THE VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
As NYI win, we asked around about the system
For game 18 of 82, I felt it was time to walk around the barn on Hempstead Turnpike and get some impartial takes on what Scott (Go-Go) Gordon is trying to accomplish with his Islanders and all that Bachman Turner Overdrivespeed stuff. I set out on my mission as the game started, with no notion of whether the Islanders would win or lose. (Boy, that would have stunk if they got their doors blown off).
My interviewees were offered anonymity if preferred. Here’s what they had to say:
Mattias Ohlund, veteran Canucks defenseman:
“They really took the game to us, were very aggressive. We handled it well in the first and third periods, but I give them a lot of credit for putting us on our heels.
“We had a hard time making plays. Only thanks to Louie (Roberto Luongo) were we still in it after the second. That’s a very impressive, quick style they play.”
Alain Vigneault, Vancouver head coach:
“Our execution in the second period was absent. Part of that was us and part of that you should give credit to them. Most of their scoring chances came off our turnovers. They worked for them. They come at you hard. Their defensemen are always in pre-pinch, which makes it a very aggressive system.”
(Interpretation break. All of the Canucks talked of the Islanders’ “pre-pinch.” This is terminology I had never heard before and the Islanders do not use. After asking around, my understanding is that a “pre-pinch” - as opposed to the more cautious “pinch” - is when the Islanders defensemen join the play aggressively inside the blueline before the opposition even wraps the puck around the boards in an attempt to get it out of the zone. It is a very risky play that could lead to odd-man breaks, but the Islanders have had success with it).
Rick Bowness, Vancouver assistant coach:
“I really like the way they play. You can never let up against them. You always have to be moving, especially with their defensemen always in pre-pinch.
“It’s a game where you have to take advantage when they have breakdowns. It’s an exciting style. If they continue to have games like the last three when everyone on the team is on the same page, there’s no reason they can’t be effective for the entire season.”
Visiting Western Conference pro scout:
“It’s an exciting system, and as you saw tonight it can be a nightmare for opposing teams to handle it. My only question over the course of a long season is the fatigue factor. I’m sure their coaching staff and strength and conditioning coach have worked since the beginning of camp to prepare them for the rigors.
“I love what the Islanders are doing. I don’t think you’d hear any complaints if it became a trend around the league because it’s certainly a helluva lot more exciting than the trap or the lock. The big question is whether they can sustain it for the full season. No matter what, I give Gordon high marks for not dipping his toe in and instead going full-throttle from game one.”
John Garrett, former NHL goalie, current Vancouver TV analyst:
“I like what Gordon is trying to do. He wants to win games, but also do it in an entertaining style. It’s nice to see since we’re supposed to be in the entertainment business. Gordon is not like a lot of other coaches in the league that want to win 1-0 by keeping everyone in the neutral zone.
“You like to see a good hard forecheck, a team being aggressive, playing hard and giving the fans something to watch. Look at a guy like Tim Jackman: he’s big and he skates pretty well, but in this system he’s doing everything with speed and he’s effective doing it.
“It’s no secret Gordon doesn’t have all the horses right now to perfectly execute his style, but the Islanders seem to be getting better each game. Mark Streit might be their only defenseman right now perfectly suited to the system. Over time, I’m sure they will add pieces. It will be interesting to see how the Islanders develop under Gordon as the kids mature and they make changes to the lineup. But right now, I’m impressed by what I see.”
Visiting Eastern Conference pro scout:
“The last three weeks, the Islanders looked like a team with a plan and a focus and a system like they haven’t in a while. They started out the season kind of rough. Now instead of being disjointed and having players going in three different directions, they’re in sync. The puck pursuit has been outstanding. As a scout, it’s fun to watch.
“I think they are surprising some teams and they probably will for at least the first half of the season. Maybe they’ll do it all year. This has become a passive league. Most teams play a very passive style. All of a sudden you have a team like the Canucks tonight or Ottawa over the weekend and they’re playing a team as aggressive as the Islanders. No matter how much you do film study or prepare for it, it takes a while to get adjusted. It can be a shock to the system when you’re so used to playing against a trap.
“The downside is that when you push and push, there are bound to be some breakdowns. You give a 3-on-2 to a Sedin and they are often going to burn you. The Islanders have had fewer breakdowns the last 6-7 games, so it’s obvious Gordon and his staff have made it work. I think a lot of observers are paying attention to what the Islanders are doing and curious to see how the system holds up over 82 games.”
Rob Davison, former Islander and current Vancouver defenseman:
“That’s a great forecheck they have. They’re always coming at you 2-hard (two forwards) from the beginning of the game until the end. It causes a lot of turnovers if you don’t execute.
“We knew what to expect coming in, which is why we were okay in the first period. But even when you know what’s coming, if they execute and we don’t, it’s trouble. They pre-pinch a lot and it paid off, especially in the second period when they really carried the play.
“I think for the Islanders to make it work night after night, they have to be physical like tonight and it will be a challenge to do it game after game. But who knows? We’ll see over time. This was one of the toughest games we’ve had all year. There’s reason to think that as the season goes on, they might only get better at it.”
Discuss the game and anything else in Comments.
48 Responses to “THE VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE
As NYI win, we asked around about the system”
Please Wait
I know its a huge question on everyones mind and Gordon mentioned it during the postgame but I figured I should ask. Is the injusry that Kyle apparently received serious (I was unable to watch the whole postgame so all I know is Gordon said Kyle got “banged up”).
Another win and some more praise for this system interesting to see what happens this weekend with the Devs and Sabres two different styles and no Brodeur for NJ good chance for us to get at least 2 points and maybe if all goes well we’ll be 500 at 9-9-2 with 20 pts.
High praise for the system … very encouraging and fun to watch as a fan. Hopefully they can get better and better. Joeu Mac has been HUGE though…if he doesnt make the saves the system doesnt get nearly as much praise as it did tonight. I cane stress enough how Joey Mac has impressed me and opened a lot of eyes around the league.
First sign of respect given by another team…I like it. Let’s Go Islanders!
my take on the game: great win, true to their style, hard works is paying off, gordon building credibility, snow is gaining my respect (streit, macdonald, gordon, weight, hunters contract, frans contract - all seem like great moves now), gordon has a lot of faith in guerin line and deservedly so, baily looks very good, hoping hr can finish. not a full beleiver yet in tambs and okposo and not sure if they will get to where we need them to go. macdonald is playing out of his skull.
Great to read some of those quotes. Saw Kevin Stevens sitting near me at the game scouting for the Penguins. He was doing alot of writing. Could he have been the Eastern scout? I’m actually feeling some optimism with this team and coach.
Right now … today … Nov. 17th … Ricky,in my opinion, has to win his job back. J-Mac has been better than sensational.
tell him pilon says hi
Kevin Stevens?? was he smoking crack? Anyone remember that incident in STL?
Any Okposo injury news CB? I heard coach say he was dinged up in the game.
according to howie the vancouver press had some very harsh words for the islanders leading up to this game.. any followup articles available??
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/sports/story.html?id=c19f6fb9-f464-4c44-848e-bcb07d1b9a43#commentsFormTitle
theres a link to a ridiculous view from the Vancouver Sun
“Great piece” Botta, perhaps your best reporting of the season!!
this is the stuff that gives us all hope.
Knowing we are being taken serious& complemented at the same time!!
When the last time opposing teams & scouts have spoken like that about NYI hockey?
Gotta Love it!
Great Effort Tonight 3 in a row against Canada based teams… (saw it from 209/210)
right behind Luongo as neilsen toasted him in the shoot out!
Beat the best all around goalie (healthy) in the game right now!
Joey Mac.. what a story he is becoming wade who?? lol
As well,
touche’ to the Toronto, ottawa & Vancouver hockey media..
Its always nice to hand out a little serving of crow,eat up & enjoy!
if they are guilty of showing no respect towards our Organization, players, & fans?
Games like the last 3 will go a long way in us earning respect league wise, regardless of what a few dopes in the (media) north of the border think!
Dont Get me wrong the canadian fans are hard core & great people.
Yet there media needs to update its data& knock of the cheap shots they take at us!
Time to base their opinions & commentary based on the Isles new team , new coach, and dare i say the new & (Correct) Approach The Team has taken, in becoming Relevant again in the NHL!
p.s. Charles,(as we won the shoot-out) looked happy as hell tonight in his box, good for you charlie, keep it going shovel is going in the ground this spring I feel it heart n Soul!
bet on it!
Time will come & soon,we will be even better!!
Lets Go Isles.. Lets Go Islanders!!
It’s encouraging.. I am impressed with the way they are playing right now. Perhaps we don’t have the most talented team, it’s obvious.. but we play as a team unit and that’s the main reason why we can beat other teams. Gordon brings a new style, but it seems to work, that’s a fact. And I am really proud to see our Swiss star (because I am Swiss) playing well. He’s been tremendous since the begining of the season. GO ISLES GO.. the rebuilding process is starting…
Great comments from the ‘Nucks and elsewhere. I knew going into the season this would be an exciting and challenging system (both for the team and opponents).
I agree with John Garrett that we don’t yet have all the pieces. Last season’s draft especially seemed to be directed at acquiring pieces that would fit an up-tempo system. With Bridgeport playing the same style, it will allow for faster and better development for the future.
Man that win felt great!!! I enjoy Hunter but can Gordon give someone else a try in the shootout. I don’t want to see Trent shoot high glove anymore.
Hunter beat him high glove, just put it a tad ‘ high!
Rather have him then guerin & weight in the skills competition!
Hunter is all good..
Perhaps the most complete player they have on the team right now, despite his skating.
The Guy Is all Heart N Hustle, will be a fixture on The Island for years to come!
They would be nuts to trade him!
lets go Isles… lets Go Islanders!!
thanks bryan for a link, i left a comment on the article hopefully it gets approved. how about rick bowness assistant coach on the canucks? hilarious! maybe they have a job somewhere for terry simpson too
maybe steve stirling is a better punchline..
YES! Finally I get to witness a win at home. Shootout, nonetheless. Did anyone else notice how JACKMAN was an animal tonight? Good for him. Plus I paid 15 dollars for seats in 221. It was a good night for an Islanders fan. Frans deked Louie out of his skates.
Funny how all you nay-sayers about a week and a half ago were calling for the Islanders to fire Gordon and Snow and for Wang to sell and move the team… dump Guerin, Weight and Gervais… Release Hilbert and bring up Fritz…
Now it’s all “Great job Snow and Gordon…” “I knew you’d make all the right moves…” “I believe in you guys and we’re behind you 100%”
Funny what a 3 game winning streak will do for you.
But you guys are true fans right? Kill them when they lose, shout to everyone that the team and individual players “suck” and cry for your mommy that Snow and Wang ruined your childhood.
Unbelievable!
DOC
Thanks Chris for the great post!! Look forward to reading your blog EVERYDAY!!The team played a heck of a game tonight. Hopefully this will be a trend. Lets go Isles!!
I really didnt think they were that impressive tonight, a few guys were. Tamby still stinks, Bailey had more crappy moments than good, Gervais stinks.
We really need an enforcer, Jackman cant take on everyone and guys were getting pushed around a bunch of times without much of an answer. See when Jackman hit a nuck and DAvison immediately came to him and dropped the gloves? Thats what we need except a guy thats better than both of them.
Hey Chris, thanks so much for getting us some of those quotes from an opposing Canadian team. It means so much to me to see the Islanders getting respect for working hard, and to compliment the very system that we’re all 100% invested into, it’s all that more sweet.
Franz was on fire tonight. Bergie hustles so incredibly hard every night (same as Park) and Dougie is working SO hard past his prime for this team, it’s so easy to cheer for the guy.
How many MacDonald thirds were ordered tonight???
really exciting game tonight, lots of impressive moments from individuals as well as the team itself. i love gordon’s growing confidence in the kids. not only with his shootout choices but his pp units as well. you can see the team growing and who knows what it will lead to. very impressed to read all the respect we got tonight from canada. excellent post too CB, top 3 you’ve ever done. keep up the great work
i think jackman should stay up all year…he brings what asham used to bring to us..energy, some skill and toughness!….
Once again, Doc is spot on. The worst thing about the Islanders are its fair weather fans. I guess I’m a “glass half full” kind of guy, but this team is fun to watch most nights. I’m enjoying the full throttle pace and watching the young kids mature. Anything over .500 is gravy this year - as long as they keep working their tails off.
Good deal C, this was such a good read! it was so cool to hear what they felt, thought..etc)And it was all pretty positive.
Glass Half Full: This system is fun to watch. I did not attend the Buffalo game - so that means I have been to many entertaining games. I think the system is a great fit for a lot of the team’s players. Joey Mac has played well, the team D has played well in spite of a system that could leave them vulnerable at times.
Glass half empty - we scored 1 goal in regulation. Still no elite player.
But my official report is that I think we have the coach. I think we have the system. Now, just need to add the players…..and thanks for a terrific report CB
Pat
this is the Islanders we are talking about. We are going to win just enough so that we just miss the playoffs, so we dont trade our vets for prospects and get a lousy draft pick. I’ve been a fan since 93, I would love to be proven wrong
It looked to me that Okposo was feeling discomfort in his wrist, but that was only because I saw him flexing it multiple times on the bench and after the game. Hopefully it’s nothing serious.
It was a fun game to attend last night. McDonald was very strong. Luongo is immense in net, nice move by Frans to score. I lilke the way this team is battling and I like the way Bailey is being used. Gordon is putting him in all sorts of situations and he nearly scored twice last night. Hopefully they can keep it up.
I’m impressed with the composure we’ve been showing over the last few games. Hopefully we can keep this up over the rest of the year… I can handle losing games as long as we’re IN them from start to finish. In my opinion, Nielsen is just getting better and better every game, and Bergenheim is really stepping up, too. And I agree with Uncle Jr - in fact, I said it to my hubby after the game last night - DP has to earn his spot back. I wouldn’t automatically throw him back in net when he’s healthy, not when Joey Mac has been giving his all for the team. Luongo made some really good saves… at least we’re getting the puck to the net now! Do I think we can blow a team like Detroit out of the water? Hell no… but it seems like we’re stating to gel, and that’s encouraging!
Doc, I have to agree.
I agree that DP shouldn’t be thrown back into the net. I also think Scott Gordon doesn’t do that either. He is going to make DP work for his spot back, which is very good.
Well, I picked Van to win pretty convincingly, based on them playing good hockey lately and the Isles’ two wins coming against an Ottawa team that seemed in disarray. But last night was an impressive effort. We’ll see how they hang with the big boys in the East over the next few games.
I thought Jackman was the best player on the ice…and I never thought I would ever type that with a straight face. He never drove to the net this effectively last year.
Bailey looks good - patient and smart, but, imo, they should send him down unless he puts up about 4 or 5 points through 9 games, (I’d say 4 if one of the points is a goal). He hits people with passes that I don’t even notice while watching the game, though, which is a credit to him.
Don’t forget, though. Just as things may not be as bad as they seem when the team’s losing, things are probably not as good as they seem when you’re on a winning streak. There are still plenty of glaring warts on the 2008-09 Islanders.
Doc, Islander fans are not the only so called “fair weather fans”. Before you go classifing what a true fan is, check out every sporting team in North America. When a team isn’t playing well, fans voice their displeasure…doesn’t make them any less of a fan…maybe the opposite…if they didn’t cry and complain, probably means they don’t care.
Chris, great work. Your site and the amount of work you put into it has been the best thing for this team since Milbury leaving.
True Bossy22 but when the young Islanders are 6 games into the season under a new coach, playing a new system and the fans are calling for the coaches head it makes them ignorant. Everyone knows this is going to take a little time but for some reason fans want to start over every time they have an off game. Yes they are true fans, just not very smart.
David, how about impatient….I’m sure many are smart:) I understand what you’re saying.
Not only it was a great effort from whole team and the “System” began to prove itself,
I saw huge improvement of individual skills: Nielsen, Bergy, Okposo, Hunter, and Bailey. Just fun to watch them handling the puck and making outstanding passes and smart plays. And MacDonald!!!
Tons of respect to Gordon not giving up and keep pushing his way no matter how bad the team was playing.
And as for Canadian Press, I like when others do not respect you as a team. It’s much easier to surprise them and win. This is exactly what we did last night. And let me tell you, they were very lucky to have Luongo in the net.
CB, great episode on XM Radio. Too bad they didn’t have enough time to discuss more issues. And thanks for very satisfying post. I hope the opposition coaches and scouts will never figure it out.
argged bossy22& they still need to call up fritz, cause toughness is worth something again in this league,
and no goals in last 44 games(tambellini)
is not worth a rats a**!
evrything else Docs not talking about me,
always support this Hockey team& when i’m at just about every home game, I figure its my right to speak my mine on subject matter like this from time to time!
instead of being an arm chair quertback from the position of couch potato,,,’I'm Just saying!!
lets go Isles.. Lets Go Islanders!!
There were two Okposos last night, I thought. One of them dropped his shoulder and drove to the net on a 1-on-1 with the d-man, and he was a bull that couldn’t be knocked off the puck. The other Okposo tried what was probably a fancy college move to get around Demitra when he was the only man back, and he got pushed off the puck easily. The good news is he’s playing the power forward game more and more and the finesse game less and less. He’s very hard to knock off the puck when he simply drives to the net.
Hey Chris, my response to The Vancouver Sun’s article on last nites great Islander win! was as follows, I thought that professional writers were to be honest, about events they were covering. You need to either get a life Lain, or get a pair of good glasses, and get over the NY Islander’s Cup win in 1982. Go Islander’s! Mark
the game was great..joey was insane..but our boy cj pappa PLEASE GET PUMPED UP!!!!…these guys come off the ice their hearts are beating 200x per second and he starts these reeeaaallly slooowww interviews bla bla bla /get cj some expresso he is so freakin mellow…cj get excited!! you are very knowledgeable and have all the credentials.. excitement sells
Chris,
This was one of the most insightful ideas for a NYI blog post in years. Great stuff.
I am starting to recind my original opinion of “the system”. I still believe it’s fun to watch, but as the team becomes emersed in it, they are becoming more adept in covering for each other.
This is still dependent on very good goaltending… and some of that resides in the center of “lucky-town”.
But these last 7 or so games have shown that they can compete while they rebuild.
Can Silly and Witt make things better?
I think Meyer, at this point is still an improvement over Skinner.. I can’t see Witter “pre-pinching” anything… except maybe Avery’s coconut.
I’d hate to lose Jackman, Park, or even Thompson to make room for Sillinger. Is there any way they will put Hilbert in the booth for a few to showcase Silly?
Nielsen is excelling under the circumstances. Jackman is well on his way to replacing Scatchard on my all-time Islander role player list… and Streit may be the best overpaid acquisition by the islanders THIS CENTURY!
THere is DEFINITELY going to be a GOALIE CONTREVERSY in UNIONDALE when DP is healthy enough to play… he might want to “REHAB” the entire season to avoid conflict.
Wow, great article! Would never have known these quotes if it weren’t for this blog.
Joey Mac and Franz Neilsen have been two players I’m absolutely fascinated with. It’s such a relief to see something growing out of this young nucleus. What I love so much about the whole Joey Mac story (and I know others mentioned it already) is that DP really should have motivation to pick his game to an unprecedented level.
I know this was brought up, but since Comrie’s been out things have seemed better. I’m really not a huge fan of Comrie and although it looks like he has huge potential, I just feel like he has no intensity to his game. A big no no in the Go Go Gordon system!
Go Isles!
Great game.. all around effort. Nielsen is opening eyes with each shift, it was literally his puck at times. What can u say about Tim Jackman, did he have a bit of a coming out party, sure looked like it. Okposo can control the play it is evident at times, seasoning and game time will only make him better. Same for Bailey, can see his skill set is high, but more real time NHL experience (and strength) is needed. Joey Mac has become the man in my eyes. DP has a goalie battle to look forward to, huge contract or not he should have to win a spot back in goal, J’mac has earned his.
Not for nothing I hope they still get rid of Gervais he still sssssuuuuuuuuucccccckkkkkkkssss!
It seems like there are a couple of people (quoted) who are questioning the team’s ability to hold up for the whole 82 games at the pace they are skating/playing. As we all know, you can have multiple injuries playing a safe game, but let’s hope they can stay healthy and continue to improve till the final game. I am loving Nielson - did you see his confident look after his shootout goal? LOL!!! And I agree with those above about JMac, maybe he will end up being the best thing for Ricky D growthwise. That would be GREAT.