Q & A DAY
Taking your Islanders questions all day
11:00 am - With last night’s domination in Ottawa, the Islanders earned today off. There is no one around to interview. I do not expect any transactions. I suddenly have no idea what to write today. I’ve written more opinion pieces this week than I’d figured I write in the first six weeks of the blog (and probably more than you care to read).
This could only mean one thing:
IT’S Q & A DAY!
If you have a question or two (please no more per entry!) that I can try and answer, write it in Comments. Please keep your posts as brief as possible; makes it a lot easier for me to handle. During the day, I’ll take as many as I can adequately respond to and post a new blog entry.
Because, after all, it’s my blog, I will tend to favor questions from people using real names and logins instead of ones from people known as “_______’s an Idiot” and emails like ublow@aol.com.
Thanks for playing. Looking forward to a fun day…CB
Questions in Comments, please.
89 Responses to “Q & A DAY
Taking your Islanders questions all day”
Please Wait
Assuming the Isles are not playoff-bound this season and become sellers at or before the deadline, the obvious players on the trading block would then be their UFA forwards, namely Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Mike Sillinger, and Doug Weight.
Do you see any of these players being retained next season? Is Trent Hunter the captain of the 2009-10 NY Islanders?
GREAT SITE!!!
1.Which F and D should be the next up from the Bridge?
2.Any plans for a PB night in Suffolk?
3. When can we hear some Lighthouse news?
4. Should Eklund just hang it up already?
GREAT SITE!!!
Chris,
Is it me, is it the injury, is it the system or does it seem like Mike Comrie just doesn’t care? Is he too busy thinking about Hillary Duff? His passes are weak, and I can’t imagine anyone on the team has nearly as many turnovers in the offensive zone. He is not strong on the puck, and most of his passes are poor choices and even worse execution? What are you thoughts? Perhaps we can trade him for a third or fourth rounder in this years draft?
chris here’s a question, could u tell mike comrie that if he comes back with the islanders to PLEASE stop using that horrible toe-drag move?? it has never worked.
i would like some insight to why isles/rangers at yankee stadium did not go down. seems to be a no brainer to me. i’ve asked this ? a few times with no response (unless i missed it). thanks chris.
Sorry I did not follow the rules
what do you think the chances of kiril petrov being in bridgeport and/or long island next season are?
Not necessarily pertinent to the present day team, but what is the likelihood of you beginning a regularly updated column featuring updates on Islanders from years gone by? I, and others, would like to know the whereabouts of the Derek King’s, Rich Pilon’s and Mick Vukota’s of Islanders lore.
Great job thus far!
Rob
Chris,
As a season ticket holder and a fan all my life I want to thank you for finally providing a site to get my NYI news on a constant basis.
Now to my question… Although Guerin and Weight are old they are still producing somewhat well so I believe dropping them at the deadline would be useless. I think a player who needs to go is Sim. He is basically an older and less productive version of our young gritty speedsters. Your thoughts?
chris- it seems that bailey can play in the nhl now. what are his chances of staying up the rest of the year??
CB, I would like to know your opinion and Feelings on the Question of if the Lighthouse project does not get Approved what do you think Charles Wang will do with the Organization? I want your honest opinion!I heard funding is drying up!
How long do you think DP is really going to be out for? I’m not buying the 4-6 weeks company line.
What are your thoughts on Jeff Tambellini with regard to:
1)What he needs to do to “turn the switch”
2)How much more slack does he get until he’s replaced by a deserving prospect from Bridgeport
3)How is he regarded in the locker room?
Thanks Chris!
What will happen to the D corps when Martinek and/or Witt return and when might that be? Any chance we will see Hillen again this year with the big club/
Chris is it just me or are the Isles loosening up thier injury reporting? First the told us about Sutton, then DP, Radek now Comrie. I know we aren’t getting every detail but it seems like they are being a little more open, no?
CB,
How did one Michael Milbury keep his job for so long? Was he the Brown Nose of all brown noses or did Charles Wang actually think that Mikey had a great hockey mind?
Thanks.
Hey CB I wanted to know, especially after the game last night, if perhaps keeping bailey up would be the better course of action. To me he looked like he belongs, did very well in the face off circle, something the islanders could use improvement. But would it be better for him to go back to windsor, where he would probably be a dominant force playing like a man among boys, or would it be better for him to play with the men if he can keep his own, contractual issues aside. On a side note, Bailey has one point in two games, while Stamkos who is on a more talented team has all of four points in 16.
Chris,
1. Although Bailey doesn’t look lost out there, the Islanders are going to be jam-packed down the middle once Sillinger and Comrie are back within the next few weeks. Do you think Bailey will get sent to Windsor in order to keep another year on his contract, or do you think he will be sent to Bridgeport for the season?
2. Someone above mentioned Guerin and Weight having excellent seasons for the NYI and how they are valuable to keep around. In my opinion, it is the oppposite. The better the season they have, the greater the return we could get for them at the deadline. What do you think?
Thanks, Chris!
Chris,
A frequent criticism of Yashin was that he was not a “true leader” and should not have been given the C, regardless of his salary. This allegedly led to factions in the locker-room and a rudderless team. How is the Isles locker-room leadership now with Guerin, Weight, Park, etc.? Is there anyone who can step up if they are dealt or not resigned?
Looks like you got your hands full already, CB, but here’s a question anyway!
What’s with Ben Walter? I remember last year when he was called up he got like 8 minutes of playing time, with half on the penalty kill, and still managed to score with fourth line wingers. Is there anything to his upside, or is Neilson really head and shoulders above Walter wrt ability? I also don’t recall seeing him on your AHL lineup the other day. Is he hurt too?
Chris - I too would love answers to questions #7 re Petrov and #13 re Tambellini. I spoke to someone who played with JT in the AHL when he was in the Kings system and he gushed incessantly about Jeff’s speed and shot. In your opinion can he stick with this club or not?
CB,
Got any good Mike Milbury stories? I’m sure you have plenty of them but any really good ones that stand out you can share w/ us? GM stuff aside, I heard and read that he is a funny character. Anything you can share would be great.
JG
Whats your opinion on Sim, last night (On Okposo’s goal)he screened the goalie on the initial shot, occupied 2 d-men and got a stick in the face…great work ..no credit..from Howie and Billy
To bring back a delicate subject, lets talk about retiring #27. We know Tonelli isn’t going to the Hall, but his number belongs in the barn’s rafters. It would be a great night.
Hey cb when do you think we will see silly,witt and dp back in the lineup thanks
Alot of questions here… but no answers!
Here’s my question: What’s the story with the Ice Girls… do they go to Champs after games still? let’s have some additional fans- ice girl interaction outside of the rink.
Thanks, CB.
The Commodore.
1) does it look like your interview with county/town officials is still going to happen soon?
2) As of now is Trent Hunter our most valuable veteran asset? What are the chances of trading him, what would it take to consider it? He is a perfect core guy but when do we have to consider a deadline deal?
Hey C, do you mind if I call you C? an no that’s not my question..lol!
Who do you think will still be around with the Isles next season, do you see the same team staying as is in tac?
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Who do you think is at fault for all this All-Star spambot cheat voting going on? Is it the fault of the ridiculous Habs fans doing it-
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh247/TheTrueStein/votebot-1.jpg
-or is it the fault of the NHL itself by encouraging “vote early vote often” and not making any efforts to try and keep things fair?
(PS- Vote Streit)
Chris,
I really enjoy the site. Your coverage is great and very objective in my opinion. My question is even: though Kyle Okposo has not accumulated the points thus far that we were all hoping for, how would you evaluate his game and the impact he has had on games. Do you feel he’s had a impact on games in categories that don’t show up in a box score?
Thanks,
Brian
Hey CB,
Here is something that I thought you would disclose by now and have been anxiously waiting:
Trades that almost happened over the years that we would be surprised to read.
Would love to know.
CB
Love the site - thanks for giving us your time and keeping us updated on our favorite team!
Have 2 questions –
1) Seemed like Comeau would be a bigger part of the plan this year.. do you think there’s a bigger reason he hasn’t gotten the call yet?
2) Did Mick Vukota and Ken Baumgartner ever mix it up during practice back in the day - and who won? If not. . who do you think would have won if they had?
Thanks and go Isles!
Chris - a few questions for you…
How many draft picks do the Isles currently have for the 2009 draft?
What are the rules with the salary cap regarding trading veteran players, does the team have to wait another 6 weeks so they are still around the cap floor? Does it go by salary already paid out?
Can you please write something about what some of the former Islanders are doing these days - ex. Ziggy - Tuergon - Ken Baumgartner
Someone just wrote the Islanders should raise #27 to the rafters, what do you think, I know he was one of your favorites but I don’t think anymore numbers should be raised to the rafters - If anything he should be in the islanders hall of Fame like Bob Bourne. Its time to move past the cup years. After Tonelli, maybe next in line for the Islanders Hall of Fame Should be Turegon & Ziggy in that order.
Hey Chris,In your opinion,what do u believe is in the best interest of the Islanders…play well and compete this year and manage to just make or miss the playoffs,OR just play lots of kids and finish in the bottom of the league and shoot for a first or second round pick that could help them for years to come??
Any good stories about a rookie dinner? I remember a while back the rookies played credit card roulette in Edmonton and Bradley Isbisters credit card was taken.
-Freddy Meyer lookalike
Dan, I think the bigger reason is that Comeau has a 2-way contract and a few others (Tambellini, Nielsen) don’t. We’ll see him here sooner rather than later, and he’ll be a better player for it.
I want to second the question about trades that almost happened over the years.
Hey Chris, When Sillinger returns, who do you see going back down? (if anybody. And from being around the players and coaching staff daily, do you believe that that feel they can make a run and make something out of this season. Or are they simply playing for Hedman or Tavares?
Chris-
I would love to hear more updates from the scouts travels to watch our prospects in Juniors and College. Anyway to score more interviews with the scouts?
Since you’ve been around Jason Blake — and hearing him pout again this week after a second healthy scratch in Toronto — do you think he was aware of the expectations and the storm he was walking into by signing there? Would you bet he will fight through it enough to at least be effective (though not as a sniper) under Ron Wilson?
Hey, Botta:
1)In your opinion which 5 Isles currently on the roster are likely to be gone by the deadline?
2)If the Isles are blessed enough to be in a position to draft Hedman or Tavares this summer how much does a new arena and ticket sales have to do with it?
Let me say I have watched both and both would be a blessing to this team. Center and big, physical, talented defense are the Isles too most glaring needs. Will Tavares get the nod because he will but more butts in seats and already comes with a huge media and fan following? I hope they take the best player but either way they can’t go wrong.
What is Gerald Diduck doing these days?
Do you think that Tambellini’s issue is w/ his speed? In the AHL he’s faster then most but the NHL is a faster game. Do you think that him not having a speed advantage on other players is making him unable to play his game?
Who rooms together while on the road? Does anyone elect to go solo? Is it mostly veterans/rookies that share a room? Or like does Billy and Dougy room together?
Chris, great work with the blog. Any chance of a PB night on enemy turf in Manhattan when we play the Rangers later this year?
Any chance of the Isles going back to wearing white jerseys at home games?
With Van trying to resign the Seldin twins, Ohlund, and interested in Sundin they need to clear cap space, especially if the cap is reduced next year as I have heard is possible.
What would it take for the Isles to get Ryan Kesler and Kevin Bieksa for them? They are perfect Isles.
I’d think it might looks something like Campolli, Tambelleni, and then a more expeirenced forward or d-man. I thought Comrie but he is hurt so Martinek? Would that get it done?
Botts,
First off, great job on the blog. I think you’ve exceeded all our expectations with this little venture. Keep it comin’.
I also would like to know the issues with Tamby. Another question, what is the likelihood that Komisarek, who Howie mentioned would look great on the Island, signs with the Isles this offseason?
Picks, picks, picks…..We should not be locked into thinking the 1 or 2 is the pick the isles need. They completly loaded up last year in the draft. No coinky-dink that 3/5 of the Sarnia powerplay is our property??? And Baily looked better than Comrie has looked at any tiome this year, hands down. Sort of reminds me of Flatley when he first came up.
I’ve bouht into this rebuild…..let’s see how things go.
Chris…..Komisarek…Higgens…Scudari…Nystrom….even Parise????Any chance these players are wooed back to Long Island? I watched an interview on the Devils broadcast…Parise actually looks like he is still dissapointed he didn’t land here. And as we can all see, th Devils run is just about done. Wishful Thinking.
Chris, what is your perception of the Islanders relationship with the media over the years? Can you have an accurate perspective of the situation being inside its mouth for so long? Are the local media just a lot of Ranger fans who ultimately work for MSG and the Canadian media lazy about how they cover the team or has the shoe that’s been presented in the media generally fit the Islanders?
Do you think Jason Blake’s 40 goal season was a fluke? Just right place right time, or is all that skill still packed somewhere in his tiny frame?
If it’s the latter, what do you think the reasons behind his collapse in Toronto are? Would he still be producing 30-40 goals a year on the Island?
Thanks!
Hey Chris, I love the site, and think you’re doing a great job. Here’s my questions:
1) Mike Comrie seems to have fallen out of favor on Long Island. He’s been demoted, benched, and it seems like the fanbase has given up on him. What kind of value would he hold as a trading chip for a deadline deal?
2) I’ve been trying to follow the Islanders prospects the best I can, but it can be tough to get good analysis. When can we expect to see Jeremy Colliton up with the big club on a regular basis? Is Justin DiBenedetto as good as his stats he say is? How has Blake Comeau looked in AHL, and how has he responded to the demotion? Any inside info on other prospects would be much appreciated.
3) What would it take for the Islanders to make a run at a big name for a trade? If the Islanders can get to around .500 before DiPietro comes back, will ownership/management consider them in the hunt for a playoff spot? Or will we see a repeat of last year, where we didn’t make any strides to improve and collapsed down the stretch?
Chris….great site! I’d like to add to what #33 asked regarding old time Islanders and what they’re doing now. I’d love to hear about what some of the real early guys are doing like Billy Harris, Ralph Stewart, Garry Howatt, Bill Mac, Jude Drouin, Gerry Desjarden, Andre St Laraunt…etc. If would be fun to look back and see how these guys are doing (other than the usual guys that we always hear about).
Like Brian G., I’d like to know how many draft picks and in what rounds the Isles currently have for the 2009 draft? Is there a website we can find this on ourselves?
Also, I’d love to hear what Garth’s checklist for 12/1/08 - 9/1/09 has on it with regard to “the plan”.
Chris, what are the chances that a Higgins, or Parise can be brought to the Island where they belong for next season?
Hey Chris,
I have a few questions for you.
1. Is there any talk about switching to the white jerseys next year at home again?
2. With the way Bailey is playing do you see him staying up here longer than his 9 game stint?
Thanks Chris. By the way, Thank you so much for doing this site. It really is such a relief and the best place for Islanders news.
-Bryan
Willis, Brian G, I think it’s as follows
First Round - 1
Second Round - 31, 42, 53
Third Round - 61
I could be wrong.
The decision on going with home whites isn’t the Isles’ to make (not directly, anyway). It’s a league decision, made by the board of governors, so the Isles only have one vote.
hey chris! the blog keeps on getting better and better. my question for you is: with everyone talking about the rebuild, let’s say this team has a crazy second half and somehow squeaks into the playoffs, or better yet, just misses the playoffs. do the islanders really have enough solid youth to build off of WITHOUT 2009’s first, second, or third pick? if we don’t bottom out this year are we back to having a few choice youths and then struggling to find missing pieces in the FA market?
is there any chance of the lighthouse seconday logo returning at some point?
Hey Chris,
Regardless of the source (draft, trade, FA, waivers, Bridgeport, whatever), what do you see as the team’s biggest need? There are obviously a lot of things that could be fixed, I’m curious what you think is the most important. How do you predict they will fill this need? Thanks!
there are a million q’s id like to answer. i know you will only answer one but maybe you can email the rest to me here kmcdade@optonline.net
1) who are the players the isles will target next season
2) guessing that they will be sellers, who will they trade and for what at the deadline ( just have an educated guess)
3) simple, tavares or hedman if this season goes the way i want
4) is it possible komiserek will come here. same as gionta or higgins for some relatively young players that have impacts.
5) is it possible to get some sort of internship at the for the islanders. I really want to work there when i am older so if you can tell if there is what type of work it would be.
1-What’s the real deal with the Lighthouse project/renovated arena? Will this ever get done or is it a dream? Nothing else really matters- not the youth movement, not the draft pick. No new arena or project, no Isles. Simple as that.
2- Will the new 3rd retro royal blue jersey become permanent?
3- Will NYI get on AM radio next season?
4- Do you EVER see the Isles thriving under Wang/Snow?
Hey Chris, in my opinion the Islander’s should stay with the rebuild through the draft. This is only year one, and I think they are doing fine. They should not think about trading, Josh Bailey, Sean Bergenheim, Frans Nielson, Kyle Okposo, Trent Hunter, Cris Campoli, Bruno Gervais, Mark Streit, Rick Dipietro, or Joey MacDonald, they are the core group of the new rebuild. They should bring up as many, of the younger talent as they can. Play as well and as exciting as they can, but in the end, I honestly hope they finish last, so they have the inside track, on Tavares. Do you agree. Chris your site is super, you do an unbelievable job, with time as precious as it is I now go to one site. islanderspointblank Thanks Chris, Mark
crap CB i forgot to ask. If pock is going to get suspended then how long will it be and who will be called up. Do you think we will call someone up or will jackman be fine against the sens who will be looking for payback. I smell a fight next game. and i hope so too. im going with my mom so im sure she’ll be thrilled
i wont answer anyones q’s but i think mark IMO there will be trades for draft picks to make room for next years team. hopefully only one year contracts and hopefully all one year contracts will get traded. maybe resign one or two for next year if resigned but we could get some good middle rounders
Hey, guys here is an article on Cowen who is slated to go third in the draft behind Tavares and Hedman.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=39
Boy CB, You have your work cut out for you!
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=392377
That is the full link.
I’m not trying to be mean, but will allow myself to give the above JD’s question my own opinion: Jason Blake scored most of his goals to empty net from perfect passes from Yashin. In Toronto there is nobody who could do such plays for him.
So, my question to CB:
In your opinion, You think it was worth it to buy out Yashin (who, in my opinion, is one of the most great players on Island in recent years), and exchange him with Guerin-Comrie-Tank trio? He produced more points then tree of them combined together. Even NHL Radio network on XM recognized this fact. What are your thoughts?
well vlad he was getting paid massive amount and he wasnt producing for that money and looked like he never played a full season
Hey Chris…lets say the Isles really start playing well and DP comes back healthy, their system is working, and they are shocking the world by holding a 6th seed in February and they have a serious shot to make the playoffs…does Garth Snow trade some prospects (not okposo, bailey, or the 1st rounder of course) for a player that could help just for this year?
Chris - Love your blog. I asked you this on PB 1.0 and you said you would answer it another time. Hoping this is the time:
We’ve read for years about the Islanders “eroded fan-base.” Do you think that with a quality on ice product, the Islanders can get 16,000 into the Coliseum (whether in its current stated or refurbished) every night.
Specifically, will Long Island be able to fill the arena on an ordinary Tuesday night in November against Nashville? Is the fan base still capable of that or over the years has it eroded to the point where that is a pipe dream? (Note: The Devils who have been very good for 15 years now and have a brand nrew arena are getting only 10,000 on some week nights.)
i don’t think the devils had that many when they were winning and i think that we’ll be the same here. don’t come till were winning. sure that doesn’t make us all die hard fans but if the place is full that means were either winning or playing the rags
-I want to know whether you think any of the four 2nd round picks the Isles got in their draft trades will materialize into anything useful, or were they just a waste of time?
Any good Islander-Ranger rivalry stories you care to share with us?
Any chance of Komisarik becoming an islander when he becomes a FA ?
Chris, if the lighthouse project falls through, do you think that Brooklyn would be an option? (That is assuming they ever get that building done.)
I was watching the Telecast vs. Philly or Pitt. and MSG + about the Isles being interested in Shanahan. Do you have any further info? And can you see him coming to a struggling young Islanders team?
i read about a yr ago if the lighthouse project fails Wang wouldnt move out of LI/NY but he would leave Nassau and look at Suffolk or Bklyn. Have you heard anything about these options???
should we tank the season to get tavares/hedman? i thini so, what about you?
Just how serious are the Islanders about making the royal blue “thirds” the primary uniform next year?
Before game 3 of the 2002 playoff series with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike Milbury had a videotape made to show the media penalties that were not being called on the Maple Leafs. I understand he gave a very amusing narration with many expletives while the tape was being shown. Were you present at this media briefing? What was your reaction at the time? Did you take any heat for what Mike did? Thanks very much, Chris.
I wanna know why doesn’t Wang go after Campbell’s job with Bettman? It would be easy enough to show 1) his bias against the Isles and 2)that there is no consistancy with NHL discipline.
Hey Jerk did you ever call Witt back to this day after the Brashear incident? I didn’t think so. I HATE COLIN CAMPBELL. He was a crappy and dirty player so it is a joke he has the job he does. If he wasn’t coach of the Rangers and socializing with NHL brass he’d never have the job he does.
Botta: Please ranks the top 10 prospects in the Organization not including Okposo and Bailey. Thanks from George
Chirs, from a few sources I have around teh league, Tampa Bay GM Brian Lawton has been getting a pretty bad rep. After today’s actions, you have to question what the heck is going on down there. I like Melrose and just think he go a raw deal. Also, If this were the Islanders, we’d be destroyed by the media. What are your thoughts on this?
How much influence does Charles Wang have over hockey-related decisions?
when are the rest of the qeustions going to be answered??
Hey Chris, regarding the PB night suggestion in Suffolk - how about Dave and Busters in Airport Plaza on Route 110? Great big screens, plenty of free parking & cold beers and good food (and no I don’t expect you to pick up the tab - unless of course you can get Charley Wang to drop some coin on us poor suffering fans
Doesn’t really matter all that much to me where you hold it since I have to commute from Brooklyn! But I’ll be there!
(sorry posted this in the Pock threat by mistake)
What do you attribute all the thrid period collaspses to? Bad coaching? Lack of talent? Something else? I could understand a bad team but it has become such a pervasive occurance that it has become very worrisome that it’s something deeper. Just would like to get your thoughts on it. Thanks!
i love cb forever i am a true fan !!