After turning down interview requests for a few days following a head injury suffered Tuesday night in Montreal, Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro all but admitted the “general body soreness” explanation for his condition is another way of saying minor concussion. DiPietro was uncomfortable because he didn’t want to be in the position of having to issue a series of “no comments” about his status.
“Do you think if I had ‘general body soreness’ I’d be sitting out right now?” DiPietro said at today’s morning skate. “It’s up to the team to tell you.”
Questioned about possible problems with motion, DiPietro said, “You know the answer to that…Do you think I don’t want to play? I want to play, but it’s up to the team.”
Ultimately, DiPietro granted a candid interview that will appear in Sunday’s Newsday in which he discusses his thinking on the play that resulted in his collision with Montreal forward Steve Begin. But tonight, DiPietro will miss his second straight start in favor of backup Mike Dunham against Florida. Coach Ted Nolan indicated hope DiPietro will return Tuesday night at Tampa Bay because there are two days in between to rest and get the practice he would need first.
In Nolan’s view, the injury that put the Islanders’ playoff hopes at risk is as much the fault of Begin as of DiPietro. “He did have a pretty good lane on getting the puck, which he did,” Nolan said of DiPietro. “The player just didn’t jump over him. In this league, you have to do everything in your power to avoid the goaltenders.
“I don’t think [the Rangers’ Sean] Avery listens to that rule. And a couple other players don’t listen to that rule. They bang into goaltenders. [Begin] could have jumped. He’s a seasoned veteran. He’s a fourth-line guy.
“He knew exactly what he was doing: ‘By hitting this goaltender, maybe I can knock him out, and we can get a chance to play in the playoffs.’ It’s one of those things.”
Montreal now is two points out of a playoff spot, while the Rangers and Toronto are one point behind the seventh-place Isles and Carolina for the final berths. Nolan acknowledged DiPietro put himself at risk of an injury when he made the decision to go out almost to his blue line to stop a possible breakaway by Begin, but the coach said he has no intention of telling DiPietro to alter his gambling style.
“Goaltenders do that once in a while,” Nolan said. “If I get in a car accident, maybe I shouldn’t have driven to work that day.”
In other words, it’s the chance you take by playing the game. The problem is that the fallout from an injury to a player as valuable as DiPietro could be enormous. Nolan said there’s “no question” one of the main reasons the Islanders were willing to give up former first-round picks Robert Nilsson and Ryan O’Marra to get veteran forward Ryan Smyth from Edmonton was because management believed DiPietro was playing well enough to carry the Islanders deep into the playoffs if they could just add a little offense.
If DiPietro’s injury lingers and the Islanders don’t make the playoffs and, worse, don’t sign Smyth before he becomes a free agent on July 1, well, it won’t look good at all. The Islanders did almost everything right to position themselves for a playoff push, but now they stand to lose big if DiPietro’s not in goal.
“You can’t control certain things,” Nolan said. Likening the situation to Chris Simon’s suspension and defenseman Radek Martinek’s season-ending broken leg, the coach added, “You can’t control Ricky going down or the unfortunate situation that happened with Simon. Those two things happened. We forget about Martinek being hurt. We lost three of our original six defensemen to start the season off [Martinek to injury, Alexei Zhitnik in a trade and injured Bruno Gervais]. Those aren’t excuses. Those things happen.
“We can’t sit down and feel sorry for ourselves. We have to rebound and get better performances from certain people. If we do that, it has nothing to do with Ryan Smyth, it has nothing to do with Ricky DiPietro being out. It has to do with us playing this game right now.”
Comments (90)
Yes, those things happen. And if you happen to be wearing an Islander sweater, they happen over and over again. When will the dark cloud pass this team???
This could very well be the play that defines the entire season, maybe even Rick's career. I understand there is a need for passion in this league but the need to play smart is greater. Why does Rick feel compelled to play the puck every time it makes it past the hashmarks? Why does he feel compelled to lie on the ice like he's been shot after he gives up a goal? What would make him think its a good idea to rush the blueline for any reason? If you call it passion, its misguided and misdirected. Making these wanna-be big plays is dangerous and here is the proof. Maybe he's too selfish to realize how important he is to the team. When he goes out and makes dumb plays, the entire franchise suffers. Remember, we could have Luongo (Multiple All-Star Goaltender) and Heatley or Gaborik, but we tossed it all aside for him and his brilliant potential and puck-handling skills. This play has obviously damaged Rick, concussions are the most serious injuries in sports. What if he's never the same again? Was it all worth it? Lousy, Stupid, Selfish play, Rick. I only hope that if he can return to form he will have learned to stop trying to be some kind of star and just stop the damn puck. You see Brodeur do stupid stuff like that? You ever see Roy do it? Kipper? No. Rick is not elite, he's immature, and may have altered not only his future but the future of this franchise. And, memo to Ted: When someone does something stupid, call it what it is, stupid, and move on. There is no glazing this one over. No Way.
I couldn't agree more with the above poster. Nolan saying that Begin was actually looking to knock DiPietro out...I appreciate his passion on behalf of the team, but come on. There's nothing to that idea at all--the blame belongs with his goalie, period. DiPietro still has a lot of growing up to do, and that's all there is to it.
Smth has not been worth the hype--since day one i bemoaned the trade because i never thought we could get far. I'd rather see the foundation of many promising years laid, then grasping for instant fame and selling the team core. I dont get this team at all. And, while many jumped on Simon for being a goon etc...reality dictates we miss him. Leadership and toughness define a playoff team...if we went into another torontoeque 7 game series, Simon would be a HUGE necessity. The New and unimproved NHL makes that unlikely, but, he is missed dearly.
No team can rely on ONE person not even the goalie. Maybe the isles should be playing Dubie who has been playing and has played pretty well when put in goal for the Isles in the past. The team is not doing well since the Smyth trade and the addition back of the Captain which is another story. I have seen lack luster play by many individuals including Kozlov, Satan and the "C". The Islanders need to play as a TEAM. There are no super stars on this team even though we are paying super star salaries. It's first time to make Witt the Captain. Yashin cannot be the "C". The Captain must be the leader and we need someone who can really be a leader not just because his salary is number 1. What are we really going to see between now and year end? We are going to see just how good Nolan is. We are going to see if he can do something different from all of the recent past coaches who failed. Nolan does have a "better" team than those in the recent past but "passion" has been a problem and we are going to see if Nolan can really bring out the best in his players or is this just the same old BS that Islander fans have seen over the recent years.
No Ted no! These comments by the coach sound alot like its over, but hey, our intentions were good. This present Isles roster is a completely different team then say just 2 weeks ago. They can control their own destiny if they can keep getting POINTS. But who knows what THIS roster is even capable of. THIS IS NOT A GOOD SITUATION. The Panthers are playing their best hockey of the year and in the last 2 games the Isles have played possibly their worst. I'm afraid to watch tonights game...
LETS GO ISLANDERS!
I'm listening to the game versus Florida on NHL Radio. 3-3 after 20 minutes. Wow! Go for the hat-trick Sillinger (former Vancouver Canuck)!
But the radio announcers haven't really described whether Dunham let in soft goals or not.
Any thoughts?
Kevin T
Victoria, BC
Canada
Dunham has been porous. Flopping around, back to the puck as it goes it. He is not up to this task right now.
The team once again has let dunham down, I really don't think it matters if dubie or dunham is in the net. DP's injury, proves just how valuable he was to this team this year. Look at how many games this team played just like they are playing now, and DP bailed them out. It takes a very good goalie, to help a team thru mistakes. They have young guys on defense, a few who should be down in bridgeport if not for injuries. They have a bunch of wingers who don't know how to go into the boards and flat out beat the opp. for the puck. When they do have chances to score they rarely take advantage. This team was playing good for most of the season, right now they have serious self doubts about themselves, and they are suffering this at the wrong time. I think teddy should let the players do something for fun for a day. Maybe this time invite their mothers to the next road game. If anything can light a fire under a player, its his mom! Keep the faith Islanders, even though your killing us, we still love ya! Islanders fans no matter how much it hurts, or what the team does, just give them a big hug and lots of love. Because they need it!
Hey Nolan, quit being a CANDY-ASS like Steve Stirling and start SCREAMING. These guys are sucking and they won't respond and it's because you're giving them days off and not holding them accountable in the press.
WHEN WILL NOLAN LEARN NOT TO PAIR HILL WITH WITT THEY ARE TOO SLOW TO BE PAIRED TOGETHER NOLAN BETTER WAKE THIS TEAM UP HE'S GOTTA START SCREAMIN NOWWWWW
After finally tying up the game, one rush is all it takes to score a(nother) WRAPAROUND goal on Dunham. Dunham is finished, he is unfit to be goaltending during a playoff race. What a pathetic goal to give up. This season is all but over if this is allowed to continue any longer. Thanks again Ricky.
Hey, what do you know, ANOTHER crap goal goes in. Its over guys. Maybe next year.
Dunham is terrible. I have been a lifelong Islander fan and this year actually got me pumped up.Now I am finally knocked back down into reality. With Ricky's stupid play possibly costing us the season and more. This could not have come at a worse time of the season. With Dunham in goal we need to score 6 or more goals a game from here on out since he gives up 5 goals a game. I will always stand by the Islanders but it kills me to watch this flame burn out at the worst time.
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This organization is following the lead of Rick DiPietro, the DRAMA QUEEN of the National Hockey League. I'm a die hard Islanders fan, but I'll be damned if I'm going to drink this organization's Kool-Aid. Nolan needs to wake up. Do you honesly think that Begin went for that puck in an attempt to hurt our Drama Queen goaltender as Nolan says? Teddy, wake up you moron and watch the tape again. Montrel is fighting for a playoff spot as much, if not more, than your overrated team. I'm sick and tired of this organization whining and crying. It's what you make of it. And when you play guys like Hilbert for 15 minutes a game, you get what you're dealt. Stop your bitching and get this **ucking team in the playoffs!
I agree with the poster above and I agree with a lot of the posters prior to me. Bottom line is that this team needs to stop it's bitching (Yeah you Ted Nolan) and it definitely could use someone in the Steve Webb mold, a sparkplug type of player that not only got the fans into the games, but just as importantly the players on the bench into it. If Steve Webb doesn't want to come out of retirement, I'll take Ryan Hollweg, what do you think of that Chris Simon?
Oh well, it's another loss by a ridiculous score. Dubie in goal on Tuesday... please!!!
Steve Webb for president! Id love to see Steve WEbb back with the Islanders for this playoff drive and in the future. Come on Steve what do you say?
soooooo pisssssed!!!!!!!!!!
I am so disgusted right now! This team was playing better when it had Franz Nielson and Jeff Tambelini playing regular shifts!! I supported him for a long time but I have to say it is time for Yash to go!! He takes away from the team's overall chemistry. How else do you explain the way they are playing since his return? Couple that with Ricky not yet realizing that he is a goalie and not a 3rd defencemen and you have a depressing finish to a nice season.
I am so disgusted right now! This team was playing better when it had Franz Nielson and Jeff Tambelini playing regular shifts!! I supported him for a long time but I have to say it is time for Yash to go!! He takes away from the team's overall chemistry. How else do you explain the way they are playing since his return? Couple that with Ricky not yet realizing that he is a goalie and not a 3rd defencemen and you have a depressing finish to a nice season.
It's time to give Dubie a shot. Whether it's his fault or not (after sitting for 18 games), Dunham has been TERRIBLE. At this point in the season, there is no way that we should lose a game in which we score 5 goals. Oh, and enjoy the next 11 games, because thankfully, they are likely to be the last 11 games you will see Alexei Yashin in an Islanders uniform.
Man, the ride was sweet while it lasted!! But as with every Islanders season since '94 its over. Yash has got to go!! Smyth is pretty much signing elsewhere (whats up with comments about Edmonton, my hearts with those guys, please Rye get your head out your a... You play for us at least for 10 more dreadful/painful games which will with lose the majority of. Still and always will love my Isles though.. Those loveable LOSERS!! Oh well!!
LETS GO ISLANDERS!! What a way to end a playoff run losing every freakin' game in typicall Islander fashion. Wake up Nolan you are gonna kill me cuz I scream and yell soo much at the TV my condo association will probably force me to sell! :)
ted, if you thought that begin intentionally hurt our goalie, you should have sent out one of our tough guys for retribution.....oh, i forgot, we don't HAVE any tough guys, i forgot.....no enforcers = no playoffs!!!
Since Brian brought it up in the above post, I will repeat an ealier statement. Smyth made it clear there would be no home-town discount on this contract. So is taking some heat on the home front. Expect him to make damage-control statements when talking to the Canadian press.
I have been taking in any Islanders news I could get since the Smyth trade. But it almost seems like the team is cursed right now. Four bad things as far as I am concerned.
1) Simon's action and suspension. (Huge negative mental affect on any team)
2) Yashin coming back. (Ted has no choice but to play him, and he's a fair weather player)
3) DP's injury. (Now players have to worry about making mistakes the cost a shot on goal, thus a goal)
4) Ted's blame-game. (Bad message for players)
I still think Smyth will sign for two years (5.5 - 6 Million per season). And if Ted doesn't suck-it-up, get rid of him! Trade Yashin in the off-season get a big tough defenseman and you guys will do damage next season.
Kevin T
Victoria BC
Canada
I will say it 1,000,000 times if necessary....I was saying it all last year....The "C" must be removed from yashin....He is soft and is only good for a great shot once in a while...We need a leader on the ice...Someone who will give 100% all the time and play hurt to help his team win....I don't care if it's Witt or Sillinger or Blake but I need my fellow Islander fans to help me get this move made....We need a huge shake up and this would do it.....At least a start....I'm sure Yashin said his same old crap we need to support eachother and work harder...This guy is nada. I hope he scores a 100 goals but pull the "C".....He's no Dennis Potvin....... The passion starts at the top and he's got less than none.....I want to hear what everyone else has to say??????? We were much better without him..................................
"We've been spoiled by having a premier goaltender," Islanders coach Ted Nolan said. "Before we were stopping most of those shots. Now, they're winding up in the back of the net."
"Anytime you score five goals, it should be enough to win," Mike Sillinger said. "Our entire defense has to be better. It hurts not having Rick (DiPietro) in there, but we have to buckle down defensively."
Talk about throwing your goalie under the bus. I'm all for throwing a goalie under the bus when he has a bad game, but it's got to work both ways. How come when Baby Ricky DiPietro has a lousy game, he's never thrown under the bus? We all know the answer to that. Because the princess primadona is inked to a 15-year-deal and anything and everything must be done to stroke his massive ego. This organization is total SH*T!
Mick, I agree that the 15 year deal is unfortunate as far as it means that it's difficult or impossible to coach DiPietro when he knows that he'll outlast his coaches. However, Dunham played a terrible game--probably the worst game any Isles goalie has played all year--so I'm not going to complain that Nolan took him to task for it.
Smyth has been producing over a point per game since he got here. People saying that we are worse for having him are way off. That said, I'd say there's a less than 10 percent chance he re-ups with the Isles, and less than a 1 percent chance if we end up missing the playoffs.
Yashin's looked decidedly average since his return, but he hasn't even been close to the worst player out there. Kozlov has been a non-factor for over a month now. Isles fans hate on mostly because he is ridiculously overpaid, which isn't his fault. He's a first line player, but he's just not a franchise star that can carry a team. That said, I wouldn't be crying if they bought him out, but I strongly doubt it will happen.
I have that same amount of goals as Richard Zednik since we were traded for eachother.
I said it before last night's game and I'll say it again. If DP can't go, Dubie should get the start. From the time when Dunham was signed to this team,I thought it was a mistake because I thought Dubie was capable of being an NHL backup.
How, when its obvious that we lack passion, does a guy like Asham or Witt not stir things up? Coincidence that the beat up Rags are winning when Avery is going wild? Orr and Co. fighting hard? C'mon Isles--where the bleep is the passion? Toughness? Man, we need Simon!
Dunham is DONE. He's made a couple of good saves, but he just has not done enough to win games in the NHL. Going forward Dubie should be the FIRST option.
The Isles "D" has been horrible. Losing Zhitnik, Martinek and Gervais have made things worse. Getting Bergeron has helped, but Meyer just could be the worse defenseman in the NHL. NHL.COM listed him as having 4 hits last night. Three of them were him hitting the ice, and the other was his stick hitting the ice. PLEASE...get rid of this guy.
It really looks like Witt, Hill and Satan are playing through injuries. All of those guys are not playing to the level they were two months ago.
Yashin coming back has been a plus. Smyth hass been TERRIFIC.. he is a joy to watch play the game. He plays both sides of the rink with the same passion, and he is out there for PP AND PK... and excels at BOTH.
Zednik can't seem to get with the program.
Losing Simon hurts, but would he really be getting ice time on this roster?
I would really like to see them give somebody from the AHL a chance over Meyer. Give Dubie the backup job. It might be time for Park, or Zednik to sit for Tambellini.
Tampa is goingto be very much like Ottawa. they are going to have to play very conservatively, and hope for transition opportunities. Meyer and Hill, just aren't getting it done. they need help ON EVERY PLAY. When this team scores 5 they should win 9 times out of ten. I have faith that Nolan will do his best, but I was a little surprised with his comments about Begin. He's probably correct that anybody else might have avoided contact, but Begin was playing through a back injury and might not have been able to jump over the blue line. Just play hard, and get some points.
When the going gets TOUGH, the TOUGH get going!!!!
Let's Go Islanders!!!
BOTTOM LINE....NOLAN HAS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS GAME... DUNHAM GIVES UP 13 GOALS IN 6 PERIODS AND HE LEAVES HIM IN NET TO START THE 2ND PERIOD!!!!
WHEN YOU SCORE 5 GOALS ON THE ROAD YOU HAVE TO GET AT LEAST A POINT IF NOT WIN THE GAME.
Go down swinging please--stand up and fight, check and play hard. Where is the passion? Screw the new, soft NHL...make teams remember the game they played against the isles--hit people...punch them...c'mon!!!
A trend that has developed over the last month is the lack of hitting. If you look at the stats you will see them being outhit alot more often now. I think this leads to teams being able to press harder in the 3rd period. Just like boxing, constant body blows lead to fatigue late in a match. The Isles have been registering low 20's on hits for the game when a month or 2 ago it was high 30's or 40's. This is something they need correct immediately if they want to turn this thing around. They need to make teams hurt from playing them, and let them know they are in for a fight. I'm not ready to give up on this season and I hope the team hasn't already done that.
Selfishness and SELFISHNESS
--Simon's insipid hack was selfish.
--DiPietro's aggression was selfish.
--After 60 games, the WHOLE team became selfish: Was it Martinek's injury? Those blocked shots just seem to be blocked anymore--like everyone's a prima donna.
Jaffee actually has some good insights on TV. He points out how deficient the Isles are in "selling" a penalty like other teams, hence the lack of PP's.
Its ok fellas... I know its starting to get old... but no fans should be stronger than us (after the last 14 years). I like to stay positive, but its not looking good. 2 things that hurt more than anything... 1) adding zednik and 2) getting yashin back. I really don't believe either of them are "Nolan type" players... but that bum yashin is on the 1st line. WTF?? I love Smyth... this guy's game is beautiful to watch... dirty???... no this guy is filthy... on both sides of the ice. Although its a long shot... I'd love to see I'm on our side long term
Can't wait for Rick to retire on an injury. He has the ability to be great but the brain of a fish.
That's enough - no more being nice. YOU PEOPLE MAKE ME SICK! That's right, you make me sick to the very core of my being. I have never seen a more sorry bunch of neurotic, fair-weather fans, and I went to school in freaking Boston, 2 blocks from Fenway Park. Every single time something goes wrong, all we ever hear about is this sorry, pathetic crap about Steve Webb and how this team is cursed and blah, blah, blah, blah. Let's take a reality check a little, shall we?
1. What the hell is wrong with you people coming out of the woodwork to slam DP for that play? And how dare you actually refer to it as SELFISH??? I played goal for many years in amateur hockey before I had to stop, and I'd tell you flat-out that if I'm playing goal I make the same move 10 out of 10 times. Anyone on a breakaway is a threat to score, and that's why a goaltender needs to poke-check passes, dive after potential breakaways, and the like. I'll bet any amount of money that if he poke-checked Begin and wasn't injured all of you fair-weather fans would be singing his praises and calling for him to win the Vezina trophy. I'm totally on DP's side when it comes to this....was it selfish for Jeter to catch that ball and fly into the stands? Is it selfish for a catcher to block the plate and risk a collision so his team doesn't give up a run? Is it SELFISH for a lineman to throw a block to allow the running back to break through for a 1st down? Give me a break, and get a clue. We have an elite goaltender and all you bandwagoners jump ship the second something off-kilter happens.
2. Ryan Smyth, Ryan Smyth, Ryan Smyth....Have you ever stopped to think that, if he doesn't sign with the Islanders, it might be because you pathetic lot don't go to the Coliseum? "It's too far." "Traffic is terrible." Christ almighty, grow up. The organization has been first-class to Smyth this whole time, and if he doesn't re-up I'll guarantee the laughable crowds for weekday games has at least as much to do with it as anything else. themass has it right - I think Zednik and Yashin caused more problems than Smyth, overall....we need to be mindful of chemistry and Nolan-type players...the solution is to support our freaking team, bring huge banners saying "Ryan Don't Go!" and pray Snow buys out Yashin and signs Okposo to ride shotgun with Blake and Smyth next season.
3. Mike Dunham. How many of you who are throwing him under the bus now were chanting "We Want Dunham!" at DP earlier this year? It's ridiculous, however, this leads me to....
4. Ted Nolan....wow, you guys are turning on him pretty quickly, aren't you? Give the man props for having the stones to call a spade a spade. Dunham has been unbelievably awful since he started, and I can't think Dubie could be any worse at this point. Dunham can't be back next year, and if anything this underscores the need for depth at the goaltending position next year (might I suggest John Curry, Hobey Baker candidate from Boston University, my alma mater?). Anyway, to savage Nolan for trying to stick up for his team and deflect criticism? Come on...just come on. Everyone else says he wins the Jack Adams if we make the playoffs, and you're all jumping ship like he's the second coming of Steve Stirling.
I know there are some valid points, like Simon's chop and how Yashin brings everybody down....but come on. Do we even deserve an NHL team with all these neurotic fans? Come on....suck it up and rally around your team....we need you, and the Keep Smyth on LI Fund needs your support.
we can't hit if there's a fear of getting beat up. we need to bring fata back up AND a fighter from the minors. i don't care if he can't play, put him on the 4th line. we are the softest team in the league now without simon and it takes everybody out of their agressive game. the rangers can simply push us around now, not to mention their goaltending advantage
Nick - i used to post on this site once in a while but now i just sit back and laugh at how crazy the isles fans have become. I agree with everything you said , its about time someone had the cojones to set us isles fans staight - bravo - standing O for you. here's hoping the rest of the fans wake up and start supporting their team !
Uncle Jr, thanks for the kind words, and I'm right behind you.
Also, for those of you who'd accuse me of saying this without fear of retribution: you can email me at monty404@optonline.net if you'd like to debate anything I just said
Dude--you can scream all you want, but:
a) DiP's on the bench when the Islanders--without leadership--need him most. One has to choose one's aggression. SELFISH!
b) The trade was boneheaded--there was a chemistry of grittiness the Isles had that's evaporated. I like Smyth, but one has to obtain players who actually want to stay with the organization.
c) As a Manhattanite, I've posted my email on this blog to see if anyone with a car wanted to join me for a game, as I can't get to the NVMC. I'd pick up the bulk of the costs. Response? Nada. Zilch.
d) The Isles--to regain integrity as an organization--should have cut Chris Simon for that ill-advised swing.
e) I hope someone in the locker room--Blake? Sillinger?--calls a team meeting to get back to fundamentals: tight checking, corner play, shot-blocking, etc.
Sports is an emotional journey for player and fan alike. I see no harm in some posters' expressing their emotions--even negative--it's a catharsis.
Oh yes, total agreement...I think I'm going along the lines of your last post in that I found it cathartic to vent my frustrations at these fans.
I'm 100% behind all your points...I'm out of town the rest of this season, but I'll be back and living on the Island next season. As a consultant I'll be around on the weekends, but drop me a line, I'd gladly, at worst, pick you up at an LIRR station and drive over to the Coliseum....always want to help out a fellow die-hard.
Let's hope they do have a team meeting. Let's hope they can tighten the D. Let's hope DP comes back, and let's hope our team can make the playoffs and make some noise.
C'mon Nick,
1. I agree with you about the DP/ Begin collision somewhat. DP took a chance to prevent a breakaway, which we see every now and then in the NHL. But really, the guy does come out of the net too many times. He's no Marty Brodeur, at least not yet. Way too often he'll go behind the net and pass it an opposing player. Even Stan Fischler and other NHL commentators state the same thing. Another point, even fast running pitchers aren't allowed to steal second base. They can't even slide for a takeout of a SS! Their managers would kill them if they twisted or broke their ankles. DP has played in a few shootouts the past few years and he hasn't looked that bad. So why not stay in the net? Suffer a possible concussion or should I say "Upper Body Injury"! Possibly not get in the playoffs? Hmmm. Maybe it's me.
2. Ted Nolan states that Steve Begin, the player who collided with DP, that "...he knew exactly what he was doing..." alluding that the Canadians have a shot at a playoff spot so why not bang DP. The guy has 36 PIM this year, all minors. I don't know Teddy, but it sounds a lot like when you said that Simons suspension was all Hollweg's fault. Al Arbour never made excuses for unfortunate incidents. Then again he didn't have to, because he knew how to win. Kevin T from Victoria is absolutely correct. Teddy should just keep his yap shut.
3. Simon says in prepared statement (sounds like it was written by Johnny Cochrane himself) that he "hopes" to contact Ryan Hollweg in a few days. Yeah, Okay Chris. I wonder how that conversation went. "Hello, Ryan. It's me, Chris. You know, the guy that whacked you in the head." He thanks Colin Campbell for flying down to NYC for their meeting to discuss the incident, because Dr. Zhivago and the other team doctors say he can't fly. Hmm. BS. Rick DiPietro is flying with the team from Montreal to Ottawa. I'm sure he din't take Amtrak or Greyhound back to LI. Oh, then again It's not a concussion, it's an "Upper Body Injury".
Everything that has occurred to the Islanders the past few weeks happens in hockey all the time. And your right. The Isles have a shot just like every other team. As Rodney Dangerfield used to say, "Tough Crowd".
Though to clarify I think if I were in DP and Snow's positions I still would've done the same thing...whole no-risk, no-reward philosophy.
Nick - what do you think of this. I see that Smyth has def chemistry with Sillinger, if you put them on a line with Hunter then i think we would really have something. Doing this would make it possible for the Yash-Blake-Kozlov line to be reunited. they have played arguably their best hockey as a line. I leave the rest of the lines to Nolan to figure out.
Thoughts.
Hey niko...
I agree with you 100%. Good call. But seriously... if we sucked all year this wouldn't be an issue. Year after year we've been disappointed. We finally have a hard working team that looks like a competitor... and blam!!!!!!!... the carpet, at this point, is almost completely pulled from underneath us. On the flip side... we've sucked for weeks, but we are only 1 point out of the playoffs... with games in hand... KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!!!!!! LETS GO ISLANDERS!
Geeba - I understand your point of view but I think there's a profound difference between your pitcher example and what DP did. Coming out of the net to challenge a breakaway is a fundamental part of a goalie's position. Like I said, I played before I was injured and had to stop, so I know that for a fact...I used to come out of the net for poke-checks and challenges all the time. A pitcher stealing second base is peripheral to his main positional function, whereas a goaltender's job is to neutralize all scoring opportunities in any way he sees fit. Some are more aggressive and some stay in the crease. It's a matter of style, and lately DP has been great at staying in the crease and picking his battles.
As for Nolan and Simon, I've never tried to defend the reaction to the chop, and I myself said I never want to see Simon in an Islanders uniform again. Nolan has made some odd comments, but I think/hope it's in the name of protecting his team. He and Arbour seem to have a difference in personality and philosophy, and that may not be such a bad thing. The spin doctors trying to make this concussion for Simon seem worse than it is are wrong, and they shouldn't be defended....the point about DP is valid.
As for Uncle Jr, I think that's a fabulous idea on one level. Smyth and Sillinger need to play together since they know each other and are good friends. They've been a deadly team when together. As for the other suggestion, I think the only question is what to do with Satan. Do we want to pair him with Andy Hilbert and Randy Robitaille? Or maybe Asham? We need to be mindful of the best utilization of all our players, so I don't know if both those changes are warranted. I do, however, think Smyth and Sillinger should be together.
I'm excited to be in town in a few weeks and go to the Isles/Leafs game April 5....anyone want to help me hold up the "Ryan, Don't Go!" banner?
Uncle Jr.
I like the idea of the Hunter, Smyth & Sillinger line. Especiallys since Hillbert has slowed down from when he was getting a lot of assists. I also like having Yashin and Blake together but not crazy about Kozlov being there. Kozlov has done absolutely nothing of late for a long trime now. I think Yash and Blake played their best when Simon was on their line and since that cannot happen I would push Asham there. I think he plays the most like Simon and he at least has been getting some chances unlike Kozlov. I know they are only 1 point out but with DP down, the way they are playing and all of the other teams playing better, it feels like much more. I still believe we can make it though!!! Let's go ISLANDERS!!
Nick - Agreed about Simon but obviosly he is out of the mix-(although i would offer him another contract during the summer) I wouldnt be against trying Asham there. Anyway i think Nolan will get this team focused again and we'll see a diffrent team come Tues.
SEND HILBERT AND RR TO THE AHL WHERE THEY BELONGS AND BRING BACK TAMBS AND NEILSON
Have people not noticed the hill/witt pairing on defense and how horrible they have been together??
Here is a stat for you...in the last two games the two have been paired together they are a combined -11!!!!!!!
YOU CANNOT PLAY 2 SLOW DEFENSIVE DEFENSMAN TOGETHER...split up poti/bergeron during 5 on 5, come on Nolan wake up
Don't know who that last Nick was, but that's not me...public service, I guess. However, I agree we can make this work this year.
Hey NYI 1972-1973
Yeah.... brutha I'll be right there to pick you up.... ever hear of the LIRR and the buses.....? There's also things called taxi's all you need is a phone. If you have enough money to buy a ticket then you have enough for a round trip LIRR and taxi... give me a break.
Just everybody support this team like it deserves to be supported... stop crying and whining about who sucks and doesn't suck... (but honestly, haven't we seen enough of sean hill by now....?). Every team goes through slumps and then miraculously finds that winning touch again. Remember the Isles lost 6 or 7 in a row around the all star break and then suddenly they were world beaters again.
Uncle Jr. and Nick - A line of hunter smyth and sillinger wouldn't be as good as you believe it will be because as we have seen with their pp line, hunter looks lost as both he and smyth play their best right in front of the net where we all know Smyth makes his living. By bringing up tambellini to replace either RR or hilbert, who both have been playing horrible lately, and putting tambellini with smyth and sillinger would probably work well and got possibly get this team out from its current slump which is only happening at the worst time. In making this move along it allows the teams lines to look like this...
blake yashin zednik
smyth sillinger tambellini
satan kozlov hunter
asham park [hilbert or rr]
I agree with Felix and that stat shows that we need to seperate Witt and Hill 5 on 5...hopefully bruno will be 100% so this can be done...
Witt & Poti
MAB & Hill
Campoli & Bruno
And please if Rick isn’t ready for Tampa, start Dubielewicz…Dunham clearly isn’t the same as he was earlier this year
We need fights. Brawls. This pretty, stick hockey crap is boring. We need Baumgartner!
Wow. What a difference two weeks makes. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I didn't see the Ottawa game and missed the first two periods of Florid--but from what I did see, it looked like a lot of soft goals--and Jokinen's tie-breaker in the third last night was totally inexcusable. So, pile on the team's problems with truly subpar goaltending, and you get three bad losses in a row.
I can only imagine, however, what the boards in Toronto and Tampa Bay are saying after each suffered ugly losses to the Caps. So we still have a chance to rebound.
I continue to believe that making no effort to shore up the blue line beyond Bergeron with simple depth was a big mistake. I've tried not to notice Zhitnik tearing it up in Atlanta because that's water long under the bridge. But it still hurts to see how well he is playing.
Actually, I think it's fitting that they've swooned a bit since Yashin returned. He has been the albatross around this franchise since we traded for him and if we don't make the playoffs this year--whether it's his fault or not, he remains a perfect symbol of what ails the Islanders.
2 names come to mind when we were facing adversity yet winning... Tambs and Frans. Speed and youth... what did we add? Experience and grit and what has it given us? Sometimes logic does not pan out. The season is not over but something has to change. This team was the best 3rd period team and now we are far from that. What a roller coaster, I hope we do not once again become the laughing stock of the leauge if we miss the playoffs and do not resign Symthe!! That would be horrible.
I was at game, beautiful arena btw. Pathetic. Cant add anything new to the above. Most embarrassing moment......ranger fans chanting "we want hextall"!!!!
I've read some comments putting this on Smyth, Wow!
Not that Smyth was ever on my team, but the Canucks faced him plenty of times. I don't think you can pin any of this breakdown on Smyth. Yes, he was a leader in the dressing room in Edmonton, but to Ilses players he is the new guy. He cannot pound his chest and say I'm taking over the leadership of this team. He has to work with what leadership is already there.
If you read between the lines, I would say he is, through Sillinger.
It's definately not over, since the Ilses have played 71 games. 2 less than Carolina and 1 less than the Rangers and Tampa Bay. But I think Ted Nolan's got to make a major shift. Instead of "Us against the World", how about "Play Defense or your Benched".
And when a goalie's confidense has been broken, sit him until it's distant memory. Unlike forwards, Goalies can't succeed when they hesitate. Put in Dubie!
Ted's a great players coach because he'll back up his players until he's blue in the face. But there has been some obvious moves that have been discussed here. If we see it, you can bet the players see it. Ted could end up loosing his coaching Mojo with the team.
It's a new week. Turn it around guys!
Kevin T.
This board is officially resembling what I expect from the Islanders and their fans - DEPRESSION!
I couldnt agree more with the need to bring back some hard working young guys like Tambellini and Neilson, and our need for grit, hustle, etc. Look how the addition of avery, and now cullen and the other young guy has pretty much turned the rags season around. yashin is taking alot of heat here but has been a helluvalot better than kozlov! our d is struggling, i dont know if its injuries, fatigue, or ricky being out and exposing their weaknesses, but i say bring back fata as well...
here's to hoping we can salvage what has until recently been a great season. LGI
It looks like Nolan is going to move Dubie up to the backup role.
If there is no improvement maybe when they get back home fata replaces meyer, and Tambellin replaces Robitaille or Park.
Blake-Yashin-Smyth
They've been good, Smyth and Blake have been tremendous, and Yashin hasn't hurt them as much as everybody says. This line has had some great chances, and they are putting up good numbers.
Hunter-Sillinger-Hilbert
This line has been the most consistent all season. Hilbert may have looked lost for a few games, and Hunter isn't hitting anybody... but breaking them up isn't going to make them any better. I think they'll be okay.
Zednik-Kozlov-Satan
This might be where the tinkering is needed. Zednik hasn't jelled with his linemates. An infusion of Tambellini's forecheck, backchecking and grit in the one on one battles might be what they need.
Park-Robitallie-Asham
One of the centers on this line can sit in the press box for a game or two to see if Tambellin helps. They really ALL have disappeared since Yashin came back and Robby lost his linemates. Zednik should be added to this line to replace the extra "C". Use him on the second PP unit. Asham and the remaining "C" will have enough to do on the PK.
Let's hope that DP can come back soon in form. Anything will be an improvement over Dunham latest performance.
Let's go Islanders!!!
Please don't break up
play sillinger with blake and smyth
that last sentence was cut off. It should have read, "Please don't break up the top two lines". Obviously Jeff and I disagree on this point.
Nice offer, Nick--I'm grateful. If you need to reach me, my email is kjs591@juno.com (Ken). It'll be great to hit a game, but I hope bore you to death with Original Islander Fan flashbacks.
Peace.
(And LET'S GO ISLANDERS!)
It's over, Johnny.
IT'S OVER
record since Smyth hit the ice:
2-5-1
both wins against the Capitals