PHOENIX at ISLANDERS, 3:05 pm
Kurtis McLean recalled from Bridgeport
11:40 am, 1050 ESPN Studios - Just got word from the Islanders that Kurtis McLean is getting the call today to replace Trent Hunter in the lineup. Talk about Islanders-Coyotes in this space and I’ll catch you after the game with a story or two.
92 Responses to “PHOENIX at ISLANDERS, 3:05 pm
Kurtis McLean recalled from Bridgeport”
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Love to see a crazy game with lots of goals today. A 7-6 win by Phoenix to keep the drive alive for hedman and tavares.
I hope the kids can keep this pace up the rest of the season. They have been flying lately without Guerin, Weight, Witt, Fritz, and now Hunter. While I do want to see Weight, Hunter, and Witt next year I think this is an important time to see that if the guys buy into it the system can work and to let the young guys have key roles. Keep up the good work boys
But you just saw that yesterday, dally mac lol… we cant get greedy now, can we?
Kurtis McLean is a good choice to bring up again, glad to hear it!
Oh wait- you wanted lots of goals and a LOSS. Nevermind… I want the kids on this team to be winners, not losers. Sorry about that.
Love the path Garth has taken. I can not stand when people take shots at him. The players are really flying in the system now. Mclean just another example of the system working. Jack C should be given tons of credit for the job has done. I wouldn’t mind if the players mentioned in #2 were traded in te off season or at the draft, they only slow us down.
Gotta be honest…the winning is freaking me out. We need the #1.
great that McLean is getting another shot to play. he did well the last time. sorry that Hunter’s out; i am a fan. not much longer till Witt is back - also a good thing!! And Park should follow in almost 2 weeks also. that having been said…
here’s a thought for todays game…
B E R
G E N
H E I M
he got the job done yesterday - a repeat today wouldn’t be a bad thing!!
although we could definitely use the first pick, having happy fans and an excited-to-play team will be good for morale! doesn’t the team play better when they WIN a few games here and there?
and really, how many shovels would they need to dig out of last place in the standings?
I was at the game he scored at and he was the best player on the team. I hope he can bring the same enthusiasm and spirit that he did the first time!
If we win today - I will forget about this game about 20 mins after I get home. If we get Tavares, it will provide multiple wins — – — - especially when half the guys playing today are fulltime back in AHL and / or out of hockey.
Glad to understand that seeing Mike Iggulden get a big win today will really help our long range plan.
Here’s hoping that the Thrashers win today….if they and Tampa keep winning -then so can we. GET TAVARES people -don’t take your eyes off the prize.
Pat
Tampa is really starting to worry me……..
I don’t get all this talk about needing to lose because we NEED to get Taveres or Hedman. How many Cups have Crosby or Ovechkin won? When LA got Gretzky how many cups did they win? And Taveres is not gonna be Gretzky, sorry guys. One player does not guarantee anything. This team needs to build a culture of winning. And ANOTHER 30th place finish does not change that. It is not worth it. I do not care what the prize in the draft is. Losing is not gonna help the development of the players that we currently have.
CB, I have a really interesting point to debate with you. I don’t have your exact quotes but you said something to the effect a few weeks ago that Iggulden (excuse spelling)despite his production in Bridgeport wasn’t even a B+ prospect. Now, I know your sources are what you base your observations on but I have to seriously disagree with you on him. He has been an impact player in the AHL all season. He looked awesome yesterday against one of the best teams in the NHL. He drove the net used his speed and showed ultimate hockey sense. You will certainly say it’s one game, you cannot make predictions on a NHL career with such little info. But, his stats in the AHL say something different. Keep in mind it’s much easier to evaluate Mike after a full season in the NHL or 20 games or so. But it takes some cohones?…to predict what he can be after 1 NHL game. CB, I ask you has your opinion changed on Iggulden and what role do you see him in next year. I will go out on a limb and see him on the third line playing regularly and getting on the second power play unit. I have watched him alot in Bridgeport I think we have something here.
So what you’re saying is that finishing 28th will provide that winning culture? What will help bring a winning culture to this team are world class players …Tavares and Hedman are world class players for their age …
Talent wins more than not …I’m sure the guys would rather have some better players on their team, rather than being able to say “yes, we proved everyone wrong and finished 28th!”
Stay focused …
Kevin i totally get what your saying but it would definitely not hurt us and its not just taveres its *crosses fingers* healthy dp the developed kids practicing the system all summer and then one of those two
So which would you prefer? Over the last 18 or so games our young guys continue developing and learn the system better and begin to mesh with one another and we finish 27th or 28th by winning games and them gaining confidence in their games. Or do you prefer they do not develop, give up on the system and continue to lose games and lose confidence in their abilities. I choose the former. And getting Taveres or Hedman will not offset the negative effects of the latter.
Im just curious if you have an idea about this CB, but why hasn’t Trevor Smith been called back up. I thought he was our leading scorer down in Bridgeport. I just find it a bit odd that he got the nod earlier in the year and now he continues to get past over when we need a foward called up
Rich #12, Iggulden is a step below Tambellini who, if it weren’t for the fact that he was a high draft pick, would still and forever be a career AHLer. He had a good debut with the Islanders, but your predictions for his ‘NHL career’ are very lofty and unrealistic. McLean is a step again below those guys, but Joensuu has some real NHL potential. All that said, Bridgeport’s best player this season, the only other forward down there with NHL potential, somehow doesn’t get the call up for one of the three available spots - can someone explain to me why Trevor Smith isn’t in the line-up today (or yesterday, for that matter)? This guy can skate, pass and score at an NHL level - am I missing something?
CB, Whats the deal with Sutton? This has been a hell of a long time to be out and not to even hear that he has been skating or walking on it…this must have been a bad fracture in his foot huh?
I think down the stretch here the last 17 games the youngsters will continue to develop - and they will gave some bad games or will make mistakes (Hopefully agressive mistakes) as all young teams do. They have juice now because they are all excited about their chance to play. The rest of the contenders that they play will “wake up” and realize these kids are not going to roll over. I think the Devils thought they had a gimme game and when they found out the kids came to play they couldn’t get themselves restarted. I’d rather enjoy what we have here now and worry about the drafting of players after the season. Focus on what we have not what we hope to get. The vets though are important. They will keep things steered in the right direction . . . we still need soem of them and I think Weight, Witt, Hunter, and Park are a good group of vets to have.
i prefer that they do awesome but still lose to the lack of good goaltending we have that’s what i prefer
I am all for the first pick in the draft and a franchise player…but it is hard being a die hard and rooting for the team to lose when their spirited play has made me believe they can win any given night.Granted if winning means 27th in the league big whoop, but does winning and the kids getting better during it worth alot or not? I can’t decide and I am torn.Any thoughts??
(12) Rich: Third line for Igg, second power play unit next season? I hate shooting these guys down because they’re great kids working their balls off and they’re real easy to root for. Let’s just say I doubt but hope you’re right.
I’m glad so many of you are okay with potentially missing out on Tavares and Hedman for the feel-good vibe of a few impressive late-season wins. I’m not saying anyone should root for their teams to lose. No reason to ever do that. But let’s remember those comments should we all be back at it again next season!
Enjoy the game today. Catch up with you postgame…CB
This should be a fun game today against the ‘yotes.They have alot of young players too. It will be interesting to see how our young guns match up with theirs. My fear for the draft is that we finish with the third pick but drop to fourth because Toronto or St.Louis or another team wins the lottery.With the talent that Atlanta and TB have, I think it is disgraceful that both those teams are as bad as they are! GO ISLES!
One more thing. I feel like I’m in a no lose situation. I always root for the Isles to win so if they win I’m happy. But if they lose I’m happy too because that’s one more loss closer to JT/VH! So either way I win. Enjoy the ride, what’s gonna happen is gonna happen and GO ISLES!!
By the way - can someone please tell Doc Emrick that it’s OKPOSO. . not OKPO - ZO! really annoying when watching “Devils in 60″ replay last night”. .
Maybe another feel good win today? Then let’s hope they live up their 6-23-2 road record with the 6 game trip coming to reestablish a lead for the top pick!
Wow..I can’t believe Hunter is out now, hope he heals well, he’s one of my Fav players, some don’t seem to care much for him, but I think he’s a work horse.
Honestly I can’t wait for all this trade stuff to come to an end, I just want to know who we’ll have already and who we wont, pins a needles!
This year has been one hellof a ride, so much has happen on so many levels with this team, as said before during a rebuild things get worse before they get better and I don’t think things could get any worse..could they? please someone tell me no! my last nerve is hanging on by a thread..lol!
Glad to see the young guys playing well and Hat tricks for Sean and happy Tamby showing up..all good stuff!
So *IF*, say, Tampa or someone else were to get the #1 (Atlanta?) they both sort of need the Defense over Offense,right?!?
LeBrun giving Mad Mike hell on NBC during the Rags intermission right now for the Luongo trade. LOVE IT.
re-27
I think tampa would draft Hedman(they got their fwd last in Stamkos ) and Atlanta would draft Tavares (they got their dman last year in Bogosian)
Saw that too #28. Yea Mike, why DID you trade Luongo you MORON???? And while we are asking, why DIDN”T you draft Zach Parise???? You RUINED MY HOCKEY LIFE!!! I HATE YOU MIKE MILBURY!!!! I need therapy!
HEY EVERYONE idk if everyone went to the islanders website and right above where the pointblank link is there is the “Support the light house” link i think everyone should do that like Wang said get involved no matter which way you do it
Saying we need scoring is pretty obvious, who doesnt? And, most fans hear want a legit enforcer on a small team. This may ruffle Long Island feathers, but I’d like Sean Avery.
Im watching the Rag-Bruins game and Avery is just a JACKHAMMER. yes, we all now hes a huge dickhead, but man does he provide jam. And, hes a solid skater. The Rags overnight have a good forecheck…very impressive. Hes a better version of Steve Webb, a roll we have missed. I want an Avery type player on this team…its 100% more entertaining. The kids have had energy lately, and, against the Rags dare i say jam? But, I want jam every night. Crash the net, create energy, draw penalties, create a hunker down warrioe mentality. Avery annoys me, because hes a Rag. But, as a player i respect him. CB, any Avery-types available out there?
Re CB (22): What I wonder is, what difference does it make? It isnt whether fans are or arent OK with it, that doesnt make any difference- its whether the players are OK with it. And the only thing you can hope is that they arent OK with losing. If they were, then what good would they be?
I wouldn’t get too crazy over yesterdays results. Yeh, the Isles pummeled the devils who are one of the best teams in the game.
Watch out for the cocky follow up game. These are kids and that much is to be expected.
It’s a one game at a time thing.
Rich (12), Iggulden is not really a prospect. He will be 27 this year. McLean will be 29. Neither of these guys has the potential to be more than 3rd liners on an average NHL team, but the problem for them is that even the Islanders have lots of forwards trying to fill those bottom-six spots. On a Cup contender Iggulden maxes out as a 4th liner at best. Let’s be realistic here, shall we. These are not kids who have time on their side. They are feel-good stories, it’s natural to root for the underdog. While Iggulden might carve out an NHL career, it will not be a career that makes a difference for the Islanders in turning them from a bottom-feeding team into a playoff team, let alone from a playoff team into a serious Cup contender.
You also have to realize Iggulden would have to bump some healthy body out of the lineup to be on the team. Jackman? Thompson? Tambellini? Hilbert? Park? You see, it already gets difficult because two of those are role players, Tambellini has an NHL contract, and two are proven and dependable all-around NHL players. And then you could ask whether Iggulden should be the one pushing his way into the team ahead of Joensuu, Smith, Colliton, etc. Not to mention the Islanders might sign a forward in the summer, or trade for one, or draft an NHL ready player… It ain’t easy.
Tampa looks beyond terrble. Does everyone remember when San Antonio had one terrible terrible season then drafted Tim Duncan???
Everyone thought they threw that season. Tampa shouldn’t be this bad with the talent they have on that team
I agree. It would be a crime for Tampa to get the number 1 pick. I want the Isles to get the number 1 pick. I just do not want them to tank on purpose.
Just wanted to jump into this convo about tavares/hedman, and weather it is worth us loosing the remaining games to receive them 1 or 2.
The team seems to be playing their asses off (skating and forechecking). Its good that they are showing that all the hard work from learning the system has finally paid off. Im sure they will be putting an A+ effort in the rest of the way. But i doubt it will produce many wins. This team needs scoring. They dont have a pure goal scorer. They do have a ton of pieces that will complement a first line, but they are just not there yet.
That being said..This team will need to draft Tavares in the up coming draft. Throw money at a couple of free agents who could also put the puck in the net. A steady stay at home dman would be nice as well on the back line. A healthy DP should round things out. Once the chips are in place, this team will be able to roll.
The team already has a strong 2nd/3rd/4th line all they need now to compete is that 1st line.
That being said..I hope this team does well..continues to develop, has fun the rest of the season, makes good pick at the draft and makes some meaningful signings in FA pool. Once we do so..I think this team will start going somewhere..
Lets go Islanders!
Only 5 points ahead of the Thrashers and 6 ahead of Tampa. Thras have Calgary today, who are hot. Islanders may play themselves into a bad situation in the next few games…
wow 40 that was awesome which he woulda fought the game he was up
Cb & FIsles thanks for the insight. I never jump the gun on players. I just have a feeling that Iggy may be here to surprise some folks. Personally, I love Jackman and Hilbert’s play this season. But Fisles your answer says it all. If Iggy is more than a role player we keep giving him a shot. I just thought it was fun to speculate 1 game in. 27 years old isn’t too bad. He might be late bloomer that’s all. Didn’t Derek King score 40 or 50 for us? Please don’t kill me I think it was 50. I never thought Kinger would score more than 8 goals a year. Things happen
Sean Hunter is my favorite islander. Sorry butch.
How many Cups have Crosby and Ovechkin won??
Come on! You can’t use 2 kids who haven’t even played half a decade. Both the Pens and the Caps are examples of how the Isles should be built.
You have to lose to learn to win … and if adversity like this makes the kids develop more and strive to be great so be it … if losing close competitive games destroys a player’s game … I don’t want that player on my team … Clark, Bobby, Billy and Denis had to fight through adversity to respectability … that is what makes a player.
This game blows so far.
Wow, Tambellini with a dirty goal in front of the net. Go figure.
Tambellini strikes again!!!!!
Hahahahahaha!!!
I said it all season long. All it takes is for this guy to develop some poise and patience with the puck.
Way to go Jeff!!!
Its funny if it was a playoff game - Toronto would overturn this goal - but since they dont want Tavares on Long Island - the goal will stand…
Uh Oh!!! Watch out for Tamby … just when I thought he would no longer be in the Isles’ rebuidling plans Tamby may be coming around … Here’s a thought … maybe it was the vets’ fault .. maybe he was more comfortable playing with the kids at the Bridge … and now that they are up … he’s in his environment … nahhh … I know I know … silly thought.
Post 43. Thank you for that comment, that is one of the most annoying things people on this board say and it gets said wayyyy to often. Crosby was in the finals last year. These guys careers have basically just started. How anybody can make that comment is perplexing to say the least. Are you saying you wouldn’t want a Crosby or Ovechkin? I love when people use it as an argument to chose Hedman over Taveras if we got the #1 pick! Laugh out loud funny if you ask me! If Snow makes that decision its on him and believe me it aint going to be pretty. Can’t wait for the draft party, if you thought last year was bad the potential is there for this years to be much, much, worse!
loudville is annoying
Tavares is not Malkin, Ovechkin or Crosby. People need to get over that. Sure it looks like he has star potential, but so did Alex Daigle.
i definitely think this version of the goal song is the best, the part with the heys sounded too similar to the rangers one.
If they pass up on Tavares(who scored again today) the draft party will riot
Yeah, we don’t know, you are right. But do we not pick him because of Daigle? Really don’t get that comment either.
ok so to get off the tav/hed stuff for a bit. Lets say the canucks can’t lock up the sedin twins you think the Isles would trade for their exclusive rights
Can we get out hit any worse
Danis has been real good today. Clearly better play than Joey Mac. Rebound control and positioning.
How bout Iggy Cb!!!!!!
I’m liking this Iggulden kid more and more - its good to see Bailey let one rip - he is usually too hesitant
did they change the goal song again
kids are playing with confidence…and there is not really a veteran presence in the lineup. Fun to watch.
Wonder how this all changes when Witt and Weight come back
How do we know that Taveras isn’t the next Malkin or Crosby? These are the same scouts that said Daigle was a sure thing. We don’t know thats my point. You pick the best possible player and that as of now is Taveras. Another point for Iggulden. Good to see Bailey score!
My thinking is that if this keeps up the vets are gone. Witt stays but I doubt Weight and Guerin are even though of come July 1st.
Snow may go after a UFA like Afenigenov just to get at the cap floor. Maybe deal him later if the deal is right. I see whatever UFA we sign as a bargain reclamation project.
But I don’t see the need for a 35+ year old on this team next year.
Tavares isn’t Malkin, and Malkin isn’t Crosby, and Crosby isn’t Ovechkin and Ovechkin isn’t Gretzky, and Gretzky isn’t Howe … and Howe isn’t Daigle blah blah … Tavares will be his own man … if the Isles don’t take him with the 1st selection if they have it … the fans at the draft party will do the demolishion of the NVMC themselves … LOL! Joking aside … It isn’t fair to judge a player before he starts or early in the career … you can only judge ability … if Snow drafts Tavares and he turns into a bust you can’t blame Snow for drafting him.
i think weight is a no brainer for next year bailey needs more time to develop and having a guy like weight around can make that process so much smoother and faster
Uh-oh.
I’ve been watching here since I got fed up with the Newseweek site once and for all. Now to chip in with my $0.02 worth.
1. I love seeing the kids winning, and would never hope for them to lose, but let’s face it, we need one of the two franchise players available in this year’s draft.
2. Let’s not start thinking that drafting John Tavares is the final answer to the problem. Tavares or no, this is a three to five year project. Look at Pattsburgh. They got Fleury, Malkin, Crosby, Staal, and they’re still not there. He is an incredible talent, but he cannot do it alone.
3. We do NOT want to start throwing huge $$ at UFAs unless and until we have a core of good players. UFAs and rental players are like the shiny accessories on your car. If you cover your Yugo with Chrome, it’s still a Yugo. We want to build a Ferrari here, folks.
4. Like many here, I’ve lived through the ups and downs. Been a fan since 1973. For the first time in years, I see the team going in the right direction.
5. I’d still like to hear Milbury’s explanation for the Luongo trade…… and the Chara trade…… and the Bertuzzi trade ……
Keep Dean McAmmond on the team next year! Who said the Ottawa trade was only CAMPOLI for a FIRST ROUNDER? He is playing some much better than Comrie. HAHAHA!
No, but seriously… who would of honestly though that Bergenheim and KO would be tied and probably end up leading the team in goals at the end of the year?
Okposo is a freak. Jaffe had to temper his enthusiasm yesterday. He said he was one of the hardest working forwards along with Parise. I haven’t seen OK take a shift off in a long time. Sick goal
#67… you are completely correct on all of those points. It is good to see an original fan think we are actually heading in the right direction. A lot of old-timers are playing this off like Snow isn’t going to stick to it… and I’m not taking it. This team IS heading in the right direction.
Billy G with a goal…
And BTW, Billy G has a three point day so far with 1 goal and two assists. As much as I do not like the Pens, we need them to win and hopefully knock out the Rangers too in the process!
This goal song is brutally bad.
C.B. - Why have the Islanders brought back this God-Awful Goal Song again! It feels so ECHL. The kids are looking great!
Also, despite the team playing well, do not kid yourselves that missing Tavares or Hedman will be ok.
Anyone else worried we are going to lose out on a top 2 pick the way we are playing
Next year
1. Bergy 20 plus goals
2. Okposo 20 plus goals
3. Bailey 60 points 10 goals 50 assists
4. Tamby 40 points 15 goals 25 assists
5. Weight 50 points 15 goals 35 assists
6. Nielsen 50 points 18 goals 32 assists
I think this is fair
I am getting way too enthusiastic about this team. I am shutting it down…If the Isles were shutout today expectations would drop in half. Sheeesh they have me caught up in it.
kyle not to worry, ATL is winning also
Yeah, Atl winning by the same score.
I hope we take Rechlicz on the road trip, Toronto recalled extra toughness (maybe for Witt?).
Danis is tunring into a 1A goaltender. CB I think we also might need a re-eval on Danis. The guy is putting up a .930 save percentage. That one soft goal to that jack— Gomez is the only bad one I remember in awhile. Unquestionably unless he falls apart I think he’s won the backup job next year.
Do not forget about Colo. They are also winning today, first win in possibly 3 1/2 weeks. If the Isles end up #3 in tghe draft and get Duchene, would that be such a horrible thing? He is a pretty solid player too.
I know the team needs to lose to get one of the top 2 picks, but watching them win is so much fun. These little win streaks will help the kids build confidence as a team down the stretch. Atlanta is winning, so today will be a wipe.
Nice goal by KO, and I hope to see him and Bergie hit the 20 goal mark this season. Tambellini, wow, way to show up for a hockey game.
Once again, the NHL offices in Toronto provide consipiring interference to the NYI…
Disallow goal by Phoenix so that we will win and not gain ground on the #1 pick.
You might be getting a bit paranoid with that, Joe lol.
Gordan is learning…Time out called…Clock management improving…
lol
It’s especially nice to see the Isles win at home for the fans … how many 30th place teams can pack it in like the Isles have done this year … Even though they are last in attendance … a lot of that has to do with the arena being the smallest … so they can’t bump up the average numbers with higher sellouts.
Colorado only needs 4 or 5 more wins after today to take itself out of the running for worst over all record.
Atlanta’s win will keep it tight between the Isles and Atlanta … coming down to the wire. I think we’ll have a great idea of where the Isles will be after the 6 game road trip.
Joe .. LMAO!! Ya know … for a split second I thought the same thing … but the Isles can’t catch TO … If TO tanks and gets a top 5 lottery spot … and then win the draft lottery …. then … I would think conspiracy. LOL!!
As others have said …. keep an eye on Tampa … with Atlanta leaping over them more ping pong balls drop in their lap. Isles only 4 points behind Tampa.
Pick in jeopardy? Perfect time for a 6 game road trip! Boston, Chicago and Montreal? I smell an Original Six Smackdown.
I can’t believe what I am reading in the the following post by CB..
KO to Bridgeport for the playoffs?
Say it ain’t so, Snow.