Weekend Recap
A holiday weekend that could have seen the Isles take home 4 out of 4 points, instead saw the Isles take home a measly 1 point. With 2 goal leads both against the Flyers and Canes, the Isles managed to squander ‘em both, while additionally managing to lose for the first time this season when heading into the 3rd period with a lead.
It was the weekend of fortuitous bounces. The Flyers got 2 tremendous deflections off the boards, while the Isles were equally as lucky on Hilbert's goal yesterday. (Hilbert actually looked like he knew how to score goals on his mini breakaway). Coach Nolan and the Isles should take something more from the Canes' come-from-behind victory yesterday than being victimized by some bad luck. They should comprehend that it doesn't take much to beat some pretty talented NHL goaltenders. If I were Nolan, I'd be horrified by the thought of constantly losing games to mediocre goaltending. Can anyone remember the last time the Isles lost because the opposing team's goaltender stood on his head? (You know the thing that Ricky does so often for us?) I believe this shows the Isles are usually responsible for beating themselves.
From a goaltending perspective, Trent Hunter did one of the most irritating things on the Canes' tying goal when he stood up and tried to play goalie on a 50 foot slapshot. If I were DP I'd be fuming. I'd be shouting "either get down and block the shot or get the **** out of the way." Hunter gave DP no chance to see the shot--one that he probably would have eaten up and rendered all of this ranting moot.
Once again, Blake Comeau was the most exciting player on the ice for the Isles and I'm waiting for this to register in Nolan's brain. When we see Comeau on the PP, we will all know Nolan is paying attention to what's transpiring on the ice.
Patiently awaiting a fire sale,
Justin
Posts
24 comments:
Guys, I do not believe that you will see any fire sale. Both Snow and Nolan seem to think that this team is fine as it is.
Apparently, they are the only two people in the hockey world that think that.
The Isles will hang around eighth
place and give false hope to all of their fans.
As for me, I can't wait for Simon to return. Then we will become a Cup contender.....Bill
J-Picker from the last post:
"Let's hope this team continues to play mediocrity for the next week n half to two weeks. This is our only chance for a potential fire sale to happen as the Isles would most likely be out of a playoff spot at that time.
This fire sale would also allow both Okposo and Tambellini to make the jump over the sound and onto the island. They have both been playing superbly since Okposo joined the team."
I don't understand this. We've been playing mediocre, and we're in a playoff spot. What team has ever had a fire sale if they're in a playoff spot? If you want to see a fire sale, we need to lose the next 2 weeks. Thats probably not going to happen...
Also, I'm not sure why you all want a fire sale. What is that going to get us? Aside from Satan, we're not getting good picks for these guys, so what is the benefit of a fire sale over waiting till the end of this season when all these 1 year contracts end and working the market? We will have the cap room to win over a few big names, and I think LI has gotten a better vibe throughout the league than it did last year. Smyth really hurt us by leaving- everyone looks up to him, so if his majesty didn't want to play here why would a lesser noble? There is a decent amount of talent out there, and you're all right- we have some studs in the AHL. No stud picks are coming back for Hunter or Sillinger...
Also, why make Okposo lose his rookie status this year to play for nothing? He's playing great where he is, and as I recall, many of you were worried about the confidence of the 19 year old. Well bringing him up to play against the wolves of the eastern conference isn't going to do much for his confidence. I'd argue there is more of a chance we'll see Okposo this season if we're buyers at the deadline than if we sold- give him confidence playing in the big league while we're winning (hopefully).
We're in 8th place, playing in the hardest division of the NHL. We've got the Rags & Devil's numbers this season, and showed we can compete for some stretches with Phillly. Pens are a crap shoot against us, but with Crosby gone for a while, should be a bit easier. Why would you want a fire sale? It makes no sense. No team gives up when they're 4 games over .500, and the first place team is only 3 wins away. Unless we get pitted against Ottawa (who we've played hard this season and doesn't look like a convincing #1 anymore), we stand an excellent chance to win against anyone.
Look at the records of East vs East teams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/standings?conference=eastern&standType=expanded&group=division&column=points&order=false&season=2008&seasontype=2)
Look carefully at those stats. We're 10-6 against the Atlantic- tied with the Rags for 1st in the division. Those teams ahead of us in our division have feasted on the SE division- the weakest division in the NHL. We're NOT going to continue to lose against those guys- we'll get those points. If anything, those teams are most likely sellers at the deadline (that being said- I don't think many teams will be sellers-everyone still has a shot), and we should be better down the stretch against these teams.
It's parity this year folks, no one is running away with it. Every team is mediocre against previous years' standards- welcome to the new NHL.
Disclaimer: I'm not happy with the results of the last 2 games, I just think its pointless to ask for a fire sale at this point. Who are we, Toronto fans?
How is hanging around in 8th false hope? I think signing Yashin for 10 years was false hope, but bringing a scrappy team predicted to be last in the NHL into the playoffs isn't really false hope.
Nyisles,
I'm not sure I agree with a tactic that would involve holding onto all of our soon-to-be UFAs and "working the market" as you put it. What would happen there is we will get ZERO return for the losses of Comrie, Tank, Vasicek, Satan, Hunter, etc. instead of draft picks in deep drafting pools. Satan/Comrie could possibly net a 1st rounder from a big market team, while a combo platter of Tank, Vasicek, or Hunter could net a 2nd rounder.
With so many teams in the hunt this year, there will be far less sellers, which should increase the value the buyers will have to pay.
I think those of us who are begging for a fire sale feel stuck in a sick twisted version of New York Islanders Groundhog Day. And we don't see the day ending anytime soon. How many more years in a row can we fill our lineup with aging vets and hard-working "Nolan" players? And what are the chances continuously concocting a team like this will net us anything beyond a 1st round loss?
This team isn't going anywhere and I'm ready to start from scratch. Who would have thought, after the struggles of the late 90s, that some pretty dedicated Isles fans would be willing to give up a playoff spot in hopes to build for the future? I think that alone says something about the product on the ice.
I think Bill takes "false hope" to be tricking Isles fans into believing THIS IS THE YEAR we win a playoff series!
15 years and counting...
I only want to see Okposo up here if Tambellini and Neilsen come with him. They have the makings of a real number one line in the NHL.
Something we have not had in a very long time.
The basic question remains. Do you want to build a Cup winner or are you satisfied with just making the playoffs?
There are some good, team players on the Islanders right now. I believe that the defense is very solid. Cammpoli, Sutton and Martinek are locked up for the next few years. Snow needs to extend Witt and sign Gervais to a deal similar to Campoli's. If he can grab a puck moving, scoring D-man through free agancy then the goaltending and D are set for the next few years.
Guerrin is set for next year, so he is not moving. So is Sillinger and Park. I would like to see Snow resign Hunter, Satan and Vasicheck.
Bergy can stay if he comes cheap enough.
Comrie is a question mark.
Every other forward can go through trades or free agency. None of them is worth resigning.
Bridgeport has really turned their season around and there is hope for the future.
I am wondering if Snow is smarter than I give him credit for and is just realizing that this is a "stopgap" year. If I see The "kid" line open the season next year, I will have to admit that he got the job done.......Bill
I see that John Ferguson Jr. got the axe in Toronto.
How's that Jason Blake deal working out for you, John?....Bill
Campoli is out for the season. That really sucks, at least they got Witt and Martinek back.
They signed Meyer to a two year extension.
Camps being out for the season makes it that much less likely for a sale this trade deadline. I was thinking the only players on the market might have been one of our surplus d-men who have played quite well (Berard- who wouldn't crack the top 6 on our healthy line-up would probably be a good pick-up for a few teams without real D- depth). However, this makes it all the less likely to happen. Too bad.
I'm with you guys here that I'd be willing to sit through a true and dedicated rebuilding year a la Chicago & Philly, but I just don't see it happening. We're obviously all crazy fans who will watch the team no matter what, but the fact of the matter is we're not filling NVMC on our own. Half hearted fans (e.g. all my high school friends growing up) wouldn't consider going to a game unless its playoff hockey. Its sad, but its reality. Build some bars, restuarants & other things to do in the area- which hopefully the Lighthouse Project is doing - and that might change..but till then we're stuck in the cycle of having to appeal to fickle fans who won't come unless we're playing the Rangers or in the playoffs.
In Logan's blog he says that the injury would probably mean Bergeron would not be traded. Which, surprised me, because I haven't heard anything about him being moved. I think the Islanders will dump Berard, Satan and any of the other UFAs if they price is right, regardless of if they are in a playoff spot. The only players I think they'd hold on to are Comrie and Tank (due to his playoff success), everyone else is pretty much expendable. Would the team really be that worse off without Berard, Satan or Hunter? I don't think so.
I think the that Snow will sign Hunter and make a run at Satan.
I know some people don't appreciate what Hunter brings to the game but I believe that Nolan and Snow do. He kills penalties, blocks shots and plays against the top line every night. He also has become a real force in the corners and on the sideboards. He was a plus 3 tonight which helps.
Satan has been hurt a lot and still goes out there and gives it his all. He will get his 20 goals again this year. Granted that he is no longer an elite scorer in this league, I still think he can contribute to a team starved for goals. Snow would be wise to at least offer him a deal. I doubt that he will attract a lot of interest............Bill
Good game last night. You guys think Howie & Jaffs read my post the other night about staying on topic?? Either way, much happier with the announcing.
Anyone know what the record is for SHGs in a game? When Sutton had that shot on the 4th PK, I thought we were about to see history. Apparently the 3 goals tied a team record.
I'm with you Bill re: the offers to Hunter & Satan. I'd also include Vasichek in there. He probably can be had for cheap, considering his current contract, and he's clearly got talent. I'd be willing to give him a few Nolan years, and see what happens. He might just become the next Kozlov. If he pots 20-25 goals at any point during his contract, I think we'd all be happy.
Lets get to that 6th spot and take on carolina in the playoffs! Took a look @ the rest of the season: 5 more back-to-back games, and a lot of tough ones coming up. We'll see what happens. Consistency hasn't been the Isles forte this season, but watching the Rags last year should show us all that a solid Feb-April can mean a lot of hype and expectations. Lets see what happens at the TD, I'm fine either way.
NYISLES, I agree with you about Vasicheck. He has a gret upside and is only a comparative youngster. He should be offered a 3 year deal at a modest rate. I see him improving with the uncertainty of contract issues behind him.
The only way this team is going anywhere in the playoffs is if they finish in the 6 th position.
The Southeast is a joke and it may be the best chance that the Isles have in many years to advance.
With the lack of any dominant teams
in the east, I think that it is not
too unrealistic to believe that they can grab the 6 th spot. It is certainly there for the taking......Bill
How awful is Comrie on the PP. How about Nolan replacing him with Comeau.
Comrie must have given away the puck 5 times during the PP last night. He is an awful passer who make horrible decisions with the puck.....Bill
Heyyyyy finally someone else noticed too!!!!
I've been counting Comrie's PP turnovers all season long. There are usually somewhere between 5-8 per game (which is insane).
I have been saying for months how Comrie turns the puck over on every PP and is never benched, yet MAB is benched for 5 games for 1 turnover. MAB's blunders give the other team a chance to score (1x 2x a game) where Comrie's blunders usually defuse every Isles PP (5x, 6x a game). Wake up Ted.
Comeau should see receive this role.
Didn't we see Comeau on the PP last night? I thought he looked strong all game. I also was surprised to see Sutton out there on the PP. He's looking more and more like a steal. Remember when we got him from Atl everyone was laughing about how he was a big orange cone? Ha!
Bill I've been thinking about your comment on seeing a kid line next season- and I'm beginning to think/hope you're right. You might be on to something in thinking that Snow might be looking at this season as a stopgap. I wonder if he'd been thinking about Okposo in the AHL all along, and wanted to keep Nielsen & Tamby down there till he was signed. It sort of makes sense- give them confidence playing together, and let KO jump in on a highly productive line. Let them form chemistry, and bring em up next season as our 3rd/2nd line. With this years' draft depth, maybe we can pick another late rounder up as well to add to our young lineup.
I'm beginning to wonder if Snow can sell some non-core guys for some more first round picks, still have a decent showing for the rest of the season, and be in a good position come draft day. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?
Richard Park is becoming my favorite Islander. I just love watching him play- and love it more when he scores!
NYISLES Sutton is playing the PP because Camnpoli is injured. Normally, Campoli would be playing on that point.
Sutton has a good, hard, low shot but he is slow to get back should the puck get past him at the point.
If this team can take 2 in Boston they should be poised for a run at sixth place.
My second half team to watch is Wasington. Don't be surprised if they sneak up and grab the South title.............Bill
Regarding keeping Tamb in the AHL for KO, I'm not sure if Snow is that smart. If he is, that would be tremendous.
Regarding Park, is he the next coming of Jason Blake? Remember Blake was a castaway PK specialist with speed and no scoring abilities.
Regarding Washington, I have a hard time believing they can maintain down the stretch with Kolzig as their netminder.
Not only that, but Nylander is out for the season. AO is absolutely amazing, but the next best talent is Kozlov. AO might win some games singlehandedly, but against a solid defensive team I have a hard time seeing them win consistently. The SE division is a complete mess- no one is strong.
Park is 32- I worry a bit about some slowing down once his pushes 35/36, but he's got quite the all-around game. He's with us until he turns 34, which is a good time to reevaluate. Good job Snowy! I remember him with the Wild a few years back- he was a pleasure to watch on the PK, and I recall him potting a shortie against us...which sucked!
I'm thinking of flying up from FL for the 3/4 Rags-Isles game at the Garden- anyone else thinking of going???
As for Washington: Kolzig has been splitting time with the other netminder who is playing very well.
Don't forget that Washington will play the majority of their games against a very weak Southern Division,
They have 3 games in hand on Carolina and a couple on Atlanta and are only 3 points out of first place.
They are a longshot, but hey, you have to play a longshot once in a while....Bill
Bill, are you Eklund's source for the Islanders' rumored interest in Phaneuf?
Ya' know Shink, I was thinking the same thing about Ecklund when I looked at his site today. I guess he must be reading this site on a regular basis.
Now, did anyone else hear about the three way deal that will bring us Crosby from Pitt and Ovetchkin from the Caps for Hilbert (to Wash) and Simon (to Pitt)?
That's probably an E4......Bill
Bruins 4 Isles 1
Not DP's finest hour tonight. He let in a few tough ones. Hey, the guy stands on his head most nights. He's bound to have a clunker once in a while.
I did think that the Bruins game plan was to push the Isles all over the ice and they did just that. In the first period they out hit us something fierce. Maybe it's just me, but I am getting the feeling that the word is out that the Isles can be pushed around physically.
Another concern is the lack of ability of any of the forwards to finish. The Isles had plenty of chances tonight. Tonight was not like their usual 30 perimeter shots
on goal. They had some real quality chances in front of the net, so I guess that was a good sign.
How about Blake Comeau? He was all over the ice tonight and had his best game as an Islander. This kid is just getting better and better as he adjusts to the NHL. You would think that the brain trust might take note of Comeau's play and see if some of the other young guns can match his work.
Hope springs eternal....Bill
Bill- I agree very very much about the physicality part. And what makes it more perturbing is that physical play was (or should have been) the Isles' bread & butter. Just as it was before the lockout: if you're not skilled, you better be willing to sacrifice the body. So many players made their careers doing that, and there was nothing wrong with it. The Isles, without a top-flight scorer, should be doing that night in and out. Hunter gets credit for being in the top 5 in hits every season, but as the year has progressed, his bone-crunching hits which I used to love have become quite infrequent. When Freddy Meyer laid the last hit I can remember, and it happened 5 games ago, thats a concern.
Remember the Ottawa game- I think the first one? The Isles came out and simply handed it to their skill players. Every opportunity to hit resulted in someone in red & black getting a bruise. Lo and behold, we won that game against (at the time) the best team in the league. Last night was just the opposite! They better get back to their game-plan of outworking and out hitting their opponents, and look to do it WITHOUT Simon!
I think we're all real impressed with Comeau this season. He's been one consistent shining point in an otherwise up-and-down season. Makes you wonder for sure who else could play like that...
More and more I'm desiring a sale. Over on HockeyBuzz someone commented that the Isles can't rebuild like other teams, because a few more years of bad bad hockey would result in the team being moved. First, I disagree with that- no way the team moves before the lease is up. Second, with the top line in BP doing so well, the availability of such great FA's this season, and so many 1 year rental players to give up for picks in this year's deep draft- we could rebuild in a very short time. Short as in 1 year. Think about it- Tamby-Neilsen-Okposo come up next year. We draft a few 'older' prospects in addition to the typical 18 y.o.- 19/20/21 y.o. European guys who could be ready in a year. Bring in one or two bona fide scorers via FA, and I'd be real excited about the team- and they could all play in less than 1 year. Thoughts?
(Lets hope Snowy reads this! :))
Post a Comment