Give Ted Nolan some credit for his nerve. The franchise goaltender is the one with the 15-year contract, but Nolan refused to base his decision on that when he chose to play backup Wade Dubielewicz ahead of Rick DiPietro against the Rangers Thursday night at Nassau Coliseum.
The Islanders suffered a 4-1 loss, but the score included an empty-netter, and in the end, the defense broke down and the power play went kaput, leaving Dubielewicz to fend for himself just as DiPietro has been forced to do much of this season. Nolan risked messing with the head of the goaltender the Islanders are built around, but he reinforced the chain of command and his coaching prerogative to act in the best interests of the team.
DiPietro’s mediocre stats since the All-Star break suggested he needed an extended rest to refresh mind and body. He made 14 straight starts until the unfortunate death of his grandmother necessarily forced him to take time off to grieve with his family and to attend the wake and the funeral.
The way it works out now, DiPietro will have had a full week off plus two full practices and a pre-game skate to work out the kinks before he returns to net tomorrow night in Philadelphia. And to listen to Nolan after the Rangers loss, the last 13 games belong to DiPietro, barring injury or poor performance.
“Now, he’s got two practices,” Nolan said, including today’s session, “and he’ll run with it from here on in.”
DiPietro felt he was ready to go Thursday against the Rangers, but he handled it well when Nolan let him know what to expect Wednesday morning. “I don’t think Ricky’s self-confidence is ever in question,” Islanders goaltender coach Mike Dunham said that day. “He’s proven he’s one of the top goalies in the league. He wants to be out there every game, but this just gives Ricky a couple more days of practice.
“Ricky went out there to practice [Wednesday] knowing, and he worked hard. That’s a sign of maturity.”
Not only has DiPietro looked sharp, but he sounds good, chirping at his teammates in an upbeat manner. “The biggest thing was seeing him fresh mentally,” Dunham said. “When you’ve played so many games, sometimes, a mental break is all you need.”
As Dunham noted, DiPietro’s All-Star game start for the Eastern Conference might have been an honor he coveted, but it didn’t afford him any time away from hockey. The Islanders were coming off a loss at Boston before the break, and when the season resumed, their losing streak grew to seven games. Dubielewicz gave up two goals in the one game he played in that stretch, and DiPietro allowed four goals in five of his six losses.
“Every goalie goes through a period where you’re not at 100 percent,” Dunham said, referring simply to DiPietro’s effectiveness. “Ricky’s played a lot of games for us, and sometimes, the best thing to do is to go back to keeping things simple, getting out on top of the crease and just tracking the puck.”
During his break, DiPietro has been reviewing tape with Dunham and working on the basics. Asked if the time off might be good for him physically, DiPietro said, “You can look at it two ways. I mean, we’re kind of getting down here to the nitty-gritty. This isn’t a time I want to take a rest.”
Reminded how well he usually plays after a break, DiPietro said, “I guess. I’ve been in the All-Star game, and I really haven’t had a chance to get much time off. I’m just trying to stay sharp. Maybe at the end of the day, it will be good that I was away from the rink for a couple days. We’ll find out.”
If DiPietro’s stats don’t improve, it will be a big surprise. At the same time, Dunham said goalies can’t be judged by stats alone. Sometimes, there’s no accounting for the unpredictable bounces that take place, and sometimes, their job is to serve as the last line of defense for a team that has given up 14 short-handed goals, which is four more than the next-worst team in the NHL and plays havoc with a goaltender’s numbers.
Despite sitting out the past three games, DiPietro has made 59 starts and should easily surpass his previous high of 63 set two years ago. Injuries limited him to 62 last season. DiPietro is a superbly conditioned athlete, but he underwent hip surgery last spring and has overcome a sprained knee and a minor injury to the other hip this season.
He aspires to match Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur as the Cal Ripken Jr. of goaltenders, but you have to wonder if Nolan and the Islanders need to take a more conservative approach with DiPietro’s mind and body. On an emotional level, DiPietro runs more hot and cold than the even-tempered Brodeur, so, more regular rest might prove beneficial in helping him maintain a high level of play.
A 65-game season sounds about right. But try telling that to DiPietro.
“Marty’s not a good role model,” Dunham said with a laugh. “He plays 75 games a year. He sets the bar very high. Having said that, I like to see Ricky in there all the time.
“Ricky is so competitive that he never wants to say he wants a night off. He wants to be the guy. That’s what makes the great goaltenders. They want to be out there every night and give their team a chance to win. Circumstances, with him having to go back home, provided that [break]. Whether he wanted that or not, he got it. The biggest thing for us now is to turn that to our advantage.”
ISLANDERS INSIDER: For the full-page version of Islanders Insider, including a segment about the development of prospects from Bridgeport and an injury update on Jonathan Sim and Mike Sillinger along with other entertaining tidbits, please click here.
Comments (112)
Continued from last thread
Not much more to say aside from what everyone's been saying. I will however admit that Aaron Johnson really disappointed me. He let Avery get to him early, and that's basically the equivalent of not stopping my dog the first time he tries to hump your leg - he'll continue to do it with increasing intensity for the rest of the time you're around. Johnson needs to step up on the mental side of the game, and until that happens I want to see Drew Fata out there instead.
Merrick, looks like we're in for the same sentence - I'll be in Philly, section 212.
Sometimes I feel like Nolan is completely mindless out there—as if his coaching decisions were based on a video game’s knowledge of the Isles. Hear me out…
1. In a video game, the PP lines and PK lines are predetermined. It doesn’t matter how many times a strategy fails or the players fail, the game still rolls out the same lines with the same strategy. Sounds a lot like Nolan.
2. In a video game, a player’s ability and skill will stay the same throughout a season. A Blake Comeau video game version could never be more than a 4th line player. However in real life, kids mature and improve and make a case to be considered for top line minutes. Yet Nolan still treats Comeau like a scrappy 4th liner.
3. Along the same lines, players’ abilities can deteriorate over a season in real life (although this doesn’t happen in a video game)—take Hunter for example. In a video game, Hunter (a former 25 goal man) would see top line minutes and ample power play time. Yet in real life, Hunter has lost his scoring touch and is now more of a checking line winger. Yet Nolan continues to employ his video game logic and continues to roll Hunter on the PP over guys like Comeau, Bergenheim, Tambellini, all who are young creative players that could help us score.
4. Lastly, in a video game, you have a depth chart, so if a defenseman goes down, the next defenseman in line will be called up. For the Isles, that defenseman in Aaron Johnson. At the beginning of the season, AJ was the 7th d-man waiting in the wings. Now it seems no matter what happens, AJ will always be the next man in, just as a video game would always insert the 7th defenseman. However, in reality, Drew Fata has proven to be a more effective choice yet is still further down than AJ.
My point is that many times throughout this season I have seen Nolan take the easy way out—making the mindless decision. His ability to get the most out of mediocre players is a great asset for a coach. His teams work hard and they mostly like playing for him. However, there comes a time when some basic hockey understanding needs to be considered. It’s pathetic that I would trust every AHL team’s 5 on 3 ability over that of the Isles.
Good post Candy. This goes back to the kind of reporting inquiries, we asked for earlier in the year--e.g., the fans want to know why...?
Now a Coach can roll his eyes, especially someone like me with no history of playing ice hockey, but at least give us an answer.
There's a school of counseling known as SBT--Solution Based Therapy. In essence, it says at some point you have to push the psychobabble aside, stop navel gazing--and simply stop doing things that don't work and do more of what does work. In marriage, it means for a guy to stop trying to unsuccessfully beat logic into his wife's head and acknowledge the emotional needs your wife is seeking in lieu of logic--even if it totally defies the guy's conventional approach and sense of how things should operate. Why would a scientist continue to pursue a cherished hypothesis with the same experiment over and over again if he blew up his lab every time. It's ego over objectivity.
Alas, even the great ones can succumb to their own ego, And to me, Nolan rolling the same guys on the PP is example of a guy determined to prove hge is right, while blowing up his lab every time.
Nick, I think I'm in the corner in 205. I hope top do the Philly daytime educaitonal tour with my son. He wants to bring a bag to wear over his head--and I told him it's okay, but only on the PP! So look for the bagmen when the Flyers take a penalty.
Merrick said: "Why would a scientist continue to pursue a cherished hypothesis with the same experiment over and over again if he blew up his lab every time. It's ego over objectivity."
A perfect analogy. I love it.
Merrick & Candyman .... I have to agree with you ... especially when it comes to experimenting with the kids.
I'll give Nolan this much ... he has done a lot .. with very little ... or as our esteemed fellow poster Steady put it ... Nolan is trying to make Lobster Salad with a can of cat food.
That being said ... Nolan has been given a few fresh new ingredients ... but he has yet to push them and use them. Maybe what he sees in practice doesn't give him much confidence in using them? Who knows?
I'm grateful that we are still talking about making the playoffs with only 13 games to play. Because with the injuries and what we had to start with for a roster really didn't have me all tingly for the cup back during training camp.
The Isles are in dire need of a top 5 pick .... and they are just too good to be landing that low in the draft order ... they may just squeek into the playoffs ... if they can solve Philly ... they have to beat Philly in the 3 games left agains them .... that can be a 12 point swing.... and of course the other games matter too ... the Isles have a few light games thrown in there ... and we know that Nolan is going to stick with DP and his Vets ... but I really think we are going to sink or swim with the kids ... the Vets keep us around 500 ... which will not do it .... the kids could push us over the top ... and if the Isles PP can go a respectable 80% over the balance of the season ... they have a shot.
Merrick ... that was classic with the bag over the head bit. Your kid is a riot.
After listening to Wang on the FAN yesterday ... I have to say ... it took me several years ... but now I'm convinced that Wanger really has no clue on what it takes to be a Stanely Cup Champion ... even though it stares him in the face every time he walks down the corridors of NVMC.
What does he see when he walks down those corridors? He sees pictures of a collection of some of the greatest players ever ... and definitely the greatest of their time to play the game.
The Isles never would of been able to accomplish that without the 4 main players (Bossy, Trotts, Potvin, Smitty & Smitty), and 8 really huge supporting players that IMO are better than anyone we have now (Nystrom, Gillies, Tonelli, Goring, Bourne, B. Sutter, D. Sutter & Morrow) ... not to mention the others in the core of four ceremony that Wang got to meet.
I wanted to shake him. He told M&MD that he expects to win the Stanley Cup every year ... or else why be here. Why be here? Being there is to win ... but in order to win ... you need to assemble a champion ... not hope to win ... Hope is when you have no control over and outcome .. but hope that the outcome results in your favor.
Expecting to win and wanting to win are two different things. I want the Isles to win the Stanley Cup ... I don't expect them to win the Stanley Cup. I root for them to win the Stanley Cup .. but if they don't .. I will not be shocked.
If Donald Trump owned the Isles ... losing .... would never be an option.
DT would of had the TOH's and Nassau Cty's approval to re-build NVMC 5 years ago.
DT honors the military and would maintain that same tradition that the Isles keep in honoring vets.
DT would probably move the Isles minor league team to Atlantic City or some other town of noteriety .... like Brooklyn ... LOL!!
DT would probably put his initials on the Isles logo ... or at least on the sleeves of the Isles jersey. LOL!!
DT would probably have the BEST NHL minds managing and coaching the Isles .... and we'd have more GMs and Coaches in 3 years than in the entire history of the franchise if there were not any championships.
DT would have his Trump logo on every puck.
DT would be reviled as much as George Steinbrener is in Baseball.
DT would assemble a winner in less than 5 years.... and then the Isles would be a year over year nemisis to the rest of the NHL
You guys know I like Nolan. I think he is bringing the kids along at a snails pace on purpose. If the MEts diod that with Strawberry and Gooden, Mets would have more rings....I realize MLB is different.
My only question is this....WHO REPLACES HIM ??? We already have no talent. You guys really want to start with a whole new philosophy also ?????
WANG needs to either sell the team or open his vault and get a true hockey mind in here....HE IS A BOBBLEHEAD!!! He sits up in his bat cave and wines and dines asian business associates. He broadcasts his games to ASIA, yet cannot get a team worthy to listen to in LONG ISLAND!!!
**Clueless rags fans....If you truly want the Isles to move one day.....THAN YOU ARE NOT A HOCKEY FAN.....That is like a Yankee fan saying he wants the Red Sox to fold.....FREAKING CLUELESS !!! YOUR OWN BOARD HATES YOU PEOPLE !!!
p.s How come you guys talk smack to the Devils??? We have won 4 cups, you bought one, and then they won 3 CUPS.....Seems like the Rags are the middle child....Which explains all of you trolls !!
Steady .... it took me a reallllly long time to come around about Wang ... I don't know if it was because I was out of touch .. or if I just believed he surrounded himself with people that really knew what they were doing .... and my only negative thought of him was that he was too loyal to mad Mike Milbury.
Now ... after seeing several of his speeches .... and the PR wall that surrounds him I have been able to see through it all.
Yes ... he loves Long Island ... Yes .... he's an industrious and intelligent man. But!!!!
He truely has no idea of how to run a hockey team. Do you notice that most of the teams in any sport that have owners meddling into the day-to-day affairs of their clubs usually are failures .... with a few exceptions of owners that know the game.
I think that Wang's alterior motive right now is to put forth an ambitious Light House project. ... I hope he succeeds .. because it will help the Islanders ... but ... why is it taking soooo long??? Maybe if he put together a more modest renovation of the NVMC with a few added modernized elements and event centers on the grounds would of gotten faster approval ... I can't believe the whole project has been held up because of the height of the light house building and the improvement of infrastructures like water supply and sewage ... What does all that have to do with the coliseum? Nothing ... it is his ambitious goal of having the Light House Project in his vision.
I just want a nice modernized NVMC and maybe like a Dave & Buster's type venue and what not there. Maybe he should scale down the project in order to get the center piece pushed through... that to me is the arena. Leave it open for future development .... he seems to be taking an ALL or NONE attitude.
That is why I put out the sarcastic .. and lampoon version of the Isles organization if it was owned by Trump...
Speaking of lampooning ... I loved your Revenge of the Nerds comparisson.
Steady, I would not get rid of Nolan, but that doesn't mean I can't question things I don't like or don't understand. And it doesn't mean that he can't become an even better coach. All of us can improve--and all of us are vulnerable to standing pat when we should chnage--or being too hasty to make changes when a little patience is in order.
I also recognize that he may truly believe the kids are his worst option on the PP. If so, he should say that and/or answer why they don't get a chance when nothing else has worked. From my perspective, they should get a chance because they really can't do much worse and it's good experience. When he says Tamby needs to work harder to get in position to get shots like those he had in the shoot-out, is it just possible that he could find himself in that position more if he played on the powerplay?
The coaches can tell the fans to go *&^* themselves, but I don't think that's the way to go. All I'm asking for is some explanation beyond, "We're putting the guys on the ice that gives us the best chance to win." I'd like to hear more than that. On the flip side, if Nolan believes in his heart that getting into player evaluations in the media is detrimental to the fabric of his team--he should say that too and place the responsibility on his shoulders for the results. But IMHO, that still doesn't absolve him from answering why Comrie gets 19:30 minutes of ice time while Bergie gets 10.
Not much to say about last night because I am not coming in here to rub salt in wounds. It has got to be frustrating for you guys. After all we are NY sports fans. Life doesn't get much frustrating after stating that.
I am just going to offer up some thoughts as an outsider looking in and you can tell me what you think or if I make any sense.
Mr. Nolan:
I think you guys have a great coach there. If the Isles make the playoffs the guy would have to at least get the nod for Coach of the year. That being said, if the Isles don't make it I don't think you can take much from the guy. He needs the pieces to make the team thrive. Its no surprise and I am not throwing stones it has been said here and all year. The Islanders are a team full of average players that play their a$$es and win games. He needs the talent, if he gets it in the coming years the team changes big time.
Mr. Wang:
Billionaire and a Genius. Has admitted he does not know jack about the sport. (see sumo wrestlers as D-men...lol). But, my hat goes off to this guy as well. He is not quitting and he is trying his hardest.
Mr. Snow as GM is where he went wrong for me. As well as telling Mr. Smith he had to answer to a committee. Is that committee still the final say so on hockey operations? He needs to get a real track record GM in their and had him the hockey club and sign the checks.
Attendance and all that is thrown around often between the two teams fans and it's pointless in my mind. NY fans spend and support when the team shows up. If not they watch on the TV it happens at the Garden too. The credit goes to the Islanders organization for trying though. With all the promos and stuff they do to get the fans to come back and start filling the seats.
As for moving the team. I never want to see it happen that would be a sad day for NY and the NHL. I do feel however that the reality is that before the Light House project is approved or whatever we are going to hear about the Islanders moving. Politics got to love it! But, I see the same Pittsburgh situation happening here. This all waits til the 11th hour to get done. The Isles aren't there yet. But, If Wang can't get this done to better the team, the Island and the organization what options does he have?
What Merrick said.
Didn't say fire, just said he needs to learn a thing or two about how to try new things, and not always make the robotic choice.
I agree Merrick.
When it comes to the kids though, I think he is handling correctly. Do not rush them and crush their spirit. Keep them hungry! Keep them motivated for more ice time. Force his hand !
Will be a VERY interesting off season. Do they try the same cat food salad again? Do they over pay for REAL talent? Do they go completely with a kid movement?
All I ask is for an entertaining team. This years team does not COMPARE to lasts years team in terms of excitement.
Other than Bergy and the kids line, they put me to sleep.
Mookie: Agree on almost all accounts....How about the fact the ISLES ~ RANGERS rivalry has become kind of boring. Thank God for Witt and Avery....Without them there is no SPICE !!! Where are the brawls? Where are verbal blasts in the paper? This rivalry needs a playoff series to spark it back up !
Long time reader, first time posting
The fans who question Ted Nolan’s coaching choices do not give him enough credit. If it weren’t for his motivational skills the Isles would have been out of the playoff race by the All-Star break along with Tampa and LA.
The days of the Islanders rushing their young talent to the NHL during the dark ages of the Milbury regime are thankfully over. It would do no good to place the recent call-ups on the PP, PK and give them first line minutes.
1. They need to earn the quality minutes
2. When they fail in a primarily role and are later demoted to the 4th line or Bridgeport it shatters their confidence and slows down development.
3. Sean Bergenheim; Nolan has brought him along slowly and he has now earned more minutes/responsibility and playing with confidence.
If the Isles had the next Crosby/Ovechkin currently playing on the 4th line; you would have noticed it in 8 minutes of ice time along with Nolan. Unfortunately that is not the case.
What really creases me.....The B's are in a tail spin and with a decent past week, we could of caught them. They are getting blown out nightly !
Pilon,
No question Nolan is a great motivator and this team might be worse off with out him (I think I stated that above).
That said, I think time on blogs like this are better spent pointing out flaws in the coaching strategies/decisions in hope that someone reads them and gets the message to Nolan.
So if someone like myself were to point out things Nolan could be doing wrong, that is not to say he isn't doing anything right. Ya dig?
Yes, I'm a fan of the Rangers, and of hockey in general.
No, I dont think Potvin s0cks, I think he was great. I just think Leetch was better... ;)
That said:
1. Nolan's moves were compared to those of a video game by one fan. If that's true -- then wouldn't even a video game started a team's franchise goalie in the biggest game of the season?? Nolan went on guts -- Dubliewicz was good, score could've been worse -- unfortunately, the Isles lost. But you know what? We wouldn't even be talking of the Isles and playoffs this late in the season if not for Ted Nolan. (As good as Tom Renney has been, I wish Nolan were the coach of my team!)
2. I think Wang needs to recognize that the results on ice are what trickles down from the top (Like Reagon-omics?) Why Neil Smith was sacked and HOW he was sacked is beyond comprehension. Neil Smith would love a chance to stick it to Dolan and Sather -- and what better way than as a successful and winning Islander GM??? Wang is rediculous. For all his good intentions (yeah, everyone wants to win the Cup every year), he's clueless, and maybe worse than Jim Dolan.
3. I do NOT want the Islanders to move anywhere, and I think the Coliseum is a cool rink with lots of charm. I'm sure most Rangers fans feel the same way. If they dont, that's just @ssinine to me. Even as a Ranger fan, I respect Islander tradition of those 4 cups, because that Islander dynasty is one of those once-in-a-lifetime things of perfection we all aspire to.
4. Keep your heads held high, Islander fans. Your team, talent issues, and injury issues aside work their butts off. I HATE when my Rangers have to play them. In addition to the four cups there were a lot of great moments: 1993 Playoffs, 2001 Playoffs... Turgeon, Lafontaine...
5. Kick the Philthy Flyers butts next game!!!
Lets go Rangers!
Mookie ... thanks for your constructive and 3rd party input. As always a classy and accurate post.
I think Nolan has to get a pass no matter what. I have to belief his judgement based on the fact at how far he's gotten this team. True enough they can't score to save their lives ... he found a way to eek out some victories ... admittedly a lot of that is because DP stood on his head at times too.
Wang ... well as I stated before ... I started losing my confidence in him to create a championship potential organization. The first salvo of that confidence came when he fired Smith, and La Fontaine took a hike.... it didn't sit well with me. However knowing he's a successful businessman I looked at that as an anomoly.
Lately his statements have me kind of on edge. The blind optomism is getting old. There comes a time when a realistic evaluation of one's self has to be inititated. Merrick laid it out pretty good on one of his previous posts.
Also ... a famous quote .... which I believe has been mentioned numerous times on here ... "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result"
Snow: I'm debating with myself on whether the Isles should let Snow stick around long enough to even make the 1st round pick. As I've said before .. along with others ... personally I like Snow ... I'm just not sure he's ready for all this yet.
The players .... well ... we know already ... mediocrity.... other than DP there are no players on the current roster that I'd pick in the top 30 of all players. Heck ... I wouldn't pick any of them in the top 50. DP I think has played way to many games for the amount of shots and traffic he encounters game in and game out. I'm also starting to think that part of his down turn has not only to do with a minor nagging injury ... but his spirit being crushed by the mediocrity ... some of his great efforts were laid to waste by lack of scoring. So maybe he's trying to conserve himself more ... or is getting lulled into mediocrity by his surrounding teammates ... just a theory.
TRB,
Fair point. And see what does that tell you. When Nolan continues to make the robotic choice, it doesn't work. And when he goes out a whim, it doesn't work. If he just sat back and used his head every now and then I wouldn't have as much of a problem with him.
We will try to kick the junk out of the Flyers. But not for you. ;)
Isle in NJ,
I agree Nolan should stay. I just wish there was someone more up on his case.
True Ranger Blue ..... well put ... and pretty accurate assessment.... Obviously you can tell that you are a REAL HOCKEY fan.
I don't talk much about other teams .. because I do have less insight but I've seen enough of the Rangers this year and years past to be able to judge them. I'm not a fan of theirs obviously so I don't praise or criticize them much because I care more about what the Isles do, and less about what other teams do. I can only wish that the Isles do what they can to stay competitive with the other 29 teams.
I think the Rangers have a solid roster and mix of youth and veteran talent. I think Sather gave the Rangers and their fans all he could under the circumstances. The Rangers may be a AAA coach away from being a top contender for the cup ... but they still have the ability to surprise ... because anything can happen in a 4 game series ... and Ottawa has ceded the conference monster title to Montreal ... with Pittsburgh, and New Jersey knocking on the door. The Rangers are in the next catagory just below that with Ottawa, Boston and Philly ... and all of the above had some streaky moments .. so it's a real crap shoot .... This is one of the reasons I want the Isles to go full throttle and make it to the playoffs .... because even they have a shot with the way the conference has been sifting out this entire season. Unfotunately I think the Isles peaked at the wrong time ... and their peak didn't last long enough. DP is the key for the Isles.
Wow, Ranger and Islander fans peacefully co-existing on the blog! Who woulda thunk?
More importantly, Isles have one HUGE problem ... Wang loves his Snowy. Let's face facts, dumping Smith and hiring Snow was an over reaction on Wang's part. And now we're stuck w/ a GM who is 100% learning on the job. Sure, he tried like heck to get Isles "over the top" last year w/ the Smyth trade. It didn't really pan out (considering all that has happened) and I'm sure there wasn't an Islander fan alive who wasn't excited by the move (at the time). That being said, Snow is certainly not some hockey guru brainiac that is the "next coming" in GM speak. He was a mostly career back-up goaltender and while I can appreciate his knowledge for the game that certainly does not make him GM material.
Now, for better or worse, we are stuck w/ him. Wang is loyal to people he likes and I sense he really likes Snow. There is no way he'll fire him and find (what we all know is needed) a better "hockey man" to run things. So, we're now stuck in some kind of "hockey purgatory" where we won't be an elite team for a good number of years (top FA's won't play here, NVMC is a mess, no top flight goal scorers) but we won't be a bottom feeder either (Nolan motivates the "lower level" player, we have adequate but not great talent in our farm system and young kids, we have DP who occasionally "steals" wins).
So, what to do? The only way we get a Crosby or Ovechkin or Malkin or Kane is to be horrible (which is beyond our reach w/ the type of fighting, scrappy team we have) and the only way we can go to the next level (win a playoff series and eventually a Cup) is to have some "elite" players on this team (which we haven't drafted and can't seem to attract).
Hockey purgatory .... man, this blows.
Isle in NJ - I don't come for the nonsense and never have. This is the most I have posted here in quite some time. I figured with the Rangers and Islanders playing I could talk for a bit. Otherwise I stink the Islanders post up with Rag talk. lol
I am convinced that Snow was the dead wrong choice and agree with Isles Bri that the team is probably stuck with him. Which I think hurts. But, who do you replace him with? Nolan is a great coach especially for the Islanders team where they are now and the team they have. As the team gets better he will shine.
I got questions and I don't want to take too much time with old news but, how did you guys feel about Simon and MAB going for picks? Also getting Davison?
Another thing I see is that the Islanders have about 20M maybe more to spend this summer. Alot of RFA's and some UFA's.
Is throwing the league max at say Hossa a start for this team to build something bigger? Is it an option?
Getting rid of MAB was the best move in the history of hockey since we got Goring.
Getting rid of Simon had to be done from a pr stand point, but he needed to be replaced by a true goon.
Getting # 3 was the worst pick up since Gordie Lane. He is out of position, he cannot skate, he does not play with fire in his belly, and he does not throw the gloves.
**We got some good kids. Good, not great. I think Bergy will be a very good player that plays with an edge. Our defense when healthy is good. We need a QB on the PP and we will be fine.
Fire Snow, Hire a true hockey mind, send Wanger to a computer conference for the whole season, fire Howie Rose, hire me, pick up a couple of TRUE 1st line players, and let's get this bus going in the right direction.
Other than that, things are perfect. :) :) :)
p.s Very Classy Ranger fans on here today !!! Mookie you need to post more often.
Hi Guys,
AS to last night:
I think Dubie played a good game again. A breakaway and a guy standing alone 10-15 from the nest and another standing on top of the crease. Not Dubie's fault and certainly not Nolans for picking Dubie to play.
As to Nolan:
He is going as good a job as possible with the players he has. Comrie wants to be a 1st line center then he needs to be a whole lot more responsible with the puck. Sometimes he looks like he is in a world of his own.
As to Smith:
As I recall he wanted out first because he couldn't have complete autonomy. I may be incorrect on that.
As to Snow:
He has not done a bad job IMO. Salary cap is good to acquire a talent and we have some OK players. Again, a point we all forget is that these are highly paid professionals. They should have some pride. If the PP is not clicking they should be working on that themselves and give input to the coaching staff to get it better. PP is not difficult set up shoot and go fr rebounds by out numbering the opposition.
AS to Wang:
Of course he doesn't know much about hockey. He shouldn't. That;'s why you hire people that do. Saying Donald trump would have a rink already is silly. he is not able to get a restaurant built right now.
Now the biggest thing it's easy to guess at what is being doen or what should be done without all the knowledge. we really have no true idea what goes on behind closed doors.
thanks for leting me have a few more than two cents.
Back to 2 time zones away......
I am beginning to seriously question the trade deadline swap of Davison for MAB. I paid very close attention to Davison all evening. The guy is lost. Frequently out of position, hesitant to take a body, is NOT AFRAID of trying a blind pass. He didn't show me a damn thing.
At one point I was tempted to go down and rip his jersey off. At least MAB brought us SOME OFFENSE.
I can't find anything good to say about Davison.
YET.
And I am now convinced that Johnson sucks as well, cuz my brother likes him.
Bring Fata up.
What can be said about the Powerless Play that hasn't been said....at least we didn't give up any SHG's last night. CLOSE!!!!
but no damage.
Kid's please??
I only counted 2 shifts for the kid line in the 3rd period.
THAT JUST AIN'T RIGHT.
ESPECIALLY when the other 9 dwarves (except Bergie) are stinking up the ice.
But the pizza at Borrelli's was as expected. Nathan's -SOLID..
Deli's ---OUTSTANDING.
Ranger's? SUCK---but congrats----I am 0-2 over the last 12 months vs the Rangers.
Mookie,
Here is my take to your question:
1) Hated giving up on MAB.
2) Very happy Simon is gone, however we do need a real enforcer
3) Davison has not impressed so far, he's got till the end of the season because he's a UFA.
4) They would have to overpay big time to Hossa, crazy money and years. Id rather they make a play at Huselies or Ryder, maybe even Rolston.
I know this mindset was frowned on a few weeks ago ...but ...I think it's all time (and it seems like we're all almost there) to realize what this team is going to do - which is nothing soon.
That being said i'd like to bring up the fact that the Isles are 4 points ahead of Atlanta for the 3rd worst team in the league. Now, there are some other teams in the way, but picking 3rd (or maybe getting a miracle and winning the lottery and picking #1) would really help jump start the farm system. Not only would they pick high in the 1st round, but also in the 2nd. And since the draft is so stacked they could probably get great players in the 1st three rounds.
I'm sure some will not like this thought ...but what would be better for the long term?
AZS -- I agree. I am so tired of our organization being poor in talent. We'd have to almost run the table at this point to make the playoffs, so these are probably meaningless games. To me it is SO much more important to get those high picks in a deep draft. Of course I am not going to root against the team, nor do I think they should tank it intentionally (an absurd idea that no professional coach or athlete would ever entertain), BUT I won't be heartbroken if we finish up poorly and get the high draft position. It does depend on HOW it happens though. If DP plays well but our anemic offense continues to be anemic, I can live with that, however painful to watch. On the other hand, I don't want to see us lose because Ricky continues to play poorly. That would bode ill for his future and that of the whole franchise.
To reiterate, so I don't get flamed (or denounced by Islander516/631/505etc.): I am rooting for the Islanders every time they play, as I have always done. I am not rooting for them to lose, or to throw games. HOWEVER, if we lose, I can live with it because we desperately need to restock the organization with talent.
Can you believe I'm headed to the rink in an hour? These &^^%$#@ Tournaments!! Kids will be half a sleep.
I have a lot to say .... LOL!! Shocking eh? LOL!!!
I have 3 games to asst. coach today ... but I'll be back home for a lil bit .... to summarize before I go ... I fully understand AZS and KH's feelings .... I'm halfway there ... I'm more for the long term viability of the club than an illadvised 10th place or 14th place overall finish. I'll go more into that when I get home for a few hours later.
Nick, it's 216.
Let's put it this way....... that April 3 game at the NVMC against the Rangers will not be fun if you are an Islander fan. If things contiunue to go the way they are, it will basically be a Ranger home game.
I agree KH,
I'm certainly not "rooting" for them to lose either, but if they lose tonight I'm certainly not going to be nearly as upset as I would be otherwise. And your points about DP were right on and I agree 100% ...
Plus,
I just came to a realization to one of the many reasons rooting for these team can be rough on the fans ...
I mean we can't do anything right ...
This is a year where the Isles were picked to finish dead last by many people which would have braught us a 25% chance of winning the draft lottery and picking Stamkos (though I'm sure we would have drafted some obscure checking center from Nolan's old team who has a ton of "grit, character, and heart"). We can't even lose right ;-) ...ofcourse they'll finish too high to pick him ;-) ...but look at Chicago ...they finished 5th (the final spot in the lottery) and one and have a nice little player to show for it ...
Who knows ...was just thinking about it ...
Agreed on the points from KH and AZS - I want to see this team advance from its current state and not be mired in mediocrity. Getting Stamkos, Beach, or Wilson (had another assist last night for streaking BU - when this kid fills out he'll be something special), or even Drew Doughty, who projects as a stud defenseman, will go a long way toward re-establishing the bare talent pool of this franchise. I still think the talk on firing Snow is premature, because even a Ken Holland, Brian Burke, or Dean Lombardi would have difficulty to undo the damage done by our dear Milbury in TWO SEASONS...As impatient as we all are, it's tough to understand the long view, and that's what Snow appears to be taking. A little patience...
I'm on the same level as KH....I want this team to win, and I wouldn't be driving to Philly in an hour and a half to see them play if I didn't want them to win (Merrick - Section 212 Row 14 - I'll have my DP jersey and my Lighthouse hat). However, I also want this team to win the Cup and contend for it for many many years, and I realize the work and sacrifice a team must endure to become a contender. I would take a losing streak if it meant picking high in all rounds of this draft and acquiring players who could maybe help us hoist the Cup in a few seasons, because that's what I want. I don't just want the playoffs, I want to see this team win the Cup, and the cupboard is sadly bare on all levels.
As for tonight's game, I have a thought process on my feelings. One of my favorite Belgian beer bars in the world is in Philadelphia, about 6 blocks from the hotel where I'll be staying. If the Isles win, I'm going there to celebrate by drinking my face off. If they lose, I'm going there to drown my sorrows by drinking my face off. Seems like a good system.
Isles fans -- here's the problems as I see them as an outsider:
1. Free agents dont want to play ojn Long Island -- particularly TALENTED free agents.
2. Wang will not fire Snow any time soon. Snow must be grateful to Wang for his GM position -- Snow has to be a "yes" man in return. Someone like Neil Smith, who has the credentials of ending 54 years of futility on Broadway (if you can make there, you can make it ANYWHERE) would NEVER be a yes man to anyone. This is likely anethema to Wang's dogma.
3. Even though the talent level is low, by virtue of having such a great coach who has been making chicken salad out of chicken feathers this season, the Isles will finish too high to get one of the highest draft picks.
4. That said, there is a lot of young talent here: Esp. Tambellini. Fast, good hands, speed, and will get dirty in the corners. Comeau. Coltion. DP (of course, already an All-Star).
5. If Wang wont fire Snow, and if free agents wont show... hopefully Wang and his business/hockey associates will fortify the scouting department and build via the draft. Hopefully Snow doest trade away the future McCabes, Berards, Chara's, Redden's, Jokinen's, Luongo's, Connolly's etc....
Like Winston Churchill declaring that democracy is the worst form of government--except compared to all others, the best thing the Islanders have going for them is other franchises. You don't think Leafs, Habs, Bruins, Blackhawk, Caps, Thrashers, Rangers, etc. fans have not been pulling their hair out over the years--even if they have had better overall teams at times? So, to a lareg extent, especially in a cap era, there is hope.
Nick 216 Row 12--white fishsticks jersey (season debut).
Nick ... Merrick ... Enjoy the game guys .... That building can be tougher to watch a game in as a visiting fan than MSG.
This game is more important than any of the games vs. the Rangers ... and if / when they win ... everyone will be behind them pushing for the playoffs ... because if they don't make the playoffs .... every win is another step towards mediocrity ... the Isles current record is way above what they truely are on paper.
------------------------------------
I'm going to throw out a theory that was stuck in my head at the rink this AM ..... Free agents really had no problem signing with the Isles in the Wang era when the $$$$ was put out there. This past summer was the first that publicly I know of some big fish took less to play elsewhere.Why? Is it the Smith firing / Snow hiring thing? The building? All of the Above? or None of the Above? Not that we'd ever really know. Just something somebody asked me what I thought of earlier ... and frankly I can't answer it.
Good point goislesgo105 ... Devils are not only first in the division now .... they are first in the conference. That long climb from last place to first place. Brent Sutter also deserves some credit ... Yes ... he has Broduer ... but the Devils lost some key personnel last season .... and they don't have the most offensive talent in the NHL .. but they prove year after year that they are a great "team" builder.
Tonight's game for the Isles will pretty much determine the Isles fate ... they can't keep losing and splitting 3 point games and expect to make the playoffs. So tonight I'm rooting for an all out win in regulation.
Then they better go on a good streak .... or they might finish just shy of a playoff berth. Then drafting 14th ... will get them a good player ... b/c it's a can't miss draft ... but .... keep in mind ... everyone else drafting in the top 6 to 20 are getting a player of similar caliber. The top 5 draft picks ... especially #1 ... are cream of the crop blue chip can't miss prospects. I wish we had LA's and Tampa's picks .... ahhhhhh ... one could dream ... that would be a 1-2 punch.
Well ... back to the rink.
The Islanders mgmt aka bobbles need to make ONE key signing !!!
ONE !!!
No one in MLB wanted to play for the Yankees in the 80's b/c of Steinbrenner. No African Americans wanted to paly for the Red Sox b/c of the environment in Boston. No one at ALL wanted to come to Shea and play for the Mets in the 90's !
All it takes is one key guy....Mets got Piazza and other followed. Then they got Pedro and Delgado/Beltran followed. Think Shea is nice ????
All the Bobbles need to do is make one HUGE SIGNING....Once that happens others will follow. The player needs to be a stud, well liked, and have pull.
Can the bobbles pull it off ??????
Steady,
Looking at the current UFA list.......I don't see that guy out there.
Hossa? that's about it.
Agreed. Did not say that guy is there next year, but that is what we need! :)
To be honest, Hossa doesn't do it for me ! Very talented, but does not look like a leader!
Awesome ...my 1st imposter ...I have finally arrived!
There are so many people to thank ...
First, I have to thank my fellow posters ...you guys are fun to talk hockey with
Second, I have to thank my parents for pointing me in the direction of the NY Islanders ...my life is better because of that choice ...
Lastly, and most importantly ...I have to thank the Ranger fan whose using my name and his parents. Without his parents decision to get wasted and not wear a condom none of this would be possible ...thank you ...
thank you all ...
LOL AZS...The funny thing is his fellow ranger fans think he is a loser also! Hamilton Islanders.....Better chance of seeing Ron Duggay win a cup!
**Anyone see the Bruins vs. Caps game today ???? Caps are TOAST !!! They were up 1-0 with 6 mins. left and completely melted. Brashear pulled a Chris Simon move and got 6mins of penalties with 6 to go in the game. Then Potti got two minutes....5-3 and Chara came through. Then they got the game winner......Crushing loss for a team trying to climb back into it!
One thing I noticed though...Both teams played like it was for their lives....Fights right off the drop of the puck, cheap shots, tons of hitting, PP, etc. etc. etc.....It was playoff hockey....I HAVE NEVER teen this current Isles team play with the fire these two had today........We are so far behind these teams in physical toughness, that it is scary. Not to mention HEART !!! These teams bled today for a win!
Re free agents not wanting to come to the Island: That's why so many of us are working to help make the Lighthouse happen. I also agree with what Steady said... we already have Nolan, who players around the league already know is great to play for. We add one big FA stud (a real stud, not a Yashin) and others will follow.
OFF -TOPIC (Yankees):
I am not a Yankee fan, but if this story doesn't move you, you're not alive. It's from last October, but I didn't see it until today. One of the best pieces I've ever read in SI. Enjoy:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/10/03/joba1008/
Okay Boys and Girls.....
I have been nice to Steve Zipay all year....
That ended today..
I suspect he may, in fact, be the troll that infects both his board and this board....
I state my case on his blog underneath (at the end) "Ranger's sink isles, boston sails in", which is a deliberately inflammatory anti-Islander blog.
Catch my response before he deletes it.
Some people (trolls) simply cannot savor a win and move on.
505 -- Zippy the Pinhead is definitely a troll, and open about it -- most unapologetic homer of a sports "journalist" in town. I don't get "journalists" who don't realize it's embarrassing (from a professionalism standpoint) to write in the tone of a fan. And I don't know of any other sportswriter's blog in any of the NY papers that has that feel. Logan, the other Newsday sportswriter-bloggers, Adam Rubin of the Daily News -- all write FOR fans without writing AS fans. My solution to this problem is to never ever read Zippy. However, I will make and exception and look at what you posted.
oops, typo... "AN exception"
505 -- Good post, but Zippy doesn't care... in fact, I think he likes the antagonism of Islander fans. The people to complain to are the higher-ups at Newsday. Tell them you don't read him because he doesn't cover the team as a journalist but as a fanboy. I read and enjoy Lynn Zinser of the Times, Dellapina of course, and even Larry Brooks, who though harsh is, I think ultimately fair to the Isles and in any case interesting. Among the Ranger beat writers, only Z the P is a hack and a crashing bore.
Could the NYI's be more listless? Man, what a sad, weak team. Anyone throw a bodycheck? a fight?
I'm writing my swan song for the year.
Coming soon.
Exactly Right 105
It all starts at the top. We have NO 1st or 2nd Line players.
We have no enforcer.
Next year put the "C" on Witt.
Dump Guerin,Tank,Vas,Satan and get true TOP LINE PLAYERS.
Bergy and Hunter are the only offensive players that play with HEART. Park and Dilbert do also, but they are more role players. The kids are coming along.
FIRE SNOW.......SELL THE TEAM !!!!
p.s # 3 IS THE WORST !!! Anyone still want to argue? Horrible positioning, cannot skate, NO HEART, and can't fight! Nice pick up SNOW !!!!
scoring talent is not easy to come by. but, folks, hitting and fighting is heart. how vanilla soft is this team? and, this "hunter plays hard " stuff---i dont knock his effort, but, his checks hurt no one and hes average at best!
Tamby will NEVER amount to much either--another gutless puke.
golf season is here early. I love the commercials during the game that show Wit , Guerin and Comrie talking about tbeiung islanders and how "great it is". Do you think one of those guys likes it? Cmon, the fan base is tiny, the home ice is pathetic and frankly, no one cares except a few of us. Sell the darn team.
I can't argue with anything you said Steady ...but how about putting some of that blame on Nolan.
Now, I think Nolan is a master motivator and I'm glad he's the coach ...but why is it that Park and Hilbert saw so much time on the PP tonight? Comeau sets up the Isles only goal then the Isles draw a penalty ...that line should have been put right back out there for the PP - because they earned it ...but why do that when he can throw out 4th liners?
Plus, the kid line, which was the best out there IMO saw about 10 minutes tonight ...
Honestly, I can understand why some are frustrated with Wang - mainly for keeping MM around ...but how can anyone want him to sell the team? If it wasn't for him this team wouldn't even be here right now. I know people are angry, but lets not forget that fact. Lets not also forget that he's trying to build a new Colliseum - which will keep the team here forever ...