On the Islanders Beat

Don't even tell me that it will be someone other than Comeau. I mean I think the fans have chirped enough. Keep on rollin Isles. Tough win last night. Joey Mac, maybe he has learned to win from his brief stint with the red wings, none the less keep stackin the pads. Sorry to say but I think Bailey will be going back unless they do something with Comrie, or somebody else on the roster not alot of room.

Who will get the callup? Speculation? I have been hearing a lot of buzz regarding Trevor Smith, although Comoeu seems the likely choice.

It's gotta be Comeau ... Right Wing for a RW (Okposo)

NOOOOOOO SILLINGER NOOOOOOOOOOO....STAY ON THE DISABLED LIST PUHLEEEEASE DON'T COME BACK

Hey!! I'm back. Been eating BIG MAC Crow all day in honor of JMAC. He has turned my opinion about him from useless backup into very serviceable NHL goaltender. Good for him. It's nice to finally see a Garth Snow signing turn into something better than anticipated. Another notch for Snow.

And Dougie Weight scores the tying goal !!! Wow !Another great signing by Snow. This guy rules on the PP. Exactly what we were missing last year. Snow does it again.

Neilsen with a beautiful shot to win the game!!! Who signed this kid and beleived in him. Who gave him a four year, one way deal. Right, our star GM Garth Snow. Hooray, again for Snow.

All three top players in last nights win were signed by Garth Snow.
GM for life.

It's a great day to be an Islander fan, with our excellent GM, Garth Snow............Sir William

With my current track record I would not bet against Comeau. However, there is something that Gordon sees that he does not like about Comeau so do not be surprised if it is someone other then he.....SW

Candygirl gets the award for blow hard of the week. Listen gal, Sillinger has been a solid Islander , this teams craves leadership and he's a welcome addition. You are a pathetic clown.

Seriously CM what are you talking about. Silly had 14 goals in 52 games last year. I know hes slow and isnt the best playmaker but this guy is gritty and knows how to play. He missed 30 games last year and was what, 7 goals shy of the team lead? No reason for the bashing, you're so wrong.

Sillinger is needed for one reason alone. We need someone who can win a face-off. Y'all may not have noticed, but we are getting killed on the draws.

Comeau MUST be the call-up.

If I am a clown, then I am a Candyclown. See how that works? 7 Goals shy of the team lead of what 22 goals--yeah what a huge accomplishment. Merrick is the only 1 with a valid point--faceoffs. But is it worth it to dress a guy simply for faceoffs?

My disfavor of Sillinger mostly has to do with how the worst coach ever used him last season--1st line minutes and plenty of PP time. As of now, Sillinger is old and slow and has a bad hip.

Anon, isles09, all the Candygirl lovers out there....who are you willing to bench for Sillinger?

Still blowin hard,

-Candyman/Candygirl/Candyclown

Personally, I would like to see Sillinger retire and take Gallants place as coach. He has been a loyal Islander and certainly given his best effort to this franchise. He would be a great teacher for the young centers (especially Frans) on how to win face offs. My guess is that he is well liked and respected in the locker room and would make a great addition to the coaching staff.

If he still thinks that he can play in the NHL then perhaps he will step in when Bailey goes back down. If Bailey sticks with the team then Sillinger will probably have to be moved as I don't really see what roster spot would be open for him.

I have really been impressed with the play of Tim Jackman this time.
It appears that he realizes that the time has come for him to make his move. His skating has improved dramatically and he plays every shift like it's his last. He may not be a great fighter, but overall there is no comparrison between him and Fritz. This guy can play hockey and can chip in for more than 41 seconds. It is also nice to see that the guy busted his butt in the offseason to improve and that it has paid off for him.

Now, if only Tambellini could get going. The kid must be grinding grooves into his stick handles by now. If he could only get that first one, maybe the floodgates will open for him.

I'm hoping for 4 points from the next 3 games. Progress is continuing and things are definately looking up......Sir William

Love Silly....a true warrior....one of the great face off men in the game (Brinda'mour).

Alas...
Silly, you are in your late 30's. Recovering from a serious hip surgery. What's it been? 8 months or so?
Do you want to reinjure that hip and risk walking with a cane the rest of your life?
Move along, without pain, become a coach. Work with Bailey and Neilsen.

Just my opinion.

Hmmm two respected posters agree conmigo...

Maybe I aint so pathetic after all....although I am a wee bit of a clown, admittedly...

SW has a point...he the Isles decide to send Bailey down, then there's a spot for Silinger...but that's about it...

I was gonna say he can have Hilbert's spot, but actually I think I'd rather have Hilbert....

Nice ideas above about Silly's leadership...would make a great coach....but I'm guessin we'll be forced to see if the old goat has anything left in the tank...tbc...

-cc

Everyone should read Botta's blog entry where he interviewed Canucks and scouts about Gordon's system post game.

Very enlightening.

Other teams and scouts praising our lowly and much maligned Isles???

I am looking at the upcoming road trip of 3 games in 4 days as the first bellweather moment for Gordon's system.

Jersey is a very winnable game since Brodeur is gone.
Would like to see our kids put 4 or 5 goals on the board, and play strong with a lead.

Sabres game on Saturday SHOULD have a little edge to it, as Lindy's Puffs kinda embarassed our boys at home earlier in the year.
Monday against the Habs will be the real test.
Will there be any juice left in the legs, hearts and minds??

I'm with SW on this.....4 points would be more than an acceptable perfromance on this trip (Does NJ really count as a road trip?)

Let's Go Boys.....Show Time.
We've been under the radar for awhile now.
Make a statement.

I'm in the camp where we should utilize Silly possibly as a player coach. He obviously has performed well enough in practices to earn a conditioning stint at the Bridge .... It might be beneficial to Bailey's development to send him to Windsor and go with a Neilsen, Silly, Comrie and Park center corps ... as much as Comrie's performance has been sub-standard ... I don't want the Isles to hurt Bailey's development ... I don't have a crystal ball ... but would it be worth it for both the Isles and Silly to risk it if Silly wasn't good to go??? I'm assuming they learned their lesson with DP considering what went on with him at the start of the season.

Can players still be player / coach? Arbour was at the end of his playing career.

Sillinger still has something as far as I'm concerned ... but he's got very very narrow margins or error. Hopefully playing 3/4 of a season is good enough.

I'm going to follow his progress at the Bridge to form a final opinion.

4 points is doable the next 3 games .... 6 points would be the bonus plan.

Oh ... and forgot to add Weight to the Center corps ... he's the main man. So we'll have Weight, Silly, Neilsen and Comrie playing between the press box and 4th line center when Park is used on the wing.

You regs no I love Silly.....The guy is a face off machine and always has his stick in the right place when we need a big gaol. In my opinion he was one our mvp's last year and our demise coincided with his injuries. (Not saying it was all b/c he was out alone!)

Look forward to him back in the line up. Will also prove a good coach plays his best players to WIN ! Good louck Silly.

Must say Comeau MUST get a call up sooner than later. If not explain to the fans WHY our best kid from last year is not with the team while they are re-building.

Devils is a big game to win.....Sabres is a tough one in that they beat us 7--1 and the team looked the worst it ever has. Montreal is asking alot.

Actually going to the Bruins ~ MTl game this weekend with some friends from up here.....Canada here I come !!

p.s Snow blows !

"know" I love Silly....Sorry

Tim Jackman gives this team an edge and a spark that has been lacking since Webb and Cairns. It's not only about fighting - Webb didn't actually fight very much - as much as upping the intensity and firing up his team (and the "crowd"). Jackman is a classic example of a guy whose value is way above any specific skill he has. I hope he's here to stay this time. They need him.

What have been the reasons specified by Gordon regarding Comeau? I think he would fit this system perfectly. Give it a whirl.

I like Jackman's play a lot in the past two games. We must see a bigger sample before handing him the keys.

definitely has given the team a boost.

How come no one is talking about Sim ??? This guy has been a ghost since game 3.......He started out with FIRE and being a good pest....Now he is just a clog in the system.

Posted by Steady | November 19, 2008 10:41
How come no one is talking about Sim ??? This guy has been a ghost since game 3.......He started out with FIRE and being a good pest....Now he is just a clog in the system.

Sim's problem may be the knee. He may have hit a wall as far as quickness and drive for extended periods. After the initial rehab and recovery, those can come and go for a while, and that is the biggest part of his game. There's no problem with the guy's heart or guts. He may just need more time, or he may never get it all back.

Holly Marjorie Eileen Chapple is going to be one let down little girl.
Nothing says love that starting her off on the wrong foot.
Plastic clear heels and a love for BonJovi is all your giving her.
By the time she's 2 the Islanders will be a memory.

I know a lot of fans would like to see Comeau while Okposo is gone for the week, but I would like to see Mike Iggulden, the Sound Tigers leader in goals, and points come up and play a few. He's listed as a center but he also plays right wing. Not sure if the Bridge will do that, but with the best record in the AHL, maybe a just borrow him for the weekend.

a bunch for GM's around here. wow...
why don't one of you give coaching a try?

Netminder,

I think the call for Comeau by many of us right now is simply to get a chance to see what Gordon didn't see in him as pertains to "the system".
Cuz, based on what I saw of Comeau last year.....I just don't see it.

See what I mean?

505

You know you've been on this blog enough times when you can actually read, and understand your comments, and have a good laugh. But yes I do know what you and many are trying get across. I wouldn't mind seeing him either, but the same system is playing down there as well, and to be honest he's not scoring goals down there either.He's got 2 goals in 13 games. Now granted he's got 9 assists for 11 points in 13 games, and he may be improving.

This question is for everybody:

Why not give someone who's having a real impact with the system try it up here with the Parent club?

Netminder:

Couldn't agree with you more. While everyone appreciates Comeau's effort and hardwork he has not proved he can score on level he's ever played professionally. 2 goals in 13 games at Bridgeport playing on the second line. Also he's only +1 for a team that rarely loses. I'd much rather see Iggulden or McClain, both are averaging more than a point per game and we need all the offense we can get.

Disagree disagree...many players can be prolific scorers at the AHL level but can't hack it at the NHL level....see the careers of the Ferarro twins or Jeff Tambellini, etc....Comeau is an important part of the future of the franchise and he needs another look...he proved last year he can hack it at the NHL level...Iggulden and McClean are journeymen in their late 20s and have never been able to score at the NHL level before...the people of Candyland have spoken....we want Comeau...

Just a thought, does anyone think the Isles have enough to trade for Jay Bo from Florida? I think he's a fast defender who could fit in with Gordon's system. Anyone?........

Anyone see Lundquist PULL HIMSELF from the game tonight ? Never saw that before from an NHL goalie.....Basically quit in the second period after getting shelled by the Vanucks.

Not a very classy move from an all star player.

Kings can't quit can they ? Beheaded maybe, but not quit!

Rangers received a little whoop ass!

Anyone realize how awsome Frans Nielsen has been lookin???

I could care less that the Rangers won or lost last night....I cannot BELIEVE no one is talking about the fact Lundy QUIT after getting shelled and skated off the ice.

If DP did that it would be all over the news......That is BEYOND unprofessional.

I see what you're saying, but I don't think it's that big of a deal. The Queen actually did his team a favor last night. He didn't have it and took himself out and Valiquette shut the door the rest of the way giving the Rags a chance to come back. I think it was sorta honorable that the Queen was willing to take himself out for the better of the team.

Now if that were DP, he would have never taken himself out--DP is so stubborn he would rather play hurt and get shelled (see DP's premature start to this season) than admit he doesn't have it or is not ready. Maybe the Queen thought his coach wouldn't take him out b/c it would embarrass him, so he avoided his coach having to make a tough call by doing what was best for his team on his own. Just my take, even though I can see it your way too.

I guess.....I just feel as a leader and an All Star you do not do that....He looked like a cry baby. Not to mention he took himself out during a FULL 2 minutes remaining on a 5-3 PP for vancouver.....Kind of saving his GAA if you ask me !

That is not the first time Lundquist has pulled himself. He did it before a few seasons back and they made a big deal of it then. Supposedly it's not that unusual for a goaltender in Europe. I guess they're used to it now. I personally think the guy is a bit of a headcase.

Looks like Fritz is coming up for the Devil game. I like the move I think this team needs to get a few things established this season and one of those things is they will not be intimidated like they were last season. Jackman fights but he's not a heavyweight .Could also be Gordon might think Sutter is still ticked off about his son? I just hope he gets more than 47 seconds of ice time. Let the 4th lines go at each other.

Good pt Stead I didn't watch the game, I just saw the box score. So I really had no context to when he decided to take himself out.

Isles beat reporter Greg Logan will be live on Sports Talk tonight at 9PM on Long Island's 90.3FM.

STEADY ET AL....In European hockey it is considered a good practice to pull yourself from a game if you feel that you don't have it that night. This is how Lunquist was taught and he was only following long standing European tradition. I have no beef with him for doing what every European goaltender was raised to do since midget hockey.

I may despise the Rangers organization, but you have to see reality for what it is. Lundquist is a great goalie and I wish he was an Islander.

Are there any Dmen posting here? Time and time again I see Campoli and Gervais reversing the puck behind the net like it was an egg they are afraid to break. The oncomming forwards almost always get to the puck first because the second D man or Islander forward can't get to the puck in time. Campoli is especially careless about this and turns the puck over constantly.
Anybody else pick up on this or am I the only one?....Sir William

I will pay closer attention to this as it hasn't jumped out at me. One thing I do notice in terms of turnovers is that Bergy is very prone to giving up the puck. He does have hands but it seems sometimes they (and his decision making) can't keep up with his speed and enthusiasm.

Excellent post SW. I too can't stand the Rags but man do I wish we had Lundqvist. Him and Luongo (who gave up 3 last night and looked shaky at times) are the two best in the league. I have no problem with a goalie taking himself out if he doesn't have it that night. Steady, I see your side with removing himself before a 5 on 3 but I really don't think the guy was worried about his GAA. If that were the case you'd think he want to stay in and lower his GAA for the game from 10.00 to 5.00 if he shut them down the rest of the way.

SIR WILLIAM asked about anyone playing Defense.

I recently switched from forward to Defense because I'm 42 playing in a league with a bunch of 22 year olds who are pissed they didn't make the bigs! My mind is still fast enough, but my body is not so fast anymore...

Anyway, I think Campoli is a keeper. His style reminds me of Sillinger and I think he'll be in the league for a long time. As far as Gervais, I barely notice him. Maybe he doesn't jump up in the play as much or something. On the specific play of passing behind the net, I think it must be an adventure on the poor ice. So I don't blame them for looking paranoid.

Generally a good Defenseman can be spotted on the break-out. The Defense position is like a Football quaterback when you are breaking out of your own end. If there are no blockers (positional interferance) and/or nobody is open for a pass, you have to scramble. As soon as the other team can get the Defense to turn back to their own goalie, the Defense are vulnerable. Good defenseman, like Streit, know how to escape pressure and never look panicked.

Coach Gordon's whole game is based on pressuring and wearing down the Defense of the other team. Same idea as Football. When it works, it is the Islanders that should be able to take over the game in the 3rd, not the other way around.

Kevin T.

Interessante Informationen.