QUICKNESS? NO. DESIRE, COMMITMENT? YES.
Some quick chalk talk with Scott Gordon
“It’s not about speed, it’s about effort,” Scott Gordon said in our one-on-one conversation the other day. “It’s not about having great quickness, it’s about having the desire to get there and make the play.”
The reason I asked to meet with the first-year head coach was my curiosity about his plans for the Islanders’ style of play going-forward. But first, a three-paragraph review of how we got here:
When he was hired last August, Gordon brought a specific system to the Islanders from Providence of the AHL. Garth Snow’s belief in his strategy was a big factor in the coach getting his first NHL opportunity. Despite being predicted to finish last in the league by many experts, the Islanders may not have set the league on fire but they were a fun watch and stayed competitive at 10-12-2. Gordon received some raves. The Canucks invented the term “pre-pinch” and discussed how difficult the Islanders were to play against. Then the roof caved in - Rick DiPietro was lost for the season, an injury epidemic hit. There was plenty of poor play and, yes, some imperfect coaching.
There were two signature moments of the collapse. A 9-2 embarrassment in Pittsburgh on Dec. 11 was a seismic jolt to the Islanders’ confidence. After an overtime loss to Washington on Dec. 16, Brendan Witt shared with Greg Logan of Newsday his lack of faith in Gordon’s ultra-aggressive system. From the beginning of December through January 19, the Islanders won two games.
Around the start of a brutal five-game homestand in mid-January, Gordon tinkered more and more with his system. As a result, the Islanders looked sharper while undermanned in tight losses to the Rangers, Boston, New Jersey and Washington. They proceeded to win four games in a row. Yesterday’s win in front of a sold-out crowd at home erased some of the pain of the 9-2 blowout by Pittsburgh and was the latest example of Gordon’s changes keeping the Islanders competitive.
So here’s where we are today:
If Gordon was so confident in his highly-aggressive style of play that he brought to the Island, should we assume he’ll go completely back to it when he feels he has more players to execute it?
I posed the question to Gordon in the cramped quarters of the coaches’ change room at Iceworks. As he does sometimes, he quietly sent a challenge volley: “What are we doing differently”?
I provided my take, that his Islanders appear to be playing more of a 1-1-3 now. That Gordon at times is keeping a left wing or right wing in the neutral zone that I hadn’t seen until about a month ago. I mentioned that it looked like his team was more cautious on faceoff plays, that they were still aggressive but not always go-go-go, not always pre-pinching. I told him that a few of his players shared with me their surprise when he entered the home team locker room with an alteration a few weeks ago at the second intermission when his team had the lead. (They won the game). I figured I was about 50% right, but now I was 100% out of material. So I asked him, “Is this a test, Scott”?
He said, “No,” and with that got up from his locker stall and went to the dry-erase board. As I tried to follow along with my Nassau CC/La Salle U education, the head coach drew up a few examples of what he has changed, what’s gone right and what’s gone wrong. While Gordon didn’t make a point of saying any of his chalk talk was off-the-record, I’m keeping it there for two reasons:
1. Whether I was the former PR person or a current blogger, I’m from the Bill Belichick school of believing most strategy stays in the room. Since Gordon fanatically is too, he probably meant to keep it there.
2. Even with the coach generously taking the time to draw it up for me, I still have no clue what they’re doing differently after neutral-zone faceoffs.
“Sometimes you’re dealt a hand,” said Gordon, referring to his league-trouncing statistic of man-games lost to injury. “Sometimes you have to make adjustments. But I don’t think you’ll find anyone who’ll say we’re still not playing a very aggressive system.”
This is true. I called up a few scouts that attended the Islanders’ shootout loss to Los Angeles last Tuesday. They concurred. “You have to understand where Gordon’s coming from,” said one. “His team had nights when they were getting their doors blown off. He believes in his system and I’m sure when he gets the horses he’ll go most of the way back to it. But as much as it may have killed him, he had to do something to prevent the occasional blowout and third period collapse. His lineup was decimated. His team’s psyche had to hurt from the long losing streaks. The coach did the right thing.”
Okay, I asked the scout. Does that mean if Gordon made the adjustments earlier, the Islanders might be pushing for 8th place instead of Tavheduch?
“Let’s not get carried away,” the scout said, laughing. “That team is really, really thin and with guys like DiPietro and Weight and all the dmen out, forget about it. They’re still going to lose games. You can break up your system to stay competitive, but no - they could have played an all-out trap and would still be out of it. You do what Gordon did to keep the games close and get the occasional win.”
Like yesterday over the Penguins. Although I knew Gordon wouldn’t pull a Bill Stewart “Did you see our lineup?” I tried to press him about needing more players with the skill-set to play his system. The coach wouldn’t go there, but emphasized that his style of play demands effort more than speed.
“When we have failed, it’s not because the player lacked the speed to make the play,” said Gordon. “It’s because he either didn’t execute properly or he didn’t make the effort.”
To use a Gordon phrase, here’s my “take-away” from our conversation:
It’s possible he may not be the stubborn, inflexible, go-go-system-crazed coach that I and maybe other writers have made him out to be. Let’s give that one some more time.
And if it’s not about speed and quickness but a desire to go hard for 60 minutes and to commit to Scott Gordon’s system, the Islanders need to find about ten new players for season 2 of his NHL coaching career.
I’ll have more on Scott Gordon in the weeks ahead about other aspects of his coaching, but felt it was important to address the system issue now. Talk about it in Comments. In case you missed it, please note details below on Point Blank Night II.
88 Responses to “QUICKNESS? NO. DESIRE, COMMITMENT? YES.
Some quick chalk talk with Scott Gordon”
Please Wait
I am not well schooled on the finer points of hockey strategy, but one sign of a good coach is sticking to his guns while making adjustments, all as the same time.
This is a good sign for Gordon’s long term prospects as an NHL coach.
i could see jackman vs voros but not much after that. and if not voros then anyone but orr. i like go-go’s style. we dont win every game but wemake sure the team knowsthey cant take it easily.other then the few blowouts but that happens to every team
quote:
“When we have failed, it’s not because the player lacked the speed to make the play,” said Gordon. “It’s because he either didn’t execute properly or he didn’t make the effort.”
He’s talking about Comrie right there.
Excellent read Chris. Thanks for posting.
You figure the keepers are Okposo, Nielsen, Bergy, DiPietro, Bailey, Comeau, Streit, Sutton, Hunter. That is 9 so I see where your coming from when you say about 10 new players.
I said this quite a while ago, the NY Islander’s, as constructed as they are today, are the least talented team in the NHL, that’s why I believe, without question they will finish last, and hopefully win the lottery and pick John Tavares. Although I like Scot Gordon, this team has to improve it’s talent level. Get bigger, and get stronger. They also need to improve their speed. So when Scot Gordon speaks, about the most important thing is effort. I have to disagree completely. Their young players are playing excellent, but the NY Islander’s need a lot more. By the way Chris, I’m going to try very hard to make your next meeting. How about inviting, Terry Goldstien to the get together, so we can shed some light, on why the NY Islander’s, should bring back the uniforms they wore during the Stanley Cup Years. If that happens, I’ll be there. Thanks Chris, Mark/NJ
The issue at hand is Scott Gordon and his system going forward. Not the thread to talk about tomorrow’s game or more commentary on Mitch Fritz…CB
If I were him, I would already be working on some off season training regiments for individual players. I am not only talking about just preventing injury, but the ability to play in his system. I know the season is technically not over, but his mindset right now is to see if the crop of kids can take the reins. In order for them to do that they need to be physically ready to continue learning the system come training camp.
CB, read your earlier post about Renney, and how good he is with the press. Is Gordon getting better at this? Was he being sarcastic when he responded your question with a question?
CB:
Great stuff. You have set the bar very high. There is absolutely NO WAY this blog cannot continue for next season. I am sure you will be able to figure it out. All of us die hards would be in serious withdrawal without you. Pull a jetsinsider and start charging for VIP access. I will only take a small cut for bringing the idea to your attention..lol
I am willing to give this young coach patience just like I’m willing to give young players patience. And it has shown in the style of play for the Isles how he has had to adjust, which is definately to his credit. But, what I am all out of is patience for having some of the worst man-games-lost-due-to-injury numbers in the league over and over again. I’ll stick with Flash because I think that what he is trying to do can work. But I just can’t stand all of these friggin injuries that just shred this team apart. It happened for a lot of year last season too. And even the year before with key injuries down the stretch before the playoffs.
HA! I have a set of those drawings (from another hockey coach) in my briefcase, carefully explaining the plays and the differences in Scott’s system. To which I politely nodded and hoped my recorder was running. (I was waiting for a win to write it up. Now I don’t need to.)
Gordon IS a really good hockey mind. We just don’t have a REALLY good team…..yet.
Great job as usual Mr. Botta.
I have seen some improvements in Gordon’s communication skills. But he’s got to start being a ‘team player’. He doesn’t hold himself accountable at all. He blames his players & throws them under a bus given the chance, he’ll blame injuries. It’s NEVER EVER his fault. Never lack of preparation. He’s NEVER been outcoached this that’s for sure!
He’s above the team. HIM & ONLY HIM, allowed failure to course through the lockerroom. He needed to make adjustments MONTHS ago. When wins & losses MATTERED. Now that they don’t matter he makes the adjustments? Like I said, I’ve seen some improvements in his communication skills, BUT by Christmas ‘09 if he starts yapping about how wins & losses don’t matter, get rid of him, he’s dead weight & has a failing attitude– dump him.
CB, I think Gordon is the right coach for the young Islanders. He is always discussing situations with his students and I like the way he’s making adjustments the his system for the personal is he has on hand. Loved the way he played KO on defense yesterday, IT shows KO the confidence the coach has in him. This maybe too early in the process, but KO sure does look like a future captain of the Islanders.
sorry chris,it looked as if scott chose his words carefull too. i like his system,and looks like our guy for the future.
Nice read.
The key thing is that Gordon modified his system to avoid an uproar, combat injuries, and stay somewhat competitive.
The reality is this team barely had a chance at the playoffs. Second, the same will be next year.
The coach is not going to change. The players will. However, Snow will have to do his best to get Gordon players that fit into the system. Of course, a lot of factors go into that and Snow may not be that successful. Welcome to 30th place with a rebuild.
My question: Is the Go-Go system attractive to players to play in?
islanders did not beat LA last tuesday, right? just making sure.
thanks for the catch, TR…CB
Once again CB thanks for the great insight. No offense to Logan, but when will you get the glamorous job of Islanders beat writer? My family and I disagree on Gordon’s ability to coach at this level. I believe in him and his system and think that if given the true chance to grow as an NHL coach and with a vastly improved roster over the next several years, my family will come to their senses.
Two questions (which is far fewer than SW ever asks):
1. Can we banish SW and Tom to the dark side? I can’t take their negativity. This site provides great discussion and debate, but these 2 are way too negative. I think they are both secretly Ranger fans craving a great blog experience.
2. Off topic, but I’m curious (and maybe I missed this on another topic)if you have gotten a scout’s take on a Tavares’ comparison to a current or former NHLer. I know comparisons are usually a shot in the dark but we like them anyway.
There is something I’ve been seeing a little more lately. Guys like Nielsen engaged in dialogue with Gordon. That is encouraging.
I’d still have liked to have seen a guy like Quenneville at the helm of a rebuild, but that didn’t happen and maybe that type of coach wouldn’t have had the patience to make it for three years of minor victories.
Next strategy… can somebody show Bailey, Gervais, Hillen and Campoli where the weight room is?
Pretty tough to judge a guy coaching this team at this moment. Another year at least before the failure/success judgments start.
Too early, also, for me to tell if he’s as great for the young guys as some say. KO looks great, but may have succeeded regardless based on projections and his talent. Comeau looks slightly worse than last year, imo, and Bergy, as noted earlier, hasn’t shown undeniable progression. Ditto Campoli and Gervais. Could be players hitting ceilings and not coaching, but I think there’s more upside to some of them than we’re seeing.
His biggest success so far is Nielson, I think. Using him in the right spots, noticeable improvement, etc.
Going back to the beginning of the season, I thought all the talk was about overspeed, and now it’s now about speed? Wasn’t that the reason it looked like we were always dying by the third period? So is the change that now we pace ourselves a bit so we still have something left in the tank?
Saving speed for the right opportunities is always a good idea
Brett– you have my word I will only say nice things about the Islanders from now on. If I feel I don’t have anything nice to say than I won’t post.
I’m a very serious sports fan. A huge fan of this team. I can’t in all good conscience accept what Wang, Garth & Flash are tossing out at me. The organeyezation is not run with the professionalism that’s needed to win & it sickens me. But I will only say nice things moving forward, I promise.
Good insight CB as usual. One thing that pops to mind after reading your article is will Gordon be able to bring in his own people to be assistant coaches? I think some of the guys there are holdovers from the Nolan days… and I’m wondering what kind of input the assistants have and do they buy into Gordon’s system? Good to see he is adapting… he just may survive to see the rebuild through to great things.
Brilliant stuff, CB! Smart of Gordon to query you back, too, to get the observer’s view.
When the Isles finally collect and groom enough players to make a serious run, I’m still on board with the Go-Go way (pending minor adjustments). Hockey is entertainment, after all, and I’ll take my 1-in-30 shot at the prize with a dose of Gordon’s version of how to entertain.
Good stuff CB. My take, and I got this from the talk you had with the Kings’ scout, is that Scott Gordon simply does not have HIS players in place yet.
It’s a total rebuild here. It WILL take a while.
Great article CB (wouldn’t be able to find this stuff anywhere). We all need to give Gordon and the organization time to get the players that fit the way Gordon wants to play. There are always going to be adjustments made along the way, but without the right players, the system will never work completely. Hopefully, something can be done to reduce the shots on goal (and I personally think that would need a shakeup on the defence).
As for the young guys, give them time. I believe as long as they don’t hurt the team they are doing well at such a young age. This is Year 1 of a rebuild, with young talent and a new system.
CB, you say there may be 10 ten new players here next year. Anyone you think would fit this system that may be available through trade or free agency?
Wow, just another great article and read.
I was not a proponent of the Gordon mainly because I knew he would be learning on the job and it meant that Snow was ok being a bottom team for the next 2-3 years. Clearly Gordon is learning as he goes and will continue to learn (and make mistakes) next season as well. Your article does give hope that if anything, Gordon has a good hockey mind, has a plan, and can develop into good NHL coach.
Different topic, but there is nothing more negative on this blog than “fans” who openly root for and cheer when this Team loses a game. For any reason.
Say what you will about Gordon - and we’ve said plenty - but the willingness to sit down with a member of the media and explain the system while providing diagrams…I think it says a lot about the man.
Good read Mr C..it’s nice to hear gordon’s thoughts/idea’s..etc) it has taken me a long time to see through the trees of what they’re trying to accomplish.
Facing set backs and a long list of injuries, been a rough year.
For some time I even questioned whether or not Snow was right for the job as well as Gordon.
It’s hard to look at this past year and find much to be happy about, fans feel let down and had to witness another sad year for the team.
I’m glad Gordon seems confident in what his plans are so I hope all things come to pass and we take some shape next year and God willing we’ll have a place to play.
Swan I could not agree more! On this site & others I have seen a ton of quotes like “YES!!! The Isles lost & Okposo had a good game…PERFECT” For a guy like me I want to take that person’s head & screw it in with ratchet. 30th place stinks. Case closed. I don’t care what Garth & Flash say. 30th place stinks & is not where a 36 year old franchise belongs.
Thanks for that Scott. i can certainly understand how many people take what he says and get so negative on it.
I think that when it works, this system can be successful. The naysayers just want to see it flop, so that they can say, “… same ol Islanders!”
That old adage, “Rome wasnt built in a day?” Well - it works here. We have seen some nice moments - and some yuch ones. Let’s just concentrate on the positive, and see where it goes.
Again CB, nice job! Appreciate the efforts!
GH
Brett, I was a season ticket holder from the first season up until last year. Can you say the same? If not, then don’t tell me what team I am a fan of. If all you want to hear is how wonderful our last place team is, then you are in the wrong place.
Gordon still seems like an overwhelmed coach to me. I have to cut him some slack because of all the injuries and the lack of talent on this team. Since there is no doubt that he will be back, it doesn’t really matter what anyone here thinks. Snow makes the decision and it appears that his mind is already made up. All the rest is blather.
Chris, on another note, could we have a clear explainantion of the SMG contract? Is it this contract that is strangling the franchise? And if it is, why can’t it be broken and re worked? A couple of weeks ago there was an article about breaking the NVMC lease which you stated could be done. So, I am genuinly confused over why the SMG contract could not be broken when it appears that the lease could.
And is it really the SMG contact that is so horrible or is that just an excuse for Wang to prop up his LightHouse arguement?
I would really love to see an in depth article on the SMG contract and what it entails. Perhaps then we could get to the real reason why the franchise is not making a profit……SW
Agree the system is good the team we have is not. We need guys who have skill and character. We are missing tough skilled players with size who will win battles. We have guys who compete we are just WAY TO SMALL!!!
Good thing it’s not about speed; because this current Islander club doesn’t have any speed. I like Gordon and I think he has done an admirable job at the helm. I hope the organization gives him at least the opportunity to stay around for while. I only question his intensity. Watching him behind the bench I just don’t see that fire you see with so many of leagues top coaches. You hardly ever see him get hot; not with the officials, his players, or the media. I mean don’t be so complacent, you have the worst record in the league; break a few sticks, smash your clip board…. Maybe it’s because he’s a goalie, they all have a few screws lose anyway.
Tom, not every team can make the playoffs every year. This year is clearly not a playoff year for the Islanders. Where would you prefer the Islanders to finish in the conference, 9th or 15th? Having the 1st overall pick in the draft will one day help the team to become great again.
CB this blog is my source for islander hockey and even though we have had a tough year i feel more connected because i turn to the blog for my daily updates.it appears gordon is the right coach for this team i have to admit though i wonder what cappy could do with these guys..after all most are his guys
Whoa, who said anything about being OK with a dead-last team? Nobody is, and least of all the Islanders themselves - including Wang, Snow, and Gordon. People are looking for a top-two pick and the chance to draft Tavares or Hedman, hoping for a phenomenal talent. The only way to guarantee that is to suck it up and finish 30 out of 30. Nobody likes being the league’s roadkill, but it would be worse to be there for five years running. Nobody was happy in 1999 either, but three years later the team was back in the playoffs. What we’re hoping for is that this is just a stepping stone to getting back into the playoffs and contending with a strong, young core of players and staying competitive.
Finishing 25th would look better and feel better, but it ain’t about looks or feelings, it’s about building a solid foundation for results. It’s like a 400 pound guy finally getting himself into shape - he’s going to look like pig slop for a while trying to climb stairs and live on 1500 calories a day; if all goes well he’ll be half his size and running five miles, and then those early months will be well worth it.
AND - if our heavy guy tries to take a shortcut he’ll look better sooner but never be in as good shape as he could have been. He’s got to be willing to suck it up and look bad for a while.
The real challenge isn’t whether Gordon has a clue, it’s whether Snow can be a realistic judge of reasonable progress. Anybody can preach that their system will ultimately work with the right personnel, but the GM has to ultimately make a judgment about whether the system can work. Obviously some people from the Canucks felt that the system showed promise, but how widely accepted is that view?
Thanks for a great read, CB!
My confidence in Mr. Flash is growing slowly. From what I see during games, he focuses his teaching on the youngsters and leaves most vets alone. Does it mean (in his minds or your opinion) the vets have no feature role on the team? The system is new for them to.
I also think that either Flash himself or someone from his staff reads PointBlank. Remember when we were screaming about the adjustments to his system? Guess what, here it is. Look how different and much more effective the defense is playing in their own zone. Gervais, for example, is a different player now. We have to give Gordon the credit for making some players more responsible and grow as hockey players.
Plus, anybody noticed how many teams in NHL are trying to play similar style? Looks like there is a reason for it.
Great read CB. Really Great.
Tom, I hear you on how this team shouldn’t be in last place and it does stink but look at St.Louis. They have stunk for a few years and so has Chicago and they are an original six.
You are going to go through ups and downs and the Islanders are finally doing things the right way to build a franchise where the downs shouldn’t be like this. They will have young players to always plug in and the longevity of a good team.
It takes a long time. Try to have faith in Snow and Gordon. I truly believe Isles fans will have the last laugh after being laughed at for the past 15 years.
Right on, Isles316, right on!
I dont know if it was mentioned and I apologize if it was, but is it possible that Gordon’s all out philosophy was successful in the AHL bc of the level of talent he faced. Because early in the season when the Islanders would have 2 great periods and then self destruct in the 3rd, I thought it may have been bc they were gassed after putting it, for lack of a better term, ‘balls to the wall’ for the first 40 mins of the game.
I can’t believe we still have people whining about being in last place. Especialy in this year when if you’re gonna finish in last you are guarenteed a brillant hockey player. I wanted to finish last last year, when the wheels started to come off (we haven’t seen 20% OF WHAT sTAMKOS IS GOING TO BE). It’s no good picking 9th overall, unless you’ve collected 4 other picks in the process (talking about Bailey). 30th and you can’t go wrong this year, whether pIcking 2nd or 1st. Heck even 3rd; Go Thrashers.
“next to the inappropriately named Fantasy movie”
i use to work there…that movie theatre sucks i know it has nothing to do with the post but thought i had to say something
scott gordon should get these young skinny guys on some good old fashioned FREE WEIGHTS .
“It’s not about speed, it’s about effort,” Scott Gordon said in our one-on-one conversation the other day. “It’s not about having great quickness, it’s about having the desire to get there and make the play.”
is that quote directly aimed at mike comrie??
There are plenty of examples of fans who are OK when this Team loses and root for them to lose the next game.
1)It is one thing to rationalize a loss by saying that at least it helps the Isles get closer to the 1st pick. It is another thing to actively root for them to lose before the game starts, for whatever reason. Go follow the Rangers. Have fun. Don’t need you.
2) Rooting for losses and finishing 30th does not guarantee the 1st pick.
3) Getting the 1st pick doesn’t guarantee a winning franchise (smart GMs and well-run organizations do). Most franchises that were eventually successful with a 1st pick (Pit, Ott, Col/Que) suffered through years of bad teams and collected numerous #1 picks. Atl, CBJ, and LA are still looking to be winning franchises.
4) There are a few of examples of teams that were able to turn around quickly and get a little luck along the way (Car, TB). There are many more examples of organizations that are consistently competitive without ever having to pick in the top 3 (NJ, Det, Cal, Mtl, Phi, etc.).
5) The Isles have gone through a youth movement a number of times before. Even made a 21 yr old top prospect, captain once (McCabe). They finished last that year along with 21 yr olds Bertuzzi, Kenny Jonsson, Steve Webb and 19 yr old Berard. Top picks do not automatically mean wins. Young Gordon and the potential 1st pick?? Been there, done that.
Any team and fan will say that if it can’t make the playoffs, might as well finish last to try and get the 1st pick. Doesn’t mean rooting for losses is a good or smart thing to do.
There has been an entry draft since 1963and currently there are five #1 picks who are Hockey Hall of Fame members: Perrault, LaFleur, Potvin, Hawerchuk and Lemieux. Of course there are several currently playing who are well on their way like Modano, Owechkin and Crosby. If I wasn’t pressed for time, I’d do a comparison with the other stick and ball sports. Even if we get Tavares and he is the real deal, it will take several years to contend.
By the way, I got a letter from the Islanders saying as a season ticket buyer I get a free copy of the upcoming “10 Greatest Islanders DVD” set. Thanks to Mr Wang and the Islanders organization!
Is that your Swan Song? I’m tired of losing. If I’m gonna lose I want it all to be done and over with this year, and I’m prepared to do it next year too. As far as saying the Islanders have re-built with youth before, that’s wrong. Since 1984 they have never re-built, they patched things up or in the case you are talking about, they traded them all away to become a team who could make the playoffs and nothing else 2002-2004, 2007. We have never re-built since we built between 72-77. And for that matter since 1967 Toronto has never re-built. But the difference between our patch work and TO’s is they were able to afford to overpay while having their assets plundered. Now Burke will re-build them. Give them two years they’ll be right back to making a charge. Us give it 3-4 before we start doing some real damage. Lets build through the draft and not squander assets….I guess till then you want me to go away find another team cause I don’t see the value in running the table right now…I think I’ll root for Bridgeport till then.
I’ve gotta use something that CB posted in his Vancouver/Pre-pinch writeup in Nov.
From a Western Conf. Scout:
“…My only question over the course of a long season is the fatigue factor. I’m sure their coaching staff and strength and conditioning coach have worked since the beginning of camp to prepare them for the rigors.”
Hmmm. 3 months later, and 7 or 8 groin pulls, lower body injuries, etc. later, I wonder what kind of impact the Go-Go style have had in terms of these injuries.
Sorry, but I can’t see them not inter-related.
I like that Gordon has received high praise from current Boston players. One said they wouldn’t be close to the player they were now if it wasn’t for him. Also, ex AHL coaches like the Caps and Panthers coaches can’t say enough good things about him.
I like that Snow gave some new blood a chance instead of recycling Quenvelle
I was not at all impressed with Gordon during the first half of the season, but the fact that he has made adjustments - finally - and that they’ve had a measure of success gives me some hope. I’ve also noticed over the last few weeks that he’s been matching lines and D-pairs more often than he did early on. Can we all now admit that Witter was right?
John buccigrass of ESPN thinks the Isles have a shot at making a big leap next year.
Says a lot about how the team competes and that is a credit to Gordon. For a team that is way out of it, they show up every night for the most part and they wouldn’t if they didn’t like the coach.
Look at Pittsburgh and Ottawa, the players basically got their leaders the axe.
It’s worth noting that the Nordiques team Gordon played for briefly in the early 90’s was considerably worse than this Islanders team. A few years later ( 4 or 5 I think ), they won the cup ( Colorado ).
Is Comrie still on the team?
At the beginning of the season Mouthpiece (Botta) predicted that the Isles would be a “GOOD TEAM” (his words). He suggested it was silly to think the Isles would be out of contention by the trade deadline (no Chrissy, they’ve been out since Christmas). No where in his pre season blogs did he suggest that this was a mere rebuilding year and that the Isles will suffer for three seasons before we see good things. No where did he say that the Isles advised their fans at Town Hall Meetings that there would be a”struggle”.
Now that the Isles have been terrible team every single day we’re advised that “this is what was supposed to happen”. “The Isles were supposed to be bad”. “The Isles were honest and said this season will be a stuggle”.
Hmmmm, Chrissy, you said the Isles would be a “good” team. What happened? Who’s to blame for the awful season? Oh, I’m sure you’ll bring up the company line of “injuries” (after all, you blame injuries every day on this site).
Just wondering Chrissy, why are your preseason blogs different than what you are writing now?
What”s wrong Jim, somebody break your crayons?
Hard to believe that at 6:45 in the morning someone could be that Pissed off and take the time to write a nasty-gram to CB….Because it is his fault the Islanders are young and growing to do.
Jim, yes CB was wrong. Who can predict the future, especially with the injuries? Get the off of your pissy soapbox and stop pointing fingers. There are plenty of other blogs for you to read.
I hope that Gordon keeps things interesting even if they’re losing. A few “Ovechkin-at-the-All-Star-Game-like surprises” would be nice. Maybe the guys should all wear sunglasses for one shift on the ice to surprise the other team. Hahaha.
This “Jim” guy is getting more hysterical each day. Jim: Chris Botta allows you to post here over and over every day. People can disagree and say some pretty foolish things. How about this: If you disagree with him, try doing it respectfully. There is no reason for all this stupid hostility.
Is that Jim Baumbach from Newsday, cause that sure sounds like Newsday BS. Listen man, try to Relax, Go to it! Its just hockey man no need to get into a hissy fit because the Islanders aren’t good this year, and especially because the all knowing Botta was wrong, are you going to call out Stan Fish as well? Would you like some whine with that cheese?
CB,
Good post…you said the Isles need 10 new players next season that would fit Gordan’s system. Well here’s the 10 players (no particular order) that would give them a shot at the playoffs next year.
1. Matt Gilroy- FA signing in March
2. John Taveras or Hedman- #1 pick
3. Chris Higgins- trade with MTL.- how about Witt and a #2 for him?
4. Petr Prucha- trade with NYR or FA- your Guerin trade you mentioned a couple a weeks ago.
5. Chris Neil- FA
6. Michael Komiserik or Jay Boumeester- FA-$$$
7. Antero Niittymaki- backup to DiPietro
8. Doug Weight- they’ll need a vet center if they get Taveras;
9. Mike Cammalleri or Brian Gionta- FA-$$$
10. Maybe Bill Guerin…but not for $4mil…
That was easy…when do 2009-10 playoff tickets go on sale
We as Islanders fan should already know this about Rangers fans. Let’s remember a) their coach could be fired before tonight’s game. b) the crowd is also calling for the GM’s head c) The Rangers are playing themselves out of a playoff spot. d) management spent too much money on non-deserving players, that they can’t fix the problems.
So what do they do….try to trash the Islanders, fans, bloggers….everyone else but themselves. Just give them a bottle and a fresh diaper and let them go back to sleep.
sorry CB had to do it.
Wow Jimmy-boy…. you’ve got to settle down. Either:
1. you are “goldie” - who takes hockey WAYYY too seriously
or
2. your my buddy, also named jim. who gets hysterical sometimes and makes a jackass out of himself (which it appears you’ve just done). let me give ‘you’ a call to confirm or deny that it’s you. i’m going to bet you’re not the same person, because as much of a jackass as he’s been in the past, he’s never gotten to the point of writing something like you’ve just authored.
take a chill-pill, brotha.
CB, The thought police are out again. Just because I wanted to talk hockey on a hockey blog. You deleted my whole entry? I said I would be at the Rockvillle Centre night, then I asked about what Isles fans thought about Tavares, Hedman and Duchene. Some people cannot be on your blog constantly so when they have hockey thoughts they may have to post in an unrelated story. You do a great job but that is way too uptight. There are some discussions that are on the brain of every Isles fan. Unfortunately that is what people want to talk about.
By the way Gordon did change his whole defensive system. No matter what he told you. He tightened up no question. The d-men do not pinch/pre-pinch on every single rush now. They still do it far too often for me, but that is a major change. I think the one thing you failed to explicitly say was Gordon would be fired if he didn’t adapt. No team or organization would put up with losing say 15 in a row. They also could not put a product on the ice at home that would lose 9-2 to the upper echelon teams. Call me crazy but that stretch against the Rangers and Bruins that you referred to probably had Gordon quivering. Can you imagine what would have happeneed if they lost those games say 8-1 3 straight instead of 2-1. He may have saved his system and his job.
For tonights game I hope that Joey Mac gets the start, I think he deserves it after the last 2 games he has played.
CB, then you let Jiim who is obviously roasting you off-subject post. I am a diehard fan of the team and this site. That seems off base brother.
Rich (66): You can go back and read older posts- CB has entire entries about Tavares and Hedman, you should read them and you will have your answer.
CB, thanks for keeping Jim’s comments up. I like how he thinks that nothing’s supposed to change throughout the year and that injuries don’t play into a teams season. Good job Jim, always entertaining. Maybe next post you can talk about how Ted Nolan is a god and where we should be had Milbury never traded away Luongo, etc. Talking points that are irrelevant now.
Tom and SW don’t listen to Brett’s post. Your opinions (and eveyone elses) are what makes this site and commentary so great. God knows I usually don’t agree with you SW but who am I or anyone else to say that you should be banned. If you can’t have an objective and realistic view with this team Brett maybe you should not post here anymore. Life isn’t all warm and fuzzy buddy and there isn’t much about this club to get all warm and fuzzy about and if you think there is I think you are living a fairy tale. There are some positives but they certainly do not out weigh the negatives. I am not sold on Gordon yet by any means. I don’t care for Wang and think he is a phoney. If Snow has the chance to pick Taveras and picks Hedman I’m done with him. Does that make me negative? Should I be banned? Do I just need a hug? Great article CB but as stated above definetely not sold on him. I think Scott Gordon is a wuss! Just think Mottau!
Wow. How the hell so many people can be so obnoxious so often - much less this early in the day - is beyond me.
jonsson3 - We get it, already. You hate Comrie. Now stop posting the same stupid comment in every freaking thread on this site.
jim - We get you, too. Might not be a bad idea to get back on your meds. At the very least, try to come up with the occasional original rant instead of just cutting and pasting from your previous classic takes.
Rich - Not that he needs a reason - because it’s his site - but CB did whatever he did for a reason. Got a problem with it? Take it up with him directly. His e-mail address is right there for all to use.
Sorry, CB, for the above venting, but there are those of us who actually respect you and the other users of this site who are getting a bit tired of some of these people who don’t.
Jims just mad that CB sent him to bed last night without dessert. Grow up buddy.
CB - this piece about the coach is awesome. a perfect mix of technical stuff and basic communcation with the guy. a couple of months ago i was among who thought he was unbending, stubborn or worse in not adapting. clearly i was wrong. maybe he was still evaluating what he had, maybe he was testing some guys, who knows? it’s obvious the coach knows exactly what he’s doing. all the stuff about dealing with the media isn’t so important to me, but even there, whatever rough edges there are will smooth out. he’s a rookie coach in the big league and will get even better in all aspects of the job. i was upset when nolan left, but now i think gordon was a great hire by snow and this team is good hands. at least for as long as its still here.
Chris Botta doesn’t need my help, but he has always been consistent, open and realistic about this Team and Organization. That includes the chances for this season. To think otherwise is biased. He is far, far from being a mouthpiece for this Team (talk to Chris Dey, if you want to hear crafted positives all the time).
A “good” team is relative. For most Isles fans, a good season would be one where Gordon and the kids exhibited strong development regardless of where they ended up in the standings (preferably with Tavares/Hedman in the summer). Chris has stated the same. As long as the effort was there, the system looked effective, and there was future promise.
CB is the primary reason why I became a season ticket holder some 12 plus years ago. He provided unparalleled access to a major sports team and its organization, all while doing it in a personable, personalized manner. That is absolutely reflected in this blog and in him personally. I know of no other Islanders-related website that provides this level of access, commentary, and objective analysis, including the Islanders official website.
Tom, SW and Matt. That coment about SW and Tom was in fun. Their posts bring me comic relief. For example, I joke about SW and his million quetion posts and then there he is a little while later posting with a million questions. Priceless.
Tom no need to be such a pushover, feel free to keep your opinions coming. I am a die hard fan who has watched very game on Center Ice since I moved from New York. I have just learned that you can’t get too bent up when things don’t go our way. We are fans for fun and are there in thick and thin.
Now, let’s get back on topic.
Just a funny story I was just told.
While they were in Tampa last week, while Joey was sitting out, watching the game. He was being heckeled by a very intoxicated fan, sitting only a few seats behind. Joey took it for a long time and finally the guy crossed the line. Joey got turned around to say something and saw that it was acutally one of his best friends from Pitou County. A number of his buddies flew down to see Mac and Sim play, however they both rode the splinters for the game. Pretty funny story…Mac took a lot of abuuse I was told.
Great story this morning on the newsday site about Frans Nielson by Greg Logan. Everyone should check it out.
Swan, well said. As an Isles fan for almost 30 years, living in Toronto, CB has provided all fans with great insight and information regarding this team and should not be criticized for it.
People will always agree or disagree with his views, but to those, do it with a little class.
There is no site out there that provides Isles fans with great information that CB gives us. Maybe instead of ripping him, he should be complemented and thanked by all Islander fans!
Kevin, Snow should be given a pat on the back for re-signing him to the contract extension last summer.
My take on this years team:
Think of all the injuries, the INSANE amount of man games lost. Put Ricky D in, Sutton, Weight, Silly, and every other guy who lost 8-10 games. We woulda been challenging for a playoff spot- no question. Would it have been in the best interest of the long range forecast to be challenging now? Of course not. With that said, next year might not be as bad as some of you are saying. Lets keep up the faith!!
@ DougF (#63) - I love how you think. If the Isles actually DID pull off all that, I’d legally change my name to Garth Snow’s Prison Girlfriend.
#63 you did make that look very easy. Nice job.
#63 - We’ll gladly take half of that!!!
Jim,
CB was wrong. However, these Town Hall meetings were to tell us that the team would suck. That’s a fact. The two year season ticket plan was intended to tell us that the team would suck. If you doubt that, then you’re to damn gullible. It was put out there for all to see that the team would suck. CB thought otherwise and he turned out to be wrong (although the injury factor had to be more than what anyone expected). BFD. Calling him “mouthpiece” or “Chrissy” is uncalled for. Growe up or frequent the Newsday blog with the other adolescents.
Seriously “jim” grow up, you’re acting like some caddy HS girl who didn’t get all the votes for prom queen. I don’t know any guys that act or talk the way you do. Clearly you are here for one reason an that is to start problems.
If you don’t Like the Man and have an issue with him? then stop pretending to be someone you’re not and face the guy like a man instead of this nonsense.
We who post here daily love this blog an appreciate all this man does to bring us up to date on what’s what an who’s who.
I took my reply (#63) and saved it into a word document. Come Sept. we’ll see if I get any right…thanks for all who commented…
Real funny,interesting sense of humor Brett.Looking foward to seeing what Gordom can do in the future maybe with some more talent so we can eliminate that excuse for why the team stinks.