GORDON’S LEARNING CURVE
Adversity-filled season a lesson for The Coach
When they write the history of mankind in the 20th and 21st centuries, it will be determined that when adult men fought with each other, it was only over 3 things:
1. Money
2. Women
3. Losing a whole lot of hockey games
No. 3, in a nutshell, is what I believe led to the deterioration of the working relationship and friendship - yes, friendship - of Islanders head coach Scott Gordon and Islanders captain Bill Guerin. Nothing more, nothing less.
When Gordon decided at midseason to publicly accentuate the development of his team’s younger players and chip away at the PT of his veterans, it was all downhill from there. In Greg Logan’s article of two weeks ago about Gordon’s relationship with a few of his veterans, Guerin said, “Let’s just say we’re both very passionate people.” The captain couldn’t have put it any better. Losing stinks, and when you’re losing at the rate the Islanders were from the beginning of December to mid-January, it also turns ugly. If everyone was happy, then something would really be wrong.
I’m told Gordon and Guerin had some brief, friendly post-trade communication and wished each other well. Perhaps the fracture won’t heal immediately, but the hockey world is a small one. Maybe they’ll work together again someday. At the very least, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them a few years from now sitting at a bar, wise-Massin’ to each other like Damon and Wahlberg in The Departed. Distance from all that losing tends to ease the wounds.
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After Brendan Witt shed some doubt on Gordon’s system of play in a Newsday article in November, I wrote that you better believe Witt was not alone. I set the over/under for one-time Gordon grumblers in 2009 training camp at one.
The player I thought would be back? Brendan Witt, who now shares a stronger bond with the coach after the two reached an understanding.
The player most likely to be gone? Chris Campoli.
There’s no doubt in my mind Gordon’s preference was to work issues out with Campoli, as he has with others - most notably Sean Bergenheim. Gordon was wistful discussing the defenseman after he was dealt, as if he failed to make Campoli the player he thought he could be.
Campoli did not like his place behind Mark Streit and Doug Weight on the power play. It was clear for months that Chris wasn’t happy with a lot. He pushed hard for a trade, so now Gordon someday gets to work with the 18-year old the Islanders draft late in the first round in June.
That’s two from Gordon’s doghouse. The others were Mike Comrie, the worst fit possible for the Go-Go approach, and Jon Sim, unhappy with his playing time even as he cleared waivers twice. While Sim has admirably committed to the Sound Tigers cause, he may get to re-connect with Gordon in the final year of his contract in ‘09-10.
Here are the facts of hockey life. Since the Campoli and Comrie trade, the Islanders are 6-2-1. No one is saying the deal was the magic elixir, but the improvements in the locker room atmosphere and in the team’s play are not coincidences. It took a while, but Scott Gordon is starting to find his team.
*
Scott Gordon is in his first season as any kind of coach in the National Hockey League. Prior to getting the Islanders head coaching job, he spent more than a decade coaching minor league clubs in Atlanta, Quebec, Roanoke and Providence. This is not to undermine his credentials - he rose to the top the right way - but simply to illustrate where he has been.
This is the 46-year old Gordon’s first year in New York, first full season as a player or coach in the NHL, first experience relating to NHL players of various age, experience, temperaments and bank accounts. One cannot overestimate the difficulty of such a career transition. Nevertheless, Gordon shows the potential to be a top NHL coach. He has been superlative in many ways. During the recent homestand, there was tangible evidence of the culture he is trying to build. You also never heard a word about his team being too burnt out to excel in the third period.
Although he is reluctant to acknowledge his mistakes publicly - then again, what determined leaders do? - Gordon has not been perfect. His missteps have been primarily in his communication with his players, and also with his team’s fans through the media. The latter is far less crucial and more easily learned. Lately, the head coach has shown a better understanding of the team-media-fans game.
Of course, his communication with his athletes is what really matters. Gordon has every right to look at the development of his young players and want to shout, “See! that’s why they brought me here”! An early-season meeting with Kyle Okposo in which the coach told the player he “looks like he’s just happy to be out there” brought immediate results. Frans Nielsen, a deft playmaker, is improving as an all-zone center.
With Gordon’s guidance, 19-year old Josh Bailey may not be soaring, but he’s learning. His recent play shows Bailey is better for the experience. Jack Hillen, in his first full season of pro, is ahead of the curve. The coaching staff glows over the attitude and approach of the young players. The kids respect their coach, as David Krecji, Matt Hunwick and Kris Versteeg appreciated their mentor in Providence.
But any questions hanging over Gordon’s head about his ability to deal with veterans - or any players not buying in - do not vanish with the departure of Comrie, Campoli and Guerin, plus the waiving and demotion of Sim.
Trent Hunter, 29 in July, is not going to be the oldest Islander next season, or the one after that. Every year there will be 30-something warhorses. And not all of them are going to be Richard Park and Dean McAmmond; to think otherwise is naive. There will always be players who don’t believe in the coach or his system, at least at the start.
Gordon has built a bit of a reputation for being tough on some of his older players, but the irony is he might have been too gentle. Toronto’s Ron Wilson, with two decades of success on his resume, roasted Jason Blake and didn’t think twice about it. Florida rookie coach Peter DeBoer benched Nick Boynton and other veterans. Gordon never healthy-scratched Comrie. At most, he cut Guerin’s minutes from about 19 to 15 and never took him off the power play. When Sim cleared waivers the first time, he wasn’t sent to Bridgeport. The coach probably thought he was being respectful, but where did it get him?
Fortunately for Gordon, he works for a general manager and team owner dedicated to a step-by-step rebuild. Gordon will get the opportunity to continue the process, no matter how this season ends. But here’s where he would be foolish: if Gordon chooses to stick his head in the sand and not learn from the adversity of the last six months, it would be a wasted rookie season for the coach.
Mutual friends of ours say Gordon is a terrific person. They say the edginess we see before the camera belies the integrity and decency of the real man. They believe he’s not stubborn, just passionate about the direction he wants to take the team. My take: at times this season Gordon got stuck in the Eric Mangini mold. He may want to emulate Bill Belichick, but boy does it look bad when you’re not winning. You want this to be Belichick in New England, not Cleveland.
Funny how the coach’s true strengths are starting to become visible now, with a few wins and a few player departures. For his Islanders to take the next step, Scott Gordon needs to learn from this season just like fellow upstarts Okposo and Bailey, Nielsen and the rest - from the failures as much as the successes.
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111 Responses to “GORDON’S LEARNING CURVE
Adversity-filled season a lesson for The Coach”
Please Wait
FIRST!
& yeah, I do like Gordon and believe in his system…
Unless it doesn’t work 2 seasons from now
First. Sorry CB. Just had to. Up late working. Blah. Thanks for the win Atlanta. Let’s hope Tampa can come through tomorr…ugh, I mean tonight.
Good acrtile CB, I agree with you. This is a learnign phase as well for the coach. Adversity builds character
Gordon’s job is to develop young players and there’s no disputing he’s been terrific with that. My only concern is will free agents want to sign here knowing the coach caters toward younger players?
Nice one CB. I am very impressed with most of the players now, their progress, and how the games are more entertaining. Many of the guys on the team right now seem like winners and not guys that are just there to get a pay check and say the proper things but don’t give it all they have. There are still a few guys who have a loser mentality (perhaps just from going through the trials of the organization…maybe it will change but perhaps they don’t have the will to win) that need to go.
Still I didn’t think I’d see this type of play from the team this year after such a rough start. Most people are believing now in the direction of the team. A few big mean d-men, another great draft, a couple key FA signing and it will be even better next season.
CB, JAffe was speaking the other night about how the Cap going down after next season is going to force some teams to trade, waive or buyout some very good players and the Isles are in a position to grab them. Can you please expand on his thought.
Go Isles….let’s get Tavares!
the right free agent will come to the island, the rest will go collect there pay check elsewhere, go flash.
Great read CB.
Let’s just keep building this team from within. There are players in Bridgeport and others coming up through the system that will be able to step in and make this team next year.
They will know the culture that is being promoted, be familiar with the coach, the systems and will become the “INTERCHANGEABLE PARTS” that has made the NJ Devils so successful the past 15 years.
I mean really, besides Brodeur, Parise, Martin and Elias… who else is on the Devils that you can honestly say is a great player? Langenbrunner? Nah… Rolston…? Nah… Zajac…? Nah… Oduya…? Nah.
Other than those 4, I wouldn’t trade their roster for the Islanders roster. They just have guys that play the system, know the system and stick to the system.
That’s what the Islanders NEED to be.
DOC
Well done Chris. This story you wrote is right in the wheelhouse of all Islanders fans. This is the kind of stuff we want to see. Are you guys at the local newspapers paying attention??
Awesome stuff CB……you hit the nail on the head.
You really gave a different perspective on Gordon and what he wants out of this team.
Scott Gordon is a very intelligent man, he will surely learn from this season’s mistakes and take all summer planning next season’s success. I’d bet on it.
Just like the young players, the young coach needs to develop as well. Great article, CB. Nowhere else do we get this kind of indepth and balanced coverage.
CB, two of your most recent articles - this one, and the one about Wins and Losses - have struck a tremendous chord with me. I’m not trying to be the total suckup, but your writing is fantastic, and the message you’re getting across is so well defined and easy to follow. This is precisely what we fans need to hear and know at this time, in the midst of such a tough season. Thank you.
I have to start off by saying this team regardless of whether they win or lose has been very entertaining to watch. Compared to the Ted Nolan teams of the past 2 years, my god is there a difference. All i want to know is that the young guys are developing and they buy into the system. It finally seems like both of those things are happening. GO ISLES
CB … I think your article points out that not only the kids progress … but that of a rookie coach finding his way in the NHL and making this team his. I was a harsh critic of Gordo’s GO-GO system after the first 15 - 20 games… The tweaking did help in January … with obvious results … but I think he’s found a way to leverage the youth’s eagerness to embrace the system while weeding out or flipping the naysayers.
the most impressive thing to me about scott gordon this year is as follows…
he had to come in this year and act almost arrogant at times to get the fans, media, and most importantly, the players to buy into his system. Not easy to do as we werent an overly young team to start the year, and I’m sure there were some raised eyebrows at the start. The awful stretch thru the New Year had to erode the confidence of his players (and himself) in the system.
But rather than be pig headed about things, he realized that there needed to be some tweaking of his system (particularly in 3rd periods with leads) and he was not afraid to admit his early errors. That is not easy to do, particularly after getting called out publicly by arguably your most popular veteran player (Witt). I give the guy a ton of credit for that, and it showed me a lot about the man.
we get any feedback from “point blank night 2″ ??
Some free agents are looking for a pay day and we dont want them. We want free agents who have something to prove and want to be here. Just because we are under the cap doesnt mean we should just start throwing money at people.
I applaud the effort this team as put forth as of late, but we need to come away with last place and the best possible chance to draft TAVARES.
I really can’t get too excited about the future of this team until we find out what’s going to happen with the lighthouse. I’ve always tried to stay positive, but with the economy and the TOH being a joke I have to start preparing myself for the worst. Sadly this tean is starting to do it right and we might not be able to enjoy it…….
I agree with #13, this team is much more fun to watch & when they are buzzing they look unbeatable ( ask the Devils ), Coach Gordan & the Go-Go has won me over and I do expect within the next 2 yrs for this team to do some playoff damage.
missing from your article is the big role Garth Snow has in constructing this team going forward…Gordon shouldn’t have to worry about whether new veterans “buy in” next year…it’s up to Garth to make sure new vets don’t get on board if they’re not willing to pull in the same direction…and if Gordon occasionally showed too much respect for present vets, there’s no reason that couldn’t be part of good cop/bad cop with the GM, who then works to move them….regarding communication, who’s to say? Al Arbour was sometimes inscrutable, and his way of “communicating” with Denis Potvin when he infamously arrived late for the bus to a Philly road game was to tell him to stay home and then earn a personal bag skate the next day
This was a Great Read Chris! I’m not sure if I should say this because someone might be listening, but now that you have this Blog I rarely (if ever) visit the Official Team Site anymore; There’s never any newsworthy information there!
Hopefully we can entice a veteran or two to join our team but they’ll have to be Gordon’s type of player. Regrettably I think they’re all already suited up for Boston.
I never knew much about Dean McGammond but seeing him play and if his love for the Islanders is real I say, let’s sign this kid for a couple more years. Wouldn’t that be great having a pretty good hockey player that once was a fan to play for us too?
Regarding a CAPTAIN for next year, I hope it’s not going to be somebody that will fill the role for only a year or two again. I think before we hand out that title we should really think whether or not the title is a “joke”. Not since Patrick Flatley or Brent Sutter has the player wearing the “C” fit the old-school definition of what a Captain should be. Let’s think “Derek Jeter” here!!
you begin to wonder if the “Star” system is continuing to work the way the game is played now. Look at the teams that are doing well this year and then look at the ones that are not
Pittsburg, Atlanta and Tampa Bay are in that 2nd catagory and they rely on 1 or 2 “Stars”
Doc is right about the Devils and you could add a few more to that list.
This was a great piece. I like Gordon overall and am happy he’s the team’s coach. He was the right person for this job out of all the candidates who were out there when he was hired. I hope he’s here for the long haul.
That being said, my concern with Gordon is the affect his poor communication and relationships with veterans will have on attracting other veterans to the team as free agents. Lets face it: this organization isn’t deep enough to ice a competitive NHL team with just Isles’ prospects. First line forwards and top pair defensemen do not grow on trees and are not easily found in the draft. At some point, the Isles are going to have to fill out a top line and top defensive pairing with free agents and I question if Gordon now has a reputation around hockey as being a coach who doesn’t work well with veterans.
I think Snow needs to get some impact UFA’s this summer to replace guys like Weight, Guerin, Comrie, Silly. Guys that can fill out the top lines (hopefully, John Tavares is one of them). Hopefully, he’ll be able to do it.
Thanks for such an insightfull blog entry about Gordan. Your evaluations make perfect sense. I don’t think there is a better place for passionate Isles fans to gather info and insights without all the negative BS. Good Stuff, CB!
It’s good to understand more about Gordon, the person. He seems too tight a** to me from day one. The thing that disturbed me most is reading that he holds separate meetings with the kids. That’s just not good management techniques. I think we need Park, Hunter, and Weight for next year’s team to be competitive.
Great article and completely spot on. If Gordon is going to become a good coach in this league, it will depend in large part to him being open to learning from his mistakes and developing. The same that he is expecting from the prospects he is coaching.
Thanks again for another great PB night. Might need a bigger boat.
There is no doubt Gordo has brought more entertainment and speed to the Isles, but I think we still need to see his system work over a full season for a stable 20 man roster. I think Gordon is benefitting right now from a young roster and call-ups that will run through a wall and hustle their butts off for him because they are trying to make an NHL team. They will not question one thing the coach asks them to do! Once we settle on a permanent squad next year, including a giant ego in net, it will be interesting to see if he can hold a team together to play his system for 82 games. But so far I think he has done a great job!
I don’t buy this article. sorry. For me, there is zero pressure on the kids now. No significant veteran presence that commands respect in the lockers and with the team out of the playoff hunt there’s no weight on their shoulders. They can play hard and have fun while the opposition sees them as a weak opponent. Anyone remember how well our young guys played the last few weeks of the season a few years ago when we were out of playoffs? I’ll buy into this Gordon adulation next training camp and the first few months of next season if these guys play this well and produce. Right now it’s VERY easy to get our hopes up with the great hockey these guys are playing and expect more than is realistic. I’ve seen some fans predict ridiculous point and goal numbers for certain players. Too ealry to tell as we don’t know what the dynamics of the team will face with whatever veterans are around next year. This 43 year old isles fan who’s watched every game since the first one in 72 knows better. Suffice it to say, I am cautiously optimistic about next year and just enjoying the hockey till end of this season. Got a little less enjoyable last night watching yet another great kid (Bergenheim) sustain an injury. Why us? Why?
Great read CB!
Since the begining of the season I’ve grown to like Gordon. Yes he has made mistakes, but he’s a rookie coach in the most competitive league! I think he and our Isles will be alright.
P.S. CB you’re becoming really popular, I have a fantasy team on Yahoo Sports and whenever they post something regarding a player on the Islanders, I’d say 90% of the time they quote you.
Great artice CB and a good point Doc #7. I don’t think you have to worry about getting a top notch free agent this summer. If they do great but look at all these kids coming in here from the bridge and buying into Gordons system. This team really looks like they are having fun now. Gordon like these young players will make mistakes too, as long as he improves how can this team not be more fun to watch next year.
Someone post a montage of Gordon photos from the beginning of the season up to now. Let’s see how all this stress has taken its toll on him.
Nice post Chris. Gordon is definitely starting to win me over. I am a little surprised with their success without Witt and Sutton, but it’ll be even better if they can make it work WITH those guys.
If Snow doesn’t think it can work with that core, then I hope he uses that on draft day to make it easier for his head coach to succeed earlier next yext year.
You’d have to say they are both doing what they said they would… and this is starting to look pretty positive.
Great take on a subject that needed to be addressed.
Great time last night at PB Night II.
Chris,
Nice get together last night. You’re getting very popular. For the next PB Night, you may need to lease a tent. Question about UFA signings next year and the tie in to Gordon’s relationship with the older vets. Do you think we’re going to sign a couple more Guerin types (i.e., late 30’s–downside of carreer) who will not be around by the time we’re ready to win or are we more apt to sign younger UFA’s, such as Mark Streit (late 20’s-early 30’s), who will be part of the solution, to 4 or 5 year deals?
CB Great story and very fair. From the looks of the number of comments made, maybe you should start writing more defeating articles about the Isles. It seems like some Isles fans are so used to losing and reading bad stories that they are incapable of getting behind a good thing out of fear. It’s okay to like the coach guys and gals, really, it is.
People need to stop worrying about Gordons relatioships with vets. This whole thing is getting blown out of proportion and is missing an obvious fact in all of the arguments. The Vets that Gordon didn’t get along with are players that were here before he was. That means Gordon was the new guy in town trying to push a new system that went against what they were used to. Add to that the loyalty these vets may have still had for Nolan and you have your answers right there. A new veteran coming into the team will be A. handpicked by Snow and Gordon to fit into this system and B. already aware of what system the team runs and will have no complaints after agreeing to sign. Why would he understand the system the Isles run, understand the make up of the team, and then come in and try to change that. The only way he signs is if he is fully on board with what is going on here.
I like Gordon and hope that he succeeds. Young kids need a young coach like him, fresh out of the AHL and willing to learn the ways of the NHL.
I really like Scott Gordon. It has been a tough year but for the first time in years, you can see light at the end of the tunnel with our rebuild. I think Garth and company are dedicated to this and won’t go for anymore quick fixes like the Islanders organization did in the past.
Young players like young coaches need time to develop… and it looks like Gordo and the Kids are developing just fine. While the games may mean nothing at this point… the Isles have been playing competitive hockey and winning points against teams that are fighting for their playoff lives. Remember at the start of the year when CB predicted the Isles would squeak in to the playoffs in the 8th seed… well, I think this team at this point is making strides to begin competing again next year… barring of course the constant injuries this team has suffered. And on another positive note… this team doesn’t mail in their performance. You can probably count on one hand how many times this team has played a dud of a game.
Finally, what happened to Bergenheim? (stevedepot post #27)
(38) I hate when I’m misquoted by readers on my own blog! I wrote at the beginning of the year that there was no reason in early March the Islanders couldn’t be in the pack of teams trying to get the 8th spot. I picked them to miss the playoffs, however.
I picked the Rangers 9th and Islanders 10th, followed by Ottawa, Florida, Tampa Bay, Toronto and Atlanta.
But as someone mentioned on Islandermania today, I also said there was interest in the trade deadline in a lot of Islanders. Didn’t say they were trading them! j/k…CB
I am thrilled with th eprogress of Okposo & Bailey. I am thrilled Bergenheim is developing with us instead of being sent off to blossom with another team.
I just wish the team turn around had started 2 weeks later
I still cannot believe the Lightning are that bad with the talent they have.
I know the goaltending is in shambles but they should not be in the hunt for #1 overall.
16 years without a playoff series win!i really think most islander fans are the most patient in the NHL most of us will be there as long as we stick to this rebuild DO NOT DEVEIATE FROM THIS we are as fast and exciting as i’ve seen this team in years and thats what youth can do for this team
It’s all coming together boys, its all coming together. Now that the system is nearly in place. When do we lock up the Key Franchise components for at least4-5 year extensions? And more importantly who are the Key Franchise components? We will not see another Islander player number retired for at least 20 years! At least no Islander from 85-2005…Is that estimate far off?
Doc, Paul Martin over Jamie Langdenbrunner? Langdenbrunner has had an AWESOME season! He’s played much better than Chris Drury, who is probably regarded as a better player. I am comparing those 2 players because they are similar. Good leaders, all around players, hungry around the net, who can shoot, but dont have overwhelming speed or scoring ability. Come playoff time, Langdenbrunner is one of the most valuable players in the league. He’s been doing it in the playoffs his Entire career, going back to Dallas when he won a cup there. Not too many players I take over Langdenbrunner come playoff time and that includes some all-stars. I would rather have Langdenbrunner over Kovalchuk in a playoff series. Hes what you call a true X factor. The guy is one of the better captains in the league too. Just look at the devils after Broduer went down. I know Parise should get consideration for an MVP but after Parise, Langdenbrunner has been the best player on the Devils. THe guy is trully awesome and CLUTCH. A true warrior. I hope people can appreciate Langdenbrunner even though he doesnt put up all-star numbers. This year is his best season offensively. Just watch come playoff time!
Mike from Oceanside is my idol! oh and I love Kim from Gabrielles!
CB, what, if any, was the definitive news regarding the retro unis that you intimated in one of yesterday’s columns? Thanks for the great daily insight!
CB -thanks for the PB nite. Had a blast (too much wine)
I am impartial on Gordon. When he conducts interviews, he’s not very professional and he sounds sometimes confused. I, for one, do not think he is a coach that can lead this team to a championship. I would have loved Tortorella, to be honest. I say we give Gordon another season than turn our heads to Laviolette.
sorry for misquoting….CB… maybe your 9th and 10th predictions in the mix morphed in with reader comments of finishing 8th.
Post 27 is right on the money. Maybe I agree because I’ve been watching this team almost as long as you. There is no pressure now. Honestly don’t know what to think about Gordon. I certainly agree with another poster about comparing games entertainment level to when Nolan was coaching. Nolan’s games were pretty much unbearable to watch(the most boring hockey I have ever seen!) while Gordon’s are certainly more entertaining. My only problem with Gordon is he is quite obviously a wuss and he does a lot of back peddling, two qualities I’m not fond of for a coach.
I believe Stan Fischler predicted 8th for the Isles…of course you have to appear to have higher hopes for the local team on the local broadcast then what he was really thinking…
Stan did predict 8th for the Isles. Believe me he isn’t going to fabricate his prediction for the Isles. Yet another groin strain(I assume) for a player. When is the training staff held accountable for these players conditioning?
so what happened last night in rvc? i wasn’t able to make it but am interested in how it went. any new info on the vintage jerseys and the lighthouse project?
Great article Chris-Gordon is proving rapidly he was the right choice to coach though this is still a small sample. Look at all the players he developed for Boston and is now doing the same in NHL. From the GM down the whole organization is on the same page. Billy Jaffe always talks about changing the culture. The Islanders are no longer a place for vetran players who could not get a contract with another team. The young players get a chance, as they improve Gordon gives them more responsibility. Players earn their ice time based on perfomance, not how long they have played in the NHL.
I have no doubt in my mind that Gordon will (and already has!) learn a lot from this year and he’ll be fine. Count me among the ‘buy ins’.
Also I personally don’t care nearly as much about his on camera persona as I do about his actions with his players.
Jason(35): I agree that people need to stop worrying about Gordons relatioships with vets. But if they have to evaluate it, how about looking at ALL the vets instead of the ones where everything wasnt clicking right? Doug Weight, Witt (after discussing his concerns) Parkie, Streit (not as much of a vet in years, but perhaps in age lol) all these guys are happy with things. That should matter.
Great writeup, CB. Had a good time last night, talked with some great PB Isles fans! Im glad they got the TVs going lol- you know what they say, 2 out of 3 aint bad!
I like Gordon, did from the start. I also like the system, the kids seem to play play it well. Its alot of hustle so if the vets dont like it well……stay the course. WTF is with Tampa, they have way to much talent to be contending in the lottery. They should be ashamed of themselves as an organization. First Stamkos, now they want Taveres?
Nice story Mr. Botta! Okposo really seems to be developing under Gordon’s system, drawing three consecutive penalties last night with his speed and agility. Here’s hoping things work out in Long Island for the coach, system and the Lighthouse Project.
Gordon is going to be fine. I thought it was the right hire in the summer and nothing this year so far has made me believe any differently. to blizzards point about Tampa. If Toronto doesn’t finish in the bottom 5 this year you can bet the league will make sure Tampa wins the lotter because they are stupid enough to trade that pick to Toronto for Kaberle and their first round pick this year and next year. Wait and see… heard it here first!
Still think if Tanka Bay gets Tavaras they deal LeCavalier to Montreal around draft time. Tampa is at Ottawa tonight (NHL Network,US,TSN Canada) and at Toronto Thursday.
We never should have dumped Lavi in the first place. I really liked him. But Gordon is starting to grow on me.
As for Tampa Bay…i feel like they would go for Hedman.
Pretty much a puff piece, Chris. The best thing you can say about Gordon is that he gets an incomplete this year. Next year will tell the tale. Since he didn’t have his number one goalie all year and lost hundreds of man hours to injury, I do not think that it is fair to judge him, yet.
However, let’s not forget his lying about DP being ready to back up if needed. Or his inability to do anything after Neilsen was hurt, even with Fritz there. And then his lame excuse afterward.
Gordon, like Snow, is a work in progress.
How he does next year will determine his fate..SW
On paper Hedman makes the most sense but with Tanka Bay who knows what is going on there.
let’s hope Gordon learns his NHL lessons quicker than Lavy, where it took a firing for him to reflect on his inexperience in his 1st season as a NHL head coach.
Lavy turned out to be a better and more successful coach AFTER he left NYI - his learning curve.
CB - Can you perhaps further elaborate on this article as it related to Lavvy’s stint on the Island? They come from similar backgrounds with no prior NHL experience. While the current situation is obviously different, I don’t recall exactly what his pros/cons vis a vis players where other than “loosing the team” when he eventually got canned.
Also like you said, regardless of the position you hold- in the hockeyworld or otherwise a first time anything is bound to make mistakes and it’s important to learn from it. I presume Scotty G is learning as much this year as he is teaching.
So guerin wanted out! I knew it. Everybody in thought Guerin was being this crazy-classy kinda guy. He wanted out. Not that I blame him, but it explains why the Isles were so desparate in trading him.
Gordon does seem to be learning the finer points of hockey. That’s a good think.
But his communication skills leave a lot to be desired. Every Stanley Cup Champion has a couple of 30 year olds on it…they usually play a big role in winning the thing! I hope Gordon does a better a job of coaching men. He can coach little boys. Can he coach men? That’s the question Gordon, Wang, Snow & Islander fan can’t answer at this point.
We’ll see what happens next year, when DiPietro gets back.
Good story. The development of Okposo has been the big story for me. Gordon has definitely had a positive impact on him as most nights he is one of the best players, if not they best player, on the ice. Fun to watch the development of the kids.
CB,
In the beginning of the season you said the Islanders would be in the pack for playoff contention. At the time the stock market was at 11,000.
Now the Islanders are out of playoff contention and the stock market is hovering around 7,000
With this information in hand i am blaming you and the Islanders for the markets collapse.
Oddly, I agree completely with Sir William (61).
I do think it’s fair to give Gordon SOME credit for Okposo, but we shouldn’t go crazy either. Let’s remember Okposo had something like 5 pts in 9 NHL games last year, but no one is lining up to credit Nolan with that. He’ll turn out good under all but the most inept coaches. Personally, I give a lot of credit to Gordon for utilizing KO’s full range of abilities and playing him on the point on the PP, even though I know many here disagree with that. The kid is solid back there, both offensively and defensively.
Great job CB! This one answers a lot of questions I had about Gordon. Its nice to see him loosening up a little. The prolonged smile after the Bergenheim last second hat trick. The grin that got caught on camera after Bruno threw the fists. This team is having a lot of fun and playing harder than they have in a long time.
3 happiest isles days for me in last few years have been Milbury being fired, NOLAN getting fired, and Isles committing to rebuild.
So much more excitement. I didnt think isle PP was that bad last night. Just didnt find back of net. Set up and puck movement was good.
Someone did fan on easy tap in goal on one of them though. forgot who it was.
is this WRECKER ever going to fight. Or did Grevais think his name was the WRECKER last night.
it was hilbert
72- Toronto’s heavyweight decided he would rather go with Jackman instead, spot picking move.
I love jackman, I think he more important UFA signing than Hilbert.
I would actually put Hilbert third after Danis.
I doubt someone signs Danis as #1 next year. If they do i guess we cant hold on to him. But Howie Rose said last night that DP is back next year. SO what. We all know DP can’t play 82 games nor can he try to play every night. Danis can get 30-35 good starts in my opinion. Maybe more if DP goes down. We cant afford to throw away another season if he is hurt. McDonald is terrible.
If Danis was played during the cold streak maybe we even could of been in playoff picture. But Im more happier where we are, I want TAVARES.
good article cb. I agree, Gordon has done a good job for year 1. How about an article on possible free agents that you think the Islanders would be interested in???
35- Thats exactly the problem. Were missing out on the vets who don;t want to come her because of gordons relationship with vets. Were not worried about the ones who do sign here. its the ones who dont sifgn.
There will always be players who don’t believe in the coach or his system, at least at the start.
Fortunately, now when they sign on, they’ll know what they’re getting into. And they can either buy in or get out.
This is the experiment we signed on for with Gordon. Wang and Snow better be committed to seeing it through. In a capped NHL and handicapped (free agent-wise) franchise, you need a differentiator … Gordon just might be that.
isles wont be spending too much in offseason. If they do it wont be at Foward. We would Invest in DMAN.
if we do sign foward, Please no GRINDERS.
Did anyone catch interview with our prospect Matt Martin, He is listed 6′2 192> Matt said he like over 210 now. Kid is big boy. He’ll probably be playing for Bridgeport next year.
In the beginning we maybe had players who weren’t buying into the system, with the evidence being the poor play and record. Got rid of those players, or, they finally bought into the system, and you get what we have today of the Isles showing up every night, competing, and winning games.
Everyone took a while to grow together. Next season will be an even easier transition, if any. I can almost see them making the playoffs with DP and everyone healthy next year.
Go Go Gordon!
I have to agree about attracting FA’s who know what they are getting into at this point. It could be difficult to get anyone now but at least its out there for all to see. It would be great to be able to attract a great player (maybe in a year or 2) who thinks that he can be an important piece to take this team farther (cup). If the kids keep showing they’re hard to beat through next season, its bound to attract the attention of some players we’d want.
Any update on Bergenheim?
I saw Matt Martin. Supposedly Jankowski, DiBenedetto and Katic were there too. Would like to see all at Bridgeport next year, I don’t think Martin should play an overage season in the OHL.
Great read. Bottom line, the Isles are 6-2-1 in their last 9 and most young players on this team in my opinion are ahead of the curve.
Jack Capuano and the Bridgeport guys deserve a lot of credit as well.
Thank gor we got rid of the fisherman logo, otherwise we would really have the Gordon fisherman
what happend to Bergeheim?
Even though DiBenedetto is #2 in OHL, they say that Martin is more likely to make big club first. I say you bring him to Bridgeport for season. Interesting to see how Figren develops. Look at what one full season of bridgeport has done for Joenssu.
I suspect the UFAs we go after in the summer will be the under-30s like Komisarek and that college kid Gilroy (although I assume he’ll be signed somewhere in the next month or two - anyone have any updates on him)?
Would also like to see McAmmond signed, but he’s 35.
Three points:
One) Eventually these kids are going to grow into vets. Then what? Gordon has to grow with them. Any grown up can manage a little league team, it takes a real coach to manage grown ups.
Two) Playing hockey at the NHL level should be fun for mostly AHL players. They are thankful just to be in the NHL.
And they are in last place playing for nothing. It’s a whole differnt ballgame when you are playing under the pressure of making the playoffs.
Three) Gordon is playing with house money right now. Snow pretty much assured him that he would be back next year, so there is no pressure on him. Coaching a last place tram in a small market is a lot easier on the soul than coaching a team in say Toronto or Montreal. Let’s see how Go GO does when the free ride is over and the Isles are picked to make the playoffs.
I am not sold yet on him or his system, but he deserves a chance to prove himself.
Next year he has to show something….SW
Now we’re complaining about his ‘on the air persona’? Good grief when will it end! Stop looking for reasons to hate the guy. Who cares what he’s like to the media?! Sheesh, we’re sticking up for the media over our coach? Other great coaches who dislike the media- Scotty Bowman, Bill Parcells, Bobby Knight, Bill Belichick, Pat Riley, and too many more to mention. What do they all have in common- building winning franchises and not constantly worrying about pleasing the media with a bunch of lip service.
Didn’t he show us something this year? Look at how well the kids are playing and that includes Danis. These are players that fans and past coaches had written off and they’re excelling under Gordon. Is that not something? I also don’t understand this ‘they have nothing to lose and that’s why they’re playing good’ theory. Aren’t we playing teams with everything to lose with multiple stars and years experience? So our rookies are beating these guys and someohow it’s because the other teams aren’t playing their best hockey? Makes no sense. Some of these teams are playing for a spot or a better position and we’re supposed to believe that they are losing because they have more to lose? These are experienced professional hockey players we’re talking about here. If they can’t beat our rookies, in my opinion, it says more about their talent than it does about our boys.
CB, nice meeting you last night. Unfortunately because it was a little crowded and the TV’s weren’t working right, we left to watch the game at home. As for Gordon, count me on the buyin list. We’ve seen how tough they are to play against when everyone is going all out. I’m prepared to give them the time to get it together and see how it works out.
Caught the B’port game Saturday night and Wrecker had a pretty good go with Josh Gratton. I think he’s got a future because he can skate and he can play the system. Much of the credit for the callups fitting in goes to Jack Capuano who is doing a great job on the farm.
Great post CB!! You always provide me with my “fix” of Isles Hockey!! Thank You.
Chris I love your work, I think you’re a terrific guy and everything but that article…gosh, what’s next roses and a bottle of red wine?
In my opinion Coach Gordon deserves a pat on the back and a big kiss from Islander fans. He takes over a team in turmoil, installs a new attacking system, loses his all-star goalie, aborbs 500+ man-games lost, plays in a 3rd world arena and what is there to show for his efforts. Only an extemely exciting product on the ice that is a joy to watch. From the Comrie “float” (they should have bedazzled his jersey since he looked like he was rehearsing for the Ice Capades) to the electricity that Okposo and teammates bring to each and every shift. This teams future is bright and won’t take much to get to the next level. Kudo’s to Gordon & Snow!
i have to say as a long time islanders fan i can’t remember watching a more exciting team in the past few years than this one. can you believe the fan support this season for the worst team in the NHL. that says alot. in years past i remember watching & going to games where you would hear ‘booing but this year has been different. we know the team lacks experience and raw talent but the style, the passion, the heart and the speed make islander games this season enjoyable to watch, win or lose…
Anybody catch the post game interview with Gordon last night when the female reporter (most likely from Toronto( suggested the Islanders were intentionally tanking the season in order to get the Tavares pick? Has that lady not been watching the Isles the past 10 games? Maybe if she looked at their record she would know it has been quite the opposite. If anyone has been tanking it has been Tampa Bay; not the Islanders and not the Thrashers.
Big article in Newsday about Kate Murray asking for federal funding from Suozzi to upgrade the coliseum. She is asking Suozzi to request federal funding. She just does not get it. I am telling you Wang has a short fuse and will walk away from the whole project if this does not get approved by the Summer. Not good!!!
# 87 wonderful…i see the profound writings and hockey expertise of SW aka sillie willie has crossed over frm newsday (sort of like the plague). please for the love of sean avery can you just stay on logan’s blog? please leave your half empty / almost half empty point of views to yourself and your cat(SW kinda reminds me of debbie downer from SNL)……wah wah
CB-do you know of any interest Garth has in any college free agents? How about some of our own prospects like Clarkson’s Shea Guthrie, any chance he signs and reports to Bridgeport. Thanks for all the great insight.
CB, any word yet on Bergie?
we need to be all over gilroy and get him on the island!! maybe the campoli trade made some room to grab him thoughts anyone?
Off topic I know, sorry. Checking in real late here from game last night. “Any word on Bergenheim?” Looked like he blew something out pretty good and pulled up kinda lame. Jus’wundrin
If Garth doesn’t throw the kitchen sink at Gilroy, he’s an idiot.
I don’t think it’s necessary to get all over CB about doing a positive piece on Scott Gordon… I was a critic and although not 100% convinced … The results of the last 21 games have swayed me to give Gordo more of a chance … you can’t argue with the results.
His system … and his tactics seem to be turning the kids into hockey players … Gordo still has some adversity to conquer over the next few years … and needs to produce a playoff performer … but he’ll need player support and good scouting and personnel additions by Garth Snow to be given the chance.
The general consensus around the league is that the organization (Wang,Snow and Mr Milburyspanomilstein)is clueless but I choose to believe differently. I choose to believe that the Isles cleaned house of the Satan, Fedetenko, Poti, Blake, Kozlovs) and then sold the two year packages fully knowing that they were going to do a full scale rebuild (smart, lock in the attendance), they figured it would take about 2 to 3 years and would coincide with the renovated arena opening (hopefully), they went into the draft intending to get Bailey from the start with the only question being how much to gamble with the acquisition of draft picks without losing Bailey, they knew they would be bad the first year which would put them in the Tavares hunt, they stockpiled additional draft picks and they synchronized the style of play in Bridgeport to coincide with the Isles. Clueless?, I say genius. I haven’t been this excited since Turgeon, Hogue, Thomas, Krupp & Ferraro.
(104)How do you know what the general consensus is around the league? Did you take a poll of GM’s, owners and players? Fans (especially those who post on blogs) don’t count. If you read Wayne Gretzky’s comments regarding our rebuild posted here last week you would know what one of the prominent figures in the league is thinking and I’m fairly confident that others feel the same way.
Maybe a bad choice of words. I certainly didn’t mean it as being authoritative. I do a lot of business throughout the US and Canada and as such, I get the opportunity to speak to fans of other teams. What I was trying to convey is that most Hockey Fans outside this market have no conception of what is being done here and as such, cannot see beyond Milbury, Spano, Milstein etc. Sorry if I offended you (and by the way, I did read Gretzky’s comments).
That prominent figure once call the islander orginization “a mickey mouse orginization”
jonw…I believe that thats what he called the Devils. The Isles were at the peak of their dynasty when that statement was made.
I do agree that this year is a learning curve for Gordon.With that said lets call a peach a peach.The Isles are 30 in the league,27-goals for,29-goals for per game,29-shooting %,28-goals against,27-goals against average,21-PP and 24-PPG.i understand that injuries have decimated this team and there are younger players with a newer role aswell,but lets not overlook some things.He has the potential to become a good coach in this league.Lets just not call him the second coming of Al Arbour.
Thank you my fellow staten islander, yes you are correct it was the devils .My apoligies for mis-remenbering.
jonw (109): I understand what youre getting at, but- well, look up Arbours stats for his first season with the Isles!