Starting against Ottawa tonight at the Coliseum, Josh Bailey has seven more games in which to lose an NHL roster spot he's already shown he has the skill level to handle. The Senators make a return visit to the Coliseum two weeks from tonight, and if I had to make a wager on it, I'd bet Bailey will be in the Islanders' lineup for his 10th NHL game, which would mean that, while he still could return to Windsor or play in the World Junior championships, the first year would come off his NHL entry-level contract.
Isles coach Scott Gordon couldn't have been more clear about where he stands on Bailey's position on the team at the pre-game skate today. Only 17-year veteran and former All-Star Doug Weight has more playmaking skill than Bailey on this team, Gordon said. Meanwhile, teams like Dallas and Philadelphia have three pretty good playmakers in the middle.
As much as Gordon liked what he saw from Bailey in rookie camp and the first part of training camp, the 19-year-old gave him pause with his performance in his first NHL exhibition against Philadelphia on Sept. 25 in London, Ont. "I almost felt like he wasn't ready because he seemed real tentative," Gordon said.
Bailey suffered the lower body injury in that game that put him on the shelf until he was activated to face the Flyers on Tuesday. Except for two offensive-zone penalties, he played well in that game, and Bailey took another step in Thursday's 3-1 win at Ottawa, assisting on a goal by Kyle Okposo and logging more than five minutes of power-play time out of his 13 minutes on the ice.
"What he's done is eliminated those thoughts I had in that exhibition game against Philadelphia," Gordon said. "He hasn't played at a junior pace. So, that's very encouraging. Whether he'll be able to maintain that through these nine games will probably dictate whether he stays here or goes back to junior.
"I think the bonus for us if he's able to stay here is that it accelerates his progress for next year. If he goes back to junior, granted he'll play a lot. But he'll play at a pace that he should be above. Then, it's a situation where he comes in next year and has to start over getting back into our system versus what they're doing in Windsor. If he's able to come in here and play at an NHL pace through nine games, at least we'll have a better read on what the right thing is to do for this year and next year."
Gordon said Bailey has an exceptional maturity level and the intelligence to adapt very quickly to the demands placed upon him. Where some 20-year-olds coming out of juniors would go straight to the minors to develop, Gordon said Bailey would be an exceptional talent at the AHL level right now.
Following his performance in Ottawa the other night, there was something about the way Bailey handled himself in the postgame interview session that gave me the feeling he sees himself as an NHL player now. So, I asked Gordon for his take.
"I can tell you the conversation I had in the third period," the coach said. "[Jason] Spezza and [Dany] Heatley went on the ice, and it was at a time out and Josh's line was going. He says to me, 'Do you want me to change?' I said, 'No, I want to see that you can play against Spezza and Heatley in a 3-1 game.' I can't evaluate a guy if I don't see what's going to go wrong. I've got to evaluate the guy with the assumption that he's going to do the right things, and he ended up having a good shift out there."
So, if Bailey already is the Isles' second-best playmaker, what's the argument to send him back to Windsor? "That's what we'll find out in the games," Gordon said. "If he clearly establishes himself as the second-best guy, that's what we'll have to base our decision on."
Lets' say Bailey passes that test. Now, the top three centers are Weight, Bailey and rookie Frans Nielsen. That leaves Mike Comrie (when his surgically repaired hip is stronger), Richard Park and Nate Thompson (when he recovers from a strained groin) as the players most likely to center the fourth line. All three also can play on the wing, as Comrie did during training camp when Bailey was healthy. If there's no dropoff by Bailey over the next two weeks, that's what will happen.
ISLES FILES: Any other day, the big news would be that defenseman Brendan Witt has been cleared for contact and is back practicing with the team. D Radek Martinek returns tonight from his right shoulder injury and should be reunited with his regular partner in another six days. Witt's injured knee will be examined by the medical staff before the game, but so far, there's been no swelling. It's just over three weeks since he was injured, and the timetable for his return was 4-6 weeks. Witt wants to make sure the strength is good, but right now, his goal is to return next Friday at New Jersey with the expectation of playing three games in four nights, including Saturday in Buffalo and Monday in Montreal. Asked if he might consider playing just two of those three, Witt said: "To me, if I can only play two out of the three, it's not ready, and I'm not going to put the team in that situation. I'd never do that." Hmmmmm, interesting…Here's what Gordon had to say about the five-game suspension D Thomas Pock received for the elbow he delivered to the head of Ottawa rookie Ryan Shannon: "I think the league has taken a pro-active approach. They sent out a FAX yesterday discussing Ruutu [Ottawa's Jarkko Ruutu, who received two games for a head shot] and Pock. They said here's two guys who aren't repeat offenders, and here's what the suspensions are. It brings attention to the fact Thomas Pock has never done anything like this and he's getting five games. I think Thomas got himself in a situation where maybe he panicked as Shannon was going by him and his initial reaction was just to stop him. It wasn't so much that he was trying to hurt Ryan. That's not his makeup. But in those situations, you have to have a little more caution."…Isles goaltender Joey MacDonald is set to make his seventh straight start tonight...Oops, almost forgot that former Mets and Yankees star Darryl Strawberry is dropping the puck tonight on behalf of autism awareness. This morning, he met Massachusetts native Gordon, who told him, "You broke my heart in '86.'" Strawberry laughed and said, "Oh no, not another Red Sox fan."
Comments (48)
hi
STEADY..........Who have been the tree most valuable Islanders so far this season?
STREIT.....25 mins a game on D and among the top 2 in scoring. Great PP QB and most likely the Isles rep to the All Star game.
WEIGHT.....Solid play up the middle at almost a point per game.
Great vet leadership and another solid PP blueline option
JMAC.....Solid in goal and has exceeded all expectations. Especially from me. He has played well.
All three were Snow signings. Perhaps Mr. Snow is sharper than you give him credit for. Waiting in the wings is Bailey who is looking better and better every game. I agree with Logan that he is here to stay. He is looking more and more like the steal of the draft considering how many extra picks came along with him.
By the way, Filatov is lighting up the NHL with his one goal.
And how good is Franz Neilsen playing? He may be a late bloomer, but he is becoming a solid two way center.
I said at the beginning of the season that you had to give Gordon at least 20 games to see if his system is showing any progress.
So far I lkie what I see ove the last several games. It looks like both players and coach are starting to come around and Gordon is beginning to relax behind the bench a bit.
It's not even 20 games into the season and 2 NHL head coaches have been fired already. And neither one of them hired Ted Nolan.
How come, Steady?............Sir William
B/c Nolan is the worst. Always looking for Nolan-type players and never letting the more skilled players take over. Nolan doesn't know anything about hockey and won't get a job for another 10 years. No wait, I take that back. His coaching days are done.
Definition of Nolan-type:
1. Nolan-type (adjective)
A hard-working, unskilled hockey player who can't help but stink on the ice.
A: We should sign those scrappy wingers because they are Nolan-type players.
B: Yeah, if you want to lose out the rest of the season.
A: I am a terrible hockey player with no team. Maybe Coach Nolan will take me if I can prove I am a Nolan-type player.
A: "I suck at hockey."
-perennial Nolan-type player.
The team has one two games against a club in turmoil, which is a bit too early to be praising 'the system'. Gordon is a minor league coach full stop and this 'system' talk is sham to hide the fact that the team is just not good. The reason he was hired was because he was cheap and will not stand up Wang or Snow, not because he was a better coach than the other candidates. Overspeed is nonsense, which is why noone has heard of it before. Forechecking without holding the defensive shape will not work just because you do it a bit faster.
To keep Bailey up for the rest pf the season to asess his play, which seems to be what Gordon is implying, is rediculous. The Islanders rushed the likes of Bertuzzi and Connelly into 'the star of the future but here today' role with inexperienced coaches and it did them no good early in their career and made them seem like the were bust deals for which they were traded. The same is happening with Tambellini, Okposo, and Bailey. They are not good enough to play in the NHL at this stage in their careers and giving them a go now will only hurt them in the long run. None of them are superstars and need to develop naturally.
To bash Ted Nolan means you have fallen for the Islanders PR scam to detract from the fact that the Islanders upper mamagement is a joke. Skilled players are like any other and are supposed to play, not take over a team. On top of that Ted Nolan didn't have many skilled players to work with. I'll admitt Chris Simon was given too many chances becasue of his personal relationship with Nolan, however if the current team core starts to progress it will be the aquisition of Ted Nolan type players that will provide the grit needed come playoff time.
SW- Bailey the steal of the draft? Lol...you are a total putz.
Streit will be the isles rep only beause each team needs a rep...not because he's an all star
weight--great leadership? From what do you deduce that? Team collapses often in third period..is that leadership?
Jmac--kids playing his heart out, but, Snow and Wanger have hinged our future on a guaranteed salary for 1000 years to an injury prone , tempermental, overrated DP.
Snow has proven zilch...we always want to see the silver lining--facts are we suck.
Above not me !!
Ohhhhhhhhh My God....Now your calling Jmac one of the Isles THREE BEST PALYERS !!!
THE FLIP FLOPPER at his BEST !!!
You are becoming a joke SW...You play both sides of the fence.
Try and deflect the attention all you want. When i make predictions I am DEAD ON !! Your prediction of TWELVE GOALS against....Another beauty !!!
Streit....Very good so far.
Witt signing with the same bad knee???
Guerin signing???
Dipietro 15 yr contract ???
Comrie signing ????
Smyth trade????
Draft ????
As for Weight...Give me a break. All he is doing is retarding the develoment of a kid who should have his spot and ice time....Not like he will carry us to a playoff spot.
The Isles have looked good the past two games...They are playing a team that will is in turmoil to say the least. Still happy for the team.
NONE of that changes the fact that Snow is the WORST GM in the sport and Wang is one of the WORST owners in SPORTS !!!
Bailey looks good as well...But should we not look again at him in three years and compare him to the players he was passed up for ??
This is hockey 101....I cannot keep wasting time teaching you this...
C.M - You are so far off on Nolan it is scary. Why does he not have a job ??? Well for one he is getting paid still.....Why does your boy TORTS not have a job SW ???? I can keep this up all day .....You keep diggin yourself deeper !!
YOU LOVE TORTS .... Why no job ????
FLIP FLOPPER # 12 !!! (12 being the goals Jmac our third BEST PALYER would give up, per the thoughts of SW !)
BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHA
For those of you who are putting the Isles down saying these two wins came against a team in turmoil I guess you have forgotten how this team has played the last few weeks and had games where they held 2 and 3 goal leads and lost or the 60 shot game against the Caines so flip a couple of those games around and this team would be above 500 right now. Considering they weren't a good team on paper going into this year on top of that some of their top players have been out of the lineup I would say Gordon has done an excellent job so far but I guess some will never give credit where credit is due.
Turmoil/schmurmoil, they still just beat an Ottawa team two games in a row, an Ottawa team that has ____ (fill in the blank) players who are better than any single player on our team. Something about the system is working. Now let's see how they handle the Vancouver Luongos on Monday night.
SIR WILLIAM!!! Im glad you finally woke up and dusted off your eyeglasses, and have finally realized the STELLAR play JOEYMAC has been producing...For a kid to come into the regular season as a backup, then suddenly be thrown to the wolves as DP got injured AGAIN, JOEYMAC has been a stud....
Also through the grapevine of knowing some people, i have continually heard that DP is a AROGANT, COCKY, SONNA MA!!! and that bothers me...Hes spent more time being injured and rehabilitating then i think hes been on the ice helping the teamout..Maybe making the ALLSTAR game really got to his head, and I am a huge DP fan, but before you can become AROGANT COCKY AND A SONNA MA, you need to prove yourself, which he hasnt by any means!!!! Even if you prove yourself, if still gives you no right to become AROGANT COCKY AND A SONNA MA!!!!
As for the 2 game winning the streak the ISLANDERS are on...Once again you must give the FIRST star to JOEYMAC!!!! I am very very proud of how JOEYMAC has handled himself in net so far...On a small negative note, he still tends to catch himself out of positions more often then he should, but he still seems to be making the saves... Im really liking BAILEY and OKPOSO together, baileys pass across ice to jon sim last night...if thats not a glimpse into the future of this kids CAREEr then i dont know what is....BAILEY's playmaking skills are very impressive in just the 2 games hes played...OKPOSO, man last season i bashed him on his skating ability, but i take that all back...Hes got speed and is really strong on the puck and even stronger in the corners....I really like what im seeing out of OKPOSO, his hustle and determination will def pay off as the season continues.
If we can stay healthy for the rest of the season, and if it were up to me, ID keep DP out the rest of the season to fully 150% recover from his injuries: i think we will have a very exciting season, even if we dont make the playoffs....I am really enjoying watching this team play compared to many recent years..They are fasters, more agressive, still not as physical as i would like, but just fun to watch, FINALLY!!!
BRING COMEAU UP!!!! and thats all she wrote..
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!
Steady ... c'monnnn mannn ... give Sir William a Break ... in all your Oracleness can't you see that SW was close to guessing that Ottawa would score 12 goals over two games??? The vision that SW had was a clouded vision ... but he was spot on over two games .... 1 goal ... 2 goals ... 1-2 .... 12 ... he's a novice level oracle ... so I'll cut him some slack ...
Hey ... SW .. don't ever say I never look out for ya ;)
Let's take it easy and remember its only two games, win tomorrow, and continue to play the same hockey and in a month let's see where we stand. What happens if Jmac continues to play well up until Dp comes back. Can DP slide in to the starter role and start stackin the pads, and then how does Jmac respond to playing once every two weeks? Can Eklund save his bogus trade rumors? Has everyone had enought of that garb. Don't see the isles movin or trying to trade for anyone? They don't do it when there are free agents in the summer(not that we have any signing ability right know without the new building) Plus not sure that anyone we want to get rid of is wanted by anyone in the league(veterans wise) Hey maybe they can shock some people and make some waves but I won't hold my breath, Bailey should stay, why send him back down, do we need to pad his ego, how much more can he learn, I can only see it if they think he should play for the world juniors. Go Isles, keep on skating
Jeez these comments are pretty crazy. You never know which of you is really you, and hysteria abounds regardless.
-Big Mac is doing everything anyone can reasonably ask of a backup goalie.
-Big Mac doing well is not a knock on Rick, its an asset. All of us have hoped for a backup that can play a respectable number of games so Rick doesnt get overworked- and it looks like we may have him.
-Plenty of Snows moves (Hunter contract, signing Streit, keeping Big Mac, picking Josh, picking Gordon) are looking pretty damn good.
-Gordon looking great doesnt make Nolan a scumbag.
-Josh Bailey is showing poise in NHL games that I hoped he would show a year or two from now.
OK ... Here is the deal on J-Mac as far as I'm concerned. J-Mac has been elevating his game and thriving in the starter role. He's actually the reason the Isles swept that Home and Home from the Sens.
I'm not so sure I'd consider SW's praise of J-Mac a Flip-Flop as much as SW's coming around to see J-Mac's Flip-Flop in play ... he's definitely much improved ... so I think SW might of been more a little behind the curve than Flip-Flopping... SW obviously can't deny JM's outstanding play of late ... Joey had to string together a few wins and the Isles play some winning hockey ... which he and the team has .... This goes back to the Flyer game on Vets Day.
I myself think that J-Mac has been getting better and better every game ... he's playing himself from what I considered a suitable backup role ... to a platooning starter role ...granted ... Ottawa isn't the same team they were ... but he did a good job vs. Philly too. I'm not saying J-Mac should get the starter job over DP ... but he's definitely in the postion to push DP ... and maybe J-Mac should get a good chunk of starts... after all ... he's starting to put up starter numbers on a team with an injured D-corps.
SW said give Gordon and the System 20 games .... he's right about that... I say SW should also give J-Mac 20 games .. then we'll have a decent composite of how both the goaltending and system work. Since the Isles are getting back a good chunk of their top 6 D ... we might actually tighten up some of those games and be less likely to blow a 3rd period lead.
Witter has to get used to the system again as it evolves .. so how quick he's able to get back into game shape and take contact in practice will determine how quick he gets back.
I also want to point out before we get all excited (remember last season?) that basically the only reason the Isles got 2 wins against Ottawa was because J-Mac weathered a series of storms..... 40 shots against last night isn't a testimonial for the system as much as it is a testimonial for some solid goaltending. Keep in mind ... the Isles gave up 2 goals in the last 6 and a half minutes... I'm not ready to declare their late game collapses a thing of the past.
I'm just happy to see their confidence building ... that is an important step as they adapt to the system.
I'm setting myself up for target practice here ...
Josh Bailey ... he looks good ... that is GOOD ... NOT GREAT .... but at the same time ... I couldn't ask more of Josh than what he's giving the Isles... But before I trip over myself to praise JB, I have to keep in mind that it's only been 3 games ... and he's just a rookie ... 6 more games to go before I have a chance to really see what he can or can't do yet.
You can definitely tell he sees the ice better than what we've had in the past regarding young centers .... his passes are fundamentally as close to perfect as you can expect ... I saw over the last two games that he makes accurate passes going at full speed ... or by keeping his head up as he works the zone he's in. His shot looks halfway decent but ... like I see in Okposo ... he's not using his shot enough. KO has a wicked shot ... and combined with JB that is a lethal combo in the works that we'll enjoy for years to come (as long as Snow doesn't screw it up).
I don't know if I'd say it's Josh's spot to lose yet ... I think there is still a huge benefit to Josh's development to captain Windsor .... he's not going to vault the Isles to playoff contender status this season ... He's only 19 and he still has a lot to learn. I think playing in the WJC will expose him to world class talent and will not be a waste of his development time. Also, captaining a team to a possible Memorial Cup title would be great for his resume and development... I think all that has to be weighed into the decision to keep or send him to Windsor.
Should Josh blow the doors off the next few games ... then really ... how can he be sent back to Junior? ... The thing is ... I think Josh is a playmaker ... without a finisher (unless KO steps up and lets go of more shots) .... how can he truely develop on the Isles? ... he also may get demoralized if the Isles go back on their losing ways. He definitely has a stong character .. so it may take a lot to get JB demoralized
I boldly predict that Josh scores his first NHL goal against a former bright spot on the Isles' future from 10 years ago.... Luongo. That just might seal his spot on the team the rest of the season.
STEADY...what is it with you that you can't give credit to someone who deserves it. That is not "flip-flopping" but rather having a player change your mind with his performance on the ice. JMAC's solid play has changed my thinking about him. Only a fool would continue to criticize the guy when he has played so well.
You continually bash Snow no matter what good moves he has made. This is just mindless bashing of the guy because YOU WERE WRONG ABOUT HIM. JUST LIKE YOU WERE WRONG ABOUT NOLAN. See everyone can use capital letters just like you. As if typing in caps makes your point any more valid.
The fact is that you made such a big deal out of Snow's moves that you can't back down now, no matter how wrong you turned out to be.
So, if flip flopping means that you are smart enough to admit that a players performance has been better than you expected, then I guess that I am a flip flopper. But better that, than someone who sings the same old tired tune no matter how wrong he turned out to be. Go back in your corner and play with your bobbleheads and sing your "fire Snow" chant. For the rest of us, things are looking up...........Sir William
SW--if you really think things are "looking up" on Long Island, you are a schmuck. The team is teetering on being eliminated from playoff contention by the All Star break, which we will have no voted representatives.
If you make many decisions, as a GM does, there will be winners and losers. But, based on the record on the ice, lavishing praise on Snow seems ridiculous.
Obviously, Steady thinks he knows everything--many kids are like that and he'll grow up eventually. Kudos on giving the goalie credit.
Anon I think you misread SW's point. Things are looking up b/c they cannot possibly get any worse.
Singing the Fire Snow song is a waste of time. I want to hear one move he should have made that he did not make or one terrible signing he made. Just one. What will firing Snow do? Will that really solve the problems on Long Island? And I'm the one who is "so far off?" I'll admit I'm wrong when Nolan gets another job. Aka I will never admit I'm wrong.
Steady keep singing your songs, your lullabies are putting us all to sleep.
Guys nobody deserves to get fired. The team on the ice is more entertaining and much more competitive than last year. Snow has made some bad signings, like overpaying for Comrie and Guerin, but lets be honest, nobody wants to play in an old building where there is NO fan support and 6,000 empty seats every night.
Things are looking up. The team is younger and getting adjusted to the NHL. They have been in every game except 2 thus far this season. Stop being so critical because I guarantee 90% of the people bashing this team cant do a lap around a rink.
MR. ANONYMOUS..........No one is lavishing praise on Snow. Just pointing out that not everyhing he has done has been bad. So far from what I can see the good outweighs the bad. The team is playing better and it is certainly more entertaining than last years snoozefest. For the first time in a long time there is reason for hope here.
Next time have the courage to identify yourself......Sir William
19 ISLES....You failed to count the touchdown that Ottawa had called back. They would have went for 2 and I would have been right on the money.
Man, how far has Ottawa fallen. ...Sir William
SW - But on review of the play ... it was clear that Heatley had one foot out of bounds when he came down with the ball in the endzone.
-----------------------
Yeah ... How far Ottawa has fallen ... geeze ...
Looking at the current standings ... How painful would it be to see teams like Dallas, Tampa, Ottawa, St. Louis or LA land Tavares at this next draft? Those teams are teaming with offensive talent (or talent in the pipeline) .... maybe they need goaltending? Who knows?
LOL- SW you a childish blow hard. Have the courage to identify myself? Is your real name Sir William? Are you trying to be a tough guy on a chat board? Did you watch one too many Bravehearts? Listen, if you like Snow, fine. Im glad someone does...the record on the ice, since his ascent, proves nothing on his behalf. If the Islanders flourish under Snow, I'll happily eat crow. But, in any event, lose the tough guy crap for the board please. It makes you sound like Steady.
Candy Man and Sir W aka #12 ~
You guys can bash me and my support of Nolan all you want....Bottom line he brought us to the playoffs with crap talent....He also had us in playoff contention for 80 % of last year......So all yo ucan do is compare what he did to what the new coach does.....Right now Nolan wins.
As for Snow...I NEVER give him credit ??? Well, I think I have stuck up for Jmac all year correct ?? I think I said Witt signing was good thing (even though now I may be wrong) the second it happened.
A crappy GM can still make good moves....That does not make him a good GM.....Comrie's toe drag works once every 10 times.....Does that make him a good player ???
I am 100% RIGHT about Snow being a poor GM I am 100%RIGHT about Wang being a MORON.....and NO, I am not always right.....But when I argue with you SW, I pretty much am.......Enforcer, Jmac, Draft, Who they would hire for coach, etc. etc. etc......
So keep Flip Flopping and have your little cronies call me a blow hard......Could care less....Proof is in the results.
p.s If you hate Nolan soooooooo much...Who hired him ??? If he was sooooooo bad for the kids development, than can we not blame Snowy for retarding their development ??? Hmmmmmmm.
p.s.s Still have not answered my question....WHERE IS TORTS ????? HE is the great coach you love...WHY NO JOB ???
Dude you're out of your mind. Love the logic. Nolan is a better coach b/c he took them to the playoffs and Gordon has not. Do I really need to point out the fallacies of that argument?
Comrie stinks, but that doesn't mean he should not have been signed. Now if Snow passed on some other better player by signing Comrie, you might have a point. But alas, you do not.
And finally, Neil Smith hired Nolan, NOT Snow.
Let's compare what Gordon has done with an injured team compared to what Nolan did with an injured team. I'll take Gordon. More competitive and the games are not a snooze fest like under Nolan. Actually Neil Smith had nothing to do with hiring Nolan it was Wang who hired Nolan.
tis true Isle27, they were pretty much brought on simultaneously by Wanger...but well before Snow arrived....but who cares FIRE WANG FIRE SNOW...or did I get that backwards? How does the song go again?
Aww you so cute Candy girl....With your lil funny play on words.
Go back to your FAILED blog my friend. Everything I have posted has come to fruition. You can not like my style all you want. Bottom line I have been dead on!
From the Smyth fiasco, to the Lafontaine exit, to the Smith GM embarassment, to the Nolan handling, to the giving up on youth, to the hiring of the coach. to the DP deal, to the lighthouse project, etc. etc. etc.
If you think me making fun of WANG and SNOW is poor judgment, than you are a FOOL !! They have made us the JOKE OF THE LEAGUE !!!
Do you HONESTLY think Wang is a good owner and Snow is a good GM ???? YES OR NO blabber mouth ??? Put it in writing for all to see ...... YES OR NO ????????? B/c when Wang pulls the plug on this team and slithers away, Iwill be ther to tell you I warned you ! He is a liar and a creep.
and yes, this is coming from someone who SUPPORTS this team unlike you and SW that gave up your tickets and all your other bs. I go the games from 300 miles away...I pay for 8 games a yr. You guys sit on your soap box and FLIP FLOP your way through life! Try to take a stand and STICK BY IT !!
p.s Do nto call him Wanger ... My line !
p.s Candy Man....ONE SIGNING that was bad by Snow ???
1) Comrie
2) Smyth deal which set this team back another 2 years minimum and made them look like fools on a national stage.
3) Traded away a top 5 pick in a can't miss draft.
4) The way he is handling Comeau
5) The waay he hadnled the firing of Nolan (right or wrong)
6) The way he leaked the problem with Dubie
7) The way he handles the media and injuries.
8) The coach he hired to be his puppet.
Give you some more later.....Enjoy your blog...I mean this blog.
CM - A GM cannot make a difference yo uall said in your post (after tyo uasked for one thing Snow has done wrong...LMAO)
Why are the Knicks better?
Miami Dolphins ?
Pats when Belechick arrived ?
Yanks when Stick Michaels kept the youth and built the team?
Red Sox when Theo arrived ???
To say a GM with a BRAIN and CONNECTIONS and a REPUTATION cannot turn around an organization is pure IGNORANCE !!!
Snow is here to be Wangers puppet....He is an insecure owner who needs people to be beneth him. Simple facts !
Pick on Wang all you want but I'm sure all these opinions are cause u are all capable of running the franchise better. The guy wants to put up his own mony for the new project. the yankees are supposedly taxing the people. Seems fair. Granted they are the yankees. I don't know seems like wanger's heart is in the right place. Snow hasn't done a terrible job at least he is attempting to build a winner the only way maybe possible right now and that is through the draft. look how many guys tampa signed this year and the coach is already out. I am definitly dissapointed at the franchise not mattering in forever but I am more excited then have been in awhile. Nolan kept the team competitive maybe so but his games were like watching paint dry. Don't tell me the team isn't more exciting now.
Everyone liked the smyth trade at the time so save it.
Seems like alot of negativity when we all root for the same squad.
here's a question would all you blowhards rather them tank the season for a top pick or continue at this place possibly have these young guys develop and make a playoff run? anything can happen! Don't tell me it isn't possible the east is not that dominant.
Steady: no offense man but you need to get off Wang and Snow. Its in every post for the last two years. You have to put in on the back burner b/c it the same thing.
Nice going comparing the Isles to big market teams who don't play in the shadow of a big market team like the Isles do with the Rangers and don't have a problem drawing talent like the Isles do. I think it's a little easier turning around a high profile big market team then it is to turn around a team in the Isles situation. Face it no matter who the GM is it will be hard to draw UFA's to this team right now and even hard to trade for top talent who would want to play here now and good luck finding someone who would buy this team and keep them here.
Isle 27 I agree it is easier to turn around the big market team as there funds and location make it easier. I wasn't comparing the yanks and isles but making a point about wangs willingness to foot the bill just to keep the club on long island. Granted the isles cups were 20 something years in the past but still is more successful in that group of years than most clubs. Its just been in the rearview mirror for awhile.
My comments weren't directed at you Mad
I go to every game. Can't question my loyalty. Not my fault that I live 10 miles not 8000 or however far you live. Wang and Snow? Really? Are they really the reason why we are in last place? Or was it MM who traded away our Stanley Cup team before it came to fruition? I'll give you that Wang is an idiot. Kept MM and wanted to get competitive too quickly and gave away perennial all stars.
You asked for my take, and here it is. Wang is a terrible owner with deep pockets. He is terrible in that he tries to dabble in the hockey decisions--an area he is not qualified to be partaking in. But we needed him to keep the team here for now. Regarding Snow, we do not know enough to judge him just yet.
Snow's apparent poor work....
1) Comrie - NO - helped the team stay competitive last year and the Isles had no one else to sign. He wanted to say here and showed some NHLers that LI isn't so terrible. Maybe convinced guys like Streit to sign, who knows.
2) Smyth deal which set this team back another 2 years minimum and made them look like fools on a national stage. - NO - Really? We gave up Nillson, O'Marra and 1R (Plante) for Smyth. O'Marra is a bust and it looks like Plante is too. Ok we gave up Nilson for Smyth, but it was worth it at the time and certainly did not set us back at all. Dream on.
3) Traded away a top 5 pick in a can't miss draft - NO - too early to tell about Bailey v. Schenn.
4) The way he is handling Comeau - NO - it's Gordon's decision to not use Comeau.
5) The waay he hadnled the firing of Nolan (right or wrong) - NO - Not a hockey related move.
6) The way he leaked the problem with Dubie -NO - Not a hockey related move.
7) The way he handles the media and injuries. - NO - Not a hockey related move.
8) The coach he hired to be his puppet. - NO - Jury is out.
0-8...find me one hockey move that he blew...just one...still waiting...a good GM can make a difference obviously...keep singing...Fire Omar...Fire Snow....great hockey perspective...Fire Everyone
love,
-candygirl
Isles27 -
Miami has not done it via big money. Mr. Parcells
Yankees did not do it via big money (Stick Micahel kept Bernie,Jeter,Posada, Pettite, etc.)
Theo did not do it via big money. He did it via youth and cagey moves
And by the way.....NO ONE use to want to go to the Red Sox. No one wanted to go to the DUMP Shea and they turned it around by drawing Pedro and using him via the Latin connections.
Bottom Line a GM can make a difference. A true hockey guru can draw FA's to Long Island. It is a beautiful place to live if you have $$$$. Listen to Peca's comments about the team and Long Island.
As for my Wang and Snow comments getting tiresome to all of you. Simply do not read them...I barely EVER read any of your comments. There is a select few that I read. They are my opinions and I write them.
Sometimes the truth hurts ! Wanger and Snow MUST GO !
Keep this in mind about Wang I think it was Al D'amato among others who pushed him into buying the Isles, once he did he let Milbury run the show because he knew nothing about hockey and got burned by Milbury. Now I guess he wants to be more hands on because of what happened with Milbury, however, what he needs to do is hire a legit hockey guy and let him run the show.
P.S. I love when you agree with me I am Candyman but when you disagree I am Candygirl. Any psychologists read this blog who care to give us a perspective on the implications of that "flip flopping?"
Fire Wang, Fire Snow, Fire Omar...Fire Everyone...never met anyone who loves to attack his fellow Isles fans quite like you...Fire Steady
P.P.S. I gotta say it's flattering knowing I'm one of the select few whose comments you choose to read. I take it back Stead, you've been rehired. Truce?
Funny thing is you copy EVERYTHING I write on the Mets blog.
Keep follwing the heard C.G ... Bahhhhhhh Bahhhhhhhhh
The fact you do not rip him for the Smyth deal ends this arguement. Too funny to continue.
Those three #1's could of ALL been used to get another player OTHER than Smyth that was signed for more than a 3 month rental....Does not matter how the three of them turn out...What matters is he got NOTHING in return.
As for the Comrie signing being the reason we got Streit...MY God are you lost...How about the fact we offered him almost double that any other team did ?? And YES, I still like the signing.
Keep babbling....Gives me a chuckle while dealing with this mkt.
p.s GM's are hired and fired EVERY DAY and in EVERY SPORT for what they do in regards to "unrelated" to hockey moves. Seriously, that is sports 101....Take a class !
And if Miami wasn't a high profile big market team Parcells would have never went there in the first place, no hockey guru is going to draw top talent to this team right now. Smyth was offered the $$$$ and left. The Yankees are the Yankees are you comparing the Yankees name brand a team who has the biggest payroll in sports to the Isles? The Red Sox??? Their fan base is all of New England and they also have $$$$ and brand name. The Knicks??? You have already declared their season a success after how many games? Try comparing the Isles to the Royals and Pirates and other small market teams.And if anyone ruined this teams chances of rebuilding through the draft it was Milbury not Snow.
Classic steady, ripping Snow for a move everyone loved when it was made, and finding some twisted reason to make it a failure. Mr. 20/20 hindsight aren't we? There's no use arguing about the Smyth trade, it's a long ways ago. There are arguments for both sides, but one side is undoubtedly not stronger than the other to the ends where my favor of that trade would "end the argument." You're lost dude.
Still waiting for the one hockey move...
I'm guessing you reject my truce offering?
Long time reader, first time poster. Steady - bash Wang all you want but in reality if he isn't the owner of the team today (or the buyer of the team in 2000), there would be no New York Islanders. This team would have already moved to another city or become the 2nd team in Toronto
So far the only move I think Snow flopped on was making Steady Freddy Meyer available on waivers where he was briefly claimed by Phoenix. Luckily he was able to reclaim him, where until he was injuried has been a solid dman. Other then that Snow has been pretty good at sticking to his plan of developing the team through the draft. Before you even realize you look back to this past draft and say, "I, Steady, am a retard for thinking Snow blew this draft"
I believe that Bailey will be quite the player and if only 1 of the addition draft picks we got from trading down pan out, it was well worth it.
The fact that Snow fired Nolan, proves to me that he is really sticking to his plan of developing the team rather then trying to do a patch up job ala the Milbury years.
Also I don't see Gordon as a puppet. I believe he is just as willing as Snow to actually build this thing the right way.
This is getting a little ridiculous. Why dont you start using some insight to what you're saying. Steady and CM, even if i agree with some of your points you complain so much about everything that its hard to even read it. We got a game against a good Vancouver team tonight, and instead of talking about something relevant you're talking about a stupid trade from 3 seasons ago. If Wang leaves so does the hockey team and then we have nothing to write about on this blog, so thank your lucky stars Wang doesnt fire himself and take his millions to another destination. Wang has no hockey knowledge, but he's an owner and is trying to learn. The team has improved since last year, granted Comrie looks slower and just as clueless I still prefer his transaction over our old GM's trade that was something like Jokinen and Luongo for Parrish and Kvasha. Be happy hes out of here.
THANK YOU...tis my point exactly...listen to Irsish Creme (btw welcome Creme)...needed Wang to save the franchise....why Fire him...can you even fire an owner? I guess you're right he would have to fire himself. Would that make any of you happy? Would we really be better off if Wang sells? And leave Snow alone. He is the impenetrable snowman, the best goalie in the history of the franchise...
Sorry you're right let's talk Vancouver...it's just hard b/c we'll get to see the franchise goalie we let get away for a sack of potato peels...
And sorry for those who had to read my rants, but I had to take the time to argue with and demolish this crazy toon who has no insight except for firing everyone...fire Steady
Ok...I've said my peace...feel free to have the last word...I'm done...
Candyman out....
Funny....Everyone calls me an idiot and a blow hard, yet I am the only one everyone talks to. If I thought someone was an idiot I would simply just ignore them. Hence the reason many of you will not hear from me anymore.
I have my opinions. If yo uall do not agree with them, that is on you. My record of predictions speaks for itself. Feel free to ignore me, the way Ignore most of you.
I guess the rest of the NHL, should just not worry about their GM's and hire hack back up goalies that tend to only bring in people form the New England area.
P.S Let's make one thing clear CM and SW....This ALL started b/c SW wrote to me....HE WROTE to me about being a man and coming on here yesterday and talking about the 12 goals JMAc would give up....HE wrote to me the following:
Posted by SIR WILLIAM | November 13, 2008 15:47 STEADY......Back to back games against Ottawa starting tonight.
If JMAC plays both game (which, I doubt) you can expect double digit goals against combined for both games. I'm thinking we get outscored 12-4. Ottawa, like Montreal, is just one of those teams that we cannot beat. It's a Heatley, Alfredsson, Spezza scoring feast starting tonight and ending on Saturday.
Get back to me on Sunday with JMAC's numbers and be sure to use plenty of CAPITAL LETTERS......Sir William
****HE then turned this to be all about me and how I write to FIRE SNOW and WANG...You sheep simply followed his lead....Bahhhhhhhh Bahhhhhhhhhh
Rangers will be worse this year!
NO AVERY NO JAGR NO SHANAHAN!
They won't even make the playoffs!
GO ISLES!
Say it ain't so Steady....
C'mon big fella......NO QUITTERS ON THIS TEAM!!!!!
Right?
Besides, Davison (NUMBER 3) is gonna be on the ice tonight for the Canucks....I'm gonna need someone around to laugh with me when someone like Tambellini pounds him into the ice.
J.Mac is already better than DP.