TAMPA BAY 1, ISLANDERS 0
Talk included trades, fighting and the first pick
12:05 am - Topics included fighting; can the Islanders get a top prospect back in a trade?; Andy Hilbert; the NHL in Vegas; reader views on how the kids played and who the Islanders would pick if they had the No. 1 pick and the draft was today. Thank you for your readership. Thank you for your passion for hockey. Thank you for everything…CB
Read the thread in Comments.
141 Responses to TAMPA BAY 1, ISLANDERS 0
Talk included trades, fighting and the first pick
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Islanders1984 says:
Glad to have you back CB, though Kevin did do a great job. whose up next for potential trade installment?
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pollard park says:
great to have you back cb!!!talk about ridderwal 2- nite, can they get him out of sweeden and get a look ay him this year?
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drew says:
CB,
Why are some Islanders fans so keen on getting Avery? In fact, why would anyone want this guy on their team? I think his actions have shown time and again that he clearly belongs in the Federal League, not the NHL.
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yea that was pretty painful listening to all that baseball crap waiting for the botta man ..i finally threw in the towel and went to 7/11 and got jacked up on caffeine to get ready for the game ..
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Ryan says:
Welcome back CB, and a great job to Kevin for his work while you were on assignment. Thank you CB for all that you do, unfortunately I won’t be able to comment during the game, but I will read the comments later tonight….Let’s Go Islanders!!!!
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this is a big game for scott gordon tonight.one of his first big tests he better win some games here cause i just saw another long interview with him ..he has zero personality and is not very articulate
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admin says:
Can’t thank Kevin Schultz enough for the job he did this week. He’s half my age and is a supreme talent. Kevin has a great future in whatever he decides to do.
Depending usually on Don La Greca’s schedule, sometimes we go live and sometimes (like today) we tape earlier in the day. We try to go live as much as possible so we can take fan calls. The last three shows were practically all Islanders, but today was a lot of Rangers. As this site proves, bad losses result in a lot of talk…CB
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And thank you for your constant flow of information, CB.
@Joe 8: “First big test” for Gordon? I don’t follow … and I’m not sure how his interview personality is relevant. Barry Melrose has quite a bit of personality — but coaching acumen? …Something less than “quite a bit.” (Sorry B.M. Rocks!
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isles316 says:
How is this a big game for Gordon? I don’t care if he speaks improperly. The young guys are all playing better for the most part.
Jackman!
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Like that Jackman declines Koci the Klown’s offer/beg to fight and takes off one of their D instead. Smart move. TB’s reaction to the Ramo collision is a week late.
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1984: The next True Value will probably be on Brendan Witt.
Pollard: Ridderwall will not be here this season. I wrote about him a month ago. Look for it in the search.
What happened on the Jackman fight? The other guy looked hurt and thanked Jackman for not hitting him when he was down. Did he hurt his hand? CB
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Either that CB or he was just in a vulnerable position and Jackman could have suckered him a bit.
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CB;
Sorry bout the other day. I may have gotten carried away in all the sillyness.
The good thing is that this blog is probably the most talked about in Islanders Nation. It’s become “the spot” on the net of Islanders fans to congregate.
Whether that’s a good thing or bad thing I don’t know.
You are doing one helluva job keeping us engaged though.
Thanks.
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Tampa Bay broadcast just touched in with Al Arbour. (Suppose MSG+ already caught up with him.)
Any advice for Gordon?, they asked:
“I don’t have much,” he said. “But I’d just say hang in there. Hang in there a looong time.”
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Drew (4): I’ll have a short story on the Avery issue Sunday or Monday…CB
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Joe says:
We need someone else that can scrap, these guys are getting smacked around.
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CB;
How did Brian Lawton become a GM?
I read years ago how he was the first American taken with the #1 overall pick. I think they mentioned something about the pressure of that impacting his career and the fact he didn’t perform so well.
I think he later became a consultant or something for younger players. How did he make the jomp to GM?
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im the first to always complain that Isles players never stand up for each other but kudos to Guerin. That needs to happen more often.
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Welcome back CB. Please tell me you’ll be podcasting. I can’t stand this any longer.
Okay, Why oh Why Did Sean just let Guerin take his fight??? I will not hear the end of this from Big Angry Man. This has just made my night MISERABLE!!!
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Guerin is a much tougher guy than Bergie.
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VALENTINO says:
tavares or bust
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Dally Mac says:
C.B any reason why the Islanders didn’t pick Jussi Jokinen up on the waiver wire? I find it odd, that both he and Fritshe made it through waivers and then were traded. Why wouldn’t the team that trade for these guys, pick them up on the wire rather than trade assets? Heck, Carolina even threw a 4th rounder in there.
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Chickendirt (20): Brian Lawton was a player agent who made no secret of his desire to one day be a GM. Here’s a maybe-exclusive: the summer Neil got the Islanders’ GM job, Brian interviewed on the Island. C’mon, where else do you get this level of information? LOL…CB
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Fritzfan says:
CB, great job on the site. With a couple of scraps in the game today. What are your thoughts on fighting? It looks as though it may be going away. Have the guys just gotten too big and injuries have become too prevalent?
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Healy says:
Okposo needs to actually strap on his helmet. How often does he lose it? Hope it doesn’t come back to bite him in the future.
Isles looks like they are being completely out muscled.
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Scott says:
hey CB…Welcome back!
Could for see a situation where the Islanders trade either Denis or MacDonald at the deadline? You think that there’s any interest in them the way they’ve been playing?
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isles 316 when youre a rookie coach and have thin skin and youre coaching in ny it would be in your best interest to keep this little surge going its the only positive stretch weve had this year
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Jimmy Mac says:
I’m missing the game… Cogeco in Ontario for some reason does not have the game on.
Hard to believe… the only game I don’t get is the Isles game.
Not impressed at all.
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Fritzfan: At the risk of adding to the pansification of the NHL, I admit I’m getting concerned about fighting. I understand why it’s in the game and I love a great scrap, but these guys are getting bigger and bigger. I’m very concerned someone in the NHL could go down for good…CB
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Mario says:
Good period. Danis is definately proving he belongs. Hope he keeps it up.
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Scott (29): I’d put it at about a 10% chance a team in search of G insurance makes an offer for Joey Mac. Whether the offer is worth it for Garth Snow to consider is another thing.
BTW, gotta say I’m a little amazed by the amount of people last week who dropped Joey Mac like a stone and are annointing Yann Danis…CB
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CB, per 34: Does that include Scott Gordon? Suddenly Danis has shown “more than Joey,” according to Gordon, which floored me. From not playing him for 17 consecutive starts to that … harumph.
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Rick says:
Danis has played very well in Joey Mac’s absence and I’d like to see him get the bulk of the starts down the stretch so the Isles can see what he is. I’m pretty sure they already know what Joey is – a backup. But Danis could be one of those 1B type goalies (better then a backup, not better then the guy in front of him – DP in this case).
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michael says:
comrie is going about 1/3 of the speed of everyone else on the ice for the islanders. not willing to put his body on the line for the puck.
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Poor play by Comrie is only going to hurt everyone. His trade value goes down, and the team gets a lazy player. Not good.
Danis is growing on me, because he isn’t playing as lazy as he had in the beginning. I wouldn’t anoint either Danis or Mac. They are playing well this season, and I’m glad for it, but I’m with DP all the way.
Decent game so far. Good chances. Love watching that kid line. And when Nielsen is on the ice–it’s gorgeous. Wish Bergie would put some more pucks in the net though.
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ken says:
CB – I am a loyal reader/contributor to this page. Can you please introduce to me to Parks dad. I want to give him a hug.
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The only short story I’d like to see on Sean Avery is what the number of his flight is to Russia.
Someone in an Islanders jersey, please score. Thank you. -
viperman says:
I hear the Blackhawks have interest in Weight. Anything to this? I am surprised that Sutton’s name has not been mentioned more in trade rumours. I thought a big crease-clearing d-man would be in great demand!
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Sutton has been hurt and will continue to be hurt. He’s not going to attract any interest in my view.
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CB:
I see Any Hilbert was move up to play with Nielsen and Hunter midway through the 2nd period. Any chance the Isles give him an extension before he becomes a UFA?
DC
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DC23: Considering the coach’s like for Hilbert, I would expect Andy would be back…CB
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viperman: it would make sense that Chicago would like Weight, but I still don’t think you’ll see any moves until the week of the trade deadline. And I’m still not sure you’ll see many…CB
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CB two quickies….Is it too early to call Nate Thompson injury prone? Hes s perfect 4th lince center but does no good if he cant stay healthy.
Even though KO is getting points playing the point on the PP, do you agree with me that he should be playing up-front instead? With his strength and hands, I think he she be in the high slot and in-front of the net. -
Wow, Stamkos has been virtually invisable in the games that I’ve seen him in. He might be talented, but he should not be in the NHL right now. Makes you feel good about Bailey, actually.
BTW, CB, agree on fighting. This whole “pansy” thing stupid; hockey players are still tough mofos.
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How funny if in the last four minutes of this game there is a goal explosion. Result is something like 4-3.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Okposo
Baily
Neilson
Comeau
Hunter
Hilbert
Jackman
Bergy
Park
ThompsonThese are the forwards I definite see back next year.
Weight
GuerinI think Billy and Doug are 50/50 on being back.
Sim
TambelliniNiether of these guys should be on the team next year but I know Sim has one year left and I am not too sure about Tambs deal.
So with my beliefs, I have two definite forward sports. Presumably one would be our first round pick, being that we draft a forward. The other can be inked this summer. CB, do you see the forwards that I have laid out being much different next year?
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I left Comrie out but I doubt he will be back next year.
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5:40 left. I say the Islanders tie it…CB
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DC23: Too early to call Thompson injury-prone. I think he’s jinxed because in training camp the coach said all the guys getting hurt were from last year’s team, meaning Teddy’s. It was like when Coughlin took over the Giants and ripped on Jim Fassil saying injuries “were just a state of mind.” CB
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kevin says:
they may, i hope so. i hope the isles look at a heavy next year. koci is a beast. brad may apparently got rocked by BGL. CB, was garth looking at laraque in the offseason?
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Mike says:
CB, 2:34 and counting
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DC23: My distaste for KO on the point has been mentioned a few times. Don’t care if he gets ten more goals there. He’s 20. Let him be a forward. The argument from the coaching staff is that he’s not playing a pure point position, but rather as a fourth forward. I’d like to see the Islanders’ best forward prospect closer to the net on the power play, but I concede I don’t know jack…CB
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i guess there chances of tying it are slim to none.
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Damn, that has to be the third HS penalty on KO in the past 3 games.
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CB:
Not to kiss your fanny or anything like that, but thanks again for providing the die-hard Isles fans a place to chat about our team and get REAL info. Glad you popped on Fransessa’s show a few weeks ago to speak with Mike. I was at work and yelling at the radio b/c nobody at WFAN had a clue about what was going on in Islander land.
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QUESTION FOR THE COMMENT-ATORS:
The coach says he’s not judging games by wins and losses but how the young players performed. With that in mind, how do you think the kids did tonight?
I’m here til at least 11 tonight…CB
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MT says:
It’s a shame they couldn’t win for the dads
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well okposo had a strong game but needs to watch that penalty. bad mistake. bailey needs to get more comfortable because he moves the puck too fast sometimes.
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2nd career start doesnt even have the tampa logo on his gear and the isles cant score one freakin goal…thats on coach flash gordon way to get the guys ready and great strategy coach!!!!!!!!!
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I think the kids look great for their experience level. That being said, it isn’t enough to get them near the playoffs. We need some high caliber offensive weapons. Even if the Isles get the first draft pick they still need to drop some money on an UFA or two.
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Another loss closer to Tavares….yay team!!!!
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guy has a great game and you blame it on our coach? so the chances and inablity to score mean nothing on the players. last place team means nothing? ok.
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CB, if this is the final and only season of PB, is it due to having to put up with a few idiots or is because of a better opportunity? I am really hoping your response will be “KJH0517, please be sure to read my Ocotober 5, 2009 post about a healthy DP ready for the new season”
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thanks, kjh. It won’t have anything to do with the minor outside agita. It will have everything to with what life brings. I should probably know by Point Blank Night II on March 10. Thanks again…CB
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chris doesnt the score reflex how the kids did???? im not trying to same some incendiary stuff but what the heck cant do worse than not even scoring
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Isle_in_LA says:
I always like seeing the kids out there. They seem to hustle and make things happen. Okposo is playing very well in all areas. He seems to be the first forward back every time the opposing team has a rush. The future is looking nice.
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KO played a strong game but wouldnt finish…Comeau was VERY quiet…Baily seems to be inconsistant, which makes sence considering hes 19.
Nielsen gets stronger every game back since the injury, and Campolli and Gervais have played their best hockey the last 3 weeks. Bergie is no better than a Rutuu but cant fight. -
Thought it was kinda funny that Butch, Dano and Al talked about how absurd it was to start talking about Tavares and Hedman…and then proceeded to show footage and talk about how they’re head-and-shoulders above everyone in the next draft! CB
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Daniegirl1016 says:
What does incendiary mean??? And I think the kids look better and better every game…love them.
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CB,
Fan since 77. Lead Beer Vendor for HMS at NVMC from 83-87 while at Hofstra. Appreciate every thing you do. Come to the site every morning before I even get into shower in the AM. Watch every game on Center Ice. Huge fan, long time. My question is do you see an NHL franchise here in Vegas in the future. There is talk of an arena being ready for the 2011 season, and I hear Jerry Bruckheimer (sp?) would love to own a team. Do you think it would be expansion or an existing franchise? What are your thoughts on the subject.
Thanks and keep up the great work! -
Mike Olivo says:
If the Islanders take a defensman #1, I am going to move to Kansas City
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If the kids score and it leads to a win, Im glad, but if any of the Vets score a goal that leads to an Islanders win, its not worth it. As for tonights game, no points from anyone under 25(or under 50), means its a good loss. Im now wondering if Im a true fan for saying “a good loss”? Nevermind, I know I am, all about decending rapidly!!
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Vegas (74): Thanks for checking out the site. I’m very liberal-minded about Vegas. I’d be all for it. I think the NHL would go there if they ever feel the rest of the league is settled and the economy picks up. We talked about it on the radio show. We’d love to see the ice girls, scoreboard and game ops if Bruckheimer was owner…CB
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Thanks for the reply CB. I agree that there will not be much action until the deadline is nearer to maximize value, but the vets (as everyone) are playing for future contracts, not for the future of the franchise. They should be moved ASAP. The greater shot we have at Tavares, the more secure the franchise will be in the future. As much as we all love Doug and Bill, we have a much better chance of losing games without them. Ricky D did his part!
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Mikey says:
My thoughts on the kids:
I thought Nielsen looked great out there tonight. He has great speed in the offensive zone and knows how to use his linemates. Bailey looks much stronger physically. Okposo continues to impress, but he fell down quite a few times tonight. He does have some balance issues; it’s an area he needs to improve. Comeau delivered a few good hits, but could not create any offense. Bergy had a decent first game back; he needs to keep it simple
Campoli has some upside, but he needs to continue working on his first pass. He creates too many turnovers. Gervais is mediocre in all aspects of the game.
On a side note, I am getting tired of hearing everyone talk about Tavares as if he’s a god. He got rocked skating with his head down last night. His skating reminds me of Yashin, and he is average in two of the three zones. Duchene may actually turn into a more useful forward in the NHL.
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CB, any idea if and when the Isles are going to get a deal going with a radio station that has more watts than my microwave?
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BC says:
CB, in your opinion, who does the Islanders organization favor right now if they pick first overall, Tavares or Hedman? All of us fans argue about who we should take, but of those who would make the decision, which of them are the more likely to take?
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goislesgo105 says:
Butchie thinks the Isles should take Hedman over Tavares. Interesting!
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I just watched my friends Al and Butch talk about Doug Weight and Bill Guerin and it’s like I’m on a different planet than them…CB
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KP says:
If we’re in the position to draft him, my preference is to take Taveres. But remember folks, you can’t build a winner without a franchise dman. The Isles don’t have one anywhere in their system.
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walter says:
so CB whos on earth???
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Bob Bassen says:
Comrie’s trade value is dropping per shift. Bummer.
Go Isles. -
CB, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your work here. I really hope that IPB can continue, in some capacity, perhaps with Kevin at the helm, but as an alternative to you.
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Our rebuild will not materialize if Garth fails to acquire at least 2 blue chip defense prospects in this draft. Our stock of dmen in the system is very thin. Ness and Hamonic seem to be developing nicely this year, but they are at least 2 years away from sniffing the NHL. Katic has some nice tools, but doesn’t appear to have tremendous offensive upside for a 5-10 dman.
Based on everything I have heard and seen of Matt Gilroy, he would be a huge addition for this club. I hope Garth is pushing hard to get him here.
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Mike (80): That’s the radio deal for this year. I’m sure they’re looking at something for next year, but it’s a very expensive proposition. Contrary to what a reader wrote here during the week, the Islanders will never get money for their radio rights. Heck, the Rangers don’t. The Islanders pay to be on the radio. I’ve written about the radio deal and I’m sure will again.
Walter (86): Whaaaaa?
Devon (88): Thank you.
BC (81): This very second, if the Islanders had the first pick, the draft was at midnight tonight and I had to bet a few grand, I would say Hedman.
Before some of you freak, let me say that could change weekly and is strictly a hunch without any sources…CB
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honestly, i would take either and it doesnt matter for me. i would prefer tavares becuase we lack a top forward and goalscoring. also who knows, hedman may say ” screw this i am going back to sweden” now it may not happen like that but kenny johnson left so its not unheard of. next year could be big on our decision. theres a good chance we will suck again and unfortuantly im hoping for it but these two drafts are huge. i think we should take advantage of these 2nd rounders and either use the top two on dmen or use them to trade up. and as a third option, if we do trade weight we should try and get a first rounder by packaging it with say the leafs second rounder or somehting along the lines of that. your thoughts cb?
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Mick Vukota says:
Chris – Your blog is an absolute pleasure to read. Keep up the outstanding work. Quick question: Do you read each e-mail you receive? I have been meaning to write you for some time now. Thanks.
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Mick (92): I get about 50 reader emails a day and read every one. I try to respond to everyone and have a decent batting average. I will say that when someone emails me, I appreciate it when they tell me their real name and the letter has at least a little etiquette. Sometimes I get emails that just say something like, “When they gonna trade X”? I do not respond to those. Call me old-fashioned, but I like a little courtesy…CB
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Pat says:
We lost a “must lose” game tonight. Very competitive – but two points closer to Tavares/Hedman. Joey Mac has to play more – as this guy Danis is playing some good hockey. I see a lot of good things for this team and we are accumulating some picks and prospects who can help us long term. Have the cap space to buy talent when it makes sense to do so.
Hate losing, but the end justifies the means – which is to WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS and we need thst stud player to make it happen. Build via the draft….and why not make a # 1 pick and take the best player on the board for us.
Pat
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AM says:
CB,
What’s you max potential for KO? Obviously not Turgeon-ish but compared to what you’ve seen through the years, who would you compare him to?
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Strummer's Army says:
I have noticed Hilbert’s improved play but still would like to move him. We need more size, skill and grit for his spot and several others.
I think the difference in tonights game was Tampa was more physical, they can just play that game better then the Isles do to size and let’s face it many Isles don’t have a high battle level or desrire for contact.
Good seeing Al Arbour at the game. Interesting Scotty Bowman was there too.
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scouts compare him to igilna. i do not know if thats a race card or becuase they are both scoring power forwards. this is not directed to cb alone but does anyone know if there are any top defenceman in next years draft? i know taylor hall and some awsome russian that may go 1 and 2 but what about d?
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AM (95): I think Kyle could max as a B+/A- player that could score 30-35 goals, make a few all-star teams, become a huge fan favorite and be a valuable player on a contender…CB
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toorude says:
move all of them. not scoring on that kid tonight is embarassing. hope this post last more than 60 seconds but not holding my breath.
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last question.. i cant understand why these two aituations went down. fritche was on waivers and no one picked him up. then afterwards the wild traded reitz to the rags for him. why not just take him off waivers? then the same thing went down again. jussi jokinen went on waivers and no one picked him up. soon after the canes trade a 4th, melichar and brookbank for him. again i ask why not just pluck him off waivers?
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to kevin and the others about the trades after waivers: that is the whole point. No one wanted to absorb Jokinen and his mill-plus salary for nothing. They only wanted him if they could unload something – in this case, the contracts for Melichar and Brookbank. Same with Fritsche. Minny’s approach was, We don’t want to take just his contract, but if you’ll take Reitz we’ll do the deal…CB
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Kev – Based on what I’ve read, the projected top 5 picks in 2010 are mostly forwards. There is an American defenseman named Cam Fowler who is supposed to be pretty good. Don’t know much about him though.
Of course, it’s still very early to tell who may emerge.
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b-ri says:
well they didn’t score on him tuesday night either, should they have traded them all after that too? what can you do, thats hockey. Its not like they didn’t have scoring chances. I’m starting to like what I’m seeing, and I am content knowing that it will still be a few years before this team really turns the corner. I say we make the playoffs (6th -8th seed) in ’11-’12 but fall just short in ’10-’11
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Kevin Fitz says:
I hope you are right about the Isles selecting Hedman CB. That is who they need!
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thanks chris and mikey. i wonder if that forces snows hand to take hedman if we are in that position. guess only time will tell.
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hey bridgeport fans if you guys are out there. how is fritz? i know he is an assistant captain and his fight card is 1-0-3 so he is undefeated and from the fights i saw, i think he should be 3-0-1 ( win,loss,draw ) just wondering if garth will re-sign him and keep him down there. i plan on going to another game. last time i went it was amazing. every seat is a goody and the team is doing awsome. there is also lots of fights hits and its good to see future islanders.
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Hey CB-
Last year we got one of the top college UDFA in Jack Hillen. What are the chances we grab a Matt Gilroy, who’s got ties to the region and would great on our blueline? -
Devon: Gilroy is further along and considered a better prospect than Jack. The Islanders are very much in the mix, but it’s impossible to know which way the Long Island kid will go. I’m certain the Islanders’ bid will be serious…CB
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Don't Mind the Haters says:
CB – you are the MAN!! You have set a high standard for team information / stories / accessibility.
You are a big reason why I have renewed my love-affair with this team (ever since I was a kid cheering on Mike Bossy).
If you don’t continue on with PB next year, I’d equate it to another Milbury trading of a 1st round draft pick for Oleg Kvasha.
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thanks, DMTH. Mike tried to trade me a few times, but I refused to report…CB
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Isles1972 says:
CB, this site is the best out there and hopefully it will continue to even get better. Quick question, can you see the Isles looking to get a young player from another team instead/or with a draft pick in a trade who may fit better with the Isles system? Anyone come to mind?
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isles1072: I saw that come up a lot among readers when I posted the 2 True Value stories on Weight and Comrie while I was away. Tough for me to picture another team giving up a legitimate top prospect for the veterans the Islanders may be selling. And no, I don’t think a package of two of the vets is that attractive to other teams. For the team’s sake, I hope I’m proven wrong. But I really doubt it. Second round picks, at best, may be all you’re going to get…CB
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Can you see the Isles through in a pick along with the Veteran for a player?
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CB, You never responded to my email! Anyway, this is the best place to check for Isles info. I am addicted to this site like a crackhead. It is the best. So I got yelled at by my wife tonight after cheering for the TB goal. T-A-V-A-R-E-S! And got yelled at. Tough night.
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i think i would rather trade a vet and pick for a first. not saying it will happen but it would be sweeeeet. maybe then we can draft the dman
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re-send the email and I will, Will C. Not happening, Kevin…GOOD NIGHT, ALL…CB
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Warren says:
Did anyone hear what CB said about Renney during the 1050 show? I missed it….
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Mike from Philly says:
C.B – In response to who you think the Islanders would take, if we choose Hedman before Tavares I would absolutly freak. As good as a player as Hedman may be he is NOT what this franchise needs right now.
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SIR WILLIAM says:
Welcome home Chris. What leads you to beleive that the Isles would take Hedeman over Tavares? If anything, last night’s game proved just how much we need a true scorer on the Island. I don’t think McKenna made one tought save all night. we need a go to guy who can put the puck in the net….SW
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jonsson3 says:
Hopefully the Isles will lose the lottery and get the 2nd pick so they take who’s left from Tavares- Hedman.I wouldn’t want them to pick 1 of them first and be a bust and then the other one turns out to be a superstar. The 2nd pick would be a no-brainer.
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…and Please! trade Comrie now!!
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I woldn’t be upset over taking Hedman over Tavares. Good teams are built from the goal out.
Still, Tavares would bring people to games. He’s a bona fide superstar. Somone that really would get this team some media attention in the hockey world.
Goal scorers are very hard to come by and you have to overpay for them on July 1st. Our system is not exactly over burdened with too many goal scorers either.
There’s also that problem at center we are going to have after this July 1st. Comrie and Weight are both set to walk. Sillinger is finished. As good as Bailey and Neilson are I don’t think this team can survive a season with just those two as our only two centers.
Tavares gives us depth in that position that will be there for the next seven years at least.
The D can wait for now.
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Glenn says:
Tavares is essential IMO.
Capping the center depth and a drawing card assuming that he would immediately make the team. I have to admit that I am more concerned with the latter right now.
Buzz around the league is essential. Wanna at least compete for an outdoor game? Need him. Face of the franchise? Check, because it certainly CANNOT be DiPietro moving forward given his health concerns! -
Otter says:
Is Tambellini ever going to see the ice again? Should probably start playing him more in an effort to generate some interest from other teams. Or maybe that’s a bad idea. KO & even Bailey seem to be progressing faster than Tambs…c’mon already.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
How the kids did last night??
Well .. with ZERO goals we know that none of ‘em finished.
I think the Isles were outplayed pretty good in the first period and then the play leveled out. They didn’t pressure McKenna much in his second start … they should of been throwing pucks at him.
I don’t like KO at the point … not because he can’t play it … but because he’s so much more effective down low … he’s a power forward. Digging puck out along the boards … taking 2 guys with him and opening things up.
That late call that Donut Don Koharski called against KO was a bunch of bull turd … it was stick to stick… Watched it in slow-mo a few times … lame call in a tight game … if the Isles were in a playoff race I’d be livid.
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On the bright side … they are playing an excellent tight defensive game. Yan looked good too.
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its a shame tambs cant get it going. he has speed, determination and one helluva wrist shot. we have seen it too few times though. not to mention, he is not playing soft now. and he doesnt have the option to go mike rupp for the islanders. rupp couldnt find the back of the net in the nhl unlike in juniors so to stay in the league he dropped them. he is 6’5 and like 220. tambs, well, is small. i know we expected him to have his break out this year but it may be next since that is the last year of his contract and well they may say it to his face.either you do what you can or you walk. or we sign you to a 15 year contract and keep you in the ahl.
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Since we are only up to game #52 I’m not going to even debate who we need more .. we may not even have a chance at either one of ‘em …
With the focus on Tavares OR Hedmen … when quite frankley we really NEED BOTH.
If the debate is on what should we shore up first … I’d say you take a star forward over a star defenseman. Why? In the Isles case they need a super star scorer for on ice and off ice reasons. On ice for the obvious reason … off ice for the publicity. In all sports the big scorers get the attention … and if the Isles can find the back of the net … a FA stud defensman may someday look to the Isles. “May” being the key word.
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CB took on the fighting issue briefly at the risk of continuing the pansification of hockey …
CB … that might be a great topic to cover… We all love a good scrap … but what long term effect does it have on the players?? Players are much bigger than they were hay day of the “Broad Street Bullies.”
My last hockey fight was the day before my 30th birthday (I grew up.. LOL) … and took a couple of shots to the side of the head … it hurt … and my opponent was only about 190#’s … you can’t build up your head muscles to absorb a punch … so I can’t imagine how it feels when a 6’5″ 230# guy throwing bare knuckle hay makers into someone’s skull must feel… at the same time … I don’t want to see fighting removed from the game.
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makes you look and think about guys like fritz,boogaard,john scott, ivananans and laraque and chara.
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nyislanders93 says:
19 Isle in NJ 22 (129)- I agree that if we have the choice then we should take Tavares, but we are basically a lock for the 30th or 29th place in the league. We have 4 points on Atlanta which isn’t much, but if we do pass Atlanta, Ottawa currently has 7 more points than us with 1 less game played. I don’t think there is a chance that we outplay both of those teams that much that we can pass them. Finishing in 30th is key because then were guaranteed to get either Tavares or Hedman.
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Terry says:
Bryan Berard almost loses an eye to a stick, Zednik almost bleeds to death when a skate cuts his carotid artery, Kevin stevens smashes his face trying to throw a check…Hockey is a dangerous game. Eliminating fighting isn’t going to make it any safer, its will make it safer for guys like georges Laraque, who will be unemployed. What needs to stop are the Crosby-like cheap shots.
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guerin13 says:
that was an awful game, a total snoozefest. okposo and neilsen looked ok but there wasn’t a whole lot of development from the kids going on last night. danis was good even thought he didn’t have to do much. one step closer to hedman/tavares.
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nyislander93 – I see where you are coming from … there is no doubt that Isles fans want to have a 100% chance of getting Tavares or Hedman.. CB even created a new word .. “Tavheduch” to include Duchene (sp) in the mix. Regardless of that Isles fans’ focus is primarily Tavares … for good reason. I’m taking CB’s wise advice to not even think about draft position until after 60 games … by that time perhaps some of the fog will lift about where the Isles will finish…
If the Isles pass Atlanta (4 points out with game in hand) … and finish 29th ANY of the other 3rd -5th place teams can bump the Isles out of the #2 selection. Even so … with 30 games left … it isn’t out of the question that the Isles catch even Toronto 12 pts away … unlikely … YES! … Possible? Sure. Like you said … finishing 30th is only way to gaurantee TavHed. I’m not going to worry about that for another 8 games.
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Terry… I’m with ya … I’m just wondering what would happen if someone lands a knockout punch and a player falls unconcious to the ice defenseless to protect their head from serious injury or at worst case death. We’d see fighting outlawed and tons of lawsuits… I think players need to respect a certain code of combat to avoid that.
CB – Good topic to debate? No?
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Jax says:
CB- You can’t throw chum into the water and then get pissed when the sharks jump all over it.
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I would not be upset at all if we ended up with the 3rd pick and got Matt Duchene. He is very good in all three zones, has blazing speed, and can score goals. If he had played four years of junior like Tavares, then he would be getting a lot more hype right now.
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Obviously, it doesn’t matter where the Isles end up they still might not have the first pick. But, worst case scenario is getting #3, you still get a player that can have a great impact to this organization.
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I think that most guys that fight respect the player they are fighting. Look at Jackman last night, he could of really decked (Smaby?) at the start of the game and didn’t because he was in a bad position. When you see players taking cheapshots more often(Like Crosby did on Valabik) when guys are down then maybe this needs to be discussed. Until then, fighting is an important part of the game. Guerin sticking up for Bergenheim last night was a perfect example.
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Brad says:
Hey Chris, I want to know what you think about the Islanders Rangers rivalry being left out of the NHL.com story today. I think that a story about the history of the rivals would be good before the next time the two teams meet. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=408137
Fans, even those who tend to disagree with you, really appreciate you coverage and your work. Thank you.
CB – Is the show normally recorded and broadcast later or is than an exception?