DON’T WAIT FOR A SHAKE-UP
Responding to the calls for a quick fix
Continuing the conversation started in the post below, a reader named Michael emailed this question to Point Blank:
Hi Chris. What do you think the Islanders should do? I know the draft is deep next year, but to have a season like this with so little fan support will not help. They need a shake-up, but what do you think they can do?
My response:
Hi Michael. I really don’t think there’s much they can do right now, so they may be best off doing nothing…CB
Allow me to take it a bit further. Right now, there is no market for the vets on the last years of their contracts who are playing well. And if the Islanders are sellers at the trade deadline, I really doubt any of them are going to bring back a bonanza of prospects or draft picks - unless it’s third-rounders you crave.
As for the veterans on the last year of their contracts that have started off the season poorly, does anybody think that any other teams want them right now?
If everyone on the current squad “wants to win now,” the solution will have to be a joint effort between the coaching staff and the players. There is not going to be a roster shake-up. There is likely not going to be a deal of veterans for prospects or picks for at least a hundred days. There isn’t a No. 1 goaltender walking through the dressing room door tomorrow, or in the next 4-6 weeks.
Scott Gordon’s team has been pretty darn good for 40 minutes most nights. Let’s see if they can add the 20 to their four games this week.
Comments?
71 Responses to “DON’T WAIT FOR A SHAKE-UP
Responding to the calls for a quick fix”
Please Wait
I suppose it depends on the perspective:
For the players who want to “win now” - well, this is something that you can actually have some influence. Wang, Snow and the fans cannot go on the ice and win. You can. I know that its more likely to happen if the roster got tweaked a bit….but at least its probably the one group that can control its destiny.
The market value for any veterans on our team is weak right now. Many that were UFA’s or RFA’s had no interest from the rest of the league. We won’t know till near the trade deadline the urgency of those teams which are “buyers” as to what assets we have that they would be willing to pay for - and what that return value might be. No doubt -the return we gain back will be higher then than it would be at this point of the season.
There is almost nothing the team can do at this point to gain more fan interest at this point. There is not a lot of walk up sales - tickets are sold in packages - with more than one game often being sold at a time. Also, winning does not necessarily mean more people show up immediately. Remember - in 2003 our attendance went up quite a bit after that playoff run vs. Toronto.
The team is best served right now - to find solutions within the current NYI and Bridgeport locker rooms and the coaching staff. For solutions do not grow on trees and those in the system take time to grow. All I hope for at this point in the team’s history is a 60 min. effort - win or lose. That would be a worthy thing to see every night. For a while about 8 years ago or so - Butch Goring’s young team hustled a lot and were a worthy watch.
Have to stay the course and build via the draft. Take our medicine. Will be a long season, but will be more palatable if we can see the young players growing….and a roster which will shift more duties to young players as this season progresses.
Pat
Its the first year of a rebuild, lets just give it more time before we want the isles to find solutions from other teams. the organization gave up to early on other players, they can’t afford to do the same again
Very sad situation. We’ve been “taking our medicine” too darn long. A team of “has beens” and “yet to be’s”. Gonna be a looooong season.
Islanders need to not worry about wins and losses. We need to rebuild and hope to get a top 2 pick this year. We will be good within 4 yrs and that’s all we can ask for. We need to not cut corners and fully commit to this rebuild otherwise we will just turn into Milbury! and the team will be screwed again! Lets hope Snow is smart and committed to rebuilding!
I agree with Islesfan999. It’s really hard to watch this team and get excited about anything. But it finally hit bottom. It can’t get worse.
Totally agree islesfan999, not only snow has to be commited to the rebuild, so do the fans. We can’t get down on this team. give them time to develop.
My opinion:
Yes… we have been in so-called rebuilding mode for many years and with different approaches… but that really has nothing to do with this year and the next 2-3 years.
So please, when analyzing this year… just keep in mind that this is year 1 of what appears to be a commitment to a plan.
Don’t judge it as year 7 of a rebuild that has gone nowhere.
This is year 1.
I think realistically, from games 1, 2, and 3, you can see gradual improvement in games 7, 8 and 9 and there have been some pretty exciting stretches of hockey… albeit about 40 minutes a night instead of 60… but there have been some significant, responsible, committed hockey being played by the Islanders.
DOC
We need to see some of the young kids develop during the course of the season. If we start winning late in the season, I don’t want it to be because of Doug Weight and Bill Guerin. I want it to be because of the play of KO and Nielsen and Bergie. Back in the late 90’s, we were terrible and rebuilding, but we had great prospects in the system whom, those of us who are diehards would follow. We were psyched. Now what do we have? No one knows whether Bailey’s got the goods or whether he’s the second coming of Ryan O’Marra. What’s with Dustin Kohn? He was a 2nd round pick, what, about 40th overall. With all the injuries to the D, why hasn’t he been recalled from the Port? Is he another bust? Rebuilding is fine and this fan base would go along with it. But pending how Bailey develops, there’s no one in our system. Oh, and even if we finish with the worst overall record, there’s less than a 50% shot we get the first overall (thanks for that rule change, Pittsburgh). Can you see why we’re all very cynical about the rebuilding process?
no rick no shot ..
they want dustin kohn to develop one more year in bridgeport
Is it illegal to create a locker-room stall for John Tavares now?
i agree with chris, there’s no shakeup coming. we don’t have anything that we’d be willing to trade that anybody would want for anything of significance in return. the only players i could see coming in are comeau, trevor smith, and maybe mark parrish (who had a goal today) if he plays well in bridgeport. i think we all knew that this was going to be a long year but if they don’t do anything stupid in this rebuild, it should be worth it.
I understand why fans are being cynical. No doubt… it’s frustrating. But we can’t have it both ways.
We can’t be crazed with the losses and continue to say this team “sucks” as many of the posters remind us over and over and over again.
And then not give full support to “THIS” rebuilding of the entire system… one step at a time.
And besides… who says it has to take 4 years as many predict on here? Why can’t it be next year that there is serious contention and excitement on the Island?
DOC
We need to realize that if Milbury rebuilt the team the right way we would have been amazing. Yes we will suck for a while but we drafted some good players the past 2 yrs and have a few good young kids on the team. Lets be patient and trade some of the vets at the deadline. With a high first rounder this yr and a few 2nd round picks we have and hopefully we trade some vets for picks we have no reason to believe we wont be goood in a few yrs. Lets be honest were looking at a 2-4 yr rebuild.
If we get screwed and get the 2nd pick Hedman isn’t too bad. Hes 6 ft 7 and could be considered like Pronger so I wouldn’t be too upset.
i disagree when you say our vets in the last year of our contract are not playing well…guerin is so-so and comrie is a no show but weight has been great…we dont have a great team and he is really the only player besides streit who is putting points up consistenly…he might be able to fetch a late 1st rounder or a 2nd rounder if he continues to play this way…you got to remember hes playing on the isles with little supporting cast so on a good team he would probably put up more
Islesfan999,
I hear you. They say that Hedman is the real deal. But let’s face it. This team needs the scorer. The next Crosby/Malkin/Ovechkin, etc, to energize the fanbase. That and one of our later round picks to be another Zetterberg or Datsyuk.
Draft picks aren’t given out so to think that Weight might get a first rounder or second rounder is a bit of wishful thinking. If Cammerleri goes down in Calgary the day before the deadline then maybe you get a pick like that but Weight won’t get more then a 3rd probably.
Let the youth develop and play them lots. Each loss brings us closer to a potential franchise player. Dump the veteran assets for future talent. Short term pain for long term gain, Garth!
This rebuilding stage will continue until the players we draft actually are playing for the Islanders and they’re winning or in contention for more than just the playoffs. The draft itself is nothing more than a crap shoot, and there is no guarantee.
Here is something else to consider: This team has been injured since last year, and it started with Sim after game 2. Since then, the players just started dropping of the radar and into the injured reserve. The Islanders still have not recovered all their players yet. With a new system, it’s not surprising that the vets are scoring first, and the kids are still learning. Give them more time. We have 5 players on injured reserve. That alone must be taken into account.
Bottom line: we can’t completely rebuild until we know what this team is really capable of doing. With a lot of vets nearing the end of their contracts, then when they are replaced, that’s rebuilding.
I really hope we get Tavares, Im just saying if we got Hedman with Okoposo and Bailey in a few yrs we would still be good.
I’m torn this year because while I will never be able to root against the Isles, they are just so bad that a top 2 pick would do wonders for the fans, organization and youth movement. But to get that pick, the team has to be bad all year, and we have to watch it. I suppose we can be happy with the little stuff, like the development off Okposo, Neilsen, etc., the play of Mark Streit. But the way in which the Isles have handled DiPietro’s injury situation was awful. The organization is a joke around the leauge and nothing but winning will restore the respect, but to do that we’re going to have to get through this year and perhaps a few more. That’s tough to ask a fan base that hasn’t won a playoff series in over 15 years.
That said, my worst fear would be to obtain a top 2 pick and instead of taking Tavares or Hedman, trade down for more picks….ha ha…..oh well. Such is life as an Isles fan.
The problem with the Islanders rebuilding is that usually means a team has had some recent success and they need to start over. The Islanders, as well all know, haven’t won a playoff round since ‘93 so rebuilding is tough for the diehard fans to take. It shouldn’t have come to this, but it’s obviously the best route right now given the current state of the team.
If we get Tavares or Hedmen watching this grueling season will be worth it. Throw in a couple nice plays here and there and some toughness, with a top 2 pick, I wont be angry. If that doesnt happen and we have the same craptastic lineup next year, Ill be furious.
I love all the angry fans in cyberworld. Honestly, what did you expect from this bunch of over the hill vets past their primes and up and coming kids?
It’s growing pains, plain and simple. Look at Pittsburgh as the prime example, anyone want to trade with them? A year or 2 or 4, we will be fine.
Be thankful this is 2008 and the team has a vision at least. Not like 1998 when we had no money and fielded the only team we could afford with crappy ownership and just had to pray to win 30 games, get a good draft pick that we couldn’t pay for more than 3 years and have to trade anyway.
I agree with Doc. You take a look at what the Flyers GM has done in two season.. 2006-07 Philly ended the season with 57 PTS. In 2007-08 95 PTS while participating in the playoffs. Paul Holmgren did a fantastic job there.
And to be honest, some GM’s make just plain and simple.. Dumb trades. You take one look at the Flyers unloading Alexei Zhitnik for Braydon Coburn… I mean, in retrospect, that’s more of a one sided trade. Zhitnik didn’t produce, and Braydon Coburn is one of the best young defenseman in this league.
Also, Rob Ramage trade (along with Rick Wamsley) for Steve Bozek and a guy named Brett Hull. I mean, Ramage was a very good two way d-man, but I don’t think in anyone’s mind, someone would compare him to the elite status of Brett Hull. Some GM’s will do anything to win a cup, and the Flames did that in 1988.
Also if you really want to go into BONEHEAD trades.. Look no further than the Canucks trading a 1st round pick AND CAM NEELY, for Barry Pederson. Pederson had a few good seasons in Boston, but the year he was traded, he came off a season where he had 29 G 47 A for 76 Pts in 79 games. Although that’s respectable numbers, it’s 1986, and those stats are nothing spectacular.
I think more than anything with this post, I’m trying to keep myself positive for what seems is going to be a long season. I know, I know, 99% of the time, these things don’t usually happen.. But again, nothing’s is out of question.
Sorry CB.. Didn’t realize it was that long. lol I’ll keep it shorter next time.
Like most of the posters here, I do not see a shake-up coming from outside of the organization. But what about an internal shake-up? If you read the interviews with Comeau when he was sent down and Tambs when he was benched for Fritz, both of them sounded both surprised, and more importantly, even more determined to get back on the squad. If Comrie doesn’t start producing over the next few games, why not let him watch a few from the Press Box, give someone like Comeau some ice time. A move like that could remind everyone, even the vets like Comrie, Sim, etc, that they are not Golden, that they need to work just as hard to improve their game as the rookies do, and that if they don’t, there will be consequences. I think that’s the type of “shake-up” our team needs
you guys get it no dp no shot…if rick was healthy and we had the rest of our d we would be at the very least a 500 team
I agree… DiPietro will steal you some wins… and the Islanders probably would have beat Philly and the Canadiens… but injuries happen, it’s hockey…
IF only we had Luongo, Heatly and Gaborik… (I’m joking)
DOC
If somehow we can hold on til DP gets back, we still can steal a playoff spot. Its still early and they looked dam good for 2/3’s of a game against the so called best team in the east ( and it did not help having Denis in who looked good & shaky at times, but I felt Joey earned that start with the new uni which I love btw ).
And remember, Pittsburgh took there lumps with Sindey in his 1st season and were 3 wins away from drinking from the cup. It will get better and I’d rather watch a Gordon Isle team that tries.
the team played great for 2 periods then they got a little tired ..and dany boy collapsed,not having rick is a huge huge loss people around here have short memories…we miss dp ALOT
I understand the whole rebuilding thing, and its not going to happen overnight or even in one season. However, as a fan for 25+ years its hard to take having your favorite team being the worst in the NHL. I don’t have high expectations but to lose a 3 goal lead with about 15 minutes left is tough to take. I think if we had some of our defense back even without DP we would have at least 2-3 more tallies in the win column
we all understand this is a rebuilding year, and i doubt any of us really expect a blockbuster trade to happen within the next 100 days but im worried that if this season turns out to be the worst in islanders history we might see the islanders move. doesn’t anyone else worry about this??
@Jon
I don’t think wins and losses (this season) has anything to do with the future of the team at the NVMC. I think it all lies in the Lighthouse Project. No approval of the project by TOH, is much worse than finishing 20-62.
If we cannot make any trades,its Time to gut this team and bring up some of the players from Bridgeport to see what we have..Comeau,Trevor Smith, Iggulden. Hilbert doesn’t deserve a roster spot, he is a free agent next year and is NOT a part of the future.
AMEN! havent people learned anything from the last 15 years? quick fixes dont work. and i agree about the lighthouse project, that not getting approved is much worse than finishing 30th overall.
Brian G.,
You’re missing the point. this team is already gutted and transitioning into the team of the future as we speak. There are some players on the roster that fit into the future, some that don’t… and others on the horizon. But you have to field a team nontheless, with minimum salary cap requirements.
DOC
Every loss gets us closer to TAVARES! I am enjoyoing watching actual development of the guys and taking away the bright spots of each game. We gave Spezza away, we shouldn’t make the same mistake. But don’t be suprised if in the 2nd or 3rd round the Isles draft a goaltender. We have certain pieces in place to make a good run in the next 3yrs. KO, Witt, Hunter, Neilsen, Campy, Bergie. I would expect Weight to be moved a the deadline, and I think it is clear that Comrie and the Gordo system do not work together.
I’m not so sure why Hilbert is so hated on this team. He is probably in the top 3 on this team in effort, commitment and acceptance of his role as a 4th liner, with occasional 3rd line duty… penalty kill specialist etc.
DOC
Some here seem to think that Guerin and Weight were brought in to score goals and give us hope.
They are here to help develop the younger players.
Those guys along with Witt have a crap load of experience and wisdom to hand down to the likes of Okposo, Comeau, Bailey, Campoli, etc….
They are far more valuable on this team then traded for some 3rd rounders. I say keep until some one grows into there spot.
If only DP had a Cujo type mentor. Smart move by TO bringing him back. 3 - 4 year rebuild needed. Nothing less.
Chris you ever think of doing a column on players of the past. I think it would be cool to know what there up to. For example What Steve Thomas or Derek King have been up to since retiring
79-83, I agree with you I think Okposo getting moved to the top line will really help him develop. Guerin-Weight-Okposo. The Team America Line
DOC- hilbert cant score..he tries hard but nothing ever happens ..
I’m prepared for this to be a losing & learning season for us, so the stings of these losses aren’t as bad as they could be. I’m counting the days until Sillinger comes back, and I’m praying that they bring Parrish up… having him parked in front of the net and battling for goals seems to be something that would definitely make a huge difference in our offense. (I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t love to see Jason Blake or Shawn Bates back with us, too.)
What concerns me, however, is this: I can deal with a “rebuilding process,” but it seems like we’ve been rebuilding for years and years now. Before you start jumping on me and saying that Milbury didn’t do it right, and this is a new system and now they’re committed, etc… I know all that. But to be honest, I’m still a little gun-shy about putting my faith in the management of this organization. The way they’ve shut the fans out of so much of the team this season, plus ANOTHER rebuilding strategy… I don’t know. I’m just feeling a bit like I’m in the story of the Boy Who Cried Wolf.
JOE RVC - You’re right, Hilbert doesn’t score much but that is not his main job. Without him on the PK there would have been a lot more points for “the other team” these past couple of years.
I think we are all too quick to judge this team. We have not had our top 4 d-men playing together and our #1 goalie is out until mid december at the earliest. You can bet that any team in the NHL would have problems winning if they were missing these players from thier team. If we can make it through the next 2 months, I truely beleive that we will have a much better and exciting 2nd half. Do I think they will make the playoffs, hell no. Do I think they will be much better than there record indicates, yes. We all knew this was going to be a tough year, it’s just tougher with all of the injuries to the team. There are no quick fixes, but I remain committed to this team now and in the future.
CB saying we have been good for 40 minutes is akin to saying a baseball team is great for 5 innings. It’s meaningless.
As far as the impatience of the fanbase, people like myself who are 35 and older have been watching this team re-build our entire adult life. The franchise has milked the dynasty to the point were I am sick of seeing them wheel out the Cup for an excuse to sell out the building. It’s years of frustration spilling out for a lot of people this year , for whatever the reason. Maybe it was the firing of yet another coach,the clueless backup goalie tuened GM, the owner who has chased good hockey people out the door after weeks of employment, the 15 year contract which has seen DP not make it through one season healthy yet, the insane grand Lighthouse plan that will never get built (a grand canal??!!!) or all of the above.
Maybe it’s just that this is the first real website for fans since the old STIC site (as an aside, I would love a blog from CB about his feelings about those days). I will say this year, more then ever, I feel a sense that the fans have really been angry , myself included.
I agree with DOC – Hilbert is definitely an asset to the team, but for some reason has been unfairly targeted as a culprit for the paucity of goals on this team. Hilbert is an excellent role player with good vision, some speed and an occasional goal and will succeed in the NHL whether on the Isle or elsewhere. This team needs a pure goal scorer or two and it is the players that hold that role on the team – Guerin, Comrie and others that need to step up and play their part or be moved. So forgive Hilbert for missing that empty net gift from Sillinger against the Rangers last year and place the blame for low scoring where it belongs – on the supposed “goal scorers” of the team.
I’m still baffled by those who believe somehow Comeau is a key building block for this team’s future. He’s a hard-working player who has not demonstrated any ability to score on any level of professional hockey. I certainly like him in a specific role but unless something amazing happens in his development he is a third or forth line type of forward. Would I like to keep him? Absolutely, however his a not a first or second line guy, strictly a complementary type of player. Thus far he has 1 goal in 8 games in the AHL this season. Check out his stats prior to this year as well.
We came into this season with what Snow called a “Youth movement” and many fans were behind this youth movement. Now people are complaining. Personally, I was sick of watching this team be built like the Harry Sinden Boston Bruins and that is build your team around 2nd and 3rd tier UFA’s and fight for the 8th spot in the playoffs only to lose in the first round. This is not how to build a team.
So, we go into a youth movement and now fans complain that its the wrong thing to do. Ok, that 3rd period the other day was a disaster, but outside of one or 2 games we’ve played hard and were in many of the games. Right now, I enjoy watching KO develop and get better and better each game…Franz Nielson is playing much better now than he did at the start of the season.
What the Montreal game showed us though was, you NEED a legitimate first line to win games in the NHL and that is something we don’t have and considering the state of the franchise, that can only happen through the draft.
Pittsburgh went through some tough times before they were able to land Crosby and Malkin and look at them now…have faith and hope for the best and pray Snow doesn’t trade down in this draft to stockpile 3rd rounders..lol.
Spinner, you’re talking about Comeau or Tambellini? I’m just saying
Except Tamby don’t really work hard enough and Comeau doesn’t produce (even thou I think he’ll produce more points than Tamby) I’m just saying
As frustrating as a game like Saturday is, the good thing is to see what can be, as seen in the first two periods. I just really think the young guys need to play 60 minutes. Also, we are missing 3 defencemen, and Sillinger up front. As was last year, injuries are already killing this team.
If the team can play as a team (first two periods on Saturday), they can do better than expected.
It’s all about payroll. The Isles the last 2 years & I’d think for the forseeable future will keep the team on a shoe string budget. The Isles are in the exact same situation they were 10 years ago. Lousy lease & they play in a dump. Until a new arena is built losses will continue to pile up. Remember, this team was built TO LOSE. The coaching staff & players can as CB stated “want to win now”…BUT with a roster of maybe 3 or 4 NHLers on it, “wantying to win now” will get you 40 points. It pains me to say, but just like 10 years ago, we have to sit & pray this Islander era’s ‘Taylor Pyatt’, ‘Josh Green” pan out.
The only thing different about the Isles in 2008 from 1998 is the Beer Garden. That’s it folks. Charlie Wang hasn’t moven’t this team forward in any shape, manner or form.
Lighthouse Project………….
Can’t see the team surviving if the Lighthouse project gets tanked…..
I also find it hard to believe that the team can survive if the Lighthouse is not operational till 2015. - which coincides with the expiration of the lease held by SMG.
CB - I know that you would like to write more about the Lighthouse - but might be premature.
I agree with the writer - who is concerned about the Lighthouse being more important than the NHL season this year.
Of course -the economy tanking is NOT good news when we discuss the Lighthouse project.
While I think its fairly obvious that the Lighthouse project is way more important to Wang than the team - I don’t for a second think that Wang does not want to win - and is not concerned about the Islanders. HE IS CONCERNED.
Would be very interested in reading about the current state of the Lighthouse project from the standpoint of the team ownership, county government, Town of Hempstead and civic groups point of view in this space.
Thanks CB
Pat
the economy tanking may help the lighthouse. The lighthouse will provide the county with new jobs and bring in allot of money to the county when its most needed. Allot of the lighthuse will be privately funded
This Team is a disaster - they should trade for Khabibulin (then trade him at the deadline)and leave the glass goalie on IR until Feb…this team is not winning with or without him anyway.Danis should be sent back to the AHL where he belongs.
I do agree w/CB about doing nothing. The reason I agree, is because let’s say Wang fires Garth & hires a real GM. What would that GM do? I say nothing until the deadline. Most GM’s are still trying figure out what they have at this point. Most GM’s aren’t even thinking trade at this point. Ted Nolan & Islander fans knew MONTHS ago this team would stink. The only one fooled was our back-up goalie in a suit.
Tom, great point. In 10 years we have a beer garden. That about says it all.
The Yanks, Mets, Devils and Giants/Jets have new buildings and we have a beer garden , and our place was in the worst shape
I am all for a new arena, but Wang is tying it up in his golden goose. No grand canal, no islanders. That i swhy we are stuck in neutral.
Why can’t Wang just do the rebuild of the Coliseum NOW and do rest of the Lighthouse later on if he really cares bout the Islanders winning??
Beer Garden -lol!! Sad but true - If anyone notices, hanging down from Sec 307 about row D is a piece of spackle tape from the bottom of the luxury suite above it. That piece of tape has been hanging there since 2002, when I had my seats there. Sometimes I just want to go there and throw something up at it to knock it down, but I was curious to see how long it would be there before it was removed. 6 years!!! and its still hanging! Shows the disregard for the “barn”
Unfortunately, the ability to play the new “system” for only 40 minutes a game now seems to be an issue down on the farm, as well. Saturday, up 5-2 going into 3rd, Bridgeport blew all of the lead and only pulled it out 6-5 when Hillen bailed them out with a goal w/10 seconds left in regulation. Then, yesterday, up 3-1 going into 3rd, end up getting outscored 3-0 in the 3rd, thus losing 4-3. The problem may have been masked a bit because Bridgeport overall still has a good record, but the similarities are pretty striking.
A few comments…
First, how can people be surprised with what has gone on? We had a difficult time scoring last year and that was with vets like Fedotenko, Satan, and Vasicek each chipping in 10+ goals. Combine that with injuries and this team is playing at or near its potential.
To Tendrup… Philly rebuilt in 2 years but keep this in mind. They had Carter, Richards, Umberger, Pitkanen and an injured Forsberg. Forsberg gets traded for Upshall, Parent a 1st and a 3rd. The first goes back to Nashville for the rights to Hartnell and Timmonen. Boom top 6 forward and number 1 Dman. Pitkanen gets traded for Lupul. They sign Briere. So through free agency they end up with a #1 center #1 d and top 6 forward. We are not in that position so it is not a legitimate comparison. We need to keep that in mind.
Finally, the vets. Weight has 10 points in 10 games. Guerin has 4 goals and 7 points in 10 games. I dont think that come deadline time they will have minimal value if they keep up the production. A contender looking for a 2nd line center wouldnt pay for a point a game player in Weight? He keeps it up he will have value.
One other thing, with people discussing getting screwed out of the #1 pick. The rules are that you can’t move down more than 1 spot. So if you finished last, you pick 1st or 2nd. Most experts have Tavares and Hedman neck and neck without a clear cut #1. So if you finished last you are guaranteed a crack at one of them.
The biggest disgrace in our building are the yellowing banners and the disrepair the old Newsday headlines have fallen into. If the Billy Joel banner gets one spec of dust on it, they likely send it out for dry cleaning
Good point Nyles. It sparks a question I had. When they get the renovations done do you think they will get new banners (same look of course just new fabric etc) to replace the old ones? If they did how would people feel about it?
@Joey303
That piece of spackle tape is holding the whole place together. Don’t touch it!
LOL Mikko - at least you put a few in the net in your day
I like those old 1970’s TV’s they used to have for the obstructed view seats. I haven’t been that high up the 300’s in the last 2-3 years, are they still there?