BAILEY’S LEARNING QUICK ON THE DRAW
Minnesota 6, Islanders 2; Game notes, Goal Song!
(UPDATED at 9:00 am with some additional Goal Song, ticket and Bailey news or views).
Adam Oates used to drive Doug Weight absolutely bonkers in the faceoff circle.
“He’d be there with that half-blade and his incredible strength and hand-eye. He’d just drive forward and grind into you,” Weight said today. “One game he was like 18-3 against me, something ridiculous like that. I said to him at a faceoff late in the game, “C’mon, Oatsie! Give me a friggin’ break, will ya”?
Josh Bailey has had nights like those in his rookie season, but thankfully he has a pair of cagey veterans like Weight and Mike Sillinger to tell him to keep his head up before he puts it down at the faceoff dot.
“I’ve been good at draws at every level so far, but obviously the NHL is a huge step up,” said Bailey, 7 wins and 10 losses in a team-high 17 tries in the faceoff circle during tonight’s 6-2 loss to Minnesota. “It’s going to take some time to get to where I need to be, but I’m not concerned about it. I’ve gotten a lot of advice from Silli and Doug all year, and nothing can replace the experience I’m getting every game.”
Even if the experience is frustrating. Weight didn’t hit his stride until the mid-’90s when he was mentored at the dot by Craig MacTavish. Weight says MacTavish preached two principles:
- Every time you’re in the circle, you have to believe you’re going to snap it back and win the draw.
- No matter how good you’re doing in a game against a particular opponent, mix it up every once in a while so he never figures you out.
Said Weight, “My advice to Josh and every young player is that even if you’re 0-for-4, the only thing that matters is the next draw. That’s the one you have to win.”
Bailey said his time with Sillinger earlier in the season was invalauble. “Silli taught me that I can’t get caught up in my faceoff percentage,” said Bailey. “Focus only on winning the next one.”
The National Hockey League has a flawed statistic for determining the truly effective faceoff men in the game. A faceoff at center ice to start the second period carries the same weight as a crucial draw in your own end in the final minute with your team protecting a one-goal lead.
The league has a handful of characters who treat a first period neutral zone faceoff like it’s Game 7. Weight said he had a teammate a long time ago who only took draws on his strong side. “If you’re more worried about faceoff percentage than the columns that read G, A and TOI,” said Weight, “it’s probably time to think about another career.”
Bailey has no such worries. Paramount to him is learning the craft quickly enough so his coaches don’t hesitate to call on the gifted playmaker for big faceoffs. “Look, if you have an all-timer like Silli, you use him in the crucial moments,” said Weight. “But in time, Josh will get to a point in his career when the coach will count on him to do it all. He’s going to do great.”
GAME NOTES
Minnesota beat the Islanders tonight, 6-2. Since I hosted my Hofstra Masters’ PR course and took the students on a Coliseum press tour, I didn’t see much of the game. A lot of friends grumbled to me that I didn’t miss much. I’ll have to check out the reader Commentary later tonight.
I will say this. Just as I didn’t make too big a whoop out of the late-season wins, I’m not about to over-react to these last three games.
In the postgame, Scott Gordon made a point of saying how good Yann Danis had been until his last two outings. The coach did add, “He wants to make sure that his play up to this point hasn’t been a fluke.”
Kyle Okposo was supremely irritated when Blake Comeau was checked inside the visiting team runway at the end of the first period. The door was opened prematurely by a Coliseum security guard not paying attention. Still, Okposo was irked because he felt two Wild players hit Comeau after the horn. Okposo was also self-critical, saying he can’t let agitators like Cal Clutterbuck take him off his game. Good lesson for the kid.
The latest version of the Islanders’ new Goal Song may be very, very good. The trouble is, the Islanders have now played 36 home games this season. With the latest mix, their fans still don’t know when to “HEY!” It’s time the Islanders found the version they like best, stick to it and score a lot of goals the last 5 games so their fans can learn it for next season. The version they played tonight could be the one. Stick with it. Play it in the pre-game, like they do in church when a new song is introduced.
Our take on the Islanders’ update today on Rick DiPietro (“progressing well and on schedule for the start of training camp”): It is what it is – good news, so far. It’s only March. We don’t know if DiPietro will need additional surgery, as team doctors would not rule out when they shut him down for the season months ago. DiPietro is also not back on skates yet. Today’s update is a good first step, because it sure beats a statement that could have read, “Oh man, he’s not gettin’ better.” No doubt the Islanders will keep their fanbase informed every step of the way during Rick’s offseason rehabilitation.
In case you haven’t heard, the Lighthouse Project public outreach is tomorrow at 7:00 pm at the Marriott. At the game tonight, it was billed on the scoreboard as the 180th public meeting the developers have hosted – and that’s not counting Point Blank Night II.
Special thanks to Bruce Bennett for the faceoff photos. Comments.
69 Responses to BAILEY’S LEARNING QUICK ON THE DRAW
Minnesota 6, Islanders 2; Game notes, Goal Song!
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dalcy says:
i dig this new “goal song”. i can care less about the crowd going “hey, hey” because the music is really, really good. bumblefoot wails.
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NYICHAMP39 says:
Likewise I am also away at school and cant get to any games. But this is the first time this season that anyone has actually liked the goal song from what ive read on this site. Is there some audio link or a link to the song that someone knows about? Im sure alot of people would like to hear what it sounds like.
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Coach B says:
Have to keep running running Josh out there for the draws. He has good guys to help him in Sillinger, Weight and Trottier was one of the best all time.
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UNH Steve says:
I have a feeling that the Isles will keep the fanbase informed on DP’s status only if it’s good news. Otherwise we’ll be left in the dark like so many times this season. More optimistically, yeah if it’s good we’ll definitely hear it.
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StevieL says:
Wow CB! Calling Bailey “a gifted playmaker” at this point is a bit of a reach! 5 g 17 assists while getting plenty of ice time including power play with the first unit , he really hasn’t been lighting it up! As Weight correctly states, a center should be way more concerned with goals and assists than winning face offs. Bailey really needs to work on getting open and shooting on net! He has only around 67 shots all year! Ovechkin gets that in a week!!
I know he is young and is getting better, but “gifted”? I think the jury is still out on that! -
rb says:
no face-off tutoring from Trots and Butchie? they were on the ice – usually together – for biggest draws this team ever had
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admin says:
(6) StevieL: 67 assists in 67 games last year in junior would seem to suggest he has some gifts…CB
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jonw says:
I love Weight for this team and would like to see him back next year.But I can’t help but notice that ever since Weight’s injury, Bailey has been going to the net more and getting himself in scoring position ala Chris Drury.It seemed like Bailey was forcing himself to be a perimeter player like Weight and not just be himself.
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Adam M. says:
No doubt he has two of the best in the business to learn from in Weight and Silli.
I’m sure as he matures physically in the next few years and gets some more experience, it will fall into place.
Amazing setups from Bailey tonight. Too bad nobody could deliver a goal on them.
You guys see Okposo tonight? He is def showing that this is his team.
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michael says:
new version of the goal song sounded the best yet. no wack “lets go islanders” sung by lil kids.. i heard it on tv tho not sure how the experience is in the stadium yet. maybe someone who was at the game can comment on that?
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KLann says:
I believe it was okposo’s most vocal game yet, good to see him stepping it up, showing confidence out there. Unfortunately he couldn’t produce. I was right behind the bench i think between him and Blake the bench door needs to be replaced. 3 on 3 was classic, never seen hat before
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Mary in 117 says:
Was at the game. Attendance was lower than it was on the last homestand, which is odd because this was one of the games available if you’d had tickets to the game during the snowstorm earlier this month.
And I didn’t like this version of the goal song at all. The point of a goal song is to get the crowd involved, so being able to go “hey” along with the song *is* important, #2. Look at the Rangers. Much as I hate them, their goal song is really popular, to the point where I hear it chanted after Ranger goals at the Coliseum.
CB, is there going to be a way for the fans to vote on the goal song? Since it’s played for us, I’d hope we could have a say in the matter.
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CB – Saw you wandering the halls tonight during the first intermission and said hi but I was moving pretty fast. You know how it goes, things to do, people to see, Guiness to drink. Thanks for the seats I won at PBN II. Recovery from surgery was quick and I was able to attend the game tonight.
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Just watched the highlights of the game and wanted to share a few thoughts. First off, some big hits thrown in this game. Lots of fiestyness, at least that made the game somewhat entertaining for the fans. Second, I am reallllly suprised Owen Nolan still plays hockey. This is his 19th season! That’s rediculous. And lastly, I must say Gaborik is nasty. Hopefully the Isles find some goaltending and play better in Detroit. I’ll be there and I’m assuming I’ll be the ONLY Islander fan there. I’d love to have something to cheer about haha
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Big Dally says:
I said it once I’ll say it again, Bailey should start the first 20-40 game in the AhL next year. Get some confidence and allow him to develop that playing-making skil. Like Comeau this year, it won’t be a step back, merely a chance to move foward. Resign Weight in his sted.
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MotorCityIslesFan says:
UNH Steve, you will not be the only one at the Joe cheering on the Isles, my wife came home with tickets 9 rows up from the visitors bench for Friday’s game. So there will be at least two Islander fans there! I just hope the Isles play a good game so I don’t have take too much abuse from my Brother-in law. Can’t wait to see some of the new kids on this team in person. Wasn’t able to make it out to LI this year.
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The Real Vukota says:
Not one aticle in Newsday regarding the meeting tonight!!!! It’s quite obvious what Dolan’s plans are. I’m done with the paper. I’m calling today to cancel my subscription!!!! I urge you guys to do the same…..
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Swan says:
Big, although I agree with you that Bailey probably would have been helped by staying in juniors at least part of this season, there is no way he starts in the AHL next year. He has exhibited enough growth this season and will only get better with experience and as he gets physically mature. He clearly has NHL-level Top 6 abilities. I think his AHL development days are past him now.
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KO21 says:
Bailey has great hands, displayed in his goal from in close against th Sens and he’s shown it many times on assisted goals many times…
Bailey will be a stellar face off guy some day and with a guys mentoring him like Silli and Weight, he can only benifit from their experience and help.
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Tony F. says:
While at the game last night I noticed a few things. Jack Hillen getting thrown around like a beach ball. Yan Danis letting in four really soft ones. I could hardly hear the new goal song because the speaker system in the Coliseum is so bad. It was nice to see the team playing with some snarl but we need some size on defense.
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I agree with CB’s opinion that Bailey is a “gifted” playmaker. I believe he needs to learn to use his “Go givin gifts and ability and put them to good use. He needs to bulk up, maybe a cycle of D-Ball will do it..lol
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nystrom23 says:
Once, Bailey gets comfortable and continues to learn….he could be a consistent 20 goal and 35-40 assists guy each year…for all those fans expect more from him..the kid is 19 give him time to develop…hes got the summer to put on some muscle and work at his game
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Big Dog says:
Exactly, Nystrom23….until he can buy a beer in a bar legally, I’m not concerned one bit that he isn’t a 60+ point guy yet.
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Pat says:
Chris – Would appreciate your take on the so called “deal” the Isles are giving to Season Ticket Holders. I don’t like the tone of the letter – threatening to re-sell my seats if I don’t renew now. I bought seats during the Anders Myrvold years – and could understand the abuse if we were all of a sudden a championship level team.
Goal Song – stinks. We are making some good organizational marketing decisions ( see Retro jersies which ROCK) and we abandon our goal song ? I would prefer we just either go back to it – or give Paul Cartier (on the Hammond) the chance to play more and lead more with his play.
Lastly, Isles Inspire had a group from PS 104 in Queens – and the State Farm Agent of the game was also from Queens – a veiled message from Mr. Wang ?
Pat
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effin5 says:
Of course nothing about the meeting, if anything, will be mentioned in newdsday until after the fact, but why don’t the Isles take out an ad to make people aware and attend the meeting?
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toorude says:
I dont know chris, what lesson did kyle really learn tonight? you should be referring to the fact that he, along with “his” team, has learned that any and almost every team can come to the island and push the islanders around during the game and after the whistle (to the point of serious injury) and the refs, the league, the coach and the players will do little or nothing to stop it from happening. Yapping in the box and some BS roughing calls = nothing. Please, if you are going to ignore these facts, dont describe some bogus progress as a supplement for being scared to stand up.
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admin says:
(27) Lose a few games and the ship be sinkin again, eh? I wrote that Okposo admitted to learning that an Avery-clone like Clutterbuck can’t get under his skin. I don’t see last night as the end of civilization or that the rebuild took one giant step back. Tough to gauge team toughness going forward when we don’t know what the roster is going to look like in October. I think we can respectfully disagree on that one, Toorude. (I’m arguing with a guy named TooRude!)
(25) I’ve read about the season ticket offer from a few Comments on the blog and on Imania. Your concerns certainly seem valid. I’m definitely surprised the offer would hit mailboxes the week of a major Lighthouse event. Let me get through tonight’s Lighthouse thing and the weekend. I’ll get a copy of the letter sent out and talk to the Islanders about it. Hope to have something written up next week. Thanks.
I was told by an NYI staffer in a text late last night that the Goal Song was a Remix of a Nickelback song called “Burn it to the Ground.” Thanks to Dave Scatchard, I’ve met the band a few times and they’re good guys but I’m not a fan. I got more positive emails last night on this Goal Song than I had all year, plus a few Comments were positive. All I know is, the Islanders need to find a good one and stick to it. Actually, they needed to get that done months ago…CB
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RichM says:
It would be nice to get a scoring forward on this team. I know Okposo has shown a lot,and he gives us real hope for his future, but they need someone who can get at least 60 points for them on offense. I am not sure who is available, but this team desperately needs some scoring, which would help Bailey with his play making skills.
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Gloobenberg says:
Not saying Bailey or KO will be this type of player or not but, look at Vincent Lecavalier’s first year stats. We don’t need to get so crazy about their point production yet.
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dlk1 says:
Gaborik….
2 goals and an ‘A’ last night after not playing for months with the injury….
He’s only played 9 games this season, but has 6 G and 4A for 10 pts. in 9 games.
Wasn’t is freaking great that Milbum traded Luongo and Jokinen, brought back Parrish and Oleg and picked Rick instead of Gaborik?
Every time Milbum shows up on NBC posing as some kind of hockey ‘expert’, it’s all I can do not to throw a rock at the damn screen.
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(28)Basically….you said he learned a lesson to not let guys get under his skin and i respectfully disagree that maybe once kyle and the team should extract some blood from those laying the hits – so that our rebuild can be protected. Basically, I did NOT say the sky was falling or civilazation was ending (although have your read the business section lately?) – one step forward to respectability would be to discourage teams from taking cheap shots. Last night was not an example. I feel that point needs to be made.
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318-J-1 says:
that “goal” song they played last night was horrible! i dont know who the fool is that picks this crap, but he/she should be fired! at this point it would be much better to not have any goal song, just blast the old air raid siron and the fog/train horn. Also, most of the music played during stoppages is boring and weak. Id like to apply for the job of coliseum dj. If hired id have the fans vote on songs to play during all different stoppages.
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BTW, by my count the Tavheduch watch just ended last night – 8 points in 9 games to catch TB is just not going to happen without the Fishsticks going at least 6-2-1….and that isn’t happening.
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JSpitz says:
1. Bailey should only be sent down if he shows up to camp like Comeau did (out of shape, not hungry, expecting to have spot)
2. Avoid Gaborik. He is not worth it unless you want another long crippling contract for a guy who is injured plenty -
33 and everyone so wrapped up in a the stupid song:
We lost 6-2 last night, gave up some incredibly weak goals, got no respect from the officials and did not especially look good in any of the scraps.Why soooooo much concern over a song is just beyond me.
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I love KO getting involved. He is quickly becoming my favorite player on the Isles. Hes got passion and never stops. I see a “C” in his future. Not right away maybe but definately in the future. Down the stretch I have been against losses for the top pick, however I watched a video of Taveres and holy crap he is the real deal. Originally I wanted Hedman, but now Taveres is the prize. Colorado is tanking fast and they could possibly not win a game for the rest of the season. They are in the running.
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Tom says:
I’m somewhat surprised to see the negativity. The Islanders LOST. A step closer to John Tavares. The Isles HAVE to keep pace in the Tavheduch race. Col is making a push, the Isles have to fight back & show what they are made of. NOBODY loses at a faster rate than the Islanders. Never-say-Dielanders. Tavares is ours! Try to play worse than the Isles, just try!
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36 dlk1, first of all win or loose im am a pure Islanders supporter and fanatic so dont call me out or try to make me seem like anything less. I always want to win every game! no matter what! but after a 6-2 loss by our last place Islanders with only 9 games remaining there realy isnt much to say about the result of last night’s game. And yes we got no respect from the officials, but we never do and thats why I scream at them every time they make a bad call or miss a good call while im attending every game!
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Ed J says:
a top 2 pick is at hand for this team, lets hope this rebuild will continue in Long Island NOT anywhere else….
BIG night tonight…..
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Dan from Westchester says:
Whatever mojo Isles had going the past few weeks, seems to have been left on the ice after the 2nd period in Carolina. Big picture (the draft) – it is for the best.
Would like to see Danis remaining solid, though – last few appearances haven’t been good. It’s easy to bash DP, but like him or not he’s a big part of our future plans – assuming he is healthy.
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Joey303 says:
Cant see the Isles getting more than 6 points in the last 9 games. Tough schedule. Therefore……Methinks 30th is in the bag, now lets win the lottery, trade down to #2 and get with the program
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kevin fitz says:
We are going to have to lose a lot of games going down the stretch to stay “ahead” of Colorado. They are playing some really crummy hockey lately.
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randy boyd says:
I continue to wonder what Mitch Fritz did to Gordon. In his 2 minutes per game, if he fought, he generally won. If he took an unecessary penalty (or, actually, any penalty) he did not get off of the bench. I don’t think he ever dressed for more than 3 straight games.
So here is “the wrecker” The jury is in, he is not even a decent fighter. The spirit is willing, but the ability just isn’t there. He is no better a skater than Fritz. He dresses 7 straight, goes and loses an unecessary and momentum changing fight in the 1st period last night, but comes over on a regular shift. He takes a moronic penalty behind the Wild net, leading to a pp goal. Comes back out for his next shift. What gives? Does he have photos of Gordon or Snow with a sheep? If you want a fighter, please make sure that he can win fights. This kid is a waste of ice time with absolutely no benefit. Sorry, but it’s the truth.
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stevedepot says:
Goal song again? This should be the least likely focus to enhance the game experience. I’m sorry, trash me all you want but the goal song is the last thing we need to constantly worry about changing. Want to work the fans into a frenzy, worry about the product on the ice. I fully comprehend the current marketing team feels it’s building in all facets of this franchise for the future experience at the Coliseum or new building but I hope the folks that disagree with myself and others about it’s value also understand our frustration.
You can cultivate more fans with stable management, coaching and a great product on the ice. They are focusing on doing such or such is being projected to us fans. But a goal song for a team in the bottom 3 in scoring? Come on guys. What’s next a poll on the main isles site? And by the way, great to see Okposo show that much emotion last night. Tough loss but good to see signs of snarl from this team. I care more about what happens on the ice than what’s artificially manufactured off it. I’m sure the players feel the same way. -
Ryan says:
Randy Boyd (44): I’m not sure we’re watching the same player. He sure didn’t win that fight last night, but stood his ground against a guy that stands 4″ taller. He’s been involved in the play while on the ice, has been physically engaged (did you see that hit on Mike Fisher the other night?) and is actually a pretty strong skater. He’s got a lot of growing to do but for a 21 year old he’s in a pretty solid place. With Bergenheim and Weight coming back in this weekend, he’s likely played his last game of the season, but I’m not sorry to see him signed for next year.
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36 – The goal song is important. The “in game” or “Game ops” experience IS important to contribute to the entertainment value – particularly to entertain the newbies or non-hockey fans who are out to have a good time.
Another bone to pick is the lack of a National Anthem singer. Last night the “NHL’s Most Patriotic Fans” were the anthem singers last night……you DON’T want to hear ME sing the anthem !
Rene Rancourt in Boston. Roger Doucet in Montreal. Paul Loriot in Edmonton. Wayne Messmer in Chicago. John Amirante in the RATHOLE, and Joe Deurr on Long Island used to be part of the team’s identity. (showing my age here)
Now that they never televise the anthem -and are usually at commercial – it does not matter as much… but I for one would like to see this happen – where we generate the “next generation’ voice of the Islanders…..improve the game experience….and get rid of the new goal song – I find it USELESS.
Pat
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admin says:
This is a 24/7 blog on a hockey franchise. It is not limited to column inches in a newspaper. The team is not going to morph into a contender by Friday’s game in Detroit. There won’t be any roster news until the night of the lottery. There’s plenty of time and space to write and discuss whatever the hell anyone wants to – within the Comment Guidelines, of course. LOL…CB
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Veriz9 says:
To # 9: You should keep in mind that Bailey is a kid and has gone from playing with his own age group to men. It is a learning process and while he is clearly learning on the fly, I think the fact that he has been able to do so speaks volumes for his character and grit. I think he will prove to be a big part of the turnaround of this team.
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#41 – I was going to post this in the midst of the Isles 6-2-2 run, but I said, “Ah, let me just enjoy this segment of season…” BUT the fact is & was that the 6-2-2 run was not a start to anything. It was a ‘dead cat’ bounce. The last wild, uncontrolled muscle movements of chicken without its head.
Isles fans need to think 1998-00– This is identical to that season. Bad team, bad GM, poorly coached. Ownership? Who knows whre that’s gonna go? No new arena is sight. Back in the day, Mike Peca & Peter Lavielette came in to save the Isles. The Isles are fresh out of saviors. Wait, scratch that John Tavares is an Islander in 3 months.
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Ryan, I don’t think he held his own, it looked more like he barely escaped a beat down from a guy who was bigger but is not even the Wild’s enforcer. That, in a nutshell, is the problem with the kid. He does not have the large size of most enforcers. If you don’t have the size, and you are going to play that role, you need to have more strength and ability than the others, which he also doesn’t have. No matter what you think of his skating, you have to agree that he is the poorest skater of the forwards. When you are that guy, if you can’t have success in the rough stuff (success does not equate to never actually winning a decision but not getting completely bloodied) what is your purpose? they have other guys who can actually contibute and not get creamed in fights (ie, Jackman, Thompson, etc). His spot is for a legit enforcer, who makes everyone else a little tougher, and he does not fill that particular bill.
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UIF says:
So far, I’m with randy (51). Rechlicz has been in three fights so far that I’ve seen, a win against Kostoupolis, a loss against Mike Fisher, and a loss against…well, whoever that was last night. It’s cool to like Rechlicz for what he is bringing to the table, but as long as he’s losing fights against guys who are not even enforcers, we should keep some perspective. He took some real nasty shots from all of those guys, and absorbed them well, but if those were legit fighters throwing those bombs, like Orr or Laraque or Cote, I’d hate to think what kind of shape Rechlicz would be in.
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Man, some of you enforcer fanatic Isles fans make me laugh. Wrecker is what- 20? 21? Give the kid a flippin break, he is going to be fine. I really like him, tell you the truth. I think he has a future in this league not just as some dopey goon, but as a fighter that can take a solid shift, as well. Anyone expecting him to make his way up through three leagues in one season and be some fighting god immediately is just not living in reality.
As far as the goal song goes, its so hard to hear at NVMC… it sounded alright, I guess. I dont know it so I really cant say yet. I really wish that NVMC would calm down with the music. It seems like every millisecond of time at a game has to be filled in completely with snippets of songs blasted over tinny crummy speakers and chopped off awkwardly so that another song can be blasted and chopped off awkwardly. I think that less is more when it comes to music. How about just playing part of a song when there is time to? And ending it at a logical point in the song instead of waiting til game play has already started?
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JPinVA says:
Wrecker: Give the guy a break. He’s less than a half season away from being in ECHL. We should be happy that Snordon is using this dead time to see if he has NHL potential. So far, I’d ahve to say yes… but he’s probably the 23rd guy on the depth chart next year.
Milbury: How can somebody who completely ruined a franchise with his horrible decision making get paid to critique others. Where is the accountability?Topics: Things I’d like to see discussed here.
1. Hilbert, Should he stay or should he go! Andy has really grown on me… but I think it’s time the team made room for somebody who doesn’t have to show ID to get into NC17 movies.
2. Can Gordon make a roster with Witt, Sutton and Sim work next year?
3. Can any of those guys “help” turn the 25th-30th pick into a 10th-15th pick. I’d like to see Snow strengthen the organization by trading a slow “D”, a prospect two years into development and their SJ pick for a top 15 in this draft.
4. Is Gordon “the guy”? This roster may need a little more “turnover”, but I think he may be able to get this team to the playoffs. There is something to be said for lack of NHL experience. I hope Snow helps him out with some behind the bench help next year… KM(?) BT(?) MS(?)
5. Okposo and Nielsen are starting to show top six upside. Bergy might be added to that class as well if he continues to mature. The best of the rest are either third line guys like hunter or two years away like Bailey. Will Snow be able to lure at least TWO legit top six guys onto the Island to make next season an improvement? And I’m not talking about Doug weight who is basically a place holder for Bailey or possibly tavares. I mean a $7-8M guy who turns 3-2 loses into 4-2 wins. -
(44) Like most said, give Wrecker a break. He’s the only player that has 1 year out of the IHL to play in hte NHL. Can you even name someone who’s played in the IHL?? As for John Scott, again you have no clue what your talking about. Scott is a legitimate heavyweight. Just because you’ve never heard of him doesn’t mean he cant throw down. He’s fought Jon Mirasty, Eric Neilson, Josh Gratton, Hans Benson, Alex Henry, Peter Vandermeer and bloodied Mitch Fritz within the past two years. All legit heavys. If you think Wrecker is going to make the jump fighting guys the from the East Coast league to fighting guys in the NHL [whoever they are] you must be crazy. It’s called growing pains. There’s no comparison between Wrecker and Fritz. Wrecker can actually play.
I don’t mean to rant but a bunch of you seriously complain too much without knowing the facts. Good post TMC!
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Sorry guys, I didn’t realize Joel Rechlicz was Sacred Ground around here, haha.
You guys can ink him in as the enforcer for next year if you like. As I said, SO FAR, I’m not impressed. Telling me I don’t know anything probably won’t change my opinion
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Davey says:
I was at the game last night and couldn’t really hear the Goal song, but the graphics for it were pretty groovy.
With all this talk about Rechlicz, I’m very surprised that we’re almost 60 comments in and no one (including CB) has mentioned Brendan Witt’s brawl. That was fantastic and although it didn’t lead to a goal it definitely swung the momentum in the Isles’ favor. It was great to see the team showing some fire and standing up for each other. The third period was a true stinker in every sense of the word though.
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dedshark says:
anyway i can hear this goal song?
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Chris, I’m looking forward to seeing you a this evening, it should be interesting. As far as the song, what was wrong with the siren, I thought it worked perfectly. Thanks Chris, Mark/NJ
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To really see if the Islanders have made progress, let’s see what kind of start they have to next season.
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Isles4cups says:
Rechlicz – Much better skater than Fritz
Bailey – Give him time, he’s gifted and will be a treat to watch for years to come.
Witt – I’m glad the Isles didn’t trade him
Rick DiPietro – Looking forward to seeing him back on the ice next season. *fingers crossed*
Long Island faithful – Good luck tonight and here’s hoping everything works out for Islander fans as well as the business sector.
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ray55, take a deep breath. We’re debating about hockey. OK. I didn’t say that Scott wasn’t a heavyweight, what I said was that he is not the Wild’s enforcer. That job belongs to Derek Boogaard, who was (fortunately for the “Wrecker”) not in the lineup last night.
I would suggest that if you are going to base an argument about others not knowing facts, next time 1. take the time to read and 2. know your facts.
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Booten says:
My friends and I agreed the goal song was definitely the best one yet and after hearing the original version the opening riff is cool and it’s easy enough to see where the “heys” and such would be. No complaints…as for the game…well, what can ya do? This team is heading in the right direction and that’s all I care about.
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(62) I was basing my argument on not what you said, but what you didn’t. I assumed you knew who Boogaard was and that he wasn’t playing. That being said, Scott is their resident enforcer. If you want to talk from a hockey standpoint, Rechlicz can play a regular shift, or at least he is on his way. If you remember, Jackman couldn’t fight his way out of a paper bag last season, so bringing him a Thompson isn’t backing up your point. These my friend ARE the facts and I sure do know mine. I was just responding to what I was reading. I was responding to your post (51) not (44) like I initially posted.
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The goal song was a remix of “Burn it to the Ground”? Definitely couldn’t hear that last night.
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MikeF says:
I met Skatch & Nickelback at the superbowl they’re all awesome guys. Dave says he’s still looking to make a comeback, another Veteran center perhaps?
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Got to love homers.It suprises me sometimes to read some of these posts.Here are your actual facts.Rechlicz is 21 and will be 22 in june.The most games he has ever played in one season is 55 in the Q.All the scouting reports you will read on him are the same.He has enforcer size,but not sure he has the strength at this stage in his development to be a factor.
I would rather see him at Bridgeport where he belongs working on his skating.If the Isles areserious about him being a future component of this time.They should bring him along the way Edmonton brought Zach Stortini along.Fighting should be the last of his concerns.We all know he can,albeit not very good but that can change.I just hope he doesn’t get hurt playing at a level in which he does not belong. -
For anyone who needs to, listen to this, and lose the lead vocals in the chorus. It’s a great idea I wish I’d thought of, and I wonder what kind of clout the Islanders have to make it happen. Someone there knows people…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USGoR7hT7Sg&fmt=18 -
I forgot to add that the reason I originally didn’t like it is because I didn’t know the song, heard zero! participation, and that the speakers sounded extra chincy, and this was with a pair of good headphones.
goood to hear Josh is learning on the fly froms guys like weight and silli… All the more reason to keep weight around next year that kind of mentoring is irreplaceable… Question I’m awway at school and am broke so I could not watch the game what was the attendance like tonight anyone who was there or watched it?