Q & A: Point Blank Night, prospects, the lease,
UFA, trade proposals, the facility and more
Getting to your questions over All-Star Weekend on the state of the Islanders, the Lighthouse, prospects and a whole lot more.
Several readers have asked if there is going to be another Point Blank Night.
Yes, there will be at least one more. Save the date of Tuesday, March 10 when the Islanders play in Toronto. We will have the run again of Gabrielle’s in Rockville Centre. Free wine, appetizers, the game on three HD screens, a few giveaways and hopefully a special guest or two.
I know there were some offers from other places, but frankly I never got the feeling we’d get the hospitality that I know we’ll get from Gabrielle’s. Last thing I want is to be in some place where they’re looking to change the channel and wondering where all these Islanders fans came from. Perhaps if this venture continues, we will move PB Night to other counties. But for now, more details to come on March 10 in RVC. Really hope you can join us.
*
Justin Marques asks about Doug Rogers, an Islanders 4th round pick in 2006 who – rumor has it – has told someone who has told someone that he is considering turning pro after this year.
True story. When I got Justin’s question, Rogers’ prospects looked dim. Rogers is in his third year at Harvard. He is a 21-year old center. Going into the weekend he had 0 goals and 7 assists in 18 games. Just as I was about to post this entry, I learned he scored a hat trick on Sunday against Dartmouth. Exams at Harvard ended last week, so maybe he’s ready to go on a tear.
I’m not sure if Justin’s report is true or where Rogers plans on turning pro, but it may not be the Islanders organization. In fairness to Doug, Harvard has no offense (his 3-8-11 in 19 games is second on the team), so hopefully he gets his shot here or elsewhere.
*
Matt wants to know why Charles Wang hasn’t bought out the lease with SMG.
The lease is between SMG and Nassau County. That said, I’m sure there were discussions. If SMG’s offer is so astronomical that the Islanders continue to lose big money, it makes no sense. And then on top of that, you still need to find an arena manager.
*
isles1972 cites Larry Brooks’ article about Tampa Bay hearing from two teams about Steven Stamkos and wonders if the Islanders might have one of the teams.
If Garth Snow wants to start negotiations with Kyle Okposo and his first pick in 2009, then they might have been.
*
SWebb 62 wants to know how former Islanders goaltender Tommy Soderstrom is doing.
As far as I can tell, Tommy (left) is doing just fine. Hey Tom, if you see this, shoot me an email. The fans want to know what’s going on!
*
Will wants to know how John Tavares or Victor Hedman would fit in Scott Gordon’s system. He also asks if there’s any way Jason Blake comes back.
Will, the only way to answer the first question is thusly: I would only hope that wouldn’t be a problem. Don’t know if you heard me on the 1050 ESPN Radio show on Saturday, but I mentioned that Islanders fans should not assume Tavares would be their first choice if they’re lucky enough to get the first pick. Yes, I have speculated it would be JT, but it is far from 100%.
As for Blakey, love the guy but would hope not. As they attempt to move forward, the Islanders need to move on.
*
cgs878 asks if the Islanders ever run bus trips to see the Sound Tigers in Bridgeport.
Not that I’m aware of, but for this and other franchise questions I often get in the email, try the Customer Service link on the official team site. If the Sound Tigers make the playoffs and the Islanders return most of their kids there for the run, they should host a trip.
*
Mark wants to know if the Islanders are having a specific game this season where fans can show their support of the Lighthouse Project.
Again, check on the Islanders’ site, but expect the team to go big with their upcoming Town of Hempstead Night on Saturday, Feb. 21 when they host New Jersey. No way Kate Murray drops the ceremonial faceoff. The Town of Hempstead Supervisor bailed last season when it wasn’t nearly the hot topic it is now. Still, I’m sure the Islanders have something planned.
*
isles72 asks how Kevin Poulin is looking this year.
Poulin is a goaltender from the Quebec League drafted by the Islanders in the fifth round last June. A scout I spoke with today tells me he is a solid prospect. They like his size (6-2) and ability (.909 save percentage).
*
About half of the Commenters were critical of my proposal of Bill Guerin to the Rangers for Petr Prucha and a conditional third round pick that could become a second round pick.
Within those 120 or so Comments, I made a few responses of my own. Three days later, if I could change anything about that entry, it would be to simply re-order the assets the Islanders would get back. My proposal was on the heels of a Larry Brooks column and was offered on the assumption that the Rangers were the only possible destination for Guerin.
In my opinion, critics of the proposal are making too big a deal – positively or negatively – about Prucha. Again friends, know this: if the Islanders can get from an another team more than a conditional 3rd and a 26-year old who has scored 30 goals in the league for Billy with his no-move clause, I look forward to hearing about it. Chances are you may very well end up with nothing for Guerin.
*
Derek wants to know if, with all this Lighthouse turmoil, Garth Snow will be a player in the unrestricted free agent market.
It may seem like a copout from me, Derek, but I don’t think I can give you an educated opinion on that just yet. Although the Islanders are out of this year’s playoff picture in record time, there are still many major storylines to play out. Topping the list are Lighthouse news and which pick they get from the lottery. Even in a regular year, I don’t see the Islanders inking top-tier UFAs until they have a first-class facility of their own. But if you’re asking me if the Islanders will dig deep in July for a Mike Komisarek or a front-line wing, I honestly could not tell you in January.
*
Joey303 asks if the Islanders could swing their three second round picks plus Mike Comrie and Bruno Gervais to Ottawa for Jason Spezza.
Kill my Rangers proposal all you want, folks, but I see a lot of deals like this one offered in Comments and my email Inbox. The quantity for quality thing just does not work out. Bryan Murray has to bring back at least one major piece for Spezza, probably two. Joey 303, you haven’t offered any.
*
A few readers asked if the Islanders have plans to bring in a veteran hockey ops person to oversee Garth Snow.
No.
*
There were several comments about veterans such as Thomas Pock and Jon Sim taking icetime that could be better distributed to prospects like Andrew MacDonald and Trevor Smith.
No major argument there, but I would give it a little more time. MacDonald and Smith are not hurting themselves playing in the American Hockey League.
*
Sir William asks for my candid answer to his question – because I guess I BS a lot: is the condition of the Islanders’ facilities that important to the players?
You better believe it, Sir William. The issue is not with the players you cite who liked it here – Yash, Peca, Osgood, Witt, Sillinger. The first three were acquired; they did not have the choice of signing with the Islanders. Witt and Sillinger are good players, but were not Type A free agents in the primes of their careers.
That’s the issue. Most stud UFAs, we’re talking all-stars before their 30th birthdays, will not sign up for the prime of their careers in the arena that time forgot. All you have to do is step foot in just about every other arena in the league to know what I’m talking about. To those who understandably want to bring up the two-decade dominance of the Detroit Red Wings, you’re talking about apples and oranges. The Wings have signed players like Rafalski and Hossa to keep them at a championship level. The Islanders need impact players to help them get there.
*
Billy O and others asked if I’ll be doing this blog for a long time.
I appreciate that. I hope so. Fact is, the only commitment right now is through the end of this season. I honestly do not know what happens after that. Of course, I’d love to find a way to continue Point Blank for years to come. C’mon, if the tear-down and rebuild that I have endorsed doesn’t work out in 3-4 years, it’s only fair you get the chance to continue to tell me what a dolt I am!
Thanks to everyone for their questions. Comments.
66 Responses to Q & A: Point Blank Night, prospects, the lease,
UFA, trade proposals, the facility and more
-
mrlbem says:
Would the Islanders be permitted under the applicable rules to sign Justin DiBenedetto after the OHL season is over and assign him to Bridgeport? If so, any reason why they wouldn’t? I suppose comparisons to Luch Aquino are valid (the overage issue), but damn, don’t the Islanders have to see what they’ve got in DiBo?
-
JayK says:
If the Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead doesn’t show up on Town of Hempstead night at a professional sports event that is taking place within the borders of her jurisdiction, because she might get booed, that’s pretty cowardly.
I guess she’s taking literally Harry Truman’s advice that “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.” Her interpretation of that is to not show up at all. Harry’s interpretation of it would be to not even run for the office in the first place.
CB, can you give us a rundown on which supervisors did show up in the past two years on their respective nights? I definitely remember Vendetto showing up on Town of Oyster Bay night. My guess is that all the others did as well.
-
kevin says:
good read. i know it is still sorta early but whats the over/under on how many trades we will have at the deadline.
-
joey303 says:
CB – thanks for answering my question. I guess I’m just a long suffering fan like most of us, and can only hope a star could come this way. We missed Spezza the first time around, if he is on the block, I was hoping we could at least attempt!! Keep it up, look forward to meeting everyone at Gabrielles!!
-
Thanks for answering my question.
Chris, what are you on a one year deal or something. Maybe we, as your readers, can pull together and reach out to Wang and Dey and get you signed long term, DP style.
Thanks for all the info, keep up the good work. -
MT says:
Just a heads up, they’re showing the AHL superskills and all star game on msg+ tonight so we can check out Iggulden and MacDonald
-
as long as he doesnt get a wrist injury..
are there going to be other drinks other than wine? i forgot to to ask what type of FA and ppl we will target at the deadline. -
Uncle Jr says:
CB
I sure hope its not one(year) and done for this blog. U along with Striet are the Islander All- Stars this year. Here’s to you being with us for many years to come. Thanks for all you do. Lets go CB !!! -
SIR WILLIAM says:
Chris, Thanks for answering my question. However, as I recall both Peca and Yahsin held out from their respective teams and could have continued to hold out in order to force another trade ala Kirk Muller. Or they could have had their agents tell Milbury not to trade for them because they would not sign here. Both jumped at the money.
So, then what exactly is it? The locker room, the training facilities? Can you give me an exact reason.
I’ve been to many of the new buildings (not as many as you, I’m sure) and quite frankly, the site lines for the fans is way better in the Coliseum. I go to watch the game not to buy sushi or have a waiter bring me a drink.
Call me old fashioned if you will, but I would rather see the action on the ice better, than worry about the few extra minutes I spend on the mens room line.
I really don’t get this overwhelming need to build new stadiums every thirty years or so. You’re there a couple of hours to watch a ball game or hockey game. I would much rather be closer to the action than to be able to buy the latest food craze…..SW
As for you throwing the bull, I never said that you did. All I asked is that you not reply “spouting the party line.”…SW
-
art says:
i watched the allstar game and don’t agree with brooks gushing about how great it wa in the Post today. yes players don’t want to be hurt and it is a show case for fans. but it is in my view not hockey. in the nfl all pro all star game the players run, block, and tackle hard. they do socialize with their opponents during and after the game. but they do that during and after regular season games also. in hockey we see a brief handshake at best after playoff games. why is it taboo to have a word with an old friend or former team mate during warmups?
-
cgs878 says:
CB- thanks for the heads up on my question. I’ll see what I can find out either at Customer Relations at NVMC when I’m there for a game or via the website link.
-
Chris, I beleive that my question also involved the perception of the Islanders as a “joke” organiztion around the league not just the condition of the NVMC. So I’ll ask again.
Does the idea among players that the Islander organization is just dysfunctional have more to do with UFA’s not signing here, OR Is it the condition of the Coliseum itself.
Thanks in advance…..SW
-
Rich says:
Sir William, An analogy would be thinking of your profession. I do not know what you do but lets say you work in an office or are a contractor. If you worked day in and out would you want to work in an old dilapidated building with poor ventilation and no gym (possible asbestos)? Or would you work in a state of the art modern facility with great doormen, concierge, flat screen plasmas. These young athletes under 30 who can pick where they go Why would they come to the Coliseum? These players have an investment in their bodies to perform at an elite level. They want to be pampered. They want Spas, modern exercise equipment, huge training rooms and facilities. Even though that might be overblown–the primadonna athlete likes that stuff. Most of us do too. All things being equal give me the beautiful building with great parking and amenities and I will take it everytime over the same paying job with a crap building and poor management. That is why we have to overpay to get someone. This creates the greatest equalizer…MONEY.
-
CB—Can we have a Lighthouse Project Support Night somewhere. Can we march on the Town of Hempstead doorstep? I think a dual event would be great. Garner support for the project and watch the Isles get closer to Tavares. Good idea
-
Mike from Philly says:
Sir William, you are looking at it from the perspective of a fan. Yes, the Coliseum is a fun place to watch a game especially come playoff time when the place in packed. Unfortunatly, it is 20 years past its prime. The facilities are outdated, old, dark and dingy. Any potential All-Star under 30 yr old player will not come to the Islanders when they can play in a new modernized rink with a team built to win. Unless the Islanders get a new arena we will continue to see the Islanders sign 3rd-4th tier Free Agents.
-
UIF says:
art – the Pro Bowl is also played after the season’s over…I’d be pretty ticked if Streit got hurt because a West player slammed him into the boards in the ASG. There’d probably also be a lot more excuses by the players where they would just decline to go altogether. I gotta say, from the little bit that I saw of the ASG this year, it blew the doors off of the KHL ASG I saw on the NHL Network a little while back (“Team Jagr” vs. “Team Yashin”!). Those KHL guys looked like they were skating in mud in comparison.
-
Art—I suggest you watch the ProBowl a little closer this year. The players barely tackle each other. There are no huge blocks or headhunting safeties. The game is nothing like a real footbal game. That is a good thing. As UIF said injuries in All-Star games just aren’t good for the sport.
-
guerin13 says:
the club is having a special ticket offer for islandermania members for toh night. wonder why, lol. hope you keep this blog going for a long time chris, i really enjoy it. glad to hear that poulin is a solid prospect. hopefully he’s in b’port soon.
-
I will say something else about Sir William’s comments, and then I will shut up.
His comment in this thread is pretty much the first one I’ve seen on any blog thread here in which he largely advocates doing nothing, except maybe some basic improvements.
There are several people here who are against the entire Lighthouse project, but all of them, as far as I could tell, at least favored redoing the building.
Sir William’s comments indicate he doesn’t even favor that. I didn’t think there was anybody left in that camp.
-
michael says:
hey chris where do you even find a picture like that of tommy soderstrom? forgottennhlplayersattheclub.com?
-
jbranny says:
Chris,
Regarding prospects, Andrew MacDonald seems to be the Defenseman most frequently mentioned as the next call-up. Why then was Hillen called up for last week’s games vs Capitals and Ducks, not MacDonald? What do you see as Hillen’s future with the Islanders? He seemed to have a good outing, +1 and an assist on the GWG vs. the Ducks. -
Brad says:
You believe that Type A UFAs won’t come to the islanders because of the facilities. In that case, if Wang wants to win a cup, why doesn’t he refurbish the Coliseum before the rest of the Lighthouse project. In your mind, this would bring better players to the Island sooner correct? So why not just make the Coliseum better now and work on the rest of the Lighthouse project after? If he had a successful team he would get much stronger backing.
-
Hale says:
how about guerin back to the bruins for matt lashoff??? maybe a pick too??
-
isles14 says:
CB,
Found this link in the commments section of Logan’s latest blog. Any opposition to posting it here? http://www.petitiononline.com/lilhpeda/petition.html
-
West Coast Fan says:
I’m siding with Sir William on this. The Coliseum is (presumably) a great place to play the GAME (as opposed to hanging out in the spa, or whatever), when the building is packed and the fans are behind the team – precisely because the fans are right on top of the ice. Current visiting players don’t realize the effect of that in a half-empty building. That’s a huge departure from playing in caverns such as Anaheim’s Porcelain Palace (as we locals like to refer to it).
I think the proposal called for RENOVATING the Coliseum in conjunction with the Lighthouse project – hopefully, to add the amenities the players want, but keeeping the aspects of the rink that ultimately keep the fans close to the action.
-
Glenn says:
March 10th?!?! No!!! I’ll be in Tampa for work =0(
-
Would love to join you’s guy’s at Gabrielle’s in Rockville Centre, but kind of a long ride for me at this time. Thanx, Mike Gabriele (nope not related to owner, wish I was). Keep up the great work
-
Paul* says:
It seems like we are at the same stand point as 3 years ago when Snow screwed the Team up with the Smyth Deal and then the Organization again started with the Free Agent CRAP that nobody will come here and play because of the building,then Snow goes ahead and signs Guerin,Fedetanko,Sim and Comerie! Which in return everbody praised Snow in saving the Team. They then Let Satan and Tank walk for nothing and now you see all our FA’s up for sale, how reassuring!
MY POINT is why would Free agents come here and move their Families Just to get uprooted again to be let go or just plain walk away. I would not even entertaine coming to the Islanders, after All The Islanders are Known now for only renting these players through out the league.
Lets not go back and fourth and say Satan sucked and Tank was worthless or WHATEVER, the bottom line is they come and go and FA’s Know this.
It is not about the Lighthouse! Do you think if, lets say Mike Komisarek an FA this year and a LongIsland Native will not come play for the Islanders because the LightHouse is not Built or is it that Wang wont Pay up! Now that will lead some to say that Wang dont have the money to lay out and needs the Project revenue to do it! “BS” They signed Striet 5 years 20 mil,(DP 15 mill)and Witt Heck they gave Guerin 9 mil 2 years, AHHH they do spend money and FA’s do want to come here. Ala Weight as Well!
My Point here is Lets FOCUS on HOCKEY and let the Politicians and Wang do their DANCE. Bottom line the Islanders will be playing somewhere and will need FA’s to help this TEAM Besides we do here that all our FA’s are up for the Taking, that must send a vote of confidence to the rest of the FA’s in the League.
And What are we supposed to WAIT 7-10 years for the Whole lightHouse to be Built to Have a Competitive Team or a playoff Team. I feel that we should pay attention to HOCKEY and everything else will work itself out. And yes we do need FA’s in our Youth Movement, to help Teach them! -
Paul–Those guys you mentioned are not studs bro..Please we are talking about great players with many different choices of teams. We overpaid for Streit and nobody would give a contract to Weight. Let’s see Comisarek come here. I bet being a Long Siland native won’t even lure him here.
-
You are missing the point Rich!
What! Now those guys are worthless after they were praised! Snow brought them in so i guess Snow is worthless as well.
My point is That players would come if paid NOT BECAUSE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE! Weather their Good or not, players want to be PAID, and that was my example. And the fact we have a rotating door here on the Island does not help! -
CB,
With many if not all the injured vets coming back what happens with the lineup. You have Hunter, Weight, Bergy and Campoli probably back this week and Hilbert and Meyer shortly thereafter. The only definites to return to the Bridge are Hillen and McLean and given their prior waivings Sim and Pock may be in trouble as well. That still leaves us 2 forwards heavy. Are Comeau and Tamby going to be the odd men out until March? Jackman?
-
I agree with you..Money gets players here. But it is a circular argument. Wang is saying he can’t lose this type of money every year. So he won’t be able to afford to overpay players like Streit to come here. Forget about the revolving door for a second…Do you think we could have gotten Marian Hossa this year for what the Red Wings offered him. No way, apples and oranges like CB says. Can’t compare the Isles to a top flight organization. They are not right now. If you overpay you can get some players that care only about the money. Maybe not winning but money. You can also get players that can’t get ice time on other good teams (Streit) Or old players on good teams (Weight) Satan was not good enough for us. Yashin not good for us. Paul, players sign free agent contracts. When there deals are over they leave. It is how every sport works. Do you want the Isles to hold onto their dead weight (no pun intended) forever?
-
Mary says:
Chris, back in 2006 the team sent a bus up to Bridgeport for a playoff game, so it’s definitely a possibility. It was a pretty good deal, that I remember. Maybe $25-30 for the bus and the ticket.
-
Rich Don’t the Islanders have their own training facilty at Iceworks? Wasn’t this completely refurbished about 4 years ago and totaly mosernized?
Jayk…. For the 2 and a half hours that I spend at a hockey game I can certainly live with the Coliseum as is. I prefer to watch the game closer to the ice over the silly amenities like sushi bars….SW
-
Joe says:
Damn CB, Ill be up at school on the 10th, change the date to a weekend! haha
-
Aim says:
Rich PAul Sir William on the various posts. Players do not want to come here because of the circus like management and the unsettlement in the front office. Like you said why sign here and get traded 1 year later. I said before If the Red Wings played at NVMC players would jump to come here. The circus act keeps them and credible coaches away. If you were a millionare NHL player what better place to live then the north shore of Long Island think about that! I put this question out there….If you were a superstar NHL player would you want to play for Charles Wang/Garth Snow? If a similar offer comes in for lower money from about 25 of the 30 teams bye bye LI. Not the building the management.It is fact ask around to people in the know!!!
-
NYCIslanders says:
CB, I gotta call you out on something. I think the arena and the facilities are only an issue for a team that is not a perrenial winner. I’ve had the opportunity to see the old Yankee Stadium and the Rogers Center (SkyDome) under the stands and the Rogers Center’s facilities blow YS away. But the Yankees have no trouble signing free agents. I’m sure if the Isles were perrenial contenders the “arena that time forgot” would be viewed differently.
I believe the problem for the Isles in signing top-flight FA’s is the instbility that the team has dislayed behind the bench, the front office, and Charles Wang’s unorthodox way of running the franchise.
-
SIR WILLIAM #13 The Islanders are the laughing stock of the NHL from a management perspective you hit it on the head. Take my word for what it is worth but travel around a bit and talk to people seriously. You will be amazed at what you hear and how open people talk. Latest example Joel Quenville who tells NYI he will be taking a FULL year off from coaching doesnt even come for an interview and takes the Chicago job 2 weeks into the season. That pretty much says it all to me. Where is Gerard Gallant this year?
-
Chris I def feel its wangs wacky way of running the islanders that makes it unnattractive for top notch free agents to sign here…stop using the building as an excuse. If Wang hired a competent GM and Coach we would be fine…though Gordon isnt that bad, i would have liked a veteran. With Wang its mistake after mistake.
-
actually john torterella (sp) said he would be taking the year off…. and also i think gallant is still with the club. not sure on that. i think he took a higher position or different with the isles. someone want to help me out here?
-
tom says:
will you people wake up.like or hate wang… without him there are no islanders. they would be gone. in another state. lots of teams win/lose. lots of teams make mistakes. you really think these players are thinking like you “fans”? you think they complain like you guys when wang wipes his butt the wrong way? they don’t want to play in an antiquated arena, area, etc. it’s so obvious. you guys can’t be this stupid. we had a kick ass team 5 or 6 years ago. exciting. still couldn’t get people to come here. all they need is the lighthouse to move forward then the isles can move forward or move away. i personally think wang needs to move the team next season if nothing gets done.
-
And now CB says that Tavaras is not 100% on the Isles radar if we get the #1 pick? OMG that doesnt surprise me but this guy is now hands down the best player out there. If anything is a gimme it should be that I we lose the lotto and take Hedman fine but there is no other way to go with the 1st pick. I can see the PR spin they put on that one: I know central scouting had Cody Eakin rated #52 but that is the player we wanted all along and had him rated #1 In our interviews he fit the mold of who we want to be an Islander.
-
Tom,
Let me preface this comment by saying that I support the Lighthouse and want it to be built yestrday. However, let’s be honest. The kick ass team we had in 01-02 resulted in something like 21 or 22 real, bona fide, no tweaking of the attendance numbers, sellouts. Of course, it didn’t hurt that we started out like 8-1-1, mostly on the road. The bottom line is that a real good team will sell the old barn out.
But that’s not the issue. The issue is how the Islanders can be financially successful. They cannot with the current venue, even if they have sell out after sell out.
-
if wang would buy out smg…he bought out yashin…why not smg??…build it and they will come…a lack of LIRRR to the building is a concern too.
I would actualy love it if wang sold…BUT only to LOCALS..if there are any….but only if a competent owner took over. -
Islanders1984 says:
AHL All star game is on msg if anyone is interested
-
MSA says:
Nobody is buying a team that loses 20 mil a year, at least not on Long Island. If the team will still lose money if the NVC was sold out every game, we are in deep sh*t….
-
Isles_Goal says:
When you have a chance to choose a potential superstar like Tavares…that UFA’s will probably line-up to play along side with…you say screw the system. This is an impact player.
Not to mention the fact that it creates a buzz and more fans showing up to the games on a more consistent basis.
If Snow has a shot at Tavares and doesn’t pick him…it will be unforgivable!!!
I don’t have a good feeling this will turn ou good. Snow will find a way to screw this up.
-
yes becuase snow wcrews up so many times… they may not line up this year because he didnt play yet ( i mean next season ) besides i did not see any big free agent wingers line up to play with malkin or crosby last year. satan? how could snow screw this up? honestly. he could do two things to do that. 1) trade the number one pick. if you think he will do that then you must be smoking. same goes for trading down. even if he does he will only go down one and then we get either hedman or tavares most likely hedman. o no what a nightmare. why would he trade down again? he restocked the pool which was the point. he is not going to do it again. you guys are riduculous when blaming wang and snow and gordon. im tired of it. say we got torterella. do you think the record would be that much different? and as for wang. i rememeber the whoopi goldberg movie with the knicks. no fans no knicks. well with us its no wang no isles. sorry for the long post CB
-
beatlebailey says:
i know we all like to BS – it kills time..lol but count me as one of the few positive isles fans on here. I really believe worst case we start building by getting Hedman here next year and maybe sign a chris higgins as we plan on breaking ground on the lighthouse project no later than the summer of ’10 with a brand spanking new coliseum by 2012, just in time to be a consistent cup contender! You heard it here first!
-
Mike says:
This JOKE of a franchise probally will pass on tavares and as a side note Boedeker and Schenn in young guns game yet NO Bailey? Looks like the scouting staff has done another fine job
-
yes they probably will pass on tavares…though you cant go wrong with hedman…snow made a mistake not taking schenn….again , he has no business running the islanders.
I don`t even think the TOH submitted the whole state review yet…. -
So, Mike… youre the next name that is going to post this same schtick all the time, huh? Yay.
-
chris i just dont think the isles would pass on tavares if they get the chance to draft him ..that would be like indy passing on manning ,some guys you cant pass on cause you know if they live up to their potential the gm looks like an ass
-
It may however be helpful to contact your Town Board Representative. They have a much smaller voting pool, and are quicker to respond. If you live in the town of hempstead. I listed the Council Members below by town.
Let them know that they WILL be held accountable if this project does not get underway
To contact your town board representative, call (516) 489-5000, ext. 3200 or write to: Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York 11550.
District 1 – Dorothy L. Goosby – Lakeview, Roosevelt, Uniondale, and portions of Baldwin, Freeport, West Hempstead and Lynbrook.
District 2 – Edward A. Ambrosino – Bellerose Terrace, Elmont, Floral Park, Garden City, Garden City South, the incorporated area of New Hyde Park, South Floral Park, Stewart Manor, and portions of Bellerose, Franklin Square, North Valley Stream and West Hempstead.
District 3 – James Darcy – Part of Franklin Square, part of North Valley Stream, Valley Stream, Malverne, most of Lynbrook, Mill Brook, North Woodmere, Woodmere, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Inwood, Atlantic Beach and Meadowmere Park.
District 4 – Anthony J. Santino – East Rockaway, Hewlett, Island Park, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, South Hempstead, and a portion of Lynbrook.
I am posting this on every islanders board I can find.
District 5 – Angie M. Cullin – Barnum Island, Bellmore, Lido Beach, Merrick and Point Lookout; and parts of Freeport, North Bellmore, North Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh.
District 6 – Gary Hudes – East Meadow, Levittown, Plainedge, Salisbury and portions of Bethpage, North Bellmore, North Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh.
-
let us says:
CB – … it makes no sense. And then on top of that, you still need to find an arena manager.
Whoa. We’ll manage the place ourselves.
Are you kdding me? -
Brian from Massapequa says:
CB – I’m down for PB Night 2
Derek (#6) – I back your comment 100%
Kevin (#8) – Last time they handed out free apps and you could request the white or red wine that they were giving out at the time. No free beer.
Sir William (#10) – Have you ever been in the Islanders locker room? I’ve been in there twice. My living room is bigger and I have a small ranch house. That’s my 2 cents.
Brad (#23) – Charles Wang is a business man first, passionate team owner second. He has a vision and plan for this land that the owners (Nassau County) have approved. He just needs the Town of Hempstead approval. This plan will benefit all except a very few. I get it and hope the leaders in the Town of Hempstead get it soon.
-
Matt (#57) – I’m not a Town of Hempstead resident, but I thank you so much for posting that info here so that TOH residents/Islanders fans can see it and contact their Town Board Reps and express their opinion (and vote).
-
hextall72 says:
how can anyone say money is the issue? didnt the crybaby take less with the avs than we offered? werent their stories of offers being sent to gomez and drury? wang is def looking to spend.. whether it be the state of the franchise or the old building, money certainly is not the issue..
-
I’m not rehashing old arguments for or against anything since it seems like those who bash the team say the same thing over and over again regardless.
isles14 (#25) – I can’t believe I need to say this in every single thread. I wrote that petition and due to a technical glitch it wasn’t up in time, so I wrote the main one that you can access by clicking on my name (www.lighthousepetition.com). Thanks for helping as always, but please don’t direct people to the wrong petition. Thanks.
-
Duff Beer says:
Why hasn’t Wang done anything to imprve the lockerrooms and Coliseum facilities for his players like Mike Ilitch did years ago for his Detroit Red Wings players whom he does anything he can for?
-
Marc from Troy says:
So Bailey didn’t make the “Young Stars” game, but other guys did. Whoop-de-damn-do. I suppose this means we can just close the book on all of their careers now, because this silly little exhibition game, apparently, will determine what becomes of them in the future.
FYI: Stamkos was also at the YS game. Same kid who, btw, while Bailey is playing and improving EVERY game, was a healthy scratch twice in TB’s seven games leading up to the break. In 45 games, Stamkos is 6G-12A-18, and -8, while playing about 10+ min/game. In 12 FEWER games, Bailey is 1-10-11, and -5, while playing about 15+ min/game. They’re both centers. But Stamkos was the #1 overall pick, and since the NHL certainly wouldn’t want the embarrassment of their #1 pick not making the YS game, off he goes – regardless of whether he’s even a full time player with his team.
But comparing Bailey to Stamkos doesn’t help your little argument, so you leave him out and only mention one other forward while bashing the Isles scouting staff.
Obviously, however, there are some of you who are so angry about every move this team makes that you can somehow justify judging players, front office, and scouting staffs based on who makes it as one of only a handful of players in an exhibition game. Sad.
-
Tom says:
Zetterberg just shot a hole in the facility theory. I’ve been to the Joe Louis Arena, it’s a toilet. Players want to be paid & they want to win. The Islanders organization provides neither. Sure a new arena would help, but nobody wants to play for the Islanders & if Wang & Snow want to hide behind the arena as the end all be all of an excuse? That’s their business.
My excuse for not being an All-star major league pitcher? I suffered a shoulder injury as a kid. That’s the ONLY reason I’m not making $25 million a year with the Yankees.
The only thing Wang’s got more of than money is excuses.
-
T says:
CB, this is pretty random, but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a Rick DiPietro third jersey with the lowercase i. I ordered one from the NHL website but it was all uppercase. Not a big deal, but I would like the very expensive jersey to bejust like DP’s.Anysuggestions?
Any scouting report on Shea Guthrie? He was the ECAC player of the week 1/19 and has had another great week for
Clarkson, with 2 goals and game winner in OT at RPI.