As much as Mike Sillinger’s hip injury is hurting him, you can believe it hurts the 36-year-old center a lot more to leave the lineup for a minimum of three weeks. He did all he could to avoid sitting down because of an injury he’s been living with since early December, but the medical staff essentially gave him no choice.
“It’s to the point where I just can’t move any more,” Sillinger admitted this morning at the pre-game skate for tonight’s game against defending Stanley Cup champion Anaheim at the Coliseum. "If I try to push, I just have no power. I have no lateral movement. Medically, the doctors knew this could be a possibility, and here we are. It’s bad timing. Obviously, I love playing, and I want to be in the lineup each and every night. I want to contribute. I just can’t perform the way Mike Sillinger can perform right now.”
Putting Sillinger on the injured list is one of the moves that allowed the Islanders to call up Jeff Tambellini and Frans Nielsen from Bridgeport to add a little spark to a lineup that is flat-lining on offense. There’s no doubt they need an infusion of youth, speed and enthusiasm, and Tambellini and Nielsen have more than paid their dues waiting for a shot.
The sad part is that Sillinger is the odd man out because his condition is the worst of several Islanders playing with injuries. He took four days off near the end of December, missing only the New Year’s Eve game in Carolina, in an effort to rest his hip. Starting with the Jan. 11 game in Calgary, where he scored two goals and a shootout goal in the Islanders’ victory, Sillinger scored six goals in eight games.
The gung-ho alternate captain managed to produce despite his injury, and his 14 goals are tied for second on the team behind captain Bill Guerin’s 18. If it simply were a matter of production, the Islanders have plenty of other candidates stuck in long slumps who could have been replaced by Tambellini and Nielsen.
And, as Sillinger noted, they have a few others doing all they can despite compromising injuries. “I’m not the only guy playing through these injuries,” Sillinger said. “There’s a lot of guys doing it.” Joking about his ability to generate some offense while playing hurt, he added, “I didn’t feel great, but I never feel good anymore.”
Sillinger called it the “hockey mentality” to try and soldier on through pain. “Guys want to play through injuries all the time and see what they can do,” Sillinger said. “But when it affects your performance and you can’t play to your potential, you’re not only hurting your team, you’re hurting the organization and you’re hurting yourself. It makes no sense to do. That’s the point [I’m] at. It’s just not fair to the organization, not fair to my teammates and not fair to myself [to keep playing]. It’s time to produce.”
GAME NOTES: Too bad Islanders Insider doesn’t appear online until Friday because there was information overload today at the pre-game skate. Some of it can hold until then, but here’s a summary of developments pertinent to tonight’s game. First, although it’s officially a gametime decision, it’s clear Teemu Selanne will make his season debut with the Ducks tonight.
Asked how he would decide if he’s ready to go after “retiring” for the first 56 games of the season, Selanne said, “It’s easy. There’s only so much you’re going to get from practicing, and the games are next. I have to get it back, so, I’m ready. I feel pretty good, and I’m excited…We’ve lost a lot of games lately, so, it’s time to turn this whole thing around.”
Despite a similar recent return by defenseman Scott Niedermayer, the champion Ducks are stuck in a six-game losing streak (0-5-1) and have been shut out in their past two games. The timing couldn’t be better for the 37-year-old Selanne to return. He scored 48 goals and 94 points last season when he became the first player in NHL history to have back-to-back 40-goal seasons after turning 35.
The Islanders also have a gametime decision to make on forward Richard Park, who is battling the flu bug. If Park plays, coach Ted Nolan indicated he will be on the second line with center Josef Vasicek and right wing Guerin. That means Tambellini and Nielsen would get fourth-line minutes with either Sean Bergenheim or enforcer Kip Brennan. If Park can’t go, Tambellini moves up to the second line, leaving Nielsen with Bergenheim and Brennan…Offensive defensemen Marc-Andre Bergeron and Bryan Berard both will sit out in favor of Bruno Gervais and Aaron Johnson as the third pairing. Obviously, the Isles are intent on reducing turnovers, especially in their own end. That means the top defensive pairing of Radek Martinek and Brendan Witt also could wind up playing the points on the power play. So could forward Miroslav Satan and maybe defenseman Freddy Meyer…Don’t expect to see Nielsen on the power play, but Tambellini might get a shot at some point, especially if Park is out…Guerin spoke briefly with the players near the end of the skate while the coaches busied themselves on the other side of the ice. That talk comes on the heels of a meeting on Sunday in which Nolan asked the players for suggestions on what needs to be done to end their 1-5-1 slide. “A lot of good things have been said, and a lot of things have been pointed out,” Guerin said. “We’ve got to take action tonight. It’s two desperate hockey clubs. They haven’t won in a little while, and neither have we. It will be a good game for us. These guys are a hell of a hockey team, and we’ve got to be ready to play tonight.”
Comments (126)
Wasn't the purpose of bringing up Neilson so he could play with Tambellini?
Was just thinking the same thing...hopefully those guys play together and get some decent minutes, even if relegated to the 4th line.
I'm gonna say something that I realize might get blasted but i'm gonna say it anyways. Let me also say that a lot of what I'm about to type is typed with pure emotion but here we go ...
I'M SICK OF NOLAN!
Do you mean to tell me that even when Tamby gets called up the only way he'll see any minutes is if Park can't go?!?!?!?!?! Park is a good little player, but HE'S a 4th liner NOT Tamby.
Do you mean to tell me that even though there are a ton of Isles NOT PRODUCING that he won't even use Neilson on the PP AND may not even either?!?!?!
NOLAN IS A JOKE!! He kept Simon around strictly because of their history together - not based on merit. He gives PP time to Park, Hunter, Tank and others based on lord knows what because it isn't PRODUCTION ....REMEMBER THAT TEDDY?? YOU'LL PLAY THOSE THE PRODUCE??
I'm on my way to the game ....to spend more of my hard earned money ...and I'm already going there hyped up ...which is a shame because I love the Islanders and I love going to games ...but if this keeps up then I want Nolan gone ...this is ubsurd at this point ...
I'm with you on all points AZS, but I am not ready to say I am sick of Nolan.
Just play the kids.
I think there is something to what Steady posted on the last blog entry, trying to protect and not rush these kids. But, guess what? The time has come. Hopefully Ted is thinking he will ease them in so not to burn them out too quickly and maybe have them available for (GASP) a playoff push.
Of course, that would be contingent on dumping some vets between now and the deadline. I am starting to think this is probably part of the plan, maybe even part of the plan for signing so many 1-year deals over the summer. Do you really think Snolan is content with the makeup of this team? I doubt it but their hands are currently tied. So, they either deal these guys away and take what they can in return, or they walk at the end of the season and we get nothing. Either way, it opens spots NLT than next season for the kids. Maybe Snolan is smarter than we think?
"Offensive defensemen Marc-Andre Bergeron and Bryan Berard both will sit out......"
Nice Freudian slip Greg Logan. I believe a blogger on this board used the same word "Offensive" as pertains to MAB and Berard in a similar context last week.....You may send a royalty check to me at...........
".... comes on the heels of a meeting on Sunday in which Nolan asked the players for suggestions on what needs to be done."
Anyone wanna read between the lines of "the meeting" on Sunday and the d-man lineup tonight? And Silly finally taking some time off for his injury? And then the call-ups? If I am Guerin, (and this is no offense to Park), I am putting ex-lax in Park's water bottle.
It's time Comrie took time off for the sore shoulder some of us on this board diagnosed him with 2 months ago.
And Fedetenko looks like he has a pulled groin.
And Hunter's receding hairline is definitely getting the better of him..
And Vasicek may or may not be recovering from that on ice lip surgery performed on him 6 weeks back.
More Tambs, more Neilsen, more Comeau, and we NEED Brennan. (NO SIMON!!!!!!)
505 just to be clear - are you insinuating Guerin had something to do with the roster moves? If so, does that help those of you that constantly whine that Guerin is not good enough as a captain?
It really does blow me away how short our memories are...
Easy D-Money,
Yes, I have called Guerin to task from time to time about an apparent lack of leadership on occasions.
I have also given him credit where credit was due (the fight in the Jersey game for one).
Doesn't mean I don't like him as Captain or want to see him gone.
I think Bill Guerin, thus far, has been a VERY GOOD Captain. Particularly since the position was thrown at him before he even met anyone else in the locker room and ESPECIALLY since he has NEVER had this position before in his career.
If I'm a tad hard on him at times (I do not deny it), let's just say it's my way of trying to morph him from a very good Captain to an OUTSTANDING Captain.
How's that for a rationalization??
:)
Pretty amazing that even though he was playing a role he was not suited for, as well as injured, Silly was our best offensive player. Get well Silly. I think when healthy you will be dealt to a team that can get you a ring. God speed!
Guerin is a very good Captain. He is just a little long in the tooth and lost some of that special scoring touch.
MAb and Comrie have been my whipping boys since game 12. They are not worth my typing skills anymore (lol.)
As for some previous posts by IslesBri and some others, I completely understand where you are coming from. I just hate the idea of giving up on a season. If we are an 8th seed, so be it. You have got to be in it to win it! Look at the Oilers a couple of years ago!!!!! You never know !!!! Heck we play Ottawa well :) :) !!
I like the idea of the kids coming to play. I just hope they are the perfect mesh with the veterans and cause a nice spark !!!! I always want to make the playoffs!
AZS: I cannot jump aboard your Nolan lashing. I think he is doing what is best for these kids. Maybe they need attitude adjustments? Maybe they need work on their back checking or another skill? Maybe he does not want to hurt their confidence? WHO KNOWS ??? I know his job is based on wins and he and Snow would do anything for wins! We have got to trust that the kids would play if they thought they were ready. I trust Nolan a lot more than Snow! Just my opinion.
Sillinger 6th in the NHL in face-offs (thx FSNY)
Who wins those key face-offs now ???
***The look on New Englanders the past two days is BEYOND priceless !!! Talking too co-workers and others, they are as crushed as 1986....They say they would give up two of the other bowls to have won this one! Again Thank you Big Blue and as a result I hope you never win again :) :) Sorry boys I bleed Green! ***
any idea what radio station the game is on tonigtht???
The Mandarin Chinese station. no bs!
Another shooting gallery going on in the first period at NVMC. Satan now hurt.....Isles can NEVER catch a break. No trade there either !!!! Not that anyone would want him anyway! Get well.
Wow can things get worse?????
its pathetic, living in ny i get the ranger game (of course), the atlanta game, and even the washington game along with the uconn basketball game, but i cant get the islander game...pathetic....any station # for that mandarin chinese station???
Your not missing much. Young kids bumping into each other, no goals, DP standing on his head, Comrie as lost as ever,and Howie wishing it was Mets Spring Training.
1-0... Who predicted that score to the Ducks? If it stands good call!
That was Isles bri, themass....
Wishful thinking?
Not at all 505. I'm one of the people who want to make the playoffs...now that's wishfull thinking. 3-0 and a 4 on 1 and miss the net. Thamks hunter
Just got back...Pathetic. It was really telling how each of the Duck's passes were tape to tape while the Islanders were throwing the puck into empty spaces hoping a teammate would get it.
The kids played pretty well. Nice energy from Tambs, and nice creativity from Comeau the (ONLY Islander to try to create something instead of cycling it to dead space). Comrie also tried but was much less effective and his shot really sucks, I almost wished he was Yashin.
Hilbert is a PK stud, I feel weird typing that but of anyone to get rid of I would like to keep him at this point as a 3rd or 4th line PK specialist. He also had some pretty good chances that Giggy robbed him on and he threw himself infront of numerous Pronger/Neidermeyer blasts.
Immediately get rid of Tank, Comrie, and Hunter, then shop Satan (if we can get a nice pick for him).
This team will not make any noise if they somehow make the playoffs, they just don't play like they want it either.
Just back from the game ...a few thoughts/observations ...
1) The only time the crowd had reason to cheer was when an adorable 8 year old girl did America proud with her singing of the National Anthem ....the crowd gave her a really loud ovation and Sutton skated by her and tapped his stick ...very cool ...
2) Comeau was the best Islander again. I realize that he didn't factor in any scoring because, well, no Isle did but anyone at the game can clearly see that he's playing much better than any other Islander. He has a certain confidence with the puck. He doesn't panic and doesn't need to just turn his back to the goalie and cycle the puck. He actually creates and I can see him putting up some points in this league.
3) As far as my earlier rants on Nolan I will pull back a little. I'm just frustrated by the choices he makes. I think he's a master motivater but I think he's loyal to a fault to certain players, and is too quick to punish others ...just my opinion ...
4) I can't recall ever going to this many games without really cheering at all ...like I said in point #1 after that girl sang I don't think I cheered even once - other than when the horn finally sounded ...
5) Tamby-Neilson-Bergie need to play together next game and need some minutes aswell ...Tamby had a nice skate pass to start a break and a nice tip that almost went in ...
6) This could be a long rest of the season ...does anyone know the contract status of the Isles players?
Same old Isles. Same old listless effort. Same old Comrie and Hunter getting all the PP minutes and never producing. Same old Nolan holding back the kids (Bergie under 5 min, Nielson under 10). Same old season going down the drain.
Well, another game and another headache ... I think I actually heard a cell phone ring on the TV feed during the game. looked like we had roughly 3000 at the game. That's sad. You could actually could hear the players grunting and calling out plays ... can it get more quiet than that? That's one of the things that has always bothered me about Islanders fans ... they love to sit there quietly and just watch the game. Sometimes, the lack of energy and sustained chants (ie, Let's Go Islanders) is so frustrating.
And how disgusted did DP look at the end of the game? Not a good sign. He's playing great (for the most part) and the lack of scoring must be grinding on him.
We have dug ourselves into a HUGE whole and the only way out is a great draft and a youthful influx of talent. Bring up Walters and keep playing Tamby, Bergy, Comeau and Frans. tell Satan, MAB, Hunter + Comrie to pack their bags.
Azs
Contract ends
Bates 2009
Berard 2008
Bergenheim 2008
Bergeron 2009
Campoli 2010
Comeau 2009
Comrie 2008
DiPietro 2022
Dubielewicz 2008
Fedotenko 2008
Gervais 2008
Guerin 2009
Hilbert 2009
Hunter 2008
Jackman 2008
Johnson 2008
Martinek 2010
Meyer 2010
Park 2010
Satan 2008
Sillinger 2009
Sim 2010
Simon 2008
Sutton 2010
Vasicek 2008
Witt 2009
Just got back and AZS said it all--except on a positive note, my son got a game puck (competition was low) and we got to meet and get autographs from JP Parise and Benoit Hogue.
Has Nolan lost this team? There's just not much substantively to add. Now that I'm cycling through most of my jerseys in my closet to change luck, I think I'm now compelled to break out my black Starter fishsticks jersey.
This is painful to watch.
Thanks Netminder ...was curious which Isles had contracts ending this year ...who on this list would you keep?
Isles Bri ...with all due respect I think you're a little off base ...I'm a pretty loud guy by nature and when I'm at games I'm cheering and making noise ...but clearly you haven't been to a game in a while or you'd undertand why it's so quiet in there. I'm not saying you not a fan or anything, because clearly you are, but when you sitting there watching these guys play in person and they give you no energy then it's hard to give them anything. The create no chances, they don't skate ...really, they don't do anything that would warrant a group of people to cheer ...
Trust me ...all of us there would love to have reasons to get all loud and rowdy, but watching people take penalties, cycle the puck while never going to the front of the net, and taking harmless shots from the perimeter can really drain you as a fan ....
Nothing personal but its easy to say that we should all be making noise, but it's very difficult to watch these guys in person and get excited
;-/
Just got home ..... geeeeze .... looks like I have two topics of posts to read through tonight and tomorrow before I make a post.
I'll get back to you guys with my thoughts tomorrow ... till then have a good night and great wednesday.
Is there anyway Bergy re-signs with us next year?
"Thanks Netminder ...was curious which Isles had contracts ending this year ...who on this list would you keep? "
That's a great question AZS.
See this is tough for me because believe it or not, I think the defense needs a shake up. We've needed 8 or 9 different defenceman, and one of the two are always being healthy scrathes (MAB, and Berard). Also, because of the young and, let's face it, unhealthy defensman in Campoli, Gervais (last year), and Johnson can't play a full season; You have Martinek, whom we all know, is good for at least 10-15 games missed a year, and then you have guys like Witt, Meyer, and Sutton trying to pick up the slack.
This is just a theory, but because our defence is taking such a beating this year, and the lack of some defense from our defenseman (prev. mentioned) i think the Islanders offense HAVE to play the boring style and play defense first, which does hinder the amount of goals a certain player can score.
Now having said that....the scoring drought is just unnacceptable. I mentioned in a previous post, why the kids are not up here yet. But i'm really curious as to how many players are playing injured, because that is going to come back and haunt them.
To Be Continued..........
Isles Bri, AZS is right; after the game someone who has been a season ticket holder for 25 years said this might have been the worst game he ever attended. And since most of tonight's crowd was season ticket holders, we're getting tired of watching the same crap--which is must worse in person than on TV.
FWIW, Kip Brennan skated in warmups, so maybe he could have added some excitement.
I don't think you can blame the fans for the Isles listless play, look at Toronto they sell out every game and make noise and they are behind the Isles and lost 8-0 tonight. Nolan at his post game press conference seemed to be blaming the Isles losing streak on injuries. On a side note a lot of great matchups tonight in the NHL so I put on Versus to see what game they had on and they had Carolina vs Nashville. Are they trying to get bad ratings on purpose?
Continued from previous
On Defense: MAB, and Berard. The two of them just do not fit this system. They're not tough enough, and we are second to last in the conference on the powerplay, so there is no point in having either one here, esp when they're healthy scratches.
On Offense:
Fedotenko would be a good trade bait for a team looking for a player who thrives in the post season. He's not a number one wing, which is why we signed him in the first place.
Buy out Bates' contract.
Vasicek will either be resigned or let go depending on how well Neilson plays whether it's in the AHL or NHL.
I think because of Jon Sim, you keep Sillinger, and trade Hunter, I think Bergenheim is getting better, and will be able to make up the goal difference along with Sim.
Satan: I wouldn't. Only because of Comeau's continued development and i saw a nice chemistry between Miro and Blake, in this last game and Comeau could be the answer for Satan, if he's healthy.
Comrie: Doesnt fit the system, but then who can we replace him with for next season, very few centers out there in the UFA.
Sounds like Satan's injury is more serious than originally suspected, (he should not have returned to action).
Could be a blessing in disguise as Nolan will have to give more ice time to the kids.
Comeau had a poor game tonight (statistically -2. 2 penalties), yet I agree with various posters about the "offense" (not in a freudian way) he brought to the ice.
From my barcolounger, I wonder, netminder, I see lots of "centerman" skills in Comeau, great vision, strong puckhandling, fast skater, excellent passer, why not him as a centerman? Spend a month in the summer with Trottier and Silly on faceoff skills?
It's just a thought on the "Comrie" issue you raise. Cuz, he's gotta go. I'm ready to extend a contract to 19Isles.
Snow has his work cut out for him over the next 2 weeks. I'll bet HIS phone isn't ringing. Satan is about the only player worth any interest by other teams and now his injury casts a long shadow.
YUCK.
.
I just noticed that we have scored a total of 128 goals this season. That is the lowest total in the entire league...even the last place Lightning have 30 more goals than we do!!!!! This team is beyond pathetic....in 13th place now and headed for a Roster purge I hope. Bring in the youngsters and ACTUALLY PLAY THEM TOGETHER PLEASE!!!
I just looked over the draft picks for 08 and we have no choice.
TANK THIS SEASON
TANK THIS SEASON
TANK THIS SEASON
TANK THIS SEASON
TANK THIS SEASON
TANK THIS SEASON!!!!!!
The guys in the top 8 of this draft ARE JUST SICK!!!!!!
If there is anything we can do at the deadline short of trading DP and Okposo to grab another pick we should absolutely do it!!!
Stamkos and Beach are two centers that can step in right away.
It's just loaded with top flight Defensemen.
I've been extremely busy with work the last few days ... Working in the electronic media brings a variety of different venues to cover.... started off Sunday morning with an international two-way transmission .... Super Sunday .... followed by Monday Madness .... then Super Tuesday ... or as I like to call ... "Stupid Tuesday" ... and now it's Wild Wednesday here .... so I've been busy .... fallen behind on the Isles and the postings here ... I haven't read anything since Sunday morning I think.
I do know that Satan got hurt ... heard it on the Fan driving into work. This makes me flash back to a couple of weekends ago while exchanging hockey trade gossip with other guys at the rink. My Ranger fan friend said that Satan, Sillinger and Witt were our two biggest commoditys right now ... and Witt was hurt at the time. And it pains me to think he was right ... but he said ... the Isles have proven to be a fragile bunch ... and with Witt out and the Isles probably finishing 7th or 8th (at the time he thought the Isles were a solid 7th or 8th team and his Rangers a 7th or 8th team as well) .... anyway ... he said ... and I think 90% of you guys will agree ... the Isles need to build around DP, Tamby, Okposo and Campoli ... he said does it make sense for the Isles to finish 7th or 8th and get bounced by Montreal or Ottawa in the first round? He said Satan will probably be the best shot at getting another 1st round pick, and that Snow should start looking to see what he can get for our contract year players.
I agreed, but said the Isles have a shot at 6th ... he said ... so do the Rangers .. but we both have to be realistic ... that our teams have not scored and have been inconsistent .. with other teams getting healthy and have a better chance to improve than the Isles or Rangers ... it is unlikey we can make a push into March for higher seed.
This guy isn't a Rag Troll kind of Ranger fan .. he's a coach and a hockey fan first .... I've never heard him say bad things about the Isles ... he really just puts it out there. He is worried about the Rangers for himself too, and doesn't think Henrik will be their savior because he seems to collapse in pressure games.
Well ... I'd like to jaw more about this ... but today is another busy day ... I'll probably get to read the last 4 days' posts tonight and make a late night comment.
3-0 last night? Par for the course.
We are officially done! We are so boring to watch, that I may be finished with them until they blow up this current roster and infuse with the youth. Went to bed after the 2nd cuz I knew 1-0 was too much to overcome. Team is lifeless! I have lost interest. Reminds me of the Sterling/Shaw year where I basically packed it in watching. Blow this team up NOW Snow/Wang!
IT IS OVER! IT IS OVER! IT IS OVER!
At least I can watch Seton Hall B-Ball and switch to Caps hockey for excitement.
$150 for Center Ice to watch a BORING UNINSPIRING team certainly not priceless!
But hey the Rag$ lost! HaHaHa! 7th place for a team that should be a contender. Thats freakin funny!
Both teams looked pretty bad - it wasn't like Anaheim's goals were flashy, or even halfway decent plays (at least the first two). They were rinky dink perimeter shots, just like all of the Isles' shots. Not much to say about last night, as really, not much happened.
I think next game we have to show up in force. We’ve all been complaining at length about how we want to see the kids, and how we’re content to suffer through bad losses as long as we see some hope for the future, and all that other stuff that’s always easier to say than to actually do. Now the kids are in. Let’s show the team that we’re fans of our word, and that we really will sit through a losing season or two if it means a strong commitment to building a long-term winner. Otherwise, we really have absolutely no right to complain when the next batch of stopgap Comries, Vasiceks, and Fedotenkos are brought in next year to “take time away from the kids,” because clearly that means that we will show up to see a team of third liners clinging to the 8 spot as we did earlier this year, but not a team of up-and-comers developing their skills for the future. There will be ugly games, like last night. Plenty of them. But that's the price to pay. I'll be there for the next one, and many more before the season's done. Just my $.02
What is this organization's plan? How long until we get a new arena and upgrade our facilities?
No new arena = 9k attendance for weekday night games against a western conference team = no excitement = no star free agent is going to sign here = more 3rd liner UFA signings (comrie, tank, sim, vasicek) to play on our top 2 lines = more mediocrity. When does it end?
Can someone please confirm if I had a nightmare or did I really watch a team hit ROCK BOTTOM last night?
I feel bad for thinking this way, but my first reaction to Satan layiing on the ice last night was, "There goes a draft pick!"
Coral:
Just want to remind you that there are a few more spots to fall to. But if Snow makes the right move and sells at the deadline and we can get one or two top 10 draft picks we will at least step in the right direction.
One thing that's only be glanced on the last few days is that tanking the season pretty much ensures that top level free agents won't be signing here this off season. Last year we could at least offer that the Isles had consistently made the playoffs, had the guts to get Ryan Smyth, and that we were headed in the right direction. This year I think will be a much harder sell.
As much as I want to see the kids play this team is going to need some good vets to balance the team out and to guide them. I think Witt and Park are great examples. Guerin and Sillinger are also good leaders but they are getting older and won't be around too much longer.
In order to really turn it around these kids are going to have to carry the team on their backs and I don't think they can quite do that yet (I hope I am wrong).
Guys, please let's be realistic. Who are we going to trade to receive back a top 10, top 20 or top 30 draft pick????? Satan, who is now hurt, is probably the most valuable guy to a team in the hunt. But, he wouldn't bring back a first round pick. I think we are putting too much value in these guys. We all know, hell all fans know, how deep the 2008 & 2009 drafts are. Therefore, be damn sure that ALL NHL executives know how deep the drafts are. Why would a team give up a first round pick for a guy who CAN'T score???? What would be their thinking?
Healy, you are looking for Snow to get ONE or TWO top 10 draft picks with some deadline trades????? So, we are going to dump our trash on a team that also misses the playoffs (as a top 10 team would) and they are going to take our trash and give up a draft pick more valuable than most over the last bunch of years? I also have a bridge to sell them.
Please, let's use our heads. Unfortunately, we don't have the assets to get a 1st round draft pick. Maybe not even a 2nd. The reality is painful, I know.
If you want a high draft pick be ready to unload DP (never happen) or Okposo (highly unlikely). Other than those two and you're NOT getting back a 1st round pick in the next two drafts.
Merrick, I had the same thought...
a two goal deficit is DEATH for this team
The National Anthem is death for this team.
One thing you should all remember is how much parity there is in this league. Other than the top few teams, if we add some TRUE top goal scorers we can play with any team on any night.
So let's hope we have a top goal scorer in Okposo, Tamby, Comeau, and/or Bergenheim. Bergy has looked a lot better lately. Did you guys see Teamu's interview last night? He thinks Bergy can be an all-star. From his lips to Gods ears.
I agree with Vukota that we are not getting a 1st or 2nd round pick unless we unload one of our kep players. Martinek or Witt might get you that back for a hungry team needing defense.
Satan, Comrie will not fetch zippo on the open mkt!
The kids are going to play. This is what you all wanted. NVMC is going to be as bare as Rosanne Barrs food cubbard. If the Bobbleheads give up, we may lose this franchise to another arena. The Lighthouse project does not look good, and the Wanger is in it for the money. He does not know the difference between a hockey puck and a Ring Ding.
I guess the people on TSN were right about where they placed us. Darn Canadians are always right about hockey! :)
I just saw that Jeremy Colliton was called up from Bridgeport.
I agree with Steady. It is not as if the Isles are that atrocious. They are merely a goal scorer away from being a 6th place team. Sadly, they thought bringing Comrie and Tank on board, they was get some goal scoring to replace what was lost. Thus far, this has not happened. The Isles, in my opinion, have been solid on the blue line, up until this losing streak that they have encountered. The PK, which was a strong point for the Isles has faltered as well, letting up PP goals at inopportune moments. Lastly, I think that DiP is getting frustrated with the team as was visible last night.
I just read this on Hockeybuzz (I know they are full of it) and I was surprised to see the Isles even mentioned in the Hossa deal. Here is the piece:
Hossa: He is perhaps the most interesting case out there right now. I was told today that the Thrashers aren't going to move Holik or Recchi as long as they are in the playoff hunt. They will remain on the Rumour Chart since they are fitting all criteria for trade-able players, however since hearing this news I have tweaked their percentages..Since the Thrashers will be in that race until after the deadline it looks like they aren't moving anywhere...In fact Recchi could possibly be extended in Atlanta. However, Hossa is an entirely different story. The Thrashers have an extreme need and desire to make the playoffs this year, but they also will NOT allow Hossa to run free for nothing. GM Don is very good at managing assets, and you need to remember it was Heatley that was traded for Hossa in the first place. Hossa is moving. The teams involved are Montreal, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Anaheim, the NY Islanders, Dallas and Nashville. Others could get into the game. Were I a betting man I would say Hossa is the first big move to happen, and if the first big move is to happen on Wednesday, I would guess it would be Hossa.
AZS ... I've been to about 10 games this year so far. My last one was Jan. 19th when the Isles coughed up a 3-1 lead to the Flyers and started this rough slide. I understand completely what you're saying ... when there's nothing to cheer for then it's hard to get pumped up. BUT ... I just wish we had a little more electricity in the building (and more fans of course!!!). What came first, the chicken or the egg? So, what comes first ... Isles fans staying pumped and getting loud (thereby the players feel the excitement in the building and raise their intensity a notch) ... or ... Isles raise their intensity and level of play (thereby fans get pumped and loud)???
Who knows? Since we/re the fans (and can't play) we need to take it upon ourselves to try to get the team pumped up through our excitement. Unfortunately, it just never seems to happen like that at NVMC.
Don't you guys feel embarrassed when you watch on TV and nearly the entire lower bowl is empty? Remember our west coast trip ... watching them in Edmonton and seeing a complete sell-out? Granted, we are in a much different market (NHL is 4th best sport in NY, plenty of other entertainment options, etc.) but it does seem like we have enough fans to get 12,000 every night.
I don't know ... I guess I'm just frustrated. I don't expect to be the Yankees (or Red Wings I guess) and compete every year for the Cup but w/ parity in the NHL shouldn't we have a solid Cup run in us every 8-10 years???
Like I said on the previous thread, I'm just hoping that we're far enough out of a playoff spot in 2 weeks that Snow has no choice but to sell assets instead of a feeble attempt to buy just so we can possibly sneak into the 8th spot. That will set us back 2-3 years. We need an overhaul and fast ... plus, a Stamkos or Beach wouldn't hurt either in the draft.
Yes, it's true everyone. I have been blocked from the blog for the past two weeks. I'll leave that to Greg to explain, find out why and correct.
The D has tanked and it all coincided with Campoli's departure. MAB continues to blow, can someone please talk to Tony Soprano about him.
I wish we were traders long before Miro and Silly got hurt. They might have returned some mid round picks each or at least been part of a bigger trade to secure higher picks. The team is really painful to watch now and my cable company won't credit the duration of the season to my account ffor my NHL package.
Vukota:
You are misunderstanding me a bit. I never directly said we should trade guys for top 10 picks, my wording was a little awkward so I will clarify.
My point was that we are sinking in the standings. We certainly will have a top 10 pick if we hit the bottom of the league. Coupled with some other draft picks that can be obtained from trading we could look for some improvement over this year.
As for not getting another first rounder I really don't think its impossible as you are stating. Look at what we gave up for Ryan Smyth, sometimes GMs will give up a lot for what they believe will be a key player.
We don't know what GM's will be desperate for at the deadline yet so we don't really know the value of our players. Granted they haven't shown much this season to warrant a high value but we will see when the time comes.
Miggsey: Don't feel bad, I've dumped money on Direct TV's NFL package (Jet Fan here) that was a waste of money, and now the Center Ice package is looking like a bad investment as well (I do really enjoy watching the games, but no return on the investment). The part I am having trouble with is when my wife looks at the Direct TV bill and says why are you spending all that money to watch the Jets & Isles when they are the two most offensively challenged teams in all of sports? I can't answer that question. After this year perhaps I can give soccer a chance now that I am used to watching games with little or no scoring. Also another funny thing is that my wife watches the Islander games with me and in the beginning of the year she said to me that she likes watching the Isles because the games are exciting. Last night I looked over at her on the couch and she was asleep by the end of the first period. That about sums it up for Islander attendance. Yes the season ticket holders and true fans such as the ones on this blog will still go to the game but anyone else will stay away most likely because they will say the games are boring. I hope it changes, I really do.
Isles Bri:
Regarding your chicken-and-egg question, I just wanted to say at the game last night, with the Isles down 1-0 (or was it 2-0? my memory's bad) the 8k fans that were there started a loud "Let's go Islanders" chant that was sustained for about a minute. How did the Isles respond?
They fell apart and the Ducks scored right as the last "...Islanders..." was fading away. Does a difribilator work on a heart thats already dead?
Coral Isles
"...my wife looks at the Direct TV bill and says why are you spending all that money to watch the Jets & Isles when they are the two most offensively challenged teams in all of sports? I can't answer that question."
How 'bout..."I'm all about the D, honey, now pass the chips?"
"...After this year perhaps I can give soccer a chance"
NO, PLEASE, NO, don't say that!!!!
That is TRULY, the dark side Vader.
"Last night I looked over at her on the couch and she was asleep by the end of the first period."
My wife said at the end of the 2nd....."CSI Las Vegas is on dear, let's watch that, there aren't as many DEAD BODIES".
505...I just peed my pants....The "pass the chips line" wins !!!
I too have trouble explainging the DirecTV bill for the Mets/Jets/Isles packages....I pay those people more than I give my bookie. :)
That is why we are fans.....Right now is a very dark time. IT simply cannot get worse!
The Mets getting santana is a start. The Jets Harris and Revis gave me some hope....Now we need a little spark and some light down the tunnel for the Isles......All we can do is HOPE !!! What a great word!
Tambellini/Nielsen/Comeau is the SECOND line tomorrow night.
C'mon kids, DAZZLE TEDDIE!!!!
Will Teddie have the nads to put 'em on the PP?
I know you guys have already discussed the Super Bowl, but I haven't posted for a few days. I was the only one at a Super Bowl Party cheering for the Giants. Normally I wouldn't have any connection with an NFL team, but this year this blog had me much more into the NY team. Low scoring but still entertaining. Great game! Awesome "IN YOUR FACE" Time with my buddies.
Anyway, I have to say that I thought Comrie played an above average game last night in the loss. He was protecting the puck with is body and making decent plays. I don't remember him killing the offense with bonehead low-percentage passes. But when he is on his game, who does he pass to?
I would like to see Comrie on a line with the Young-Guns. Nolan has to make the most of what he's got. Give it try!
As for Sillinger, no one knew he was playing through an injury. And that speaks volumes.
Kevin T.
505: Classic lines. I could add too that but...
a) I would get kicked off the blog
b) My wife knows my handle and if she caught me busting on her she would put Visine in my vodka tonight.
Healy ... does that mean the egg or the chicken came first???? either way, Isles are laying an egg.
As far as rooting goes (and I've posted this before), I'm probably having the worst "rooting" year of all time. Besides rooting for the Isles, check this out:
1) Yanks fan ... another playoff collapse and Red Sox win title. Mets land Johan.
2) Dolphins fan ... absolute worst NFL team ever this year.
3) Knicks fan ... seriously, this team is so bad that a high draft pick won't even help plus Celts are so damn good this year.
4) ND - college football ... abysmal this year
5) SJU - college basketball ... abysmal every year
So, if not for the Yankees I would have been "committed" a long time ago. I need one of these teams to get their act together!!!
Coral
"she would put Visine in my vodka tonight."
Shaken (not stirred) with a little Red Bull and you've got a poor man's HDTV.
New lines for tomorrow night:
Park - Comrie - Guerin
Tambellini - Nielsen - Comeau
Bergenheim - Colliton - Fedotenko
Hilbert - Vasicek - Hunter
Tambs and Frans did not receive nearly the amount of ice time they need last night - in fact at the 10 minute mark of the 3rd period Tamby only have 8:10. As s