After scoring only one goal in his latest eight-game stint with the Islanders, forward Jeff Tambellini was sent down to Bridgeport today to make room for the return of enforcer Chris Simon against Tampa Bay tonight at the Coliseum. Simon is coming off an NHL-record 30-game suspension for stepping on the ankle of Pittsburgh’s Jarkko Ruutu on Dec. 15.
Although the Islanders are on a five-game winning streak, coach Ted Nolan said he has no qualms about shaking up the lineup. “I’m not one of those superstitious guys that says, ‘Hey, we’ve got to keep the same lineup,’” Nolan said. “We want to make sure we have the best lineup on the ice on a given night.” Explaining his decision-making process, Nolan said, “. There would be a factor of someone not playing as well as we think and putting Chris back into that position to upgrade it.”
Tambellini received 13:46 of ice time in the first game of his eight-game stretch but saw that dwindle to a low of only 6:44 on Monday against San Jose. His demotion means the end of the “Bridgeport Connection” line with Frans Nielsen and Blake Comeau for the time being. That combination helped jump start the Islanders when they were fighting their way out of a seven-game losing streak, but they were reduced to fourth-line minutes after failing to generate much offense.
Nolan has been a strong Comeau backer this season, and he has praised the intelligent play of Nielsen as fourth-line center. But he remains lukewarm to Tambellini. Despite going back to the Sound Tigers, where he leads the AHL with 28 goals, it might not be long before Tambellini rejoins the Isles. If they move a veteran forward at Tuesday's trade deadline, Tambellini likely would make a u-turn to the Island.
In the meantime, the Islanders can use Simon’s toughness, especially with defensemen Andy Sutton and Brendan Witt on the injured list. Simon has been a controversial figure in two seasons with the Islanders after being suspended twice for a total of 55 games. But he underwent anger management counseling after the latest episode and said he’s received a warm response from Islanders fans.
“You make mistakes, but my teammates and the fans have been so supportive,” Simon said. “It’s been amazing. I’ve been running into people all over Long Island, and they welcome me back and they’re excited to see me. I’m happy for the support they gave me through all of this.
“My family has always been behind me 100 percent. But being around the guys is a big part of your family, too. They’re a huge part of your lifestyle. It was great to spend time with my wife and kids. It was great to take them to their school events and not miss anything. That was a lot of fun, but playing hockey is what I do and I’m so happy to be back.”
Comments (113)
Sorry Greg should've given you 20 minutes instead of 10 lol
I think Tambs will be back in the lineup soon ater the deadline.
I have to admit, i actually like having Simon in for this game because he can help out defensivly more, and especially after last night, to play the "Big Three" tonight, we need that physical presence.
Also, teams have been cheapshotting us and beating us up with impunity. Until we find a better tough-guy option, we need Simon. I was at the Flyer game where Upshall upended DP, the Islanders (leading 3-1 after 1) didn't respond and proceeded to fold, losing 5-3. It was a sickening sight and it began our 7-game losing streak. And of course we've all seen the shots on Comeau, a very important part of our core of younger players. We're lucky the boarding in the Sharks game didn't cause a more serious injury.
I have the same reservations about Simon as others on this board, but for now I don't think the Isles have a choice...
i actually met simon after the san jose game in the parking lot. he's not a bad guy, he's actuaaly pretty nice. he just needs to play his game and not let his anger get hold of him. he will cerainly prevent other players from taking cheap hots at our young guys, comeou-san jose incident and the garnett exelby debacle. nyways lets keep it rollin tonight against the tampa bay lecavaliers, richards, and stl louis's. everone else is crap besides prospal in addition to the big 3. 2 points!
Simon has 2 games to show anything - maybe he will get traded for a low draft pick to a team looking for some toughness. The Islanders should still be sellers - If they make the playoffs it will be another first round ouster....This is the only time Garth Snow will get anything for these players - most won't even be on this team next year.....If teams are giving up 3rd round picks for Modry & Vandermeer - The Islander players will have a better return in trade.
Wow - Simon is back - he will lead us to the playoffs - you have got to be kidding me - I am a realist, this team is not making the playoffs with this line up - Snow better not make a Stupid trade b/c he thinks he is a Buyer - We tried that last year and paid a big price, and we didn't win a playoff round.......Make some trades already get some Prospects and draft picks for all of our UFA - Except Trent Hunter (he should be resigned to a 2 or 3 year deal)
If Comrie really wants to be here, he can sign back in the off season - same for Fedotenko & Satan.
Corey
A fire sale is not going to help this team. Go back to earlier posts and you'll find out that
1) There's no garuntee with picks
2) Prospects take 2-4 years to develop
3) If we can't get free agents to sign here in the off season, what then? We have young players without mentors (see 1997-2001)
4) Whether you like it or not, we are in a playoff hunt and no one should say "let's not make the playofs"
5) When we do make the playoffs it will generate some kind of "revenue" for the Light House Project, which is what Islander fans NEED!!!
6) We have multiple picks already in the first three rounds
No fire sale is needed. Just growth and improvement from everybody.
I think we are giving Simon way too much credit. Aside from the fact that I think having him back is embarassing, he just isn't good anymore.
Netminder, having him back will help defensively? He is slow and the Big Three (who are now really the Big Two) are going to skate circles around him if he is matched up against them.
Two, he isn't even much of an enforcer anymore either. Other than taking a bad penalty or trying to remove a part of another player's body with his stick/skate, he doesn't really bring a physical edge to the game like he used to. If toughness is something we're worried about than they need to bring up someone because Simon is not the answer.
Netminder -
There is still a good combo of Vets and younger players - if we still trade every UFA. There is no guarantee with draft picks, but the more you have - gives you a better chance of getting nhl quality players. What kind of impact is Simon going to make playing 6 min a game - this guy hasn't really fought anyone the last 2 years and he is like have a practice cone on the ice - with that blazing speed of his. TRADE THE UFA'S - JUST DO IT SNOW...
I'm a little bit shocked that Chris Simon is actually suiting up as a NY Islander. I thought after his latest suspension that we had seen the last of him... guess I was wrong!
I've also heard that Simon's a really nice person - I have a cousin that is mentally disabled. My uncle called the Islanders, and was able to get her down into the runway to the locker room for her birthday. None of the Islanders stopped to say hello EXCEPT... you guessed it... Chris Simon!
He may not be able to control himself on the ice all the time, but he's definitely a class act of the ice!
Vukota
I would hope that Simon does not play against their best line, or for that matter anybodies best line. When I meant defensivley, i was referring to him being in the fourth line and seeing them log a few more minutes with the defense since they had a hard game yesterday.
Your second point cannot be fully disputed, my only response to that is he's here fo maybe another 3 months barring any more suspensions
Brian
Ok for fun here.....you have me curious.
IF we were to trade ALL of our UFA's what would your lineup look like?
Netminder -
DO YOU HONESTLY THINK THIS TEAM CAN WIN A PLAYOFF ROUND WITH or WITHOUT MAKING ANY ADDITIONS?? I bet more than 70% of the Islander Fans don't think so....all of the players on the trading block this year are not better than Ryan Smyth - We had a better overall team last season - this team can't put the puck in the net consistantly and can't depend on DP to stand on his head everynight - SNOW SHOULD JUST SHOP THESE PLAYERS TO SEE WHAT HE CAN GET.
The moment Simon steps back onto the ice in an Islanders uniform, they've lost another fan. As long as he's on the team, I won't be watching the Islanders, nor will I be going to any games. I doubt I'll be able to stay away from checking out what's happening on-line, but as far as sending any money the Islanders way, my family won't be a part of it.
Reply to Candyman from previous thread~
I didn't say it would be beneficial for the Isles to lose the pending UFA's for nothing ... I agree ... it would be unfortunate ... I said "so be it" if they couldn't move them and did lose them to UFA this summer because I'd anticipate that they have something to give us in the playoffs this Spring ... and right now that is what the Isles should be thinking about.
They should only "sell" those UFA's before the deadline if they get "VALUE" for them ... and that includes current servicable players.... It has also been pointed out by many of us .... winning raises the VALUE of our players ... and because the whole league is tight and no one will "GO AWAY" .. it kind of makes every player more valuable than they normally would be.
I think the best example of this was outlined pretty eloquently by "wtf?" ... wtf? laid out perfect examples of scenarios that could occur before and on the 26th.
I also said that Garth will also get a real idea of what the value on the trade market will be for those players.... I'm sure the phones will begin ringing around the league for all teams any time now.
I think the reason the Isles didn't bring up a tough guy after Simon got suspended is that Nolan didn't want anyone to replace his buddy Simon in the lineup. This team has been lacking in the toughness dept all year and I really don't think Simon instills fear in too many players around the league. I wish Nolan would put the good of the whole team in front of what's good for just his buddy Simon.
Corey
Depending on what Snow does in the next five days, my answer is YES i do believe we can win a round this year, depending on where we finish.
Think about it for a moment: This team gets rid of all of it's UFA's last year for nothing. What if this team makes it to the playoffs? It tells other free agents in th NHL that the Islanders do have a good system in place, and that there is a future on the horizon right now.
As far as winning a round? If this team is healthy, and Snow does some minor moves to improve on this team, anything is possible.
NETMINDER - here is what would be left for next year:
Guerin, Bill
Sillinger, Mike
Hunter, Trent
Bergenheim, Sean
Comeau, Blake
Hilbert, Andy
Park, Richard
Tambellini, Jeff
Nielsen, Frans
Sim, Jon
Bates, Shawn
Witt, Brendan
Sutton, Andy
Martinek, Radek
Campoli, Chris
Gervais, Bruno
Meyer, Freddy
Johnson, Aaron
Bergeron, Marc-Andre
DP
FROM THE LAST THREAD (TWO POSTS COMBINED)
Posted by D-Money | February 21, 2008 14:34
Glad to see folks are backing off trading JoVas...keep him and groom him.
I also agree with Cincy on the speed issue and will throw in that the chemistry right now appears really good, and I would hate to see anything happen that could disrupt that. I am sure there are at least a few guys in the locker room that resent his actions and the positions it put the team in, and some that have been burned by his antics in the past (see Tank)
Lastly, put a fork in Tamby - he is done with this team. Why send him to the Bridge? Why not just a healthy scratch in case Simon falls flat on his face? Yeah, I know it is easy to recall him because Bridgeport is so close, but to me, the writing is on the wall. The guy is this year's Robert Nilsson or Ryan O'Marra...something must just be missing that Nolan/Snow don't ever think he'll get...
In all honesty, I really like the idea of packaging Satan/Tamby. A proven vet and a kid tearing up the AHL that has never really been given a shot in the NHL covers a lot of things teams may be looking for, keeps our draft picks, and maybe even nets us a proven scorer with a contract.
These next few days should be fun...
>
Posted by D-Money | February 21, 2008 14:38
Oh, and keep Blake off this team. I would have loved to have seen a Guerin-Comrie-Blake line to start the season...but he showed no loyalty, so why should anyone show him some?. Personally, I say let him and his bloated contract rot in Toronot until they buy him out! And then, after his value has been completely ruined, wish him luck finding another situation as great as he had on Long Island.
Reply to Steady from previous thread ~
"Posted by Steady | February 21, 2008 12:09
"19...Are you copying my homework again? :) :)
Your announcement better be that your last post was taken from me or you are looking at a SIMON like suspension. :)"
Homework??? LOL!!
If you mean that you have an announcement too ... I didn't see that ... if you mean the two benefits to the Isles winning that I laid out ... then I honestly didn't see your posts regarding that .... if it was something you were about to post .... then take it as a GMTA scenario.... after all .. we seem to agree on almost all of our posts.
I just don't agree with those that want to roll the dice and blow the season when we are still in the thick of things. We aren't going to get LA's, Tampa's or Toronto's #1 round pick for anyone on our staff ... It would be awesome if T.O. would throw in that #1 pick with McCabe suggested by I think nautika .. or someone else ... but that shouldn't be a thought .. especially since that isnt going to happen ... also ... blowing up the team now ... and relying on the Isles to finish in the bottom 5 is also a gamble.... so why gamble on that when there is a chance the current team could put together a few streaks. We seemed to have played well ... even though DP has saved our bacon on more than several occasions ... against some of the best teams in the league this year. We need to make our team playoff worthy and tougher ... it's going to be difficult to find the pieces we need no matter what we do .. sell or buy.
Steady ... and the rest of you guys ... I'll tell you this much ... Steady and 505 are right about one thing regarding my announcement ... I will not give a hint ... because it will give it away.
Oh .. and Nick .. I'll make every attempt to finish the announcement before the Devil game ... because part of it involves the Devil game. Did I just drop a hint??? Hymmmm.
Brian
ok i would like to add that Johson and Hunter are UFA's so i expected them to be traded by you, if you didnt know.
So you're expecting this team that you have to win next year?
looks like 1997 to me.
what did you have in mind with your team?
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a day for this blog...
The cyberspace lines are ON FIRE.
Great to see......
And now 19Isles is telling us he is gonna streak the Isles/Devs game on Saturday trailed by a 50 foot banner exposing his theory on the trade deadline.
(Right after he robs his teammate out of another chance at a hat trick in between periods)
;)
505!!! LMAO .... that was classic brother ... but streaking and ice just don't go well together ... refer to the classic episode of Seinfeld when George Castanzza had to explain "shrinkage" to Elaine. LOLOL!!!
Yeah ... the blog lines are on fire .... good to see some new names on here too.
This is something I've always hated about sports ...the way coaches say the politically correct thing, and not the truth ...
Nolan is trying to say this is a matter of upgrading at the position? Why not just call it what it really was - you helping a friend out. You willing to send a kid back down to the minors in favor of a friend. There have been many players on this team who've good through streaks of not scoring yet never seem to be punished ...but if you're not a Snolan guy you better request a trade ...
Someone braught this up earlier - but if he was so concerned about toughness why hasn't Bootland, Spiller, Brennan (now suspended), or Fata been braught up here any time over the last 30 games?? Seems pretty weird that now, when his ol' buddy Simon is set to come off the suspension is he so concerned about the toughness and safety of his players ...
And has been mention at nauseum - he's just not that good anymore!
I hope that Tamby is packaged with Satan and turns out to be yet another player that torches the league ...even if he becomes a 20 goal scorer it would be more than many "Nolan type" players could ever attain ....what a joke as per the usual at this point ...
I'll be at the game hoping for a win but I hope Simon f's up big time ...
he's probably going to be so nervous of the refs that he won't do anything ...
***Anyone want to lay down a prediction on how long it takes for Simon to see PP time??*** I say if not tonight then on Sat....
PS - the Islanders haven't updated their prospects watch since the week of January 14th ...is this their way of saying that now that Okposo is in the AHL there's no other prospect in the Isles system we should be looking for info on or should get excited about? What about Figren and Rahkshani?
Re: Simon In, Tamby Out
Well ... Garth, Wang and Nolan really are putting their "fan support equity" on the line with this move. I agree 100% that the Islanders need toughness ... they also need speed. So they just traded speed for toughness in the new speed NHL. I hope they know what they are doing ... because the team had just started to play well again.
They traded away the developing talents of a speedy young player ... for the fading talents of a once speedy tough player.
I'm rooting for Simon to have a renaissance for the balance of the season. Like Steady said (no homework copy here, just agreeing with Steady's comment) ... screw the moral BS ... if Simon's in an Isles uniform ... I want him to do well.
My biggest concern about Simon isn't just his fading skills .... but the fact that he will be under a microscope. He's not going to be able to do the things that makes an "enforcer" effective with officials breathing down his neck. He's pretty much going to be a cop with only a badge .... and no gun, tazer or billy club to play the "enforcer" role.
Time will write the story over the next 20+ games.
AZS
"***Anyone want to lay down a prediction on how long it takes for Simon to see PP time??*** I say if not tonight then on Sat...."
My bigger concern is how much more PK time Simon is gonna create.
I can't help believing that the refs are gonna be whistling him the minute his stick gets above his knees.
As I've said before, he's gonna be a walking (cuz he can't skate) 2 minute penalty for the duration of the season.
HELP!!!! I need some serious therapy .... Isles dump 7 straight and I'm thinking: "Well, just wasn't our year ... let's continue the slide and maybe get a Kyle Beach and possibly another first rounder (by dumping Miro/MAB/Hunter/Comrie/Tank/etc.) and build for the future"
Then, Isles win 5 straight (all while every D man they have is getting hurt) and we learn a few things along the way:
1) Freddy Meyer can play!!! How, when or where this came from I don't know but the guy's a competitor (ala Martinek)
2) Comrie's isn't all that bad after all ... yeah, one too many toe drags and he's probably not suited for 1st line centerman material but can't you just see this guy being a very solid 2nd line option (especially w/ a good winger or two on his line)???
3) DP (when he wants to be) could very well be the best goalie in the NHL. Does he get tired of seeing his team not score from time to time? Sure. But, he's so clutch it's not funny ... if we could assemble a decent squad ahead of him (or at least some guys who could put the biscuit in the basket) I think we have a legit shot at a Cup in th next 5 years.
4) Nolan has one helluva system! Why won't some FA's recognize that and come set up shop on LI???
5) Tamby has a mental block at the NHL level. Maybe it's Nolan's "non faith" in him ... maybe it's something else ... but I think we should trade him while he still has value (AHL leading scorer). A package of Tamby + Miro would get us back a good young player and a first rounder.
Anyway .... this team has me going nutso (once again) ... I'm still sold on the fact that they should be sellers at the deadline but if they "man up" and make the playoffs (regardless of what Snow does) I'll be there cheering them on (first round white washing or not).
505 - I totally agree ...every ref is going to whistle him whenever there's even a close call. No hockey person can like this guy with all he's done during his glorious hockey career.
Interesting stat from hockeyfights.com - Simon has faught three times this year - once more than Comrie ...who's the enforcer ;-)
Last year Comrie tied with Witt and Asham for the team lead with 5 fights - 4 ahead of Richard Park from last year ...
Overall, according to hockeyfights.com - the Islanders don't drop the gloves a lot - whether Simon is here or not ...just thought that site was interesting ...you should check it out when you have a spare moment
Steady: That was not me who made the last post; it was my gut. If it makes you feel better I think they will win tonight. I will drown the gut feeling with beer starting at 5:30.
Go ISLES - 6 in a row.
Simon sends the rest of the league a message with a fight in his first game back.
Tambs must be thinking of buying the discounted commuter ticket on the Bridgeport ferry. I think you save $30.00 a month.
Anyone want Islander tickets?
I have a 21 game season ticket package and I have 4 seats for the Saturday, March 1st game vs. the Flyers (2pm start). My friend and I can't make the game.
Seats are in Section 304, Row J ... 4 seats right on the aisle .... great view, just inside the blue line where Isles shoot 2x.
Tickets are below face value ($50 each) so you're looking at $200 for 4 tickets for some very good seats.
Anyone interested can send me an email to bkearney27@gmail.com and we'll figure out a meeting place (I'll be at Islanders game on Tuesday, 2/26 vs. Pens).
Thanks, Brian
Brian ~ Those are great seats ... I've sat in section 304 lots of times when my friend Charlie had season tix with his dad.
I'll put out the word Bri .. I already have tix with my brother... we hope to get there ontime since my nephews have a 10am game. We'll be doing the drive thru drive by for lunch to save time.
19 ISLE in NJ 22 ok that clears it up a bit.. I see where you are coming from, I just happen to disagree. Keeping these guys and getting no picks/prospects in return just sets the Isles back further (and right back to where we were last summer).
I hear everyone saying that rebuilding through the draft/prospect will take 2-4 years. And I say...WHATS wRONG WITH THAT???/
It's not like we are going to be a true contender next year or the next year after that. I mean what's our plan? Try to sign UFAs every summer and get rejected by the best ones?
I know it might mean conceding a possible 8th place finnish/1st round loss, but I'd give that up at a chance to be real good in a few years.
And we could still do the leftover routine for next season anyway.
Well Brennan was suspended, Bootland was traded away about two months ago, Jackman couldn't fill the role. I'm not sure if there is anyone else at Bridgeport that could fill the role. I sure as heck don't like to see a talented, valuable prospect like Comeau getting whacked in the nuts, sucker punched and then smashed head first into the boards. I also don't like to see Miro Satan having to fight either. Simon will go to the net and that may be a good thing for this team and he will stick up for his teammates when needed.
The east is a log jam now. It's up for grabs. Last year you had Buffalo which was a great team and no way did you want to have to face them in the 1st round. The Islanders played them tough, they were not healthy and they sure as heck did not get any calls or breaks there way. We also had Yashin who did not show up. Miro had a broken foot, Asham a broken hand, Smyth a sprained knee, DP recovering from a concussion and also ended up having hip surgery (and missed game 1). We still game the Sabres a run for their money. So why not try and make the playoffs this year. If you can avoid 8th seed even better (we're only 1 point out of 7th). Oh I forgot to mention that Hill was suspended as well.
Gain assets by selling two vets and then sell gained assets to buy some scoring.
D-Money, I had the same thoughts as you on Tamby's future and I really would not be shocked if he is moved within the next week.
As for Simon, the writing was on the wall a long time ago that he was coming back. I'm all for redemption, but sometimes tough love is the best way to ensure true redemption. And, seriously, how much of an enforcer/protector can he be when everyone is looking for just the slightest infraction to banish him again. Unless the plan is to have him chop off Avery's head in early March before he is sent off into his final sunset, what's the point? (Lord, tthe Avery comment is tongue in cheek--it is Lenten season after all).
This much I know, when I watch the Isles in warmups tonight, if I make eye contact with Simon, I'll just shake my head. Oh well, off to the game!
Bri - I CALL DIBS...you should have my email now
And JP, you're absolutely killing me....I got rolled off that project in DC 2 months ago, got exiled to Hartford in the meantime, and now through at least the end of March I'm based in Manhattan/Jersey City/Englewood Cliffs (or as I like to call it, the 10th Circle of Hell). I'm living proof that anyone who can't run out of their office by 5 doesn't have a prayer of getting to the Coliseum, though I'll be at the Garden April 4 (my birthday) for Isles/Rags
19 Isle ... yeah, seats are pretty good ... next year I'll forego the package and just pick and choose the games I want to see. Sure, I'll miss out on the 4 Ranger games (which are always a blast) but unfortunately, for what I paid out compared to what I'm getting on the ice (complete frustration most nights), it's just not worth it. I'll cut back to 10 games (from 21) and enjoy the games just as much on TV.
Ask around though ... I figured I'd give the board a shot first before I try posting on Craig's List or StubHub.
I am disgusted to see Chris Simon back in the lineup tonight. It's not even because of his dispicable actions, but more the fact that this guy can't play anymore. I'd much rather have Tambellini, a young guy with some talent and upside, than a slow and sluggish Chris Simon who is clearly past the prime of his career and is quite frankly not mentally capable of playing hockey without trying to kill somebody.
Coral,
The Simon thing happen I believe on or around Dec. 18th ...maybe not that day, but somewhere in the neighborhood ...
Bootland was traded on or around January 8th ...Brenan was recently suspended ...and atleast Jackman would throw down his gloves ...Not to mention Spiller and the recently called up Fata ...
The point is this : all of the above players were in the organization when this latest Simon incident took place. If Nolan were seriously concerned about being pushed around then any of these guys would have been braught up to play 4th line minutes or as an extra d-man. Any of those guys could play the enforcer role and do it for the Tigers (or in Bootlands case for the Duck's AHL team).
This is only a matter of Nolan's friendship with Simon - not because he really feels the team needs an enforcer. Now, if you really think he's the best and only option they've had over the past 30 games and that they've just been trying to survive without out him than that's your right. I on the other hand do not need Nolan peeing on myself and fans like me, and trying to pass it off as rain ...just be honest Teddy boy ...
As far as the playoffs last year - we lost. We weren't close. Injuries and bad calls didn't cost us the series. Playing a much more talented team did. I was as frustrated by the calls as you but lets be fair when assessing our team. They snuck in on the last game on a shoot out for a reason. They lost in the first round for a reason. Hopefully they'll fair better this time around ...but time will tell ...
A final word on 1994, who complained in the previous thread that a non-offensive post by him had been deleted.
My understanding is that some of the restrictions on how one may post on the sports blogs (e.g., not using profanity) are common to all blogs and are enforced by Newsday web staff, while others are enforced by individual blog owners at their discretion. I believe Greg also posted on here some time ago that posters with a track record of violating the rules would be blocked. As I understand it, that is the only reason why 1994's non-offensive post would have been deleted. Perhaps he has failed to mention that he had violated the rules previously?
Bri - thanks for your reply (Sorry, my Blackberry's screwing up right now and my new client blocks GMail...). I live in Bellmore, so I'll drop you a line this evening when I get home and we'll be able to synch up.
okay Nick ... cool. I'm in E. Meadow so we'll find someplace to meet up ... I might even have those tickets tomorrow (depending on the snow) so maybe we'll take care of this over the weekend.
I'll call you if I get my hands on them.
(Inadvertently posted on prior blog entry as well...)
Does anyone watch the post game interviews on Islander TV online? I watched DPs interview after the Cap game… he seemed incredibly annoyed with whoever from FSN was conducting the interview. Terse, one word responses while looking in every direction except the mic… An incredulous response to a question about facing Ovechkin on a breakaway, along the lines of “what do you think I’m thinking about there? I’m trying to stop the puck…” It was actually kind of embarrassing to watch. What’s up with that?
Seems like more people feel the same way about Simon as I do. Took you all awhile to come forward.
Nolan plays favorites...he has all year. I guess we have to take the good with the bad. It's a shame.
Good Simon: Up until 03/08/07 Chris Simon was making people think that obtaining him was one of the better transactions of last off season. there was a lot of complaining about it, but he was an effective, though low profile, "enforcer" while he played a very solid all around game. He was having one of his better scoring years. He was also give some second PP unit time, which paid off by being part of a very effective BIG MAN unit with Kozlov and Hunter. That Simon seemed to be erased from everybody's mind on 3/8.
Bad Simon: the events of 3/8 do not need to be rehashed. Nor do the lack of events of this season. He has been either suspended or ineffective since that date.
He has 20+ games left as an Islander. I have absolutely no problem with him filling a role that has been absent since 3/8/7. If he can not do that by 3/8/8, then he's just as valuable in the press box as he is suspended. But if he comes back looking like he did in January and february of 07, then he is definitely a cog this team needs.
As far as Tambellini vs Simon. tambellini may be a 20-30 goal guy somewhere... and he seems like he gets it (being a pro athlete and a teammate)... but he's not going to do that in the the Isles division... he's going to be on the IR more than the scoresheet because he just gets the crap beaten out of him night after night.
that's one thing people said about Blake... but blake put up good numbers and was one of the better forecheckers and PK guys this team has EVER had on it's roster... until Nolan turned him into a 40 goal ghost. Tamby doesn't seem to bring that to the table. Hopefully his dad wants him and a PP blueliner and we can scoop up a first rounder... or a 6'3" 230 lb defenseman.
Candyman ~
I'm going to play devil's advocate to enterain the sellers option ... I completely understand your logic ... and understand your frustration about the Isles not having a measurably good rated prospect pool over the past few years after about 6 years in a row finishing in the middle of the NHL pack.
I even found out from someone that the Isles prospect pool ... which includes college, international, juniors and minor pros was rated a C- ... the rating system uses other organizations prospect pools as a bench mark. So a C- isn't the worst ... but it means that the Isles are in the bottom of the part of the pack.
The Rangers on the other hand I believe was a B ... which isn't the best .. but nothing to sneeze at (see 1994 .. we sometimes give the Rags kudos). I also agree that the Isles need to replenish the farm.
So in this scenario ... I'll be pro Sell.
So lets assume the Isles are tied for the 8th spot at the deadline ... and Snowy says ... we've been down this road before .. I'm going to sell. So he trades away Satan, Tank, Hunter, Comrie, MAB and JoVas. He picks up Vancouver's #1 pick and a level B prospect, and lets say Detroits #1 and #3 picks .. then the Isles themself end up finishing 5th overall from the bottom.... Great!!! Looks nice ... we have ourselves 3 first round picks in a deep draft and got another 3rd round pick with a prospect. Lots of room at the cap now .... but a team devoid now of most of its veteran talent. What does this say to UFAs this summer? The only ones that will sign with the Isles will raid the treasury and want a minium of 3 years. Lots of the top UFAs have already extended their contracts. Hossa will probably not want LI.
The Isles will then be developing the newly acquired picks ... and maybe only one of them will be NHL ready next season ... but not good enough to make an impact for a few years. The current remaining pack of Isles will be approaching or just past their prime by the time the 2008 drafted players are ready to make a real contribution... and even that is no guarantee. To me ... that is too much of a gamble.
If the Isles can make the playoffs .. they stay on UFA players' radar. It also sends a message to the TOH to support the Light House project because the team is dedicated to putting a winner on Long Island ... and that equals $$$$$.
Of course my trade scenario is pure speculation
West Coast Fan -- DP is moody. Great with kids and fans, mostly good with the press (one of, if not the only, goalie in the league who will talk to the press on game day before the game). But he is moody and sometimes is clipped and almost testy in response to questions. What puts him in a bad mood, I don't know. Perhaps his hip or another nagging injury flared up? That's pure speculation on my part, no idea why he acted that way...
NVMC booing Simon...Whay a freaking joke. You want to boo, boo MAB....He has cost us more games than almost any def. in our storied history.
Simon did two very dirty selfish moves too HOLWIG and RUUTU....Both of whom are BEYOND dirty.
THIS IS HOCKEY PEOPLE....EDDIE SHORE ????? Come on with this holier than now bs.
Go watch some old videos of Billy Smith and stuff he did with his stick. Gary Howatt. Clark Gillies. Dwayne Sutter.
Next game they should hand out the movie "Slap Shot" dvd's to remind people this is not tennis!
LOL, well said Steady.
The people booing are the same ones that say "Sell!! Sell!!!" and "Lose, lose ...Get Stamkos!!!"
Just 20 more minutes and we get to congratulate and celebrate...............
19Isles big announcement.
Satan gets the goal, but Bergenheim, CONTINUES TO DAZZLE..
NICE PLAY SEAN!!!!
15 minutes of steady play please.....
Can't we keep Satan?? I'd rather lose comrie
Blake Comeau is a penalty drawing machine.....
If we could only do something on the PP.
Claire,
A streaky sniper will get more in return at the deadline, than a toe dragging, soft passing centerman with a starlet girlfriend.
Besides, I'm liking Comrie as our 2nd line center next year.
OK - game over, ANNOUNCEMENT....NOW
Though I have a sneaking suspicion I know what it is....
Standby for Special Announcement!!!
STEADY WITH THE CALL OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!
SIX IN A ROW!!!!!!
YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!!!!
(hope you parlayed that bet)
Seriously, I never would've guessed this when we were in the doldrums of that losing streak....
And if 19Isle is currently writing his announcement, I assume it's safe to fly to California and then check the site to see what he has to say, since it'll take that long?
Might as well take the flight home as well Nick, I have it on good authority that is spellcheck program is down.
Of course, if we keep posting here, he'll keep getting invalid messages and never get it posted.
YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Worked last year and it worked this year.........I'm going to play lotto!
I am staying up to read this big post by 19Isles.....It better be that they want me to replace Stan Fishler or I am handing out big time punishments!!!! :)
SIX IN A ROW !!! HOW SWEET IT IS !!!!
p.s ( I only bet on 4 of them....still a nice purse to pull!)
p,s,s All of you that quit are now allowed back on the bus...IT AINT OVER BABY !!!
Scoreboard watching update (it's that time of year)...while we await Tolstoy to finish up his last 400 words...........
Flyers lost
Bruins losing
I hope he is writing a book....One of those big thick ones...B/C if this big news stinks, I am gonna hit him with it!
Well Steady (THE MAVEN)...if it's what I think it is you'll either spend a lot of time in the car this weekend or want to beat him to death.
"SIX IN A ROW !!! HOW SWEET IT IS !!!!"
Cincy and Coral, my apologies for jumping on you guys during this streak for "talking" about it.
I'm just a tad superstitious about things like that.
You are now both officially removed from membership in the Howie Rose Blogger Board.
To the rest of you who avoided talking about it....NICE JOB!!
ROFL Steady.
Autograph it for him first.
Special Announcment!!!
I ... 19 ISLE in NJ 22 .... officially nominate Newsday's Islander Blog poster ... STEADY ... as the Official Oracle for the New York Islanders .... to predict a 6 game winning streak after the team lost 7 games in a row ... is not only incredible ... but unfathomable. Every single fan that posts regularly o