WITT TELLS PB: “I WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM”
Dman takes critiques of D system even further
Updated at 2:30 pm at bottom with (hardly any) news from the morning skate
10:30 am - “I don’t want to be traded,” Brendan Witt told Point Blank just 15 minutes ago in an interview in which he never backed down from his comments in today’s Newsday. “I want to fix the problem.”
In Newsday, the veteran defenseman criticizes coach Scott Gordon’s defensive structure: “Personally, I think it’s more of a risky type of game,” Witt tells Greg Logan. “There’s a lot of odd-man rushes. But that’s the way he wants us to play, and until he decides he wants to change that, we’re going to play that way.”
As you’d expect from the hard-charging Witt, he did not back down when I spoke with him this morning.
“I’ve talked to Scott about it a lot. I’ve kept it internal for a long time,” Witt said from his Minnesota hotel room. “I was just answering Greg’s questions honestly.”
Witt continued: “My opinions I’ve shared with Scott is that there’s times in the game when we shouldn’t play the system. You don’t see any other teams in the NHL playing this way for a straight 60 minutes. It’s a very hard system. It’s like telling a sprinter to keep running at that pace for 60 minutes.”
When I told Witt that his comments will give the perception that he wants off the Island, he was demonstrative in saying he wants to stay and “fix the problem.”
“If I didn’t want to stay with the Islanders, I wouldn’t have signed the contract extension this summer (through 2010-11). I love it here. I just want to win. I don’t want to win just 20 games and be happy about it.”
Later on, he pounded home his message.
“When I talk to Scott about changing it up, his feeling is the system will work but that we haven’t executed it,” said Witt. “But my feeling is, if you want to win, you install a system that works best for the players you currently have.”
Ladies and gentlemen, we have our first full-blown controversy of the season. Newsday even traced its story on the back cover over a beautiful blue sky in their photo of C.C. and A.J. at the new Yankee Stadium. It says, “ISLES CONTROVERSY: Witt blames Gordon for defensive woes.”
The justification for the hoopla is that it’s Brendan Witt talking. Witt signed a two-year contract extension with the Islanders when he knew Ted Nolan was going to be gone (the dman was not a fan of the ex-coach), but before Gordon was even interviewed. Witt happily signed up for the Islanders and Long Island, but obviously not for fire wagon hockey.
His comments to Greg Logan came on the heels of a minus-5 outing against Washington on Tuesday. To us this morning Witt said, “I had a bad night and was minus-5, but I look at those goals and there isn’t anything I would have done differently.”
Whenever you install a new system, there are casualties from the group of holdover players. (A scout at the Coliseum told me two weeks ago, “Mark Streit is the only dman suited to playing Gordon’s system. Maybe Campoli, too.”) The question now is whether the Islanders move Witt to another NHL team for fair value, and whether they can.
If Witt had not signed the extension through 2010-11 - even at a reasonable $3 mill a year - he would be much easier to trade. Compound the remaining two years on his deal with the perception of his unhappiness, and Garth Snow may no longer be in position to demand a good price.
If Logan’s blog entry from today’s 12:30 pm EST skate in Minnesota isn’t about Witt and Gordon hugging it out - and the coach saying all the right things about his respected defenseman - the hole only gets deeper.
2:30 pm: Hiding behind the excuse that he hadn’t communicated with the scratched players yet, Scott Gordon did not provide lineup details to Greg Logan and the Islanders broadcasters after the morning skate in Minnesota.
What we know for sure is Comrie and Okposo are in. No word on their linemates, or who is out.
Three players were excused from the skate: Doug Weight, Joey MacDonald and, wait for it…Brendan Witt.
Rick DiPietro was on the ice for 40 minutes.
Reaction in Comments!
147 Responses to “WITT TELLS PB: “I WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM”
Dman takes critiques of D system even further”
Please Wait
I would trade witt for a pick and prospect. I would also have no problem trading him for Vermette or a player like him. Ideally I would like a young forward or dmen for him.
Witt’s absolutely right. You cannot and should not play this kind of hockey for 60 minutes. Sure, with our talent level, playing it for half the game, or even 2/3 of the game, is fine, and probably necessary. But once we have a lead, a more defensive style is called on. Doesn’t take a genius to figure out that we’ve blown a ton of 3rd period leads because the team was gassed. You can have a group of world class sprinters playing for you, but 60 minutes of fast hockey would destroy anyone. You know, we look at this Isles team and we think, “we suck anyway.” Hell, we step on the jugular for 3-4 of those 3rd period losses, and don’t lose our entire roster to injury, we wouldn’t look too bad right now.
And one more thing - I love Brendan Witt. I believe him when he says that he loves it here. Make this guy the captain after we (rightfully) trade Guerin. Or even before that.
Witter’s a class act, and Gordon and the rest of the team, as well as the fans, should take his criticism seriously. Posters on this site have been saying this all season, including myself: The system is an effective one, but it loses its effectiveness if played for a full 60 minutes, since it’s too taxing on the players.Even the fastest sprinters int he world have trouble winning marathons, if you catch my drift.
CB, you think the Isles could get a 2nd round pick for Witt come the trading deadline?
I think witt has some very good points in that it is a very hard system to play for a consistent 60 minutes and maybe sometimes they do have to adjust throughout a game pending a lead in the third or whatnot. I dont see this to create turmoil between Witt and Gordon or Snow, but i think he should be moved by the deadline regardless.
Witt’s a passionate guy that wants to win. He’s got a point about playing a system that matches the players, but if it’s about long-term and this system is the long-term, then the players need to get on board - despite the pain…
Ah the joys of a losing streak.
Witt’s right in that it’s a tough system. He’s obviously not the fleetest of foot(skate) so being put out of position on a pinch makes it a lot tougher for him to get back into the play. It’s also true that they’ve been horrendous, for stretches in their own zone. Gordon’s system is different from what these players are used to playing their entire career. Another problem for Witt is that his usual glass partner has been out for the majority of the season. While everyone thought that Witt was the shutdown “Guy”, it was actually a pairing effort that helped the shutdown. When Marty comes back, Witt’s game will get better… If he’s still here.
good deal clearing that mess up, bascially all he did was express his frustrations from a players view, and it turned into Media “hype” the guys entitled to feel the way he does, (imo) he made very valid points, it’s hard system to play..bottom line!
I hope we do keep some of the Vet players, I mean not to sound mean but at this stage in their game..who’d want them? most teams are bucking for youth, but you never know, one thing I’ve certainly learned in life is never say never. Look for better things to come next season and there after..
I hope Fritz is one of the scratches tonight. The only business he has on the ice is to fight Boogard and w/out Fritz on the ice Boogard wouldn’t even fight anyone. Fritz is like a trained ape on skates. I’d even put Tambellini in over Fritz. THat is how bad Fritz is at hockey.
you are going to hae a lot more of this from the veteran guys if this losing continues. However, that being said, if we want to be successful, we must stick with a game plan and style and not change. Witt says fit the style with the players you have. What if the plan starts coming together and we get a tavares or all the young guys start blossoming. Then if we change the system now we would be starting from square one next season. Look at all of the good teams, they adapt but never change the system. The devils never ever change their system. As much as I want to keep Witt, if he can not play this system, which it seems some of the older guys can’t, then no choice but the jettison them and get back picks. While you need veteran presence, a bunch of 22-30 year old players zipping up the ice perfecting the system sounds better than starting over each year with a seystem “that fits the players on the team.” Hunter (slow as can be in comparison to some other players) park, hilbert, Weight, have all adapted. so I dont put any credence into what Witt said. Would want him to stay but if he can hack it, time to cut losses and get as much for him.
I disagree with CB, I think his contact helps, 3 million range for a defensemen of his caliber for another two years helps alot more than it hurts.
Witt gives 110% every game, sadly his correct comments will be held against him. If you are rebuilding, why can’t you have a marquis forward to teach the youngsters? I’m sure it must be horrible to be called up to play with Ovechkin, Crosby, or Malkin.
this just isn’t something that should be said publicly and witt should know better. my guess is that all of the players that can’t play this system (like witt) will gradualy be weeded out with players that can play this system taking their place.
can someone explain to me how most view
Gordon as some kind of mesiah? has this “system” been proven to work or are we all buying into someting here blindly?
Witts right, this system will never work for this team. One of my favorites, keep him here.
you guys who want to trade witt are serious tools. the one guy who is the biggest vocal supporter of the islanders and lets trade him for a 3rd rounder, seriously don’t watch. sick and tired of losing but yeah let’s trade anyone for 3rd rounders that may be good in 3yrs. we already have prospects, and multiple picks this coming draft. Pair that with a possible free agent signing when warranted and trade only if it makes sense. so tired of the whiners, seriously sore losers. I watch every game and go to a share of them, my attitude is they can win every night even though most of the time the cards are stacked against. this isn’t gonna happen this year or next but I will always be there to support this team.It’s called being a true fan.
Why is Pock on this team?
WITT is a ten times the man Go-Go is. Wasn’t it obvious from the beginning of the loosing streak that Gordo lost this team and did absolutely nothing to fix his beloved SYSTEM whichisn’t working just yet. Stubborness and inability to tweak something that doesn’t work isn’t a good quality for a coach, especialy for a coach on a rebuilding team, like Isles.
Witt is the man, So far Go-Go came out like a fool in this situation. IMHO.
Witt is worth much more than a 3rd rounder. I would expect at least a #2 and a top prospect. Or a good young player which is more valuable to us. I would personally trade almost all vets and try and keep a team under 31 yrs old. Witt is slow and doesnt really work in this system. Plus sutton and witt are the same player might as well trade 1 of em.
I’m sorry but arent these professional athletes? They get paid ALOT of money to be conditioned to play. I dont understand how people say that this system is taxing players. When a player is on the ice he should be giving it his all? What system calls for players going half ass or taking it easy while on the ice?
Deadline ; trade witt, weight guerin martinek sillinger and maybe sutton also.. Trade all these guys for young players or prospects and picks.. Then this summer sign some younger ufas like 28-30 yrs old and draft smart to make us a good team in 2 yrs.
I know. Yeah, let’s trade Witt for more picks and prospects so the Isles, Botta and this list can tell us how great our future is.
999,
Trading all those players will not get us anywhere near a similar return or the potential of a similar return. In terms of signing 28-30yo in the summer, I think every team would like to do that and we have done that in the past. We got Sim, Comrie, and Sutton.
OK, let’s trade Brendan Witt because he is a fierce competitor and has the good sense to understand that in order for a team to win, it needs to employ a game plan which best compliments the players which actually skate on the ice for it as opposed to a style which may supposedly suit players who may someday play for it.
If the plan is to lose and have a better shot at #1, then the coach is executing it to a tee. Whether or not you agree with that plan, it is ridiculous to blame Brendan Witt for wanting to compete and win. If every Islander had his mindset, we would be well served both now and into the future. If you want to trade him , you might want to clone him first.
I really like witt as a player I just feel that we are better served trading him for a younger player as we all know we are 2-4 yrs away from being competitive. In 2 yrs witt will be old and will suck.
I hope that this situation dies down and that we can get back to more positive vibes. Clearly, Witt is right. But its not so much an indictment of the system - but - the collection of players trying to execute this system. What it comes down to: Is Garth Snow sold on the system and Gordon? If so - then he has to continue to implement the “Overspeed” system and find players to play it.
Kudos to Witt for signing here and his commitment to Long Island. Here is hoping that Witt is part of the solution.
Ideally, this could have been kept in the locker room where the disagreement belongs. Problem is - now we have to see how the team reacts and if they buy the system and the coach going forward or not. Stay tuned !!
pat
I love Witt BUT, should we take him seriously after the other night? He has been playing horrible since returning back from the line up and is just frustrated. I’ve said it before, you install a system and then find players that fit into that system. It is a process and that is why you start it when you are rebuilding. Witt is saying it is too hard but then why are other players not having a problem with it? Why are the kids in the minors not having a problem with it? Bring in the players that can execute the system over the next two to three years and you will have a dominant team. Cahnge the system to suit your 30 something year old players and we lose out on the number 1 pick. DON’T change the system, WE DON’T WANT TO WIN because it’s not going to get us fans anywhere!
Pat is dead right. Saying this doesn’t make Witt a bad guy who should be traded, even though the Greek Chorus is back out here with the usual fire everybody shtick. I’m sure Witt feels like a fish out of water in the system, so either the system needs to be tweaked to fit the current personnel OR they need to stick with the system to see who fits it and who doesn’t in order to guide future roster moves. I don’t know what the right answer is.
I also agree that Buffalo has played a variation of this system very successfully in the NHL. It’s about the right people to execute a system, not that it’s inherently minor league. We have a rookie coach in year 1 of his deal, and 30 games into the season everyone’s screaming he lost the team and everything about him sucks. Can we give it time, please? (And Gordon graduated Boston College….it gives me physical pain to defend people like that….)
For Witt’s future….I really don’t know. I love Witt, and I think it’s great that he wants to be part of the solution here. He can be a great mentor to prospects like Hamonic, who could only hope to have the kind of career Witt has had. On the other hand, he is very attractive to a number of contending teams, and if you get a good enough offer you have to at least consider it. Either way, kudos to Witt for wanting to help and be part of the solution. Much better than mindless complaining, even though overzealous headline writers and those who hate everything this team does anyway want a controversy.
Witt is right. How many more games would we have won if we trapped the third period to protect a three goal lead? Instead, we played this half-aggressive, half-defensive shell thing and gave up a ton of goals. I’d liken trying to be aggressive in the third period with trying to be aggressive on the PK: sometimes you’re behind and need to try to score, but most of the time you recognize that the risk is both unnecessary and less than the potential reward, so you play defensively.
This isn’t about wholesale changes to the system, just recognizing that you tweak it to be more effective. And if Gordon believes that there is only One Right Way to play an aggressive forecheck, no matter what, then even once we get the personnel to play it correctly, he’s going to be in trouble once opposing teams’ coaches pinpoint and attack its weaknesses.
“Overspeed” requires wheels.
Witt does not have wheels.
Hence WE get run over.
-5. Frustration boiled over.
I was never a huge fan of Witt. He’s been the same liability on defense in both Nolan and Gordons system. he’s better as a 5th/th d-man. Not a top 4. Tired of him going down screening our goalies by playing goalie himself in the slot because he’s too slow to engage on cycling players without taking a bad penalty. While I’m still not sold on Gordons “system” for the NHL, Witt was wrong here for throwing our inexperienced coach under the bus. At least it’s more a interesting read than all the inane Sundin nonsense.
Witt is and has been my favorite Islander!
SNOW YOU BEST NOT TRADE HIM KID!
I don’t see a problem with employing multiple schemes depending on the situation. Even when we get the “right” people in here for the systems, There are a lot of high-flying teams out there that get completely exposed because they don’t have shutdown d-men like Witt. They spend all their time looking for fast skating, offensive d-men, that they forget the primary responsibility of a defenseman is to actually be able to defend. Sabres are a prime example, which is why they went out and got Rivet…and they tend to do worse when he’s not in the lineup.
Witt’s a valuable defenseman. And I think his comments about the defensive zone coverage are more important than the odd man rushes. All of the D and the forwards look bad in their own zone. No matter who gets in there, Gordon will need to address defensive zone coverage. Might as well do it now when you have a good shutdown guy there.
Also I love the people who are blaming the system for the Islanders losing as if without the system these players would all be all stars. THIS TEAM SUCKS PEOPLE. We have very little talent so whatever system they run the results will be the same. Weed em’ out, bring players in that can handle it, end of story. We do not want to change the system so we can win a bunch of meaningless games that will keep us out of the Travares sweepstakes and insure the Isles mediocrity for years to come! Be real bad now so we fans actually have a future to look forward to and not one filled with first round playoff sweeps.
Stevedepot - have you looked at the plus/minus of the entire team? Sutton is one of only like two people on the whole team with a plus, and his wheels are nothing to write home about. The fast guys like Campoli are struggling with coverage as well. Witt was saying in Logan’s article that the decision-making in this defensive scheme is tough on everyone, and involves a lot of guessing where the play is going to go…and that part has nothing to do with wheels. I don’t want to see less forechecking…just better recognition in their own zone. They are mutually exclusive, imo.
VINDICATION!!!!
CB, thanks for the early christmas present! I was beginning to believe I was from another planet.
Well.. I may be the only one, but I’m right witcha Witter.
UIF -
the “guessing” is result of the lack of overall talent.
Guys playing more minutes than they would have on better teams. Like I said, Witt falls in that category of lack of talent. Andy Sutton worked hard this off-season to get leaner and while not a fast skater himself, has surprising +/- numbers thanks to being our 2nd best offensive defenseman behind Streit.
I’d give Campoli a pass, because he’s on of the guys Gordon expects to pinch on offense which exposes us to odd-man rushes.
And yes, this team constantly “guesses” on defensive zone coverage when we’re pinned in. The only overspeed in our zone is from our opposition that cycles the corners while our boys react.
Nolan knew how to get the most out of the limited talent he had.
Snow, not wanting to admit he put together a team of limited talent, fired Nolan.
Gordon was hired under the guise of a rebuilding program, but is just an attempt by Snow to cover his tracks.
The new coach does not get the most out his limited pool of talent. Hence the 3 points in the last 10 games and the beginning of the Gordon death watch.
Witt is a nolan-type-player, gotta love him. For his sake I hope he does get traded to a contender. He’s a warrior playing for a Bambi organ-eye-zation right now. Far to many times in the last 15-20 years, the Isles have ‘quit’ prior to xmas. That’s not an org for Witt.
If the glove don’t fit, it ain’t for Witt!
I think my job is too hard - I think my boss should make my work easier on me…
At least Witty gave us his HONEST opinion.
Didn’t play with words or phrases, just straight forward. He deserves credit for it. I’m not ruling out other’s thoughts (I could be 100% wrong), but I agree with Witt about the “deffense” part of Go-Go system. It should be ajusted somehow. They have been giving up to many shots on goal each game. Those numbers have to be reduced. It makes JMac’s(or DP’s) work much harder and realy hurting his statistics. “Strait is the only one who fitts” - yes. Why?: He is an elite player with skills and BIG salary(which we are lucky to have). If Isles fill up their Def. roster with players like him, they will not have any space under salary cap roof for any forwards. I’m for changes and adjustments of the D-system to maximize their effectivness.
I agree with Witt on this one. I like that he spoke with the coach first and I like the he answered Logan’s questions honestly. I hope they can work it out. To me, he’s a valuable player and probably should have been named captain over Guerin.
A couple of quick points (all just opinion obviously) :
1) I think some of you might be a tad off on what you think Witt could bring back in a trade. As pointed out in the blog, him being signed might hurt his value.
2) I think it’s a shame he felt the need to respond to Logan’s question. He’s supposed to be a leader, yet it creates drama when you say those comments - whether you agree or not.
3) I think Witt is just upset because he’s a slow skater who’s had to rely on the clutch and grab systems of hockey’s past …this is the new NHL where skating matters …look at Streit - produces offensively and has been good on the “D” side of things …
Bottom line …while I have liked Witt in the past I think his time has come and gone …trade him closer to the deadline …and send Sutton with him …
Witt was never one of my favs, but he’s right here.Somebody has to tell Mr.Gordon that he’s not in the AHL anymore and that his team’s playing against some real hockey players.The system looks great…we just don’t have players to execute it.
well said pat- if u have a “plan” and are “rebuilding” to put that plan in place then you have got to stick with it despite not having the personnel to execute it at this moment. slowly but surely u fill in the missing pieces. lets face it the isles wouldn’t do much better if they played the trap and didn’t forecheck. they are a very hard team to watch. i like Witt but i have no idea what he was thinking going public
Good Job by Witt. I’m sure Gordon welcomes his comments too, but what Gordon has to know is that even though this system could work in the future right now it just blows.
This team is not built on young players trying to make it into the NHL, but is built on the right mix of veterans and our younger players.
It’s almost guarenteed that toward the end of the season most of our players will have no gas left in the tank and could also lead to more injuries like the one Sillinger just had.
I like Gordon, he’s our coach, but he has to let up a little bit and stop playing this type of speed hockey. No one will think different of him if he changes his style, the only thing he could gain is that the players will see him as a coach who wants to make the players happy, and thats a great thing.
To expand on what I wrote -
I am sure Witt is sincere in wanting to fix the problem. I think he is well intentioned and just should have not answered Greg’s questions for attribution. On the other hand - I admire him for his honesty and do not think he is a malcontent or wishes the team ill will. Why would he have signed here ?
No matter what system they play - they are not a playoff team. They weren’t last year - and may not be next year.
I don’t have a problem with the Isles being an”overspeed team” for the first and second period and a trapping team with a lead in the third.
Hate to put it this way - but if you feel we are going to lose anyway - why not lose playing the style our coach wants us to play going forward and seeing which players “cut it” and those that don’t. Also, our Pro Scouts need to see what current NHL’ers can hack it - and the amateur scouts the same. Lastly, as Chris pointed out - we need OUR version of Ovechkin. WE NEED THE GUY WHOSE JERSEY WILL HANG NEXT TO BOSSY’s 20 years from now…..
We find that guy - then our rebuild officially is well underway. Sorry for the long post - but I think its all in Garth’s hands……and that he has to give Gordon plenty of time to implement this system.
Aside from Streit, who I think we all agree has been absolutely fantastic, all of the names of players who have “adapted” to this system are FORWARDS. It’s just plain different for defensemen. Not fair to say that Hunter, Park, Weight have “adapted”, but Witt just hasn’t. And Hilbert has played the damn system before, so please leave him out of those comparisons, too.
I love Witt, not only as a player, but for what he’s brought to the organization off the ice, so I’ll be sad if/when he’s gone. But it’s not about one player, it’s about the team. And if he can’t work things out with the coach and his system, then I hope we get something of value for him at the proper time.
I am upset by this because Witt wants to stay on the Islanders and there are not a lot of players like that. He signed a contract with us instead of becoming a free agent and getting more money somewhere else. Too bad because it looks like he will be traded.
I understand and don’t blame Witt — I even expected this to happen. But it’s not about this year. (Plus, the 60 minutes thing: the Islanders are not exactly blowing leads any more — they’re not even getting them to start with.)
Frankly, I don’t want Gordon to change for this lineup. I do want him to instill a philosophy for the guys who are going to be here for years to come.
This is the only year I’d say this (we need a high pick more than we need to move up to, uh, 10th place in the conference), but it’s worth wasting this year and tossing vets out for the sake of sticking with this experiment at least until an actually talented lineup shows that it doesn’t work.
GONG!!…funny this came about right after CB’s gong show piece…this is more like a circus…do you hear the ringling bros. music?…dodo dodododododododo..get Mr. Wang his top hat!
To respond to the earlier poster about Fritz being a waste of time - let me just make a comment about my so called “obsession” with Fritz and also with Tavares
I am not specifically “in love” with Mitch Fritz being on the team. I AM in love with us having a HEAVYWEIGHT GOON on our team. IN LOVE with it.
Also, when I say “Tavares” - I have never seen John play.
I will use “Fritz” and “Tavares” as my monikers to describe our need for a heavyweight and our need to select THE ELITE player in this upcoming Entry Draft
If I could take Fritz’ fighting ability and size and transplant it into the body of Blake Comeau - THAT is the type of 3rd/4th line player this team needs…..we all can see that. Need a heavyweight who can play. I understand.
But, we cannot let the Boogard’s of this world - nor the Hollwegs either manhandle our players….without response….or deterrent.
No, the “guessing” is a result of lack of support, and one man is forced to cover two men. When you have great passers like Malkin out there, the defensive scheme gets exposed no matter who is defending. Witt lacks hockey talent now? Man we turn on people faster than fake wrestling around here.
Sorry for repeating (less eloquently) what Pat in #44 wrote. Hadn’t seen that one yet.
Pat: well said!
Pat, one of the best posts Ive read on here in a long time
This team is trying to push a system it can not work, (bottom line!) this batch of guys can’t handle Gordon’s way of playing the game, and Gordon thinks he can make it happen and he’s wrong, if this team was playing hockey the way they know, I think we’d be seeing different numbers and although I still don’t think we’d be major contenders, however I think we’d be seeing more wins then loses. I’ve said this many times, a combo of both Vet players and youth, if coached properly should make a strong solid team, but when you have a coach who insist on working a system everyone else knows isn’t working to me is not a good one, a good coach should recognize his players abilities an work from them, not try an teach old dogs new tricks.
Trading these Vet players isn’t the full answer either..you need a good mix of both to make the recipe work, you can’t have your team completely full of youthful players..not enough experience,
just my opinion.
Good post Pat #44! The coach does the coaching and the player does what the coach says. It’s as simple as that.
But this team is trying to build something …what sense does it make to switch the system to make a bunch of guys who won’t be here for much longer? Bailey, Comeau, KO, and Neilson (before his injury) are going to be here and should play the system …Streit can handle it …pretty much the only people having problem with it are the elderly “D” men ….maybe they should stop crying and get more speed work in so they’ll be able to keep up
Streit, with all his points, is minus 7. This team’s given up more goals than any in the NHL, and routinely plays hockey in its own zone for long stretches every game…it looks like the other team is always on the power play when they set up. I don’t know why people are so adverse to tightening up the D-zone coverage a bit. That would seem to help no matter who is on the ice, and they could still play the overspeed deal on offense.
I will be disappointed if the Islanders trade Witt. I know its nice to have draft picks but how many can you have. Its more than just picks its having these kids around the veterans who will influence them and help them turn into better players. Having 20 inexperienced players on this team is not going to make this a good team down the road. Look how Yzerman, Hull, Shanahan groomed Datsyuk, Zetterberg etc. Its about balance and grooming of the players you have not quantity of picks you have. Just look at the 99 Draft!!
Consedering with who is playing with and throw in a backup goalie and a -7 is not bad at all.
Great Stuff CB! You get it right from the Source, “Great Journalism” anyway i knew this System thing would come to a head, the writing was on the wall. Now what next Witt gone? a coaching change Snow covering up what is happening.
All I Know is that we have seen this before (laviolette,Nolan,..etc) and you have shake your head with embarrassment that this organization has come to this and i have to start to feel that Charles Wang is the problem.
And to all those who said you need the right players for the system! Speak to Witt and the rest and listen up!
While Streit might be a -7 he is also 2nd in the league in D-man scoring (although that might have changed after last night’s games) …I’ll take that trade off any day of the week …
Plus, the +/- system is flawed to a degree …you could just step of the bench - not be involved in the play at all and be credited with a + or - …the point being anyone who’s seen him play this year would agree that he’s been a tremendous signing by Snow and a perfect fit for this system …
This whole exchange above is a fight between a divine Islander saving system handed from the Gods vs. those who want good hockey. Nolan got good hockey by running a game based on what he had. Gorton is running a system without the tools and saying it will wirk one day.
GOD I want to kick sand in Gordon’s face and see if he’ll cry or something.
WHEN YOU COACH YOU COACH THE PLAYERS YOU HAVE AS BEST YOU CAN TO GET THEM TO SUCCEED.
Is it important to work with your players or should fans watch and wait a decade until we get the right players so Gordon’s precious system will get a chance?
If this were a business, I’d call Gordon Ramsey and get Gordon fired or crying on TV before everyone there is unemployed.
Paul…..on post #59 you hit it right on the head. What’s the constant between now and 2001, with the same coaching turmoil and bright ideas that destroy us being implemented and coaches you know could do better but don’t and even GM’s who you know have to be more apt than they are but are not performing seriously?
Compare Milbury before 2000 with talent but firesales and Milbury afterwards with turmoil and upset looks?
Wang.
Lavy, Nolan, changes and turmoil and ugly press quotes and discontent……an organization that is just mired in ugliness way too often. The culture of the team is set from up top I believe. Good post Paul.
We are at Square 1 of a very long and painful process. If Maurice got the job, their record would be largely the same, and you’d be crying about them hiring a retread who’s never won anything. If Hartley got the job, you’d be crying about Snow being nepotistic, and everyone would wonder why oh why we didn’t hire someone to grow with the team like Scott Gordon….Fire everyone! Wang is the problem! Give me a break…you have to start somewhere. I’ve said earlier I don’t know what the right call is, but mindlessly blaming everyone at the top whenever anything happens is not exactly productive.
good. I love the system, but I do not think we are capable playing it 60 mintues with the roster we CURRENTLY have. Good for Witt. Hes an alternate captain, and should voice his opinion. Truth is, Witt can be your number 2 or possibly number one guy if the game is simplified into a standard TRAP style defense or somehting even similar to it. Overspeed is almost the complete opposite. I just hope this doesn’t develop into controvery that is not needed.
Well said Nick …Islanders are good at one thing …it isn’t showing up to games that’s for sure …it’s whinning …
Nick……when the decisions are poor, but we’re coincidentally “starting a rebuild” (again)……why is this one going to work? Why this idea? Why are the makers of bad decisions immune?
Is it because as a fan we’re supposed to agree with the team to show support or are we allowed to think independantly and be critical when Rome is burning?
Fiddle away, then. The coach is wrong about his roster and refuses to adapt to what he has. The GM has shown MANY bad choices but we’re stuck so demand faith.
I want every game to end with the Isles winning, but we’d like to see it happen more with better minds at work.
Again, fiddle away as Rome burns.
Nobody said this would be pretty, but if it’s done right the payoff will be worth it. We hired someone smarter than Barry Melrose (not like that’s hard…sorry, I just really hate Barry Melrose because of something he did a few years ago…) who is capable of successfully running an NHL franchise. The cold hard truth is that right now, this early into the season and with a largely raw prospect pool, nobody can say with any certainty this was a success or a bust. That means FAITH.
Witt to a western conference team within 400 miles of San Jose (e4)
I think that there are some overblown comments on both sides of the debate here. It’s not that Gordon needs to go, it’s that he needs to be willing to modify his style to best suit his players and to take into account the players he has.
In response to the idea that “we’re going to lose anyway, so we may as well lose playing the system,” I think that a better way to apply that kind of philosophy would be to say that if we do end up competitive playing this system in a few years, it will still be necessary to modify it to fit different situations and to respond to adjustments made by the opposing coach. Gordon should start practicing doing that now, too, for when it might actually matter.
Guideline reminder
http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2008/12/comment-guidelinesthese-are-effective-immediately/
i agree with nick and not JP and DP HIPS but anyway, good for witt and good part on the 60 min and thank god someone said that he wont be traded cuz it makes no sense that he would. if they dont adapt they have to try JP, and who did we trade that didnt adapt? comeau didnt and he went to the ahl and learned it and he is playing ok. tavares and hedman will go for a conditioning stint. what if they get and thrive then?? if you dont know much about the X’s and O’s than why do you critique about everyones post saing they are wrong. we are rebuilding and thats final. we are most likely not going to sign any tier one players in the offseason. streit you can say is a tier 1 but nobody thought he could play defence and garth knew which is why we have him. since were notgoing to get a tier 1 player then we need to rebuild. it is as simple as that.
There seems to be a dilemma here that I suspect is inherent to many rebuilds. Both of the following plans seem to be important to a rebuild, but they can conflict with each other.
(1) Implement the game plan now that will be used once the rebuild is complete, in order to develop good habits, and to see who fits and who doesn’t.
(2) Create a winning environment now, so that the team learns how to win, not how to lose.
In a typical rebuild, the team isn’t good enough to have both of these all of the time. In defense of valuing (1) over (2), it’s worth noting that this is the principle behind giving power play time to those that earn it.
If it’s late in the game, and we’re down by one, Tambellini might give us the best chance to score. But if he’s been floating the whole game, you don’t reward him over Hilbert, even if it means decreasing the chance that we win. It’s more important to teach the right lesson, than to get the two points now.
Long-term success over short-term success in a rebuild. (1) over (2), should they conflict.
yeah, what has boston college done for ncaa hockey anyway? nothing lately….i hate people LIKE that.
In my opinion, this style of hockey is great to watch. This is a year to see who fits and who doesn’t. As much as I love a guy like Witt, maybe he doesn’t fit, but look at what Sutton is doing and he isn’t known as a fast skater.
The Isles have to keep the direction and unfortunately get rid of those who don’t fit. Everyone here wants draft picks, but I’m sure there are also good young players who simply don’t fit there present team that would do well here.
Everbody could disagree or agree, However the results are the results and the Facts are Facts. Sugar coat anyway you like but the Problems are consistent(year in year out)the same people who make these decsions are still the ones making them WITH NO RESULTS. Now here comes the light house finale in JULY! Then you will see who the cause is (WANG)
yeah its wangs fault we are where we are. the guy shells out money to this place and its him who keeps us here. show some respect.
hey kevin, check out the post you are responding to… The hockey Nazi is in full force. Good day gentlemen.
I’ll keep my opinions undefended..and TO MYSELF.
if Gordon’s system is so fantasic , why was he a minor league coach for 10 years????
I’m not sure why people get down on Wang. Do they realize that without him there would be NO team on L.I.?
Who in their right mind would want to buy this team knowing that we are in a recession, and that the team loses annually 25 mill. They would only buy them to move them.
Now getting back on to this topic. I agree with Isles72 post 75. The Isles this year are watchable compared to the snorefest Nolan made them play last year.
They are going in the right direction. Our draft picks look promising, and if we get Hedman or Tavares in the draft we probably move up the winning seasons by a year (from 3 to hopefully 2).
Al Arbour’s first season as Islanders coach had the team go 19-41-18. It would have been foolish to fire him after that one season, the same way it would have been foolish to anoint Steve Stirling a franchise savior because they made the playoffs the first year. My whole point here is that it’s way too early to make blanket judgments on the success, or lack thereof, of Snow, Gordon, and “the system.”
toorude - that was mostly a joke, due to my NCAA affiliations BC is my OTHER Rangers.
Gutkowski wanted the team, SMG and (lobbyist for SMG) Al D’Amato wanted Wang and to not be bought out by Gutkowski. Wang is no hero except to the parties above, folks.
how is WANG not a hero. i like going to games and his confidence means this team is here and not in kansas or vegas or toronto’s 2nd team. totally agree with arbours stats. LET IT SNOW THROUGH MONDAY!!!
DP’s Hips: You’ve brought up Bob Gutkowski a lot. There was one minor problem: he didn’t have any money to buy the team…CB
Witt’s smarter than this…this needed to be handled in-house only and not spilled to Logan, who is certainly going to try and ratchet up the “division” factor. Point is, to all of you unrealistic fans, this team is not good, and Witt is part of that. I love him as well, as he’s given his body and soul, but you either get on board, or get off. It’s time for Snow to get some players off this train and move forward 100%. I do happen to believe Gordon is the one to lead that moving forward.
Neither did Wang, but he knew where to steal it from.
CB, I know that. Gutkowski and Koppelmann both went to Wang for more funding (Wang had no interest in the team before two D’Amato meetings, correct?). The shaem is now Koppelmann has TONS more due to his EMI success.
Regardless, the sticking point was the SMG buyout and SMG’s demands being insanely high. Either way…..I just hope Wang repairs his image among many fans. Better hires, better decisions and better hockey.
I don’t think Gordon is anything top tier. Not smart, sick of him looking up at the scoreboard after every breakdown in their zone with his crying girl face. Maybe Nolan was a problem, but I’m not sure we need a coach that will play this hyper system without some real talent.
Trade Gordon keep Witt…Gordon’s system is suited for the ice-girlies…..
JP you should listen to your last line in post 78 that about sums it up!
AZS on Dec 19th, 2008 12:44:22 said:
“…Streit can handle it …pretty much the only people having problem with it are the elderly “D” men ….maybe they should stop crying and get more speed work in so they’ll be able to keep up…”
Elderly? Jesus, ELDERLY lol?
Last post on this topic: I will defend JP’s post and Botta’s and your Paul…..
I just hope we all want the same thing.
I want the brass and everyone rooting on the board here to be asking “could we do better.” Every move, hire, owner, player, Ice Girl, choice at the concession stand, trainer, injury AND return from injury, etc., CAN WE DO BETTER THAN THIS?
Thanks Chris for this forum. I’m flabbergasted with the complacency but hope Gordon and the team do better for us fans. I’d like to think the season tickets are one day going to be worth the price again.
Surprise… Surprise… the gentleman suitors for the team don’t have a leg to stand on and the haters continue with their nonsensical ramblings.
Thanks CB for providing the facts which is why your blog is a must read!!!
Agree with Witt on this one. The Isles have looked lost on defense the last 2-3 weeks. Forget about Witt not being able to keep up, its not about his physical ability. Its about the miscues between the defensemen in the zone brought about by Gordon’s system. Isles might be suited to bring in a defensive coach who can take Gordon’s ideals and translate them to the players.
pretty sure some teams wouldnt mind taking witt off our hands for 3.5 per.
I’m not going to dump on the guy but he hasnt been the same since that kick ass 05-06 season where he was just a defensive beast.
Its not Witters fault that our team is crap and slow as can be. Goals will be scored, lets just keep things entertaining with guys like Fritz/Jackman and trade some of these guys like Sim then get Tavares.
hey CB do you think you can do an article on the draft? its probably the most discussed thing in the comments other than fritz. and when the time comes you can do a more updated one
I would very much like to hear about the similarities/differences between Gordon’s overspeed system and the Boston Bruins system. I have heard the systems are very similar. Just as Capuano is teaching/playing Gordon’s system in Bridgeport this year, Gordon supported the Boston Bruins system as the coach of the Providence Bruins last year. It took a while for the Bruins to learn their (assumed to be very similar) system. Their defense improved throughout last year, and has been excellent this year. I believe only Minnesota has allowed fewer goals this year. If Aaron Ward is succeeding in the Bruins system, why can’t Brendan Witt succeed in a very similar Isles system? Ward and Witt are close in age, which implies common veteran adjustment issues. In addition, they are both speed-challenged players. I apologize if I missed it, but I have not yet seen the media compare/contrast the Bruins/Isles systems and their relative success. I would love it if someone did.
Does a coach take his players and mold a system for them? Or does a coach have a system and does an organization fit them into the system? I think coaches are better when they can find a system for their players. I think Witt is 100% correct. You can rebuild all you want but why do you want to play a system your players can’t really play?
LAST COMMENT FOR THIS ARTICLE: idk if you guys know of this sight but it is hockeyfights.com and if you go to forums and then to the part where it says ‘you see them brawl’ and then go to ‘possible fights 12-19-08′ and then you can check out all the FRITZ VS BOOGAARD hype
Hmmm! with all this said: Wang should go to the US government for more $$ and see what Barnie Frank and the rest of the LIB’s say….
great coaches make adjustments. gordon like mangini refuse to adjust and IMO are not great coaches…its really as simple as that.
Agreed ny711ot
we do not have enough skill to play competitively with this SYSTEM. That does not mean we do not have enough skill to WIN. On talentless teams you should play the trap. If you trap you win, look at the old devils. What outstanding talent did they ever have in the 90’s besides a goalie?
This is not a controversy. Witt said his peace, and told everyone that he says these things to Gordon in the locker room. Controversy over.
ny711ot speakes the TRUTH! I’m with you on that.
Flexability is the key. Even if you have the best System and right players for it, sooner or later you going to be beaten by others who is doing their homework and adjust teams to win against you.
Now that Sundin landed in Van (as I hoped) and it restricts them a bit in resigning those they wanted to (in season) or adding other pieces I want Snow to call Van and see if he can shake Bieksa and/or Kesler lose. We have the vets with playoff experience you need! Witt would fit in well with that system and team. Kesler gets pushed down the depth chart at center was lower then a guy of his caliber should. How about Billy G playing on a line with Sundin?
Since this is a rebuilding year and finding the right pieces I don’t believe Commissioner Gordon should change his system. Everyone here (just about) agrees many of the players need to go for various reasons. He is trying to install a system and it takes time and it need the right players. I really like Witt the player and man but I don’t feel it is the right move to change the system. Apparently, AHL players were capable of playing this system for the entire game and entire season, so the current crop of Isles should be as well.
Trade witt for an offensive dmen. We need all the offense we can get.
IMO, Witt threw his coach under the bus. Let’s see if Coach Go-Go has what it takes to discipline appropriately. Perhaps Witt’s addition to the “excused list” was either, “He needs to rest” or if it is a sign that he’s in the dog house. I’d hope it’s the latter. I’d be even happier if Snow shipped him out. Now is the exact time to lay the law down. He’s a 33-year old player with a price tag as well as an alternate captain. This is not how you want your senior players to lead. Is this the example we want our younger player to emulate in a few years? I say dump him for something. Whatever we get in return will only pale to the respect that Snow & Gordon receive from the remaining players.
Witt is right & Gordon is a coward if he scratches Witt tonight. Yes, let’s trade Witt - then who will throw a check on defense? Gervais? HA!
I guess Gordon is of the mindset that if everybody pulls in the wrong direction it’s better than half the team pulling in the right direction.
When you do things that way you are going to need 100% commitment from everybody… and if you fail… you fail 100% and you’ve wasted everybody’s time and the team is worse off than it was when you started.
isn’t it wiser to WORK WITH your players, try to reach some level of cooperation on a PLAN that you can work on and evolve into a winner.
If you’re a guy with 20 years of NHL experience (as a player and assitant coach) maybe the my way, or the highway thing works… but when you’re an NHL NOOB… you might want to have the support of NHL ALL STAR players.
Okay.. I said it… now you can delete it.
I wonder if we the team would be playing this system if they had more talent? Was this system designed to keep this team in games against more talented opponents?
I agree with using the Devils organizational model to pattern our rebuild after, in having the minor league team and the NHL team playing the same system. This way your prospects are already well-versed in your system when they are called up. I don’t believe that more than a handful of players on the Isles will be here in 3 years. If we hired Scott Gordon to install a system, it’s going to mean a slow process of finding players to fit his system. It’s going to mean drafting the players who are good skaters first.
Right now the Islanders don’t have the right horses for this course. But I don’t think they should change philosophies over and over again. Commit to this plan for 5 years, continue to bring in the players who can play Gordon’s system and get rid of the ones who can’t.
Witter is only speaking his mind. You need the views of others to make the system works. Gordon is a good coach he sees only some views, he wouldn’t be the coach if he doesn’t listen to his players and coaches.
The system works Bridgeport is in the top of their division, it works down there with almost no nhl players(experience wise). If the kids can pick up the system why can’t the big boys?? Thats why these guys are playing in the NHL.
One can only hope Witt doesn’t get shipped out for this. Simple reason. Respected vet in the league doesn’t see eye to eye with new coach of the future. Now tell me what free agent in their right mind would consider coming to play for go go. Its bad enough they don’t want to play in our building, now you’d be able to add playing under a coach no one respects to that list
81 Nick on Dec 19th, 2008 14:33:14 said:
“Al Arbour’s first season as Islanders coach had the team go 19-41-18.”
You may have missed my post a few days ago. But when you looked at the wins/losses you might have checked the goal differential. In Al’s first full year he decreased the goal differentiona by over 100. (170 to 65, I think).
So yes, they lost, but they were more competetive.
If it looks like a duck… and it skates liek a duck… and it plays defense like a duck… maybe… just maybe … IT’S A DUCK.
ISLES SHOULD PICK JUSSI JOKINEN OFF WAIVERS HER A TALENTED YOUNG KID
agreed 116….and mike from oceanside….a bit harsh perhaps…? understand that if witt said this it is not only his opinion and as a leader is taking one for the team….and if a veteran guy like him who always puts team first and wants to be here wont buy in then what veteran leader to school the young kids will??? if gordon doesnt adjust he will lose the team and tarnish the young talent…
JP, you’re right that there are other factors at play, I was just using the record to point out that a first season is not always indicative of a coach.
Didn’t see Jussi Jokinen is on waivers - by all means get him.
Enjoy the game tonight - Newsday Blog drinking rules apply. Shots every time Comrie does a toe drag or someone says MAB.
I really hope we get Jokinen he would look good with Okoposo and Bailey.. Or Nielsen and comeau
Much ado about nothing.
Witt is a proven veteran who is more than entitled to speak his mind.
Gordon is a new coach who’s plan is going to need tweaking along the way. It’s way too early to give up on it yet.
The two are not mutually exclusive.
Witt is not going anywhere.
Gordon is also not leaving.
Both will work it out and get over it.
People who pretend to be hockey fans just to watch Fritz fight Boogaard are morons and not really hockey fans.
I wonder how differently you would feel if it were your brother, son, nephew or friend lying in a coma as a result of a stupid fight as is a 21 year old kid in Canada right now.
Where the story on that, Botta?….Sir William
CB whats the chance we get jussi Jokinen off waivers from Tampa”
I don’t know what I’m more tired hearing about..Gordon’s “system” or where Mats Sudin went to play!
I’ve said what I felt already, it’s a system the WHOLE team is having trouble working. I’m not saying he’s a bad coach, not at all, however? that doesnt mean just because a coach says or tries to enforce it, that a player can do it, he’s not working with the players abilties, if these guys were able to play the way they knew? we’d be seeing more wins under our belt, but he’s trying to force a system a pack of guys can not handle, youth included! If they were getting it? we’d be seeing it and frankly it’s not happening, a good coach knows what he can get out of a player/s and works from within the strengths..he just cant say ok play like this and expect or think it’s gonna happen..some may get it, but for others? Rub a lamp!
Some of you are cracking me up! “Commisioner Gordon” lol! I can see a hockey fight breaking out with the “wham” “boom” BAM” captions over the guys heads..lol! ok..you have to recall Batman the TV show for that. And when C said..wait for it.. Witt! Funny! (imo)
Witt is 100% right. This is system is not an NHL system. It’s fine for a bunch of 18-25 year olds, hence the Bridge’s record, but it’s not realistic for an NHL team to be expected to play it for 60 minutes over 82 games. In the AHL you only play about 3 days a week. Someone should show Scotty our schedule. In the NHL it’s gonna kill your vets and lead to injuries (sound familar?. Play it for 40 and then utilize a defensive system in the last 20 if you go in with a lead. I’d love to know what our record would be right now if we would’ve done that in all those games we tanked in the 3rd period and lost. Guys like Witt are invaluable. Change the system. I’m tired of being laughed at.
Jokinen?? We don’t have enough room to put our injured forwards back in the lineup, we’re gonna pick up someone else’s garbage up front? How about we pick up a depth defenseman or backup goalie? Or an assistant coach for the defense?
isles14 on Dec 19th, 2008 17:49:52 said:
Witt is 100% right. This is system is not an NHL system. It’s fine for a bunch of 18-25 year olds, hence the Bridge’s record, but it’s not realistic for an NHL team to be expected to play it for 60 minutes over 82 games.
Actually Buffalo plays a very similar system. I think we would all agree they have been pretty successful with it.
He’s 25 years old and better than a few guys we’ve been running out there.
Is there anything wrong with going to a more conservative (dare I say trapping-type) system with a third period lead?
SW, remove the visor, you dont have to worry about that.
Sir William…
While I agree with the gist of your comments in post number 122 about Gordon and Witt, something tells me that IF Witt finds himself in the press box tonight he will be traded shortly after the Christmas CBA trading ban.
This verbal sparring concerns me.
Not good.
Since the whole DP deal at the start of the season with DP suited up as a “non-player” on the bench, I am sensing a lot of behind the scenes power struggles going on here all season that are examples of a new coach (Gordon) trying to centralize his power and firmly establish his authority.
This game tonight has taken an interesting twist already.
Just my opinion…from two time zones away.
mrlbem, I’ve been saying that we should do that over and over. It makes no sense to be all “attack, attack” when you’re up by three goals; it’s akin to always trying to score on the PK. We should trap the third period when we get a lead. Of course, we need to work on getting those leads again…
Gordon will learn that he needs to make adjustments to succeed in the NHL. Not to bring in Nolan, but I recall that he wanted to run-and-gun when he first took the helm of the 2006 team, but he realized that it wouldn’t work with the personnel. So, instead, he played a defensive “Nolan-type” grinding system with an aggressive forecheck. Whether or not it was right to fire Nolan, that kind of adjustment is what experienced coaches do to get the most out of their players. We should give Gordon some time to figure that out for himself.
AZS - believe me, I wasn’t knocking Streit as a player at all. My point was simply we’re holding him up as the model of “the system,” and even he is a healthy minus…I say healthy because he gets a lot of PP time, which is where the bulk of the Isles goals come from, which give him a lot of pluses. All I’m saying is the play in their own zone could use some adjusting and tightening up. I don’t know why that’s such a controversial statement. Sorry, I just don’t think all of our d-men are “unskilled” or “over the hill,” etc. They’re not superstars, but they’re a pretty good core, imo.
Thank you Brendan Witt for expressing what I have been thinking and saying for weeks.
Jokinen is a huge upgrade over the bunch of scrubs we haeve. He is also only 25 yrs old. Send sim to the minors and play jokinen.. Also trade a few vets.
you don’t get pluses for powerplay goals…
For the record, Witt signed an extension to his contract on July 8, 2008. Nolan was fired on July 14th.
IslesFan1974: For the record, I stand by what I wrote…CB
Ken - didn’t know that. Thanks.
@ UIF…Powerplay points don’t count towards your +/-, so that has no bearing on Streit’s numbers.
Shorthanded goals go towards plus minus
Its hard to rip the Smyth trade. At that time we were on the verge of being a real dangerous team in playoffs. If Ricky does not get hurt, who knows what happens.
Also, if you look at the 2007 draft, i know its early, but there are no real projected studs.. Only 1 player taken in the 1st round after pick 6, is currently in the NHL.
There’s a reason why Witt has been in the NHL for 15 years and Gordon has been in the AHL for the last 6. Gordon has NO CLUE this team should get Lavy back.
There are a ton of comments so I might have missed this point but we cannot just trade all our vets for picks and cheap young guys unfortunately due to CAP requirements. We have to field a team that hits the floor of the CAP (which I forget the amount).
Also, was Witt signed after Gordon was named coach or before? I would assume Snow would have assessed Witt’s ability to play within this system before giving him the deal that he did. If he was signed before, it is moot of course.
I think Snow will stick to his guns and do his best to craft a team of players ideally suited to play this system. The “system” is not going anywhere, it is part of the rebuild from what I can see.
Anyone else have messed up sound on this crappy channel that is not in HD… no love for the isles… at all
Sorry for the irrelevant comment but aside from being the odd-team out as always for an HD broadcast, I also do not have sound to boot (Time Warner, channel 51) - this sucks! I have the web radio on but it is delayed about 8 seconds from the TV. Oh well, just venting along with Mikey G.
The more I digest Witt’s public comments, the more troubling they appear for this team. This seems to foreshadow a team that is not buying into their coach’s vision any longer. You hear Guerin talk about when he was a Devil, they would do anything for their coach because they saw the results and became strong believers. The Isles Dynasty understood their roles and played them out with the utmost passion because Mr. Arbour told them to. Witt is a leader on this team and his comments undermine Gordon and provide a voice or confidence for other players to begin to dissent in their own ways. I would like to think that Snow and Gordon who have been around hockey for a long time understand what modern day players are capable of and we need to let them continue to drill it into the players. Is this team lacking discipline and having bouts of laziness, is it too difficult to sustain for 60 minutes, or is the makeup of this team just not right and needs a more few years to design the perfect roster that can play 60 minutes of overspeed???