enough to compete in the NHL. They might stress that the Isles simply don't have the offensive firepower to score 3-4 goals per game. Well right now I'm only asking for 2 goals. The Isles would have needed 8 more goals over their past 12 games just to average 2 goals per game! Those 8 goals could have probably generated 2-3 more wins.
Al and Stan's post game quote: "We have to get the Isles a platinum card because the way they are trying to buy goals right now isn't working."
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19 comments:
Geoff's post from the last thread:
Geoffrey Gottlieb said...
Another game... Another loss…. Guerin is too old and clearly not the same player he used to be.. The same goes for Sillinger... Comrie turns the puck over way too much. Hilbert shouldn’t even be playing in the NHL... The list goes on. We have 0 first line goal scores on this team. The truth is we don’t have enough talent to compete night in and night out in the NHL.
....And Snow and Nolan keep their heads in the sand.
How many more times can you stand to hear Nolan say that you have to be "loyal and blah blah blah."
Outside of Ricky D, the only thing the Isles have going for them is the mediocrity that is the NHL.
DP played his heart out tonight and got another loss to show for it. You can see it in his body language, that he knows if he gives up that first goal the game is over.
Has anyone else ever seen a team that continually cycles the puck and never shoots. If the NHL would just move the net into the corner, we would lead the league in scoring.
This is as bad as I have ever seen it here. Snow needs to make some kind of statement.
We all know the moves everyone has been begging, for but how about this.
Fire Gallant. He has made a colossal mess out of the PP. Richard Park and Simon on the PP?
This is the best the Isles can muster to play on the PP? Are you kidding me?
This would serve notice to Nolan that he is not an untouchable. It would also send a message to the so called players that we have, that they are not safe.
Someone has to pay the price for this awful display of listless, morose, boring hockey.
This teams forwards are a bunch of sissies, who are afraid to get their noses dirty. It is made up of perimeter players who lack the heart to crash the net.
There are still over 50 games left. It is not too late to turn this around by making some changes.
Start by taking charge here, Garth.
Get rid of Simon and Hilbert.
Fire Gallant.
Bring up some kids who are not afraid to get dirty.
Do something dammit!!
Stop hiding in your office and
DO SOMETHING....Bill
Robert Nilson scored again.
All I can say is that without Rick in net we are by far the worst team in the league. It almost seems that Nolan's system is handcuffing some of our own offense as players would rather make sure they are ready for defense even in the offensive zone. This is easily seen because our forwards don't help each other in the offensive zone but rather sit to their defensive positioning even though we are on offense.
From what I saw from this game it seems to me that Tambs is getting more comfortable on the ice. Hopefully we won't be waiting to much longer for him to put some biscuits in the baskets.
Can we please have some more excitement in games?, they are getting really hard to watch.
Bill- do what? There is nothing they can do! They have no chips, no one to trade. I don't think its a matter of hiding in the sand; its a matter of not having anything. A series of choices were made over the course of the past 12 months (trade for Smyth, buy-out of Yashin, FA signings & non-signings etc etc) that have brought us here. I have to say the management has done what they can; there simply isn't anyone on this team who can finish. Even worse, there is no one on our team that other teams would be willing to trade for, and give up a scorer. Nothing will happen in the coming few weeks, except maybe Schneider. Our hope is there are some fire-sales come the trade deadline, and if we're not one of the sellers, then we might have the opportunity to bring in a gunner.
Otherwise, we should probably consider selling what we have, and trade our 1 year contract players away for picks in this & next years supposedly deep drafts. There are a lot of teams who would love a Hunter, Sillinger, Comrie etc for a playoff push. I could tolerate a bad end of this season if we get some blue-chip prospects in return. If we're gonna do it, lets do it correctly. Sell all to get younger, and allow them 3-4 years to develop. Whats wrong with copying the way the Marlins manage their baseball team? They are on a tight tight budget, but have made the playoffs twice in their history, winning the World Series both times. They stock up on blue chip prospects who come cheap, and add 1-2 vets who can lead effectively when its time to push for the playoffs. They're doing it again this winter, and in 3-4 years will be a dangerous team again.
NYISLES So your answer is to do nothing until the trade deadline?
Then try to sell players, who have underperformed all season, at a top price?
Sorry, but I don't think that there will be much of a market for these players. Not every GM is a Mike Milbury.
And how empty will the Coliseum be on a Tuesday in February against the Panthers? Or Capitals?
Doesn't this organization owe something to the people who pay NHL tickets prices to see the best product possible?
There is something to try and that is to demote Simon and Hilbert to the AHL and bring up Walter and Comeau or Neilssen and actually play them.
All season long, you and I have gone back and forth about this.
I still don't understand how anyone could think that those kids could be any worse than what we have. The team, as is right now, is in the toilet. Give them a chance.
There is no sane reason or excuse not to make some moves to shake this team out of it's doldrums.
And when does the blame finally settle where it belongs? Nolan has made a complete mess of this team.
If he worked for any other owner except Wang, he would have been fired after last nights disgraceful showing. It is quite clear that he has lost control of the situation and the team.
And where is our illustrious GM? Has anyone seen any trace of him in weeks? Perhaps he is secretly in training to make a comeback on the ice, given Dubies recent woes.
Where is Garth Snow?...Bill
I agree Bill. I don't know how anyone or any coach can keep this group together. Last night's performance was one of the worst Isles games (if not the worst) that I have sat through in a long long time. The Isles show no excitement. No energy. No hustle. No heart. One of the few players who was playing with something to prove was Tambellini. And what does Nolan do? He benches him for the entire 3rd period.
Nolan's inner thoughts: "Hmmm I better not play Tambellini this period. We are only down by two and we still have a chance to come back. I better stick with my vets who have been so reliable in the recent weeks creating scoring chances and generating offense. Yes, that's what I'll do. I'll keep rolling the Hunter, Silinger, Hilbert line."
Nolan needs a wake up call. Fire Gallant and threaten Nolan so he knows he's not untouchable. But I fear that no other coach would be able to get any production out of the group that currently comprises the New York Islanders.
I'm done with Hilbert and Simon. There's no need for these guys to be in the lineup. I'd rather see anyone suit up but them at this point--meaning anyone on the Sound Tigers.
Nyisles,
You have to agree with Bill there. You are right in that there are no trades to be made and this is the group we are stuck with. But why should the Isles keep this group together. Might as well see what Walter, Comeau, Nielson can do with a regular NHL shift. If that doesn't help, then we can still go forth with your fire sale at the deadline. I would trade Comrie, Hunter, Silinger, Tank, & Satan and completely restock on picks and prospects.
Side note: If the Isles win 5-0 tonight, does that change anything?
If we win 5-0 tonight and then continue to lose on what is seeming to be a nightly basis, then it means nothing. If we win 5-0 tonight and then go off on a 4-5 game winning streak then things change.
I actually do agree w/ Bill's thoughts, I just don't think there is anything that can be done. We've gone over this before- is bringing up Tamby & Walter & Neilson going to fix this? I think we can all agree with no. There is no one else to trade or call up (aside from those 3). Without any chips in BP, who will want to trade with us before the deadline? There is nothing of value- only an emergency sale will allow the isles to possibly get their hands on a scorer. Which won't happen till the deadline.
Anyway- I'll be at the game tonight- one of the 2 times/year I can support the Isles here in Tampa. It got up to 86 degrees outside today...doesn't feel like hockey weather! Lets go Islanders!
I'm still not that concerned. They are 2-6-2 in the the last 10 games and are only 6 points out of first in their division and second in the conference. Justin pretty much hit the nail on the head. They aren't scoring because they aren't driving the net. They aren't driving the net because they are not working hard. The forwards as a group are not working hard and will not score until they get back to doing so. If the losing streak hits 10, then I'll start to get nervous.
NYISLES..Enjoy the game. I hope you get to at least see an exciting . Maybe even a win!!
Have fun.
"is bringing up Tamby & Walter & Neilson going to fix this? I think we can all agree with no."
Sorry, but I don agree with that. Bringing up some kids may light a fire under some of the more complacement players. And who knows? We may find a diamond in the rough. What is the downside to at least trying it?
It can't get any worse........Bill
10 before you get nervous? What about 9? Bill I also agree that changing things up on the ice by calling up some kids might change the produce on the ice. It's one of those low-risk high-reward scenarios Snolan loves so much.
But I got a more important question. How funny is my Nolan pic?
Does anyone else have the TB telecast? The color guy is really tearing up the refs for making these calls in OT.
Nope. I didn't think they were bad calls. Each of the TB players should have received double minors for throwing those temper tantrums.
Since the last time we played Tampa...18 games ago...
The Isles have not scored more than 3 goals in any game...
Mike Comrie had not had a plus rated game until tonight...
Now I don't want to rain on the Isles parade, but yet again we get 3 lucky goals. Guerin's goal was as lucky a goal as any NHL player will ever score. Hilbert and Silinger's shots were each low percentage and I'm pretty sure Silinger's deflected off Lukowich. Most goalies eat those up with out much problem.
DP was the real hero tonight. Easily one of his best games in his young career.
I agree that DP was the difference. I agree that Guerin's goal was lucky, I didn't see Andy "Clutch" Hilbert's goal, but I disagree about Sillinger's goal. I don't know if it deflected off someone, but I thought it was a good goal. Hunter was in front causing chaos and was probably the reason it went in. Even though he scored the GW, he shouldn't be on the PP.
They seemed to play with more spark after Guerin's goal. I thought they really worked hard in the OT, especially while on the PP and that was probably the difference. Hopefully Tank is not out long-term.
Adding to the previous list over the past 18 since we last played the Lightning...
That was the last time Bill Guerin scored before last night...
That was the last time the Isles won by more than 1 goal...the streak still lingers...
DP was the difference tonight (again). This game could have easily been 6-2 or worse if not for him.
This was a lucky win, but hey I'll take it.
Tonight, I was very impressed with Sillinger. His play has been much better lately and his pulling Campoli aside and reading him the riot act in the overtime really showed me who should have been the Capt of this team.
He got right in Campoli's face and the result was the game winning goal. That's true leadership.
Guerin still look awful despite his "shotput" goal.
I also hope that Tank is out for a couple of games. He wasn't setting the league on fire and did anyone really miss him? Hopefully, they will bring up Walter to take his place.
I'm thinking that they only dressed FMV because Walter couldn't get a flight to Fla in time for the game. I think that FMV playing was strictly a convience move by Nolan.
Bergy continues to impress with his desire to crash the net. He and Tambellini both seem to be adjusting well. If they keep playing like this the goals will come.
Berard had another rough game. He is just not doing the job.
It's nice to get a win finally, but this game really was all about DP. It took two Tampa penalties in OT to finally bang one home. Not the worst, but not the best either...Bill
"They aren't scoring because they aren't driving the net. They aren't driving the net because they are not working hard. The forwards as a group are not working hard and will not score until they get back to doing so."
Yup. And it's so much more obvious in person than on TV. Comrie was by far the worst. There were a number of times he barely got back to the offensive blue line when DP already had covered up the puck from a Tampa offensive possession. His weakness on the puck and immaturity to be able to hide his frustration when he's not scoring are painful to watch. I'd rather have Blake out there again. At least Blake took shots and didn't look to make the highlight pass every time.
I thought Guerin had a good game actually. He had a number of chances in front of the net, and thats where he scores. He's not a puck possession player as some have pointed out, and he didn't try to be one last night (as much as he has tried in the past few games).
TV does such little justice to DP's puck handling abilities. I took a number of people to the game last night who have never seen a hockey game...ever. They all mentioned repeatedly that "we" have such a good goalie. (I made it clear if they wanted to come they had to root for the Isles... :) ) His vision for the breakout passes is better than some of our defensemen! In person you can see how little room he actually has, and how he can still thread the puck in there. Maybe he should teach Berard a thing or two.
Without replay it was hard to see if the OT penalties were legit or not, but either way, we've been on the short end of calls a number of times this season already so I don't care. Their PP in OT looked good, with good puck movement and faster decision making. They still took a number of low-percentage shots for being up 4-3, but at least they retained puck possession long enough to sustain pressure.
Its really bothersome to me the guys out on the ice are not exhibiting the sustained intensity they are capable of for 60 minutes. There were bouts in last night's game where the Isles were buzzing hard, but they followed that up with a period of lazy and low-percentage choices (hence the number of penalties against). Its clear the team is feeling the pressure of the recent slump, yet they haven't adjusted appropriately. To an outsider, I see the team frustrated on the inside beyond belief, but outwardly they're pretending it isn't there. I attribute this to Nolan's leadership style. He's the calmest person I've ever seen coach a sport, and I'd put money on the fact that he spends a lot of his locker room talks calming the guys down and telling them not to panic. Which is fine, except the guys are panicking! Frustration and urgency can be productive, but I think Nolan is stifling it. And it comes out in the wrong ways- people losing confidence with the puck, making the extra low percentage pass in hopes of a high percentage shot, or over/under committing to a play. Nolan himself playing the "nothing is wrong card" so much he also makes poor personnel/roster/line up decisions. Let the guys feel pressure- they better get used to it if they want to be successful in the playoffs!
If someone told me we were only allowed to win one game in the last week, I'd have chosen the Tampa game (and not just cause I was there!). They have a few days rest now, and they can go home with a good feeling. They need to practice hard, get some good rest, and get ready for a tough end of the week. Great to see my Isles in person again!!
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