NEW JERSEY 3, NEWKANSATOON 1
A really rough night at the old barn
9:36 pm - The Devils – who played in Columbus last night – and their No. 3 goaltender entering the season defeated the rested Islanders and their No. 3 goalie 3-1 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The score was fairly indicative of the quality of play by both teams. The Islanders have scored 3 goals over the first 3 games of this 5-game homestand.
Beyond that, frankly, our lack of hockey expertise prevents us from trying to break down this game any further, and inspired us to move our traditional Ice Girl end-photo to the top. For Monday’s game, I’m going to take a seat in the stands with my kids. Oh, how I wish this season was different.
First, Second and Third Stars: Congratulations to Islanders fans for filling the barn tonight after more than 15,000 on Thursday. Take that, Kansas City.
MILESTONE MEN
Doug Weight (1,000 points) and Bill Guerin (400 goals) were honored in a pre-game ceremony for their milestones by Islanders President Chris Dey, general manager Garth Snow and NHL executive Jim Gregory.
Weight received an official NHL milestone Silver Stick and both veterans received their milestone pucks and gamesheets in commemorative frames.
JERSEY BOYS
A league source tells Point Blank that while the deadline has passed, the Islanders are still working with the NHL to clear their vintage mid-’70s jerseys as their primary uniform for next season.
It figures to be an uphill battle, probably because there’s inventory of their first RBK uniform “systems” still around. Nevertheless, the Islanders are pushing to make the move.
Worse-case scenario: the Islanders wear their once-and-future jerseys for 20 games next year and then go full-time in 2010-11.
By the way, don’t read anything into those vintage sweaters being Royal Blue.
FIRST WEEK REPORT CARDS
It has been a week since Scott Gordon officially declared that his focus will be on the development of the young players on the Islanders roster. With that in mind, here is our expert panel’s grades for the players 24 and younger. Players are only graded on their performances against the Rangers, Bruins and Devils this week. Sean Bergenheim and his strained side get an INC.
Bruno Gervais – (C+) Most improved player of the last few weeks, but still a long way to go to solidify a spot in a healthy top 6.
Josh Bailey – (B-) Team wants him to shoot more, while faceoffs are getting better. Proper mentoring of Bailey in final 35 games of rookie season is crucial.
Chris Campoli – (C) On paper, should be flourishing in the system. But something is amiss.
Jeff Tambellini – (C) Better since Bridgeport stint, creating more, but not enough. In one shift tonight, he was physically removed from the puck and then deked out by Travis Zajac.
Kyle Okposo – (A-) Breaking through a little bit each week. Not much doing tonight, but not much doing with anyone.
Nate Thompson – (B-) Meets level of expectations. As he gains momentum post-injury, let’s see if he can bring a little more.
Frans Nielsen – (B) Butch Goring said Nielsen reminds him of Jean Ratelle. Islanders would absolutely sign up for that.
Blake Comeau – (B+) Playing more physically, more consistently.
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Game Notes: Peter Mannino was recalled on a really-big-emergency basis to back up Yann Danis tonight after Wade Dubielewicz was picked up on waivers by Columbus at noon today….Sean Bergenheim out again with the strained side.
Just Askin’: Can someone explain why as two hockey players are pummeling each other, some NHL arenas play “Rock Star” by that noted songstress of hardcore metal…uh, Pink?
Thumbs Up: Tomorrow the Islanders will host hundreds of local youth hockey players from 7 am – 4 pm at the Coliseum for the championship round of the Lighthouse tournament.
Reaction.
62 Responses to NEW JERSEY 3, NEWKANSATOON 1
A really rough night at the old barn
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kevin says:
great article. why cant they go back to the beastie boys during a fight. it should be that or nothing. terrible game. lets leave it at that. my brother will be playing at the lighthouse tournament. he will be playing goalie. probably going to be the starter. should be cool. nice three stars pick.
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BringBackNyles says:
What a disgrace, someone in game ops should be FIRED for letting Rangers jerseys on the ice. Or maybe our new rival is the St Louis Blues?
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Gman13 says:
its 2-17-2! did witt get x-rays? that looked like a nasty bruise and cut. anyone see the inside of the sprint center? looks amazing. the isles should get that outline for the lighthouse. i am going to be sooo mad if the isles go there. can’t they get 32 teams and then have a team there and one in ontario or another canadien city? and yeah thats stupid they had ranger jerseys.
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beatlebailey says:
i remember CB saying early on in the year that this team was not a joke or something to that nature. Hey CB where do you see this season ranking in terms of patheticness. Tonight was a top 5 stinker for the season. Holy smokes! Good crowd though – we deserved a better effort tonight dont think the boys put it on the line tonight. We need to trade WITT ASAP he looks like crap out there.
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MT says:
And it won’t get any better when Ovi and the Caps roll into town.
As for the Pink song, she sings ‘wanting to start a fight’ so it’s relevant. I’m a chick so I like it… whatevs
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Doug F. says:
2 wins in their last 21 games…I’ve rooted for bad teams in the past(ie.Mets, Giants) but this team takes the cake. They interviewed Zach Parise after the game and he said he loves playing against the Islanders. He also said that he plays his best games at the Nassau Coliseum. Hey CB, I guess you were working for the Islanders when Milbury passed on Parise and picked Nilsson. What a mistake…
Maybe they should move to KC…this is crap…
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Matt Scordato says:
CB…was tonight’s game announced as a sellout? I wasn’t there, but from the TV perspective it looked like there were lots of empties. A side note to this, why would the Islanders announce a sellout when clearly there were large blocks of empty seats? Seems like a silly way to create a “buzz”.
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SIR WILLIAM says:
This team stinks. Not one top six forward.
One solid top 4 D-man (thanks, Garth) and a 4 th string goalie. Pathetic record.
A clueless coach.And yet, the fans showed up for the second straight night.
Kudos to the fans. Boooo to the effort tonight….SW
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mike 8 says:
At about 650pm the only tickets left were $120 face value.
I don’t get it. A ‘near’ sellout for a last place team and they don’t even bother to show up.
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By the way, anyone who beleives that the taxpayers won’t end up footing the bill for the Lighthouse, has only to look at the back page of the Newsday today.
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it really is staggering to think about the lack of talent on this team compared to the rest of the league. This team might not get 20 wins this year. What is the all time record for futility? We might as well make this season historic for something right?
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isles316 says:
Great job for everyone showing up tonight, too bad the Isles didnt.
I should have had some more Blue Point. -
Bob Bassen says:
I hope they’re weren’t any scouts at the game tonight. Biggest fear now is that the demand for some of these guys wanes with efforts like tonight. Comrie?!? Witt?!? Just what are you gonna GET in return?!?
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Jon #2 says:
I think the Isles youth movement needs a younger GM.
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Have the Isles ever gone a full calendar month w/o winning a game? because I think they’re well on their way to that this month.
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Strummer's Army says:
Positive the fans for packing the house.
Negative: No heart, no hustile, no character, no justice for the Islanders.
What kind of chicken crap was this. Playing intimitated by the Devils? Not one player would do the right thing and destroy Mottau. Bend over and take it boys. How could a head coach and general manager allow that?
If only the Islanders play like they do in their commericals.
What is up with the broadcast? I mean Howie and Billy spend more time talking about the other team and non-sense becasue the Isles are so bad. If you can’t talk about your team talk about the guys in the system or the arena or anythign Isles related. I don’t wanna hear about the Devils.
How come we had to watch the exact same Dubie interview in the same game?
CJ Papa and Stan Fischeler are boring as hell. I don’t know why Stan is considered a hockey expert. He is a nice old guy but I don’t see why all the area teams have to have him on.
Why do they have to interview Devs players? I know they were winning but I tune in to see and learn about the Isles.
What have they never had Chris Botta on the Isles broadcast but the Devs grab him.
Funny, I watched an interview with fellow UF Alum Erin Andrews. She talked about her first job with the Lightning and how it was their idea because their team was so horrible to have a young pretty girl on to make the games less painful. Can we get some of that please? I mean the team plays like they don’t care at all (most of them)can the broadcast be worth something?
Please let the trades begin and let’s not have a smurf team that lacks character anymore (you should have seen that all summer long Snow because most of us fans did).
Gordon needs to take a good look in the mirror and figure out where his manhood is. It was disgraceful not to get justice tonight.
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toorude says:
yeah i was there tonight. how much inspiration did these players get from pre game ceremonies highlighting nhl history? how much pride did they display wearing the classic uniforms from the championship era? how compelled were the players to give it there all in front of a sellout after writing on the walls that a move is quite possible? how much jump in their strides because they are playing a metropolitan rival in their home building? how much energy was displayed since they were playing against a coach, player, team that took justice into their own hands for the coach’s son and laid out one of their vital pieces in their own so-called youth movement? how many of them who want out of this system played for the scouts? how many of the young players desiring more ice time showed why they deserve it? how many with letters on the chests chose to lead tonight? NONE. NOT ONE. Rotten from top to bottom.
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rb says:
your point about Cheap Lou and policing the arena is right on…several years ago I had my Islanders sweater and a small sign “New Jersey Islanders Fan” at a game at the Meadowlands…the ushers told me I had to put the sign away or get rid of it…other people had pro-Devils signs…as a New Jersey resident, a taxpayer (and a lawyer for more than 20 years) I told them they had no right to take my sign and allow others, but they couldn’t have cared less…I almost sued them
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and then depression set in…….
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that the organization is run by goalies not named billy smith is the only reason i can see why we are a bunch of pusses ( except for jackman who will volunteer to be pummelled by just about anybody. He did good tonight but jackman is no fighter he is a bigger version of dave scatchard..anyone know where he is btw?
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2277 says:
I just got back from the game and it was about 90+% full, but hey if they sold all the tickets its a sellout.
Some thoughts of some players from seeing them live:
Jon Sim is awful, I cannot say that enough – AWFUL.
Bruno Gervais is awful, not as bad as Sim so I’ll only say it once.
Bill Guerin – he’s a great leader with experience but wow he is slow, I’d jump at the chance to get a 2nd round pick for him.
Mike Comrie – He looks fantastic one shift, then in outer space his other 20 shifts; Mike the toe drag does NOT work!again I’d jump for the chance to get a 2nd rounder for him, although I do like some HDuff at the games.
My guess is they win 24 this year and get the #1 pick, bring JTav in, get the Lighthouse approved, sign 1-2 good FA’s, DP gets healthy, and we turn it around next year.
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admin says:
Dear Readers: A few witnesses clarified that the LI high school hockey players holding the flag in the pre-game were in the Rangers’ color scheme of their school jerseys, but they weren’t NYR jerseys…CB
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mrlbem says:
CB,
I understand that whether we have Dubie or don’t have Dubie means nothing in the overall scheme of things. But doesn’t the way Snow handled this amount to being pennywise and pound foolish at best and incompetent at worst? As someone who believes in the rebuild that the team is undertaking, I want to know that the person in charge of the rebuild is the right guy. I remember Don Maloney losing Bill Berg due to some misunderstanding of the waiver rule and I don’t want to see Garth bungling anything regarding the team, even something as insignificant as this.
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Brian from Massapequa says:
mrlbem – I think our GM knew there was a risk of losing Dubie on the waiver wire, but took the chance. This is not re-entry waivers we are talking about. Columbus will have to pay the full amount of Dubie’s salary
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cant wait for the trades to happen then the draft. i mean this in all seriousness, can we win 20 games. we have 12 now and the way things are going, it is only going to get worse. especially after the needed trades. if we get gilroy and bozak after the ncaa championchip then ill be really happy. same if we trade for schremp. i say witt for schremp sounds good. maybe martinek to boston. or pock to boston. maybe we should get gerber who may go on re-entry waivers since they like brian elliot. the money would be good. ( 3.7) and we can actually have a starter that doesnt freeze when handling the puck. i know we want to lose to get tavares but we still need to win some.
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Peter DeBenedetto says:
Less focus on the product on the ice….we know what the outcome is going to be…and that is no lower than the #2 pick this draft….This team will undoubtably finish dead last…FINE.
The attention must, must, must be focused on having a shovel hit the ground this summer or even next. Moving just can’t be an option.
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CB question…not trying to be sarcastic just want your honest opinion..early on you wrote that you could not see a coaching change under any circumstances in the forseeable future unless the Isles never won another game (they arent far off from that doomsday prediction)
Do you stil think the coach is a 100% lock to return or could you see a change before next year if this keeps up and we end up with Tavares? maybe a clean start?
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Strummer – I’m assuming the Isles would not want CB to appear on their broadcast lest he lose his “independence”.
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2 kevin on Jan 17th, 2009 21:44:47 said:
“great article. why cant they go back to the beastie boys during a fight. it should be that or nothing…”Beastie Boys when there is a fight is pretty played-out and IMO stupid… the song isnt even about fighting, its about “partying”. And it is not even a good song about partying. There are lots of great songs they could play- but BB isnt a good choice, and neither is Pink.
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well that song gets people pumped. there could be better songs i guess but i always liked that one during a fight. much better than pink
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It is baffling the way Snow tried to play the game (tough) as a player he loves these sissy, small teams who posses little character. Three years buddy! You’ve had three years to add size, skills and toughness and still we see none of it on the ice except for in the skill department. I mean Okposo, Comeau, Bailey, DiPietro, Nielsen, Bergy, Sutton, Streit, MacDonald, Hunter (who must be playing hurt because he isn’t finishing checks or scoring) that is it. That is all you have on the current roster worth moving forward. I know Milbury is the main culprit but Snow has had plenty of time to get an enforcer who can play and he delievers Rob Davisson (who couldn’t fight), Fritz who can’t get more then 2 minutes, and The Wrecker who’s greatest impact thus far was in the monster press release. He sent Godard away and then failed to resign him this summer and there were several others he could have signed but he had to run his mouth about how Jon Sim can yap at ya.
I am thrilled they are losing and in position to snag Tavares but damn it doesn’t have to look so ugly nor look like such a bunch of little sissy’s doing it.
“SHOW ME YOU CARE!!!!!!!!!’-ERIC CAIRNS
Oh, Scatchard was to this point a much better player and fighter then Jackman.
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How about Nickelback’s interpretation of EJ’s “Saturday Night’s All Right (for Fighting)”? Saw it on the intro to HNIC one night and it was a hell of a lot better than the MNF intro song as far as getting a fan pumped for the upcoming action.
And I really think we need those jerseys full time, if only for the simple reason that the Ice Girls look fantastic in the retro unis. CB, how do you get such awesome pics of them? You’re a good man. -
Hey, Brian:
I am sure there are many reasons having Botta on during the broadcast might make them uncomfortable but Stan Fischler is considered independent and he appears on all broadcast. Botta Bing has now been on the NJ broadcast so……By the way did Botta give any of us a shout out?
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Strummer – I don’t think the Islanders have a link to Fischler’s blog on their website that is listed as “independent coverage” Actually, I don’t know if Stan has ever heard of the computer…I couldn’t resist. When’s the next Mitch Fritz fan club meeting? I’m getting the itch.
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My idea about having Botta Bing (or anyone else) on the Isles broadcast is so they won’t be so boring.
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Akeem says:
CB,
Great job with the report cards, I think you nailed it right on the head, though your grade for Bailey appears to be a bit generous…
GREAT spot with Francesa the other day. It’s always great when they talk Islanders hockey on the FAN, the fans comeout in droves to hear and call in. -
Gas M.D. says:
CB, for now, I care for this team as much as they cared to show up for this game. The game was stunningly embarrassing. As I previously stated, it’s hard to overlook bad drafts when Parise’s kid just kills us all night. His speed and positioning is unbelievable. Who OK’d that pick? My wife who knows nothing about hockey thought we should have drafted Parise over Nilsson (that’s a lie). But still. Maybe Parise is going to have chronic knee and hip problems that will prevent him from becoming a superstar for years to come. No, he won’t, because that distinction is only for those who wear Islanders uniforms. It’s become so bad, that I have begun to rationalize every bad decision this team has made. Like, if Parise was on the isles, he’d be injured, or immature, or hesitant, or too selfish. Hell, I don’t know if any player can flourish in our toxic system. EVER!
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KP says:
Ice girl cleavage really brightens your day after a bad loss.
Thanks CB.
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Brian G says:
Seems like the season is offically done after tonight’s game – Guerin & Weight got their milestones, now its time to trade them(guerin looked like he was just going through the motions tonight). Maybe trading them together would make Guerin wave his no trade clause. Garth Snow and the rest of the Islander Organization need to stop feeding the fans the BS about a youth movement when they have a roster full of Vets. Just gut this roster already – auditions for next year’s roster spots should have already started.I am tired or hearing about Guerin & weight’s leadership, that aspect is overrated when we are in the basement of the NHL. Its time to acquire as many assets as possible – this team needs so much. The only guy who had a pulse the last few games is Jackman.(I had to put something positive in this rant)
Trade:
Weight, Guerin, Comrie, Witt, Martinek (he would excel on a good team), Hilbert, Sim (or just release this guy) -
Westfall says:
This is the kind of effort you get when the coach is quoted as saying “wins and losses don’t matter”. What a disgrace!
I know a lot of you are hatin’ on him right now, but the player I respect most on this team is Brendan Witt. He takes a slapper to the face, is busted open, yet gets stitched up, and is back on the ice playing for a team that is dead in the water. Don’t kid yourselves: a lot of players would’ve called it a night at that point. This is why you DON’T TRADE BRENDAN WITT. It is so hard to find players that have that much character and heart.
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Islander505 says:
Picture gets a grade of Double D AND an F.
Double D is obvious…F for ruining it by including Comrie.
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B.P. says:
Hi Chris. Good entry as always. Agreed with the kiddie corps report card. There was one thing that stood out though. You said….
” For Monday’s game, I’m going to take a seat in the stands with my kids.”……Chris, they are so very young. Why subject them. :p
My son is 5 years old and at 3-0 last night he turned to me and said “Daddy I don’t like the Islanders they always lose”. I did some explaining, and now will no longer subject him to it because this team needs all the fans it can get LOL.
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ny711ot says:
bp
i am in the same boat with my 2 boys 5 and 7….I do everything in my power to keep them from going to the darkside. but i gave up my tickets this year because i refused to subject them to this…. -
Pat says:
I will start the “Mitch Fritz Fan Club” sessions……..
Sincere question that I do not know the answer to – what is the team’s record since Mitch was waived ?
No, I am not necessarily suggesting that the team imploded when he was waived, but was just curious.
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Bossy22 says:
CB,
I have a question. How much does losing effect the development of the young players like Comeau, Bailey and Okposo?
As for the GM and coach. I don’t think Snow has done that bad of job, but it’s long overdue that he end Gordon’s brief Islander coaching career. It appears Gordon has lost the attention of the players…even the young players.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Come on guys … win one for the kids tomorrow … These kids are the current and future fan base … gut out a win and give the kids a thrill!! Do it for the kids!!
Ya think that worked guys?
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Jim Clark says: I think I got the stench off of me after being a witless witness to last nights game. I didn’t see the final stats but the future-Scouts had 1 blocked shot vs 13 for the ex-scouts. Thursday night it was 0 vs 22 for the Bruins. This is bad to watch. See if I can make it for Monday’s debacle.
On the way out I listened a little to the Devils post-game on WFAN. Sherry Ross and her male colleague sounded like they were at a funeral, talking about how sad the once-great franchise has become.In a lot of ways the Devils aqnd Islanders..born two years apart..have switched identities in the last 15 years. -
I gotta make a home game in Newkansatoon … sounds like a really nice place.
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Isletry says:
I was a bandwagon fan at 6 years old and starting cheering for the Isles when they were winning their first of four cups. I now have a 6 year old son, and I have tried to turn him into an Isles fan, but I am running out of ways to possibly sell him on this team. When the other kids tell him that his team sucks, there really isn’t any argument that can be made.
Too bad Dubie was picked up on waivers, his signing was at least a “feel good” story.
I know that it is early (marketwise) to trade the vets, but for what the return will be (for Weight, Guerin), players like Smith, Colliton, etc… are losing out on valuable minutes in the NHL.
As far as Jackman, he tries, but I agree that he is not as good as Dave Scatchard (playing or fighting). He reminds me more of a softer hitting Steve Webb. (Loved your play Webb, but can’t remember you ever winning a fight).
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Dmarie says:
So happy for Weight an Guerin! Congrats to both guys!..It’s so nice to see some positive good things happening with the team for the guys when there’s so much negative and bad news surrounding them these days.
I like the report card status C..:) -
Glenn says:
Listened to the game on FAN last night… definitely agree with Jim Clark – sounded like Sherry Ross and Matt Loughlin (?) were throwing dirt on the Isles franchise. Can’t argue though, right?
I’m 27, so I’ve been old enough to put up with the frustrations of this franchise through the years, but it really sucks to see what some of you with young kids are going through, and how they don’t even want to root for the Islanders. I swear, if I had a child, the absolute worst possible thing would be for them to be a Rangers fan. (or Red Sox fan, but geography would fix that).
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isles72 says:
there was bound to be a let down in the teams focus/mojo when Doobie got plucked off the wire
If I had money to burn I would have laid it all on the line for a devils win cause I knew the doobie situation would have messed with their heads last night
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Pritchett54 says:
CB,
I am interested in your thoughts on where this team ranks in the history of the Isles. Is this team up there with the inaugural season in terms of horribleness? Late 90′s disasters. We have about 37 games left this year, is it unreasonable to think we will win about 6 of those games? -
I don’t understand what people wanted Garth Snow to do with the Dubie situation. Was he supposed to wait 2 weeks until someone signed him? What if no one signed him?
You can’t sign Dubie to a 2 year contract because then it basically says that MacDonald is out next year and that isn’t right either.
No matter what, Snow was in a lose lose situation. If he would have picked up an injured Sanford off of waivers for almost twice the salary ($900,000)people would be up in arms about not getting Dubie for cheaper ($500,000).
What do you want him to do ? This is also the first year Wang has left him alone to actually do his job.
Give the guy a chance.
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Tom says:
I can’t believe how humiliating this season has become. Well beyond wins & losses, what a disaster. At least in 1999, 00, 01 you waited for a new owner to rescue the fans, 10 years later it’s the same thing. Only the owner lives in KC. So sad. I just want to know when the Isles last home game in NY will be, the next time I watch the Isles in person it’ll be to say good-bye.
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Hoser14 says:
At the half-way point this how I grade the Isles:
Forwards:
A- Weight
B Gueri
B- Park, Hunter, Hilbert
C Okposo, Bailey
C- Comeau
D+ Jackman
D- Thompson
F Sim, Bergenheim
F- Tambellini, Comrie
Inc SillingerDefensemen
A+ Streit
B Sutton
D+ Gervais, Campoli
D- Meyer, Pock
F Witt
Inc MartinekGoalies
B MacDonald
D Danis
F- DiPietro, ManninoCaoch Gordon
D- Gordon failed to adjust his system to the roster talent he has now, too many plumbers to skate Overdrive…A job not well done. Maybe some day?G.M. Snow-
F- “F” is for “Failure” “FUBAR” and “Fired” You are what your record is: Dead Last. Result: a minor league product at Major league prices.
Not getting an experienced NHL Goalie on top DP’s major surgeries doomed this season before it started is inexcusable and incompetent.
This is the season that last year should have been if not for Ted Nolan, whom you fired because he couldn’t get anything out of Tambellini, is Snow going going to fire Gordon for getting even less out of him? Hint: You should have keep Nolan and get rid of Tambellini.
He allow too much talent to leave in July 07 and then cried that he will not paid market value because nobody wants to play in the Coliseum. There is no crying in hockey!!!! -
Agree with ya, Hoser14 – if there was a power struggle between Nolan and Snow, Wang should have stayed with the one who has proven he is actually good at his job…Ted Nolan.
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Hoser you are right on about getting a goalie during the offseason or after DP got hurt again.
It wasn’t fair to Joey Mac.
I still think Snow will be alright, he did TRY to have Dubie as the third goalie this year and Dubie said no in the offseason and then now got picked up by Columbus.
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Mikey says:
Every game that Trevor Smith plays in Bridgeport is a crime against the Islanders. This guy is a full time NHLer. Check out the highlights from the Sound Tigers last night – the puck just follows this guy around the ice.
http://iptv.soundtigers.com/soundtigers/launch.htm?type=fvod&id=372&catid=3
sens get a big point in OT going for two