From a distance, I always admired the skills Alexei Yashin displayed early in his career with Ottawa. The numbers he put up were equally nice to look at if he was on your fantasy team. And when I arrived in Yarmouth for my first Islanders training camp, Yashin was one of two players who made a point of going out of their way to meet the new beat writer.
As much as it pained Yashin to discuss the negative perception of him that many had come to hold, he was unfailingly polite about answering the tough questions I put to him, and he seemed as sincere in his desire to succeed as he was meticulous about the care and preparation of his hockey sticks.
When the season began, I think he had a pretty clear understanding that it might be his last go-round with the Islanders if he didn’t respond to Ted Nolan’s coaching, and his hot start was a measure of his effort. When he banged knees with Washington’s Mark Bradley and missed eight games, the Isles faltered. I know Yashin came back before he really felt ready because he wanted to show his dedication to the team.
The night before his return, we spoke in the press box at Pittsburgh, and he talked about getting autographed sticks from the three players he admired most – Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Mario Lemieux. I have no doubt the injury affected Yashin when he returned, but when his play failed to improve, it wasn’t hard to sense the disappointment among his teammates, many of whom were playing with injuries no one knew about.
When Nolan finally told Yashin to go on the injured list and not return until he was 100 percent, the rest of the Isles took the cue and produced a 10-2-4 record without their captain. Yashin’s Islanders career effectively was over at that point within the locker room. It apparently took a little longer in the board room for owner Charles Wang to agree, but the decision to buy out the remaining four years of Yashin’s contract was the right one for both parties.
Simply giving up the “C” wouldn’t have been enough. If he remained on the team, it would have been an awkward situation in which everyone else worked around him. Yashin needed a clean break, too, so that he could take his wrist shot and his passing skills to another team that could use him in a secondary role without placing any great demands on him for leadership.
The difference being that he would be paid to play a secondary role rather than collecting the kind of check reserved for the franchise player. That was the maddening thing about Yashin. He felt it was unfair to equate expectations with the size of the paycheck. But that’s what it’s about in pro sports. Certainly, Gretzky, Messier and Lemieux understood that and embraced it in a way that obviously wasn't in Yashin's nature to do.
Yashin insisted it doesn’t matter who scores as long as the team wins. And that’s true. But it does matter who really wants to score. It matters who really wants to get the job done. And in hockey, more than any other sport, it especially matters that the guy who wears the “C” shows he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. In that sense, Yashin seemed disconnected from the team he was supposed to lead. It felt like his teammates didn’t see what they needed to see from him, so, they largely ignored him.
In the 15 regular-season games that Yashin and Ryan Smyth played together, Yashin had 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points compared to 4 goals, 9 assists and 13 points by Smyth. The numbers virtually were the same, but you got the feeling that Yashin was satisfied with that and Smyth was frustrated that he couldn’t do more while playing on a bad leg. When it comes to playing both ends of the ice and special teams, there is no comparison. Smyth isn’t as pretty, but he’s a whole lot more effective.
Most likely, Smyth will be unsigned on July 1 in order to find out what all his options are as a free agent. Maybe the Islanders will overpay if they succeed in signing him, and his numbers might not be any better than what Yashin provided as an Islander. But his leadership, effort and intangible qualities would have a real value that would be worthy of the “C,” and the leadership question in the locker room would be answered once and for all.
ISLES NOTES – As many avid readers already have seen via Internet reports, Kyle Okposo, the Islanders’ No. 1 pick in 2006, has decided to return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season rather than turn pro. If there was one prospect in the organization that general manager Garth Snow absolutely wasn’t going to trade, it was Okposo. But at the same time, Snow and his advisors don’t want to rush a player who started brilliantly with the Golden Gophers but showed signs of wear after the world junior championships and when his role changed at Minnesota to make him more of a set-up man. Another season of top-level college hockey will help Okposo. If he had turned pro now, he likely would have spent most of next season in Bridgeport. But if he dominates next season at the college level, then, he might be ready to jump straight to the NHL in another year.
No doubt, many Islanders fans are looking forward to adding 2002 first-round pick Sean Bergenheim to the lineup following his year in the Swedish Elite League, where he had 33 points in 36 games and 80 penalty minutes. Hate to say it, but there’s a chance this summer could be a replay of last summer’s negotiations standoff. In fact, there are indications the dispute will pick up exactly where it left off with both sides entrenched in their positions. Bergenheim and Snow both have stubborn streaks, and “compromise” might not be in their vocabulary…On a more positive note, one NHL source said the Isles and defenseman Tom Poti are in the process of negotiating a multi-year contract. Poti led the Isles with average ice time of 25:42 and with a career-high 38 assists, and he found a comfort level on the Island after his rough experience with the Rangers.
Comments (286)
Commends again Greg for breaking the story.
The saddest thing about Yashin's tenure on the Island is not how he performed or behaved, but how we got him in the first place.
We basically traded two top prospects for nothing more than the right to deal with Yashin. Then, to make a spalsh, he gets signed to one of the biggest deals in hockey that was judged by 99.9% of intelligent hockey observers to be insane.
Yashin gave what Yashin gave. He had a reputation as soft in the playoffs and was virtually invisible in the Toronto series and failed to convert a golden chance to tie Game 7 late in the open. I also think his wrist slicing injury weakened his shot. Basically a nice guy who was way overpaid for his value and at best, was never going to lead this to to anything more than a playoff entry. Asking more is like asking Carl Pavano to win the Cy Young Award.
That's just too much, and I truly wish him the very best wherever he goes.
The Bergenheim news is indeed troubling. I think he's a total Nolan player. He also scored one of the best goals I've ever seen in the NVMC when the Sound Tigers played there against the Baby Pens in the strike season. Playing short-handed, he blocked a shot/pass near the blue line, pushed it ahead where he raced to get it on a breakaway, got hauled down from behind, but still stayed on the puck sliding on his knees to beat Theo Fleury!!! I'll never forget it!
1) I agree that Bergenheim is a "Nolan type" player, but the one thing he doesn't get yet is that on this team you have to earn your way into the lineup. I like Bergenheim and hope he's on the team next year, but I don't think he should be so stuck on signing a one-way contract. Come here, sign a two-way contract, play like you're supposed to and you'll be on the Island ...
2) I've had the chance to meet Yashin on more than one occasion and he was a very nice guy who went out of his way to talk about hockey when many other professional athletes probably wouldn't have, but this move is long over due. Regardless of whether it helps the Isles sign Smyth or not Yashin became synanomous with the Isles lack of recent playoff success.
3) Steady is an over weight frontrunner who attends no Isles games ...unless they make it to the playoffs ...then he's a big time fan ...unless they lose ...then he throws beer on the ice ...
I hope the Islanders do not overpay for Tom Poti. As much as I like Tom, he isn't worth more then 2.5 million a year.
I agree on Poti. I think the Isles have to be very careful about who they invest in and for how many years. The Yashin contract mistake should be a lesson for the organization. I realize they signed Ricky to a large contract, but the yearly salary is very good (mainly if he's going to play like he did last season). Getting Poti signed is key for next season. He added a lot to the PP and was more solid on "D" than I had expected ...lets just see how much (years and $) it'll cost ....
I also agree on the Poti issue. They cannot give this guy $2.5 million. He's way too soft on D. I'll give him the power play props, but the guy needs to shoot more. He thinks he's brian Leetch or something. I wouldn't give Poti more than $1.5 for three years.
Alexei Yashin may not have lived up to his contract, but I will tell you something about the man.
I have two autistic sons, and I brought one of them to the Islander Season Ticket holders autograph party back when Yashin had the wrist injury.
When the doors opened, I found myself first on line to get Yahin's autograph. Yashin was in a sling and I explained to him that my son was autitic and could sometimes turn violent without warning, so I put myself between my boy and Yashin.
Yashin asked me to step aside , removed the sling and put my son on his lap and took several photos with us. He made a big fuss over Bryan (my son) and held up the line for several minutes while he tried to talk to him.
People can say what they will about Yashin's hockey heart, but as a human being, Alexei Yashin will alway be first in my book. Thank you Alexei and good luck wherever you go.............Bill
Tom Poti is a keeper for sure. I like his grit and I would like him more if he just shot the puck more often. He is also a very good guy in the locker room which is always a plus. I can't say I will be mad if the Islanders lock him up just at the right price. 2 million a year for two, maybe three years sounds good to me.
Great job Greg. On top of it as always!
Merrick I agree about Begenheim....Seen him play alot up here against Lowell.
AZS....Still got a crush on me huh?..Admit it you wear a #5 jersey for Barry Beck...You load....No one here cares word one what you write...I have seen more isles games in one year then you have seen in your pathetic gas pumping life! Now pay your bill at the Commack Inn and leave the hockey talk to the men!
p.s Any time you want to lace up skates put it in writing and Iwill meet you at any suface on the planet...That is if your mommy will let you play tubby.
p.s.s You were the one saying everything was fine with the isles...wahh wahhh leave mgmt alone...wahhh wahhh......It is people like you that sit on your hands and scream Rags suck and think you are a fan...You are nothing more than a follower with no vision.
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Logan, you're a complete shill. You might as well write for the Isles website ... or do you already????? How about some inside info. I'm sick and tired of your riding the Islanders PR trail. You bring absolutely nothing to the table as a beat writer is supposed to do. Why don't you do all the Isles fans a favor and give Hahn his job back? At least he had the occasional inside dirt that you will never provide because you and the Islanders are in bed with one another.
I don't blame Yashin for the way things turned out with him and his contract. I blame General Moron Mike Milbury who agreed to broker a completely egotistical deal. Unfortunately the rookie owner did not listen to those around him who surely said the contract was insane. How can you expect one man to live up to those kinds of demands? Yashin never was a leader and a franchise player in Ottawa. He was a guy who put up 70+ points per season and was surrounded by others like that. Stupid Milbury couldn't see that for what it was and tried to make Yashin a centerpiece. He had over 5 seasons to add the pieces around Alexei that would have made the Isles a playoff contender sooner rather than later. Now the team is 7 years gone from that horrendous deal and is still at square 1 fighting to get into an 8th spot every season.
Thanks for nothing Mike Milbury you worthless pile of Sh*t! The best thing that happened this offseason isn't the buyout of Yashin's contract. It was the departure, FINALLY, of the cursed Mike Milbury. Alexei Yashin's problem was exactly as mentioned above. He was paid a King's salary and expected to be something he isn't because of a dollar amount he received. Money does not mean skill. There are plenty of overpaid, underworked players in the NHL who don't make waves. What hurts me is Alexei will end up in Detroit or San Jose or someplace like that, surrounded by great players. His anonymity will cause him to once again put up 70+ points and he won't have this horseshoe of a horrendous contract to live up to.
Stupid Freakin' Mike Milbury!!
I'm glad that many of us have the courage to resist vilifying Yashin. By all accounts he seems to be a good man. I never met him, but always appreciated seeing Yashin's Youngsters at the NVMC. And Bill, your anecdote in particular is wonderful.
In the best of all possible worlds, Yashin would have (1) forfeited the captaincy a long time ago and (2) accepted a massive paycut. Like many have been saying, Yashin's got some skill. What's lacking is a certain toughness and leadership ability. He would have been great as a role player, not the $7.6 million dollar man, and certainly not as captain.
I'm glad to see that Okposo is returning to play college hockey next year. From what I've seen of his games at Minnesota and the WJC he looks like a player. The US is really producing some very good prospects lately with Okposo, Mueller, the two kids in this year's draft (Kane, vanRiemsdyk). It's nice to see.
With regard to Yashin, as most have stated, he was a super nice guy but unfortunately he was incorrect in his line of thinking that fans weren't going to equate his value to the team with the contract that he received. I disagree with a previous post in that I think he had a decent series with Toronto but didn't produce after that.
I like the fact that Poti will be back. He played well for us last year and I like his presence on the power play.
If we don't resign Smyth my vote for captain would be Witt with Sillinger a close second.
Logan gives us good inside info and some moron complains? Wow.
Greg, you are a class act. Great read and keep up the good work.
Bergie has no leg to stand on having yet to earn a spot as a starter. He has zero positioning in negotiation, and Snow should not blink...nor will he.
Poti really found his groove in the new NHL and away from the boobirds at MSG. He deserves to be brought back, but he really needs to get better with his shot from the point. Too often in the latter part of the season he was so stuck on passing the opposing PK only had to concentrate on Bergeron. PP needs to be a two shot threat.
Just sign Bergenheim already - this guy has some offensive talent and speed, which the islanders lack.
Give this guy a 2 year deal for 1.6 mil.
Also Sign Poti, he was solid last season. 2 years for 6 mil sounds fair.
I like Ryan Smyth - but More than a 4 year contract would be a Risk.
Word on the Street is the Islanders have made their last offer to Jason Blake - and they still won't go more than a 3 year deal...Also he is rumored to Join his buddy Mark Parrish in Minnesota. The Islanders are very interested in Scott Gomez!!
Michael Peca would be a nice addition as long as it is a 1 or 2 year deal for low money...this guy is not worth big bucks anymore.
a 1 or 2 year deal for 800 per year is all I would pay. This guy is coming off a year where he had a broken leg and more knee problems.
"The Islanders are very interested in Scott Gomez!!!!"
Yes, but he has no interest in them!!!!!!!!
Bill... thanks for the account of Yashin meeting your sons. Sounds like Alexi is a special person. It make me that much happier that he'll finally get to play somewhere else where he might be a better fit.
BD Gallof... I supppose I understand what you're saying if you assume Bergy hasn't yet earned a starter's spot. But Bergy probably thought he HAD earned it at the end of the season before Nolan arrived. That's where the disconnect lies. I'm torn on this one because the guy can really play. Bergy probably just needs to suck it up and do what he needs to do to play in the NHL.
Poti... He played well this year and his physical play steadily increased as the year went on (Nolan influence, no doubt). He made 2.75 last year and he's 29 yrs old. Considering how lean the D depth is right now, I'd lock him for 3 years at no more than 3 million per.
Greg Logan... Thanks again for the great stuff on Yashin. As a fan, it settles my mind on a number of fronts. First, it's obvious beyond a doubt that the buyout was the right thing to do. It's also now apparent that Wang has put a good deal of trust in the opinions of his new GM and coach. That's probably the best news.
AZS... When I read the comments to this blog I try to skip over the garbage and read the stuff where people really have something to say. I've always put your comments in the latter category, but you're quickly moving into the former. You need to give it up.
The Bergenheim news made warning bells go off in my head. Just what type of a person is this guy that he would willingly go thru that again. A bit of a sense of entitlement perhaps??? Not a good sign in my book, will watch this carefully.
AZS - I agree with Cincy. You had me until #3 (above). Who is going to be the better person?
Steven CC:
I don't believe restructuring a contract is allowed under the CBA.
Poti - he was was solid last year, just look at his numbers: 6-38-44. Now, if he shot more, his mediocre +/- (-1) may have been better, and the Isles really did bring him in for his offense more than his defense (although he was as solid in his end of the ice this year). A modest raise and a 3 yr deal would be reasonable to keep him around to pair with MAB on the PP.
On Okposo - I really hope that the Isles don't take the approach of coddling these kids for too long. I am sure Okposo should play another year in the collegiate ranks, but we are going to have no idea what his real potential is until he plays a season in Bridgeport, if not on the Island. One more year in college and then get the kid signed. If he really is as good as they say he can be, it won't be an issue. At the same time, the team and fans cannot look at him as the savior and put too much pressure on him early.
On Bergenheim - trade his ass if he won't sign a two-way deal this year. He probably has some value, but before long he's going to be known as a whiny kid that somehow (as someone said) feels entitled due his status as a 1st round pick, but who has never proved anything in the NHL.
One thing Tom Poti needs to work on is his shot accuracy. I know he's trying to get it around the mess of bodies in front but how often did he wind up just to miss the net by 4 or 5 feet? What I liked about Bergeron (besides his power) was that he was able to hit the net more often than not. I'd rather force the goalie to make a save on a weaker and better aimed shot. Perhaps his hesitancy to shoot effects him?
Definitely bring him back though, I saw a lot of good effort this year that I hope will pay higher dividends next year.
Guys one thing that lets remember here is that Yashin never even came close to being what this team needed him to be. He knew what the expectations were when he came here. He failed to deliver. Here's how it goes: Yashin might be the nicest guy alive on the planet, but he has no leadership skills and is at best a mediocre hockey player. You don't get paid 7.6 million dollars a year to be a nice guy. You get paid that to play hockey, play it hard, and produce for your team. He failed to do that. Its the same old song we heard with Milbury from Wang, he's such a good guy, he's so loyal. He might be as loyal as a purebred German Shepard but he's a lousy general manager, and thats what he was paid to do. All you people feeling sorry for either one should try and remember that before you shed too many tears for them. This is pro hockey we're talking about here, not some experiential encounter group. There's no room for perennial failures on any NHL team, least of all this one.
On Bergenheim, I thought that I read at some point that he had switched agents, because he was unhappy with how the last "negotiation" turned out. He was looking pretty good to me whlie he was up here, like a Peca with better wheels. It would be a shame to not have him on the team this year, never mind the fact that every season that goes by with him somewhere else is one more he doesn't get to develop at the highest level and one more of a precious few he doesn't spend in the NHL... Maybe he's still too young to realize that but I hope he gets it figured out soon.
Bergie had better get his sh%t together and sign whatever Snow offers. Who the hell does he think he is? The kid has proved absolutley ZERO!!!!!!! I can't stand how some of these athletes think they deserve $$$ when they haven't proved a damn thing. He's really starting to piss me off.
I completely agree that Yashin was not worth the money he was being paid. Okay, did everybody here that? NOT worth the money.
However, who among you would turn down a contact like Yashin was offered? The key word here is OFFERED.
No one held a gun to the Islanders head and forced them to pay a ridiculous amount of money to an undeserving player.
So, don't blame Yashin for
the Islanders (read Milburys) mistake.
Yashin never was a sparkplug type player. I think that's why Peca was brought in as Captain....to provide fire and leadership. Yashin was brought in to score goals and pile up points. It was Milburys misjudgement of Yashins ability that caused this rift.
As for Bergenheim...I think plenty of people are getting ahead of themselves. I have probably seen every single game he has played in the NHL and so far he has showm me nothing. Yes, he has some speed and yes, he does hustle, but it takes more than that to be a top line player in the NHL (otherwise Bates would be a superstar). Anyone that thinks that Bergenheim is going to be a savior on the Island is sadly mistaken. He is Jason Blake without the hands. A third line player/penalty killer at most......Bill
If the isles capitulate to desperation and sign Smyth to an insane amount of money, they deserve the fallout. He's a good player, a leader. He's not great. Team grit is great, but for a team we need many players, not just the savior from Edmonton. Garth, DO NOT GIVE SMYTH TOO MUCH!!
1 second that crew... but he's better than good... he's got some kind of hockey mojo
Ok
Hockey mojo? Man, what exactly has Smyth done to earn a 10 year contract or 5-6 million a year? Yes, he may be a great leader but he hasn't won anything as a leader. Sure, the Oilers made it to the Finals last year but they rode the goaltending of Roloson until he got hurt in game 1 and Pronger. I can't support giving this guy the key to the bank, why, because he plays "dirty" hockey? BS, there are 350 guys in the league who play "dirty" hockey. We, and Snow & Nolan, are putting too much value into a GOOD hockey player who does a little bit of everything well. Smyth will not turn this franchise around and he won't draw other free agents to LI. Think hard before we OVERcommit (think Yashin).
Bergenheim is VERY troubling. We all had him penciled in on the 2nd line. Now it looks like he's not going to get signed again. I ask, WHO ARE OUR FORWARDS???? We have nobody who can score.
There isn't a pure goal scorer on our roster or in Bridgeport. A pure goal scorer isn't going to sign with us as a FA. I like Nolan but you can only have so many "Nolan type players". Is everyone going to muck in the corner? Who will put the puck in the net?
A long winter awaits in a half full building. Something HAS to change.
YASHIN, Canucks will take you.
We already have a team of nice guys that rack up the points early in the season when there is nothing much at stake. Yashin you'll fit right in!
Kevin T.
jd: who said anything about a 10yr contract for smyth... or even 6 mil per year for that matter... i think around 4.5 - 5 mil yearly is good... seriously i doubt the isles would want him till he was 42 anyway... c'mon.. give him 1 year with the same players and you will see something special.. if you werent impressed with this guy for the 23 games he was with us you need to learn about the game... peace.. i'm out
As Bill said, Yashin is a real nice guy and approachable, unlike many pros. I've seen both Yashin and Malakov at the same rink numerous times, and while Yashin would talk to you, Malakov would hide in the corner and grunt. Given all that, I am still happy he was bought out. If he was a second line winger getting about 2.5, it would be different. However, being among the highest paid players in the league brings a responsibility that he could not fulfill. As was stated earlier, if he took a large paycut, gave up the "C", and played as a second line player, he would be more than welcome. He did not, so goodbye.
Bring back fighting and hitting.
Ok, so I know I've asked this before, and I know I don't post as often as I'd like, but I haven't found a good enough answer for this wuestion, and I hope someone here can shed some light on this question: Why is there no commemorative DVD from the Islanders Dynasty? I remember sitting in my uncle's basement watching Isles playoff games (we didn't have cable), and now all I can find are a few rough copies on Youtube. The rangers have a DVD for ONE cup. The Mets have their DVD for ONE series. How on God's green Earth do the Islanders not have a DVD from the most dominant dynasty in professional sports (at least in recent history)? Ken Morrow, Mike Bossy and Bryan freaking Trottier work for the team, and still we have nothing to show for it but a history page on the website. Just an offseason rant, I know, but maybe Mr. Wang will read this and realize there is some history we would love to see digitally remastered. I for one am aching to see one of Bob Bourne's end to end rushes, or a few of Bossy's goals. Even the three goals in what seemed like three second against the RANGERS. I will willingly plunk down some hard earned to watch Clark Gilles pummel someone, anyone, en route to four cups. Let's go Islanders. And here's some great offseason signings.
Or better, here's TO some great offseason signings.
And I know it's question, not wuestion. Servers me right nor not previewing.
Bri on LI.... there's a video called "Pride of the Island".... I don't know if its available on DVD though... it goes from the time when the franchise was born to the time when 'Radar' left the first time and was replaced by that pu**y Simpson.... something you should defenitely check out if you haven't yet.
the first thing Sean needs to do is... GET RID OF GANDLER AS HIS AGENT. It's not him... it's Gandler. Poti will do well on this team. And anyone who disparages Logan for the job he has done is just jealous they don't have his job. He went from someone who had very little knowledge of this team to someone who is "in the know." I was the first to complain about him in the early days. But he has proven me wrong. And I don't mind saying I'm sorry.
will someone please tell me that signing ryan smyth will in no way remind me of the time we aquired another 30 yr old "great leader" named trevor linden. i get worried when a players greatest asset seems to be his intangables. maybe we should go for a more known comodity as far as production goes in scott gomez. i've always liked his toughness and speed. he's also a proven winner. does anyone agree with this?
sam -- Sorry, can't agree. I went to 5 games this year in which Smyth played, and his 'sense of the ice' was far above that of any other Islander -- i.e., the knowledge of where the puck is and where it's going to go and what other players are likely to be doing in the ensuing seconds. His effort level is also the highest of anyone on the team, and constantly so. At every game I saw, he made a greater number of impressive, surprising plays and reads than any other Islander. The only other "wow" player on the ice was DiPietro. Blake's effort and speed also stood out but I saw him get muscled off the puck or checked out of the play a lot... Blake's lack of size is a real liability.
What do you guys think Bergenheim's trade value is? A great way to teach a young kid a lesson, that is asking for to much money, is to show his worth on the open market. Do not get me wrong, I do not want him traded (unless he is a primadonna off the ice,) just want to put some fear in him! Worse case scenerio, you get offered a great trade!
Mets got a big win last night in Mo Town!
Steady, the Yankees thank you for that win.
your building is always half empty unless the Rangers are playing there.
Mets rule!
"your building is always half empty unless the Rangers are playing there"
Actually, half empty would be very generous.
I remember a December game last season against Ottawa and I looked into the stands from the ice and could swear there must have been no more than 4k folks there.
I really hope I get traded for the 10th time to a team with fans that care.
I could cry.
Even though I am a die hard Met (son middle name SHEA, since in 86 I saw my first miracle before him) when you live in the Boston area you stop hating the Yanks......Red Sox fans are the most annoying morons on this planet and TRUST ME they hate ALL NYERS! Then again could have something to do with my attitude.lol
Seriously they dislike us as fans. I thought after they won in 04 the inferiority complex would subside, but I was wrong.
The Maven predicts a huge Isles signing by fathers day...Heard it here first!
And the islanders sign............ another goalie! Hallelujah!!
Shut up fat boy ...are your children as retarded as you or did they lucky and be fathered by someone other than your autistic ass ...go put on your mittens so you don't hurt yourself you frontrunner ...
You've really gotten ridiculous, AZS. Get over it.
steady -- Totally 100% agree about Red Sox fans. I lived in Boston for 9 years before moving back to NY. They are obsessed with NY (meanwhile, NYers don't give Boston a second thought), they hate New York and its fans, making no distinction between the Yanks and Mets, and they cling to this absurd fantasy that NY is exactly as it was in the 70s -- a filthy, decrepit crime-ridden hellhole. I guess they can't bear to face the reality that NY has returned to being the most important American city and also one of the most desirable places to live in the world, while Boston is by comparison a backwater (though a certainly pleasant place to be). Boston fans also tell themselves and anyone else who will listen that they are most knowledgeable, and the only truly loyal, fans in sports while NYers are just a bunch of casual-fan frontrunners. Hard to imagine this kind of willful denial of reality, but that is what they claim. So now I actively root against the Red Sox and for the Yankees in the AL, even though I also am a diehard Mets fan and former Yankee-hater.
Mandatory Islander content: "All the fans are true to the orange and blue..."
Bergenheim: Shut up! Sign and play hockey. If not trade him on draft day and get what you can. Very bad sign when guys act like that. The guy has alot of talent, even got Scotty Bowman's attention in that game against Tampa in 06. I think he is more thatn a pk third line guy. I think he could score alot of goals with his speed and toughness.
Poti: Played very well for the islanders and glad to see him back. Led the team in ice time 25+ min per game. Not too many d-men in the league can boast that and you just dont let those type of players walk. Some people in this blog said he was soft? I didnt get that at all. I saw a tough, skillful, physical d-man. Needs to shoot more on the PP though but that is something Nolan can work on with him.
FA's: Now that Yahins gone I agree that the Smythe deal is done. I dont think its ten years though. Ryan Smythe is a point per game player his whole career. You will get 30-35 goals out of him and 80 points PLUS all the intangibles. I have to say he plays with heart and passion and is great leader. Lets go #94 wearing the C. I'll also say this is to sign Gomez. We need a #1 Center. He loves the NY area and Nolan's system he will put up huge numbers.
Have a great summer. Yanks have won 5 in a row and getting out the funk but thats for another blog.
I hear you KH....They are pathetic. Ask anyone of those so called "best fans" about a NL team and they are clueless. They raise their children to hate NY and all it is about, but when you ask them if they have ever been past the Mass Pyke the say "NO!" lol
I have fun ripping them daily in the office....Thank God for 86 :) !!!
Isles by Fathers Day....The MAven has spoken!
AZS...I give up, b/c it is getting scary how psycho you are, people who do not even like my posts agree with me...You win...I'm a front runner, I eat donuts all day long, and I am secretly a Rangers fan...Now for the love of God, get on with your life!
I am going to this Micro Ice place in Andover Ma. to sign my kid up for stick practice. A good friend of mine M. Boyle who is a very well known strength trainer up here (works for BU Hockey) is running the gym. HE is great friends with Bates.....Gave me a little insight last night. The team is more than smiles over Yash being gone. Also said he rushed back his groin injury which is why he was out....HE is skating with Gomez in the two on two's up here ina few weeks and I'm going....Try and bend his ear on how great it would be to see him on the Isles not playing the trap and being under Nolan! I'm sure he will take every thing I say to heart. LOL
Worth a try though!
Isles fans, interesting story concerning Ryan Smyth's chances of coming back:
http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/story.html?id=478e9f52-f244-4624-a864-13bf219a5a7d&k=58913
Nice article! Yes, Ryan. We were shocked too! Now, let us help you find a lovely new home for you and your family in Lloyd's Neck. We promise you'll be very happy here... we'll make sure of it.
Thanks mass, I researched the title, and it's available at amazon for $60+. On VHS. Yikes. I'll probably shell out the cash for a lesser quality product (how very Islander of me), but I'd still like to see a retrospective DVD. Perhaps if we make it out of the first round next year.
Greetings from sunny Bratislava, Slovakia!
Poti is a good D-man, but he needs to shoot more. PP? I'm not sure. We struggled early in the season and the PP improved with MAB, but I was insane when I saw Poti passing the puck to MAB 10 times during one power play situation. Anyway, he is still a solid D-man, 5 mil for 2 years sounds fair.
Yash was OK. He brought Carol Alt to LI six years ago... but yes, time's changed and neither Yash not Carol are the same person as they were six years ago :) She is too old and he is too slow :)
Priorities in offseason:
1. Sign a played on who we can build a team (e.g. Smyth)
2. Sign first-line center (both can be done by signing Drury - I prefer Chris before Briere or Gomez... the latter two are too soft for Nolan's style)
3. Sign sniper - it's hard to admit but my guy from Slovakia Miro Satan is not the one who he used to be in Buffalo anymore and we need Brian Rolston-type (he can shoot, he can play, he is a center... he would be nice pair with Ryan).
Jason Blake? No more than 3-years deal, I would say no more than two-years ... but who knows, it's shame he isn't signed for one more year - if yes, we would benefit from trading him...
So, I was one of the believers that a deal for Smyth must be wrapped up before buying out Yashin...but then I read this from thefourthperiod.com and got pretty nervous...seems Smyth had no idea about the buyout. Thoughts?
Former Oilers winger Ryan Smyth, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, isn't expected to return to Oil country, reports the Edmonton Journal.
Smyth admits he was caught off-guard when the New York Islanders bought out the remainder of Alexei Yashin's contract, although doing so could save some cash to try and entice Smyth into staying before he hits the open market.
"I was shocked actually... I know Yashin and Mr. (owner Charles) Wang are pretty tight. Caught me off-guard," Smyth told the Journal.
Hey bshot, use brionli@yahoo.com
This way if you're psycho (or a Rags fan) i won't get spammed.
WOW...Go to tsn.ca and watch or read the NHL INSIDER portion. Brian McCabe says the ONLY TEAM he will waive his no trade clause to would be our NY ISlanders........
He has a nice size contract and four years remaining.
I would get him in a NY SECOND! Watch the video it will get the off season blood flowing.
DO IT SNOW!!!!!
Steady, the only way I would take Mccabe is if the leafs take the injury prone, shawn bates. bates makes way to much money to be a 4th line center.
I would take McCabe any day of the week. I agree Bates makes to much, but that is no ones fauly but mgmt.
McCabe is a proven star! Would anchor our blueline and teach Campoli, Gervais and others how to play the game with grit. Not to mention his PP prowless. Did I mention he played ALL 82 games last year!
I would take him in a SECOND!
I don't know, Steady. Is McCabe worth it? He counts 5.75 a year against the cap, but he's set to make 7.2 in 07-08 and 6.2 in 08-09. That's a lot of scratch for a D-man that's rountinely criticized for play in his own end.
I hear yah Cincy, but I always liked him. If he plays with Smyth and Nolan I think he will be huge for us.....Hated when he left. Money is obviously a little high, but think of the alternatives!
Just something to think and chat about.
How are we going to fit McCabe under the cap if we also sign Smyth? You have to think about the ramifications against the cap before we start naming all the guys we want. McCabe at roughly $7M and Smyth will probably need around $6.5M (ridiculous amount for what he'll give us) a year just to sign with us. That's $13.5M for TWO guys. Throw in DP at $4.5M and that's almost 40% of the projected cap tied up in three guys. Can't be done if we want to surround these guys with any kind of talent.
Let's use our heads.
Hilbert should stay too... eventually he's got to start burying his opportunities.... right???.... no one could be that unlucky. I like his hustle and think nolan can make him a better player. And richard park also... clutch on the pk
You wrong JD. It can easily be done via the trades. Obviously a contract or two would have to go.
As for what he will give us....How about not missing a game and 60 pts? How about more leadership for the youngsters on the team?
What do you think we are going to sign Smyth and that is it? How much you think Gomez, Drury, etc. are going to cost? You have a PREMIER Defenseman that says in his OWN WORDS, the only team he wants to play for is the ISLANDERS! Name another player in the past 23 years that has said that?
I am just saying it is wotrh discussion and this is coming form TSN.CA not the back page of the Post. I am not Luie Bagadonuts calling Mike and the Dog proposing a trade of Giambi for Santana here....This is TRUE and being talked about in Canada!
So let us have our fun and discuss it, rather then saying "Use your head!"
Sorry about that bshot, it's up and running now. please try it again! and thanks!
No on McCabe. He is too expensive for us and with Poti and MAB, we have two solid defensemen.
We need solid D, 4th or 5th to add competition for Witt and Martinek. We had Malec at Bridgeport, solid 5th or 6th defenseman, but he opted to play in Europe next season...
We should focus on offense. Defense is OK, one more addition would be fine and with DP in net, I am absolutely not worried. Last season proved we have one of the best defense on East...
Spending money on defense would be a waste. What we need is a 1st line center {I mean 1st line center, not paid-like-a-first-line-center} and goalscorer (20 plus is a must, if Hunter or Satan cant provide it, we definitely need one more player ... and as the time passing by, I am more and more against Blake... I am surprised by myself saying I dont want him in a team. Yes, he would be fine, with 3 mil per season and max 2 or 3 years ... No more.
Piero: if the Cup winners have taught us anything, you never have enough defenseman and defensive minded players. Ottawa was blanketed the whole series. Against us they avg. 6 goals a game!
How can you say let Blake go and in the same paragraph say we need a 20 goal scorer? You say you want a 1st line center, but do not want to pay him what he deserves????????
We will have to OVER PAY any player who comes here, b/c the island simply is not an attractive place for these guys to come....
All I am saying is when you have a top player that wants to come here and play ...YOU GET HIM!
Potti and MAB do not touch McCabes jock! Not even close. I like Potti, but come on. The guy has no offense and melts under pressure, hence the reason he could not play in MSG. MAB I really like, but how often did he give it away at the Blueline in a big situation. How often did he fan on a shot in a big spot. His glowing moment was his end to end against the Flyers in Philly. Again, do not get me wrong I think they are both good, but they are not TOP D men in the league.
Offense is going to cost us a heck of a lot more to get....Watch what Gomez, Drury and others get in the open mkt....Big bucks!
We need more Def in my opinion and more offense from the Defense.....McCabe can do that....He may not fit perfectly financially, but he sure does as a player. Plus he is smart...
Our PK to PP ratio last year was the worst in the NHL I believe.....We need smart guys who stay the F out of the box and can make guys pay in the new NHL for when we hava PP....Imagine his shot at the pt with Hunter or Smyth in front? That would be special!
Take it easy fellas... we still need to sign Smyth... and not for more than 6mil/yr. The only thing we got going for us is that money talks... and master wang speaks very loudly... nolan and snow don't hurt either. But our team as of right now is garbage... we are taking steps forward... but there's a lot to do still. We are at least 3 major moves away from even considering playoffs and beyond... smyth and blake would be 2 of those... a big time d-man would be a third... and bergy growing up would be a bonus...lol