On the Islanders Beat

Went to post this on the previous thread .... but got that error ... so putting it here.
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The 3 point game ....

When I have a bit more time this late spring and summer ... I'm going to begin a campaign to lobby the NHL to get rid of the 3 point game. I'm creating a website for hockey fans of all teams to voice their opinion pro and con for the 3 point game. I'm going to even try to encourage companies with corporate seats to make their feelings known also.

I'm not doing this as sour grapes because the Islanders didn't make the playoffs .... they may not have had as much help getting the extra point as most teams did .... but even if they had .... they still wouldn't of made it.

I'm doing this because that extra point is a scam and skews the final standings and seed placement. The SO really makes it hard to value 1 point for 6 skates (sometimes more in sudden death) vs. 1 goalie ... and alternating turns to decided who gets awarded an extra point.

That 1 point difference negates what another team did in another game the same night that might of had a solid 4-1 victory. True enough ... every team plays under the same rules ... I'm not questioning the purpose of the 3 point game ... I'm questioning its value .... and distribution of points. Any team good or bad that plays in more tied regulation games has more chances of acquiring points.

Here is a scnario .... I'll even use our Ranger friends across town in this example.

Suppose the Caps and Sens were to play each other in a home and home in their final two games ..... Ottawa is 1 point behind the Rangers with 92 points and Washington is in 9th place with 90 points and only 3 points behind the Rangers who are in 6th with 93 points (Crazyyyyy ... isn't it?)

What if Washington beat Ottawa in a shoot out in both games? That would give give the Caps 94 points with 43 wins, and give Ottawa 94 points with 42 wins and if the Rangers managed only 1 point in their final 3 games .... it would leave the rangers with 94 points and 41 wins .... and depending on what the Bruins (1pt behind Rangers) and Flyers (2 pts behind Ranger) did in their final 2 games the Rangers could miss the playoffs in that scenario.

That would mean that just because Ottawa made it thru regulation without lossing that they get the nod over the Rangers because they'd be tied in points and have more wins.

When games go to OT in interconference games ... that 3rd point doesn't really mean anything to teams in the same conference as the winner .... because only 2 points were awarded against the conference standings.

Maybe only 1 point for a game should be awarded when teams go into OT... putting it to the other extreme .... this way it doesn't negatively affect teams placement in the standings when two teams from the same conference go head to head.

It creates the same urgency for teams to play hard till the very end without trying to sandbag and play for the point. I think originally the NHL began awarding the 1 point for OT / SO loss so that teams don't play too conservative at the end of a tied game. However infact I think teams play even more conservative with a small lead or are tied late in the 3rd period because they want to preserve the chance for acquiring at least 1 point... and go for the 2 points in the extra time / SO.

If a team thinks they will get ZERO points if they lose a tight game that goes to OT .... they will play really hard to prevent going to OT ... because they will lose 1 point even if they win.

Thoughts?

505,
must be....
could it be......
what is cracker jacks???????????
peace,

Wow according to 505 and crew, this is a huge home and home series for your celler-dweller team. Are you guys serious? Didn't your hockey season come to an end prior to Christmas? Rivalry or not, you clowns are sad. You honestly think Avery, Orr (if playing) or any other will drop the gloves with some young hacks you claim are good? And by the way, the word post-season should not be tolerated on the Islander blog, at least not for this year. Sean Avery and the Rangers have bigger fish to fry folks, and they are not wasting their time with you goldfish. You've been belly up since December! hahahaha

Hey Sam ... Get a nose job and a clue!

p.s As usual you trolls know NOTHING about hockey. This is not a big gmae for the Rangers? It never ceases to amzaze me how dumb you peopel are. Ummmmmm ever hear of playoff positioning? Get a clue!

Have fun tonight Kip....Avon Avery has NOBODY to hide behind!

p.s Anyone see the Flyers and Pitt game last night ??? WOW...And by the way Syd the Kid is simply amazing!

I guess we'll never get along :)

I for one am feeling probably the most conflicted about these next two games then I have ever felt. Two losses may mean a better chance of winning the draft lottery, however, two wins may make us the spoilers of the Rangers season.

AHHH!!!!

I can't root for this team to lose to the Rangers...but longterm goals are more important than the fleeting thrill of the spoiler.

I guess the only thing I can root for is that it doesn't go to overtime. (I think at least one of the games will however).

GO Isl...Ra...Isl..Ra... ack.

About the lottery draft ....

I've been given a suggestion from a teammate / Ranger fan the other night a lot of thought. I told him even though he has Kelly Kisio as his all-time favorite player that his idea actually is pretty good.

He's not even worried about the Isles' chance of winning the lottery ... he thinks the Isles injuries are more of a reason for their low standings ... but none the less he said they didn't have the depth to survive the injuries.

He suggested that the Kings, Blues, Thrashers and Lightning were defintiely throwing some of their games... he said it's brutally obvious.

He suggests that since it takes about 3 years to develop drafted talent to see whether they sink or swim that a 3 year point total should be used to set up the lottery for the bottom 14 teams .... and that it should also take into account team goal differential, players a team has lost via freeagency too... restricted and not restricted.

Now he wasn't drunk when he said this ... we all were drinking coffee while listening to this accountant's idea.... and I don't believe it was spiked. LOL!! But now that I think of it ... he's right .... it makes more sense .... and may not eliminate teams from throwing games.

It goes something like this ..... I'll ask him at the game later if I interpreted it right.

The 3 years have different value points to come up with the formuala for lottey ball points. The less points you have the more combinations you are awarded ... the furthest year = 3 points, the year before this year = 2 points .... and the most recent year = 1 point ..... this way it takes more into account a team's recent performance. You are only ranking the bottom 14 teams of the current year.

If team A finished 2006 with 90 points .... that would be 270pts .... finished 2007 with 82 points .... that would be 164 points .... and finshed 2008 with 60 points that would be 60 points ... for a total of 494 lottery points .......

Team B finished 2006 with 65 points for 195 points ... 2007 with 70 points for 140 points .... and 2008 with another 65 points that would give Team B 400 lottery points ....

If team A's goal differential was -20 ... over the 3 years it would subtract 20 points from it's lottery point total ... if team B's goal differential was -30 over the three years then it would give them 370 lottery points .....

And now to his weird FA lost / gained player scenario.

The production lost from FA's that left ... vs. production gained from FA's signed... he feels that if a measurable loss of total production from lost freeagents vs. their replacement players only via freeagency can be determined ... then that should be taken into account someone ... personally I think this is taking it way to far .... but I thought I'd include this in his recomendation since he did mention it.

Basically Team B in the above scenario would be awarded more lottery combinations than Team A even though Team A had less points in 2008 .... He feels that Team B's futility over a 3 year span is more important than Team A's recent futility and since the purpose of the draft is building a team with new young players .... that Team B should be given the best opportunity. It will also lessen the chance a team may mail it in to be assured a better lottery pick.

My arguement to him the other night was .... what makes you think a team will not calculate how many games it needs to lose in the current year to increase it's chances?

I posted this to guage your guys' opinions .... I now feel that maybe a modified version would be needed.

COME ON NOW!!! LET’S FORGET ALL THIS BANTER ABOUT INJURIES, NO ONE WANTING TO PLAY FOR THE ICELANDERS, 15 YR. CONTRACTS, RETIRING ROOKIE NUMBERS AFTER 2 GAMES…GARTH, TED MAKING MAJOR MISTAKES, FORMER ICELANDERS MAKING VINO, ETC..
WE NEED TO KEEP FOCUSED AND KEEP THE SOLIDARITY GOING FOR A METRO NY WIN AND DEFEAT OF THE DEVILS!!!
THE ICELANDERS SHOULD HAVE HELPED US THE OTHER NIGHT VS. THE DEVILS, BUT IT WAS NOT TO BE. WE SHOULD HAVE SUGGESTED THE “WRAP AROUND” AGAINST BRODEUR AS HE STILL HAS NIGHTMARES FROM 1994. BUT THAT IS PAST AND NOW IT’S TIME TO ASSIST YOUR FROMER CROSS TOWN RIVALS FOR SOME BIG NYC WINS!!
WHAT WOULD BE BETTER THAN FOR AN ALL NYC WIN THE NEXT 2 GAMES AND THEN TO CRUSH THE NJ TEAM FOR A TOTAL SWEEP OF THE SEASON!!
SO GO GET THOSE GOLF CLUBS OUT NOW ICELANDERS, AND GET THEM READY.. MAYBE CLEAN THEM AND THINK ABOUT SATURDAY MORNING…
THE SMELL OF GREEN GRASS, BLUE SKIES AND LONG FAIRWAYS, AND LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SUMMER DRAFT.
JUST ONE MORE FAVOR PLEASE.. I WANT TO ENJOY THE START OF MY WEEKEND, SO FRIDAY EVENING, CAN YOU PLEASE TELL THE ICELANDER LOOSER WHO WEARS THE COLORED WIG TO OUR RINK TO PLEASE STAY HOME AND CLEAN HIS GOLF CLUBS?? THANK YOU!!

Damn....Gillies and Patty couldn't launch this wine crap on a Monday???

Nad....
Cracker Jack???
WRONG!!!!
you owe me 2 beers.....YES.....

I'm up to 4.....Looking like a helluva Monday coming up?

HEY YONKERS!!!
Can you read me now?
I quit reading your post about 4 words in cuz apparently that long appendage hanging down in front of you (your TIE, dummy..you know..the one you purchased at the Family Dollar Store across the street from your home on S. Broadway) is stuck in the CAPS LOCK button on your keyboard.
But I give you credit....you are the FIRST person I have ever met that acknowledges that they are from, or live in, Yonkers.
Putting a handle on your name that admits you are from Yonkers is like a pound puppy wearing a sign that says.."Pick me, I am the runt of my litter"
Last I checked, the only worthwhile thing to emerge out of that morass of pre-Cambrian Darwin's ooze north of The Bronx was a harness racing jockey.

This post is for Dude, regarding his last post on the previous thread...

Sorry Dude.

I can buy many of the points you've made thus far. And I do understand your side of the Staal argument. And I really do welcome any Ranger fan who wants to respectfully discuss hockey. But your take on Cullen is dead wrong. Pure and simple.

Cullen had a down year with the Rangers after his big numbers posted in Carolina. But it was universally believed after the Gomez and Drury deals were inked that the Rangers HAD to deal Cullen because of the cap. AND it was universally acknowledged that by doing so they were leaving themselves vulnerable at center. I fully admit that Dubinsky has turned out to be a stud. I'd LOVE to have him on the Isles. But ON JULY 1, nobody was under the impression that he would be able to fill Cullen's skates. Not even close. Had it not been for the cap, Cullen would still be a Ranger right now. You said... "they absolutely were going to trade him before the season started." DEAD WRONG. Go back and re-read all the news reports and quotes from that time. Just FYI.

P.S. - Post here any time. Seriously.

Rags didn't even make PO's as of yet (still need 2 pts in the next 3 games), and some of their trolls talk smack already? LOL

Healy....

"I can't root for this team to lose to the Rangers...but longterm goals are more important than the fleeting thrill of the spoiler."

Eh....I'm could give a hoot about "spoiling" the Rangers chances....and the any possible changes in our draft position is relatively moot and unlikely to happen....

But, I am all about the HUMMER Metrosexual Ice Challenge!!
If the Isles can salvage a Hummer out what has been a fun, though disappointing, season right now....well......like I've always said....
ANY PORT IN A STORM!!!!

Steady.....

re- Mcdonald vs Dubie...

"On top of all that, if Avery went anywhere near his crease you will see this kids personality. He is probably the BEST FIGHTER on the ice. "

EXCELLENT POINT.

I agree Dynasty and I'm a Rangers fan. Will the Rangers fans on here spouting off about the playoffs please STFU!!!! You are Rangers fans, right? Do you know the history we have. Let's not count the chickens just yet. Let's first get in the playoffs before we are talking about postioning and all.

You know the Islanders are going to play hard and we've had a tendency to play down to the competition this year. Let's get in and then we can gloat, on our blog.

Cincy, I responded to you on the other blog

Hey Isles Fans! Check out New York Islanders Net! There are blogs uploaded daily and you can discuss the Islanders with other Islander fans!

http://islesnet.blogspot.com

Please feel free to leave comments and questions as the whole point of the website is to generate even more Isles talk!!!

Wow....
I just noticed that Sam Rosen joined us today...
(Nice response Steady....).
Sam, if you're still reading this board.....could you answer me a question?
Was it really Carol Kane who played the part of the fairy in the movie Scrooged? Or was it you?
Or did you simply take inflection lessons from her?
Cuz everytime I hear you say "It's a POWER PLAY goal", I am reminded of Carol Kane nailing Bill Murray in the face with the toaster..."Oh, look Frank, it's a TOASTER!!!"

Hey Sam....can you get me Trautwigs autograph?
(on a Health Form Release, right under the box that says DNR?)

505,

that was awesome, never thought of Sam's call that way.

Your welcome Dude...
Just another hockey world inanity that my pops out of my cesspool of a brain from time to time...
I stay out of the "my dad's better than your dad" discussions (ie Staal).
I was raised (sorry Steady) just after the Mantle Vs. Mays Vs Snider wars in NY (but DURING the Spy Vs. Spy Playboy battles...YEAH) and quite frankly am bored by the premise of the arguments trying to make one better than the other...Which is really no premise at all.
Anybody who reaches the basic level of achievement in Pro Sports is GOOD in some area of their game..some are better in certain areas than others.....but the fact that they are where they are means they are at least GOOD at what they do.
And to "rank" players so early in their careers, before many have been put through any REAL tests....is not fair to them either. And it's not even fair to "rank" them after they are done playing in many cases....
Ask me now who was better.....Mantle Mays or Snider and I will tell you....
'YES, all 3 of them were outstanding Hall of Fame Centerfielders"

Staal? Would love to have him on my team.
Dubinsky? NO BRAINER. In fact, very early in the season, one of the geniuses on Zip's board included Dubinsky on a list of players he wanted kicked off the team. I went on there and offered to buy
train fare on the LIRR out to the Island, hell I'd of paid for a limo or helicopter.
But would I give up a Comeau or a Campoli for them....Eh... I don't think so....Doesn't mean I think Comeau or Campoli are BETTER than them.....I just want 'em ALL on my team.

these little arguments that stir up, would you give up your prospects for our prospects are so silly.

we would never trade with each other anyway, so what's the point?

Dubinsky leads all rookies in the NHL in hits and the other night he took 14 faceoffs and won 11, the kid is solid, very very thankful we have him.

These guys that are obessed with goals and assists totals need to realize that those things are very imprortant to winning as well.