ISLANDERS 3, PANTHERS 1
3-0-1 in last 4 games
The conversation continues into the night in Comments.
111 Responses to ISLANDERS 3, PANTHERS 1
3-0-1 in last 4 games
-
Islanders1984 says:
Neither, someone new for sure
-
Andreas the Badger says:
I think Thomas is a different type of goalie compared to Lundqvist. He plays his best if he’s limited to around 50 games. 30 games or so a year for Rask will be a nice way to break into the NHL. Anyways, I don’t know much about the Bruins and their plans. While I would love to have him here for Guerin I just don’t think they’ll let him go in that package.
-
Jackmas has been really turning it up lately. I never really thought much of him since he’s been here, but I like this hustle.
-
isles316 says:
Netminder, I think the isles should bring in a veteran backup in case DP goes down again and even if he doesnt then someone that can play 30 games. MacDonald did his job but I dont really think he fits that role. I think the Isles could upgrade from Danis and Macdonald.
-
jon from nj says:
Do the Islanders really not have anyone better than Thomas Pock? I mean, COME ON! Anyway…I expect the Islanders to go on a run and just finish out of…the top 2 in the lottery. Because that is the luck this franchise has.
-
walter says:
that was pretty embarrassing for boumeester
-
Mikey Giacs says:
Vokoun looked like DP handling the puck!!
I second how much of a waste Thomas Pock is. Hillen should be getting this NHL experience.
-
Joe says:
Pock sucks, Jackmans awesome.
-
admin says:
hello there. Back from the radio show in time for that Vokoun fumble. MC’s stock is up! I’ll be at the laptop rest of the game…CB
-
rob says:
why are they still talking about mark streit in montreal during the intermission?? Enough of that already…
As far as danis or mcdonald… i’d rather have luongo back and have taken dany heatley first overall instead of dipietro during that 2000 draft… who is going to be the backup goalie is the least of our concerns.. -
i’m an electrician, if we have any carpenters and ironworkers here, why don’t we just start building the lighthouse without permission??.. maybe by the time they realize we don’t have permits, we will almost be finished!
-
Lenny says:
Comrie might be one of the smartest players in the NHL, might not be the fastest but he knows the game very well. Anyone notice Campoli’s hit? very nice hit
-
funny you say that, Rob. When I was at the NYI, we had a meeting about a year ago where the idea came up: “What if we had a groundbreaking ceremony without everyone else and just started digging”? CB
-
lol….they might not notice
-
maybe we could do the same type of thing with just holding a press conference to announce a trade without the other team’s approval… get a bunch of reporters together and announce the trading of dipietro for luongo back.
-
Witt seems more Witt like tonight. I like that. Ya know people keep talking about wanting to lose for a high pick. I’ll tell ya though, there is no guarantee any draft pick turns in to anything. I like to see the youth we have now do good and win because we already have them. In my humble opinion I think a less talented player drafted in to a proud winning atmosphere will be better off than a player with more talent drafted in to a weak system with a losing atmosphere. (Not talking about game breakers like Crosby or Ovie)
-
maybe I could hire oleg kvasha to serve as my electrical apprentice… he could go out and get the crew coffee and run errands
-
that should have been a penalty shot
-
Fred, the difference of four or five wins if you finish out of the playoffs wouldn’t change a team’s atmosphere that much, but it could cost us the opportunity to draft what could be the next game breaker. I don’t know if this means anything to you.. David Volek scoring a goal on the final game of the season vs Pittsburgh about 20 years ago and swapping our draft order position with Pitt…. the end result.. Pittsburgh drafts Jaromir Jagr at 5… the Isles draft Scott Scissons at 6…. That situation was a bit different, as that Volek goal did get us into the playoffs and making the playoffs is always the goal… But this year we have no shot at the playoffs…. Maybe I could hire Scissons as well as a laborer for the lighthouse project.
-
Hey Rob, I know what you’re saying 100%. I’m not saying we’re changing the overall atmosphere with a few wins, and the reality is, if we were in a winning position – we wouldn’t care much about the draft pick. I think that looking forward to 1 pick, 1 guy to start turning the tide is in a way kind of short changing who we have now. KO or Bailey may turn out to be better than anyone we draft this year. Of course there’s no way to tell now. I get that during a losing season we’re all trying to find something to look forward to. But against ATL and seeing the boys hustle tonight it makes me just want to see who we have now prove themselves and gel a bit better than earlier in the season. Is it just me or does Danis look a different guy? (knocked on wood just to be safe)
-
Brian G says:
Chris – I saw a commercial on the NHL network yesterday about the NY Islanders 10 greatest games box set, it said if you pre-order it now you get 2 free tickets to a game…I looked on the NHL’s website and the promotion is not mentioned…Do you have any info about this? thanks
-
hi Brian G. Yes, I’ve heard about the set but I don’t have pre-order information. I would hope you can find it somewhere on the team site, unless for some reason there’s been a delay…CB
-
but in your defense Fred, you are absolutely right that no draft pick is a guarantee.. case in point.. i believe it was 1999 draft the isles had THREE top ten picks in the first round (connelly, pyatt, and mezei), then the following draft, TWO picks in the top five (dipietro, raffi torres)..
Five total picks those two years in the top 10, and besides dipietro (maybe even including dipietro) what did they ever accomplish???? -
Wow, this game is boring as hell, no physicality at all.
-
Rob those are some tough memories to swallow, luckily enough I had an open brew to chug em down with. :cheers: The future picks give us fans something to talk about here, it’s all part of the entertainment of the sport we all can enjoy when we’re not competing to well with the rest of league. I guess I just want to say as a fan I appreciate the effort the current roster has given as of late. Seems like they have a new attitude.
-
I am just as excited an anyone about the future picks, even with the uncertain outcome of the results… Sorry if I made you spill your beer Fred…
-
Hey Chris, heads up new article says the Isles can’t move for six years: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-liisle0201,0,3986002.story
Rob, didn’t spill a drop buddy.
-
Strummer's Army says:
CB how soon could the trades start? Do you see 3-4 guys going or more like the 11 or so I would like?
Also, other then Hillen (if resigned) do you see any prospects who are likely to earn a spot on the roster next season? Based on your previous comments I would think not.
-
Man! Some of these other hockey blogger sites have no sense of humor! I just suggested the Isles trade their 1st overall pick (and hence, shot at Tavares), to San Jose for Claude Lemieux and the rights to Vincent Damphousse, in case he comes out of retirement.. these bloggers were reading me the riot act and I actually got “penalized” by the website… don’t these bloggers understand a sense of humor is important as an islander fan?? They withdrew my message from the board.. Geez!! LOL.. 20 more minutes… how bout a goal from Okposo!!
-
TC says:
According to Amazon. The Isles 10 Greatest Games will be released on March 3rd. I would love to see the list.
-
Jamerson says:
Outstanding move by Guerin!
-
sick move…. PLAYOFFS?????
-
Awesome goal by Bill Guerin! He, Weight and Comrie are building up their trade value! Great puck distribution by Nielsen.
-
Anyone know of any sports bars that will be open at 3:30AM for the start of the Federer-nadal match from australia tonight?
-
i asked for it… i love this kid.. we really need to send more scouts over to the untapped hockey region of nigeria!!
-
Lawrence Teller says:
Looks like putting KO on the point, as CB railed against earlier, is not such a bad move.
I am enjoying these last 3 games immensely!!!
-
what goon is gonna start a fight now for florida??
-
Rob don’t give Wang any more ideas, I can’t remember if it was Milbury or Snow who was in China during a playoff push. I’m all for spreading the game of hockey, but remember the priorities!
-
guerin13 says:
kyle is amazing. he might be able to make a late charge at the calder if he gets to 20 goals. that was a sick goal by guerin too. don’t see too many spineramas any more. good news that it’s unlikely that we move before 2015 but let’s get the ligthouse done asap.
-
Guggs says:
KO is on FIRE!!!
-
Strummer: I would be surprised, if they are traded at all, if any of the guys making 3-4 million go before March 1. Too much dough for teams to want to put in their budget/cap…CB
-
what a joke the NHL didnt invite Okposo to the young stars game… give me a break!
-
That Newsday article about the severity of the lease is hilarious to me. If, heaven forbid, things were so bad that the NYI had no choice but to move in a few years, that lease would be laughed at and there would be a court battle – while the team was playing somewhere else…CB
-
CB, What are your thoughts on trying to keep Guerin and Weight around for another year to mentor?
-
I was thinking if there was a court battle, with the state of Nassau county’s finances, I put my money on Wang, well cause, he has the money.
-
hi Fred. I have admittedly flip-flopped on that over the last two months. I really like both guys. I consider Billy a friend. But some of that mentor stuff is overrated, and at what cost? I think the Islanders should judge them as hockey talents when they make their decision. I believe Guerin will not be traded. Check back with me in a few weeks! CB
-
Empty net with over five minutes left!
-
Chris A says:
Did I just see what I think I just saw? An empty net with that much left. LOL
-
Ah, tough break. I really thought Danis deserved to get the shutout tonight. Regardless I think Flash should break down and give him a pat on the back already!
-
good night and enjoy the win boys.. Enjoy it alot because Tavares is putting on his Atlanta jersey as we speak!
-
Hope?
-
Nice, The Islanders win! Orange & Blue pride! Thanks for they cyber hospitality CB! Be safe tomorrow everyone.
-
Matt Scordato says:
Ok nice to see the boys put together a little streak and get some respectability back, but this is enough, lets not forget what this season has become. Anything less than that 1st overall pick and I’ll feel like all of the losing, injuries, DP nonesense was for nothing.
-
CB, is it wrong of me to now hope this team loses so we get one of the top 2 picks? I mean, I feel this team needs a star so badly that while they can’t “tank”, a streak that would push them out of the top 2,3,4 would be…awful.
-
19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
And the 3rd pick overall …. uh … excuse me … Garth Snow is trading down to #5 and taking Toronto’s 1st round and 2nd round pick … If the Isles keep winning … which is possible … they’ll end up landing the 3rd overall pick … and end up trading down.
Glad to see KO staying hot …. BTW … What is with KO taking a knee on most of his goals … is he off balance when he shoots? It’s becoming a trademark of his.
-
All isn’t lost if they don’t get first overall but anything outside the top 3 would be a disappointment but great win. 20 goals for KO??
-
VALENTINO says:
IF WE WE DONT COME AWAY WITH TAVARES THIS JUNE, THEN I HONESTLY HOPE THE TEAM MOVES SO I NEVER HAVE TO SEE OR HEAR FROM THEM AGAIN.
-
CB, If KO really turns it up for the rest of the year do you think Garth & co think more about Hedman if they win the lottery? I know you wrote before about getting the best player available, at what point do they start thinking “this is the best overall player vs. this is what are needs are” ?
-
Jon: as much as I’ve written about Tavheduch and the lottery far earlier than I ever planned on, I don’t think fans can get too caught up in Tavares and Co. until at least the 60 game mark. It’s a long season. I thought the NYI were going to come in 11th in the conference, while everyone else had them 13, 14, 15. Nobody could have prediected the nose dive that occurred before this 4-game points streak. I probably didn’t answer your question. Call me out on it if I failed you…CB
-
Fred: KO can morph into Bossy meets Howe meets Iginla and it won’t change a thing. They’ll take whomever they think is best. No reason to think about the No. 1 pick after points in four straight games…CB
-
CB — You’re absolutely right … this were going so dark and grim for the team … especially on the injury front that it looked like a gauranteed 30th overall finish in late November … BUT!! As bad as the Isles were in January … they are salvaging the month … and other teams .. Ottawa and Atlanta have been just as bad …. Now the Isles are getting healthy and playing really really impressive team defense and getting reliable goaltending from Danis …. that is until they burn him out too.
I’m going to try to stop chomping at the bit for Tavares … as much as the need for Tavares is almost as equal to the Isles need for the NVMC renovation … it is way to early for thinking of #91 on an Isles jersey.
-
delete key previous post … this were going so … should be things were going so …
-
John says:
CB, Everyone on the site seems bent on upgrading the back up goalie situation… any thoughts on the Isles taking a flyer on Ray Emery… desperate to come back from Russia, and has taken as team to the cup… and is eating a big helping of humble pie. I know he’s a head case and he did have that recent blow-up with a trainer with the trainer continually trying to put a ball cap on the guy… but other than that haven’t heard a peep. He would be good insurance in the event DP’s injuries linger if the team was willing to roll the dice… a one year one million dollar contract might do it.
-
Pat says:
Gotta start losing some more games to keep in the Taveduch Derby !!!!!
Here’s hoping Atlanta can win a game or two — hear ya Chris – but my heart is set on getting a top two pick. The game tonight was a fun watch !!!! – but – I will forget about it in about 30 mins.
If we get Taveduch, I will spend the next 14 years watching him play – hopefully on LI.
That is worth it. Finishing 11th does nothing for me.
-
John: I’d be very surprised if the NYI go for Emery for next season. Manny Fernandez? Maybe…CB
-
CB you answered my question…I guess the pessimist in me (in a completely bizarro-world) expects the Isles to go on a decent run and just finish out of the top 3, to screw themselves out of getting a franchise player…the one they so desperately need. Its just the luck (or lack thereof) that I see this team/organization having. As much as I hate losing, a franchise player at this point is an utter necessity.
-
DanNOLA says:
No Emery. We don’t need that Avery with a goalie mask on.
-
jon from NJ: I agree with the need, but your pessimistic view could happen. Let’s see if they run off a few more wins…CB
-
Glenn says:
They need to stop winning. stat. For the greater good!
-
Thanks for the responses. I am probably getting ahead of myself, considering they aren’t beating “world-beaters”, despite Fla’s win streak.
-
Danis playing well, divine intervention with the Dubie waiver debacle. In any event all we need is for the young players to contnue to build confidence and play well. I am very happy and pleased with Okposo and Nielson’s play and it does look like Bailey is coming around too! CB what do the Isles do with Tambellin? How long do they give the kid a chance? Tough decisions will be made on some of the vets but what about the tough decisions on the young players that continue to develop slowly?
-
Hey Jon, we weathered a winning streak earlier on in the season and still end up dead last as of right now. Keep the faith!
-
ok a little off topic but how many people are sick and tired of that bald Telly Savalas look-a-like walking us down NYI memory lane, as if the NYI mgmt hasn’t done enough of that. Top it all off it always seems like he is located in some gritty neighborhood in Bklyn or Queens. Not very L.I. like if you ask me, why not have those clips at a L.I. locale such as NVMC, walking down Hempstead Tpke or in front of All American Burger in Massapequa, now thats L.I.
-
beatlebailey says:
Nice to be at a home win for a change!! KO has a chance at 20. He really is the most exciting player on the isles. It’s a treat to watch him develop. CB: Any chance Hunter would be moved?
-
Joe (77) Not much they can do with Jeff. He’s one a one-way contract for this season and next. Now that they’ve won a few in a row, he’ll remain out of the lineup. Bridgeport is only an option if they want to pass him through waivers. I think Jeff would clear, but I don’t believe the Islanders agree. Difficult to think he has any trade value. So to answer your question, I don’t know!…CB
-
beatlebailey (80). No, Hunter will not be traded…CB
-
Jim M says:
I for one am very happy to see this team having a bit of success lately. Part of developing these youngsters I believe is building a winning mentality. How can you do that when your runnings off 10 game losing streaks. Face it though, the goaltending just is not there and with im sure some deadline movement come April we should be looking at #1 still
-
Thanks CB. I know all about his grit but sheesh is he s-l-o-w on the ice…lol
-
mrlbem says:
Nice game tonight by Danis. We need MacDonald, the Human Pitch-Back, to return if we want that shot at Tavares. Danis is playing like he belongs in the NHL.
-
I respectfully disagree, mrlbem. MacDonald is better than Danis. The Islanders have altered their neutral zone coverage in the last few weeks, limiting odd-man rushes against. Danis has played well, no question…CB
-
Islander505 says:
Let’s not overlook the possibility that the Isles may well need more than a solid backup goalie next year…..the possibility exists that they may need a NUMBER ONE goalie next year and for the foreseeable future.
-
CB:
Do you find Gordon to be a bit toucy with the “legion” of reporters he has to deal with in the postgame? Imagine he had the press of a yankee postgame?? His head would explode! -
beatle: I’ve touched on that a few times on the blog. I think Scott needs to figure some things out and find his way…CB
-
Outside says:
at the game tonight, the rep for the town of brookhaven basically gave a shot at hempstead for slowpoking, saying if they werent gonna move it along, then theyll be more than happy to take the isles off their hands since they are bigger than nassau county (which led to large cheer from the crowd)..
-
CB, I said earlier in the week that Danis would be #1 goaliefor the rest of year. If he keeps playing like this, whats wrong with him being the backup next year?? Not such a bad problem to have!!!
-
who is in a worse position right now Vancouver or NYI???
-
late becuase of hockey but tivo is good so ill fast forward through it later.
my question is will snow trade to the west, other divisions or this division?
also, will snow try and go for a one dimensional fighter like uh i wouldnt want them but for example parker and mccgratton. i know one is in rehab and the other is a problem but its an example of their role. more realistically is arron downey who i think we should target.
or will he go for fighters that can play the game pretty well. such as rupp or neil. your thoughts -
Nice little run the Isles have put together…
Kyle Okposo seems to get better with every shift
CB….personally I would rather see Thompson’s roster spot go to a player like Trevor Smith or another younger player. Jackman is a better player and I feel that Park Jackman and Hilbert would be a good 4th line with Nielsen Hunter and ??
Thoughts?
-
AZS says:
It’s nice to see the young islanders play so well, but I must admit that it makes me nervous watching them win while Atlanta losses…I know it’s early and that finishing last doesn’t guarantee you the 1st pick, but I would be very annoyed if the Isles go on a run and miss out on a franchise changing player …am I wrong for feeling this way?
-
Tony: disagree on Thompson. Trevor Smith should and probably will have his day, but not in Thompson’s place. They are completely different players. Beyond that, what younger player? There’s really no rush on Trevor, who was in the ECHL last year…CB
-
Kevin (93): when you’re 19 points out of a playoff spot before February arrives, I think you trade with the team you get the best deal from – regardless of division or conference…CB
-
doc says:
It does look like that the Islanders have definitely changed their approach when it comes to the third period. Pedal to the metal no longer although they look more effective. It’s a nice balance vs. early in the year. Gordon is definitely adapting to the game conditions.
Remember, most of December and through most of January, the injury bug robbed the Islanders of 8 or 9 of their best players… including their #1 and #2 goaltenders, best defensemen and some of their top forwards.
Now that most are healthy (except the goalies) they look much better.
DOC
-
CB,
I think the main difference between Danis and Joey Mac is rebound control and it’s a huge difference. With Joey Mac, the rebounds go all over the place, hence his nickname, the Human Pitchback. Although our mutual buddy, Roger, is fond of calling him Ricochet Rabbit.
-
thats fair and i agree with that. what about the second part. being in last makes you want to skip this season and get into the summer. i mean what else are we supposed to talk about
-
Aim says:
Got back from the game really good job by all would have been nice to see Danis get the shutout though. No mention of Denis Potvin tonight, they used to acknowledge him during Panther games. NICK CLASSIC… I read in the last thread what you said about people with pro’s con’s and ideas about the lighthouse. i have many on both sides. Will post on the next thread when that is more the issue
-
James says:
Just got back from the game (and a post game meal at the Marriott, and just a few thoughts:
~ as someone above said, Witt brought his A-Game tonight. Very in-your-face, which worked.
~ the Isles played a tight, methodical game tonight, very unspectacular but it got the job done (outside of Guerin’s impressive goal)
~ Florida, for a team in the eighth spot tonight, I expected more out of. They were sleepy most of the night.
~ Almost four minutes with no Florida goalie! (no goals)
~ I don’t feel bad saying this: !@!@%#$^% Good for the boys, but I want Tavares.
-
Brian from Massapequa says:
CB (comment 14 on the last post) – I find it telling that all of the Town nights do not have a sponsor, but the Town of Hempstead night is sponsored by the The Lighthouse at Long Island
I also noticed tonight that the team did not have anyone from Town of Brookhaven on the ice tonight before the game like they have done on Town nights in past years. I’m assuming they are trying to be consistent as they do not want to single out whatever TOH official shows up, but not having him/her appear on the ice as things will probably be thrown at him/her. Not that I would do that (cause I wouldn’t), but I really think that is a concern for the organization. I am encouraging my friends that do not go to all/most games to attend this game to show support.
-
If Weight, Guerin, Comrie, Martinek, Witt, Meyer, Geravis, and Hilbert are not dealt by the deadline I am gonna be seriously disapointed. Pretty clear most of the above don’t fit in longterm for various reasons, so let Snow get something for them to set up the future.
-
Shoe says:
As many contracts as they can manage to dump, the better. I see DET signed zetterberg long-term and now has very little left to re-sign Franzen. I think he would be a great fit here.
-
dose says:
Tony said: Kyle Okposo seems to get better with every shift.
it’s a been a while since we got to see a draft pick really blossom before our eyes like this kid.
and it could even be a few guys now. -
SIR WILLIAM says:
19 ISLES, Funny you should mention Okposo taking a knee. Sidney Crosby does the exact same thing when he shoots from that position. Seems to have worked out fine for him. I’ve read that Sid does a lot of balance training so I’m guessing it has something to do with that.
In any case Okposo has really begun to blossom into the player we all hoped he would be.
Anybody miss Bergy???….SW -
First off, this game was excellent. I absolutely loved it.
Secondly,regarding the comments here by Valentino and others, I would be as happy to see a top-end talent on this team as any of you. But this “if they dont get Tavares I hate the Islanders” mentality seems so irrational to me. There is no reason whatsoever to think that you need to pick in the top three to get a franchise player. And if you dont believe me, just look around the NHL! Make a list of 50 top players in the NHL in all positions. How many of them are taken 1st-3rd overall? You think that its so many of them, but in reality it just isnt true.
I really dont give a damn where the Isles pick,as long as they pick SMART. And if we are honest here, I dont see any way that they are picking out of the top ten overall no matter HOW good they do the rest of the season.
Look at Okposo… would any of you be angry if the Isles picked 7th overall and got another player of that caliber? The way I see it, watching the players who are ALREADY Islanders play well is a helluva lot more important than playing like crap hoping for some teenage savior.
-
Strummer’s Army on Jan 31st, 2009 23:34:39 said:
If Weight, Guerin, Comrie, Martinek, Witt, Meyer, Geravis, and Hilbert are not dealt by the deadline I am gonna be seriously disapointed.”Well then you should already be preparing to be seriously disappointed. There is absolutely NO WAY that all those guys are dealt. I think even three of them being dealt is questionable.
-
Despite the solid play of Yann Danis and Joey Macdonald, my vote is for the islanders to take one of their 2nd rounders and draft a goalie!
-
Hey Viney- I have nothing against depth at any position, but does the Islanders organization having only eight goalies, three of them not even old enough to buy a beer, really bother you that much?
18yo Kevin Poulin
20yo Jase Weslosky
20yo Stefan Ridderwall
24yo Peter Mannino
25yo Nathan Lawson
27yo Rick DiPietro
27yo Yann Danis
28yo Joey MacDonald
.
Speaking of backups, who would you rather have after seeing enough from each?
MacDonald or Danis?
Someone will have to backup DP next year.