WITT WILL REMAIN AS PART OF THE SOLUTION
First game, goal for JJ; Islanders 4, Colorado 2
9:55 pm, NVMC - According to sources around the NHL, the Islanders are asking teams for a lot if they want to acquire Brendan Witt. The team is apparently in no rush and feeling no pressure to say goodbye to their toughest and most experienced defenseman.
With the deadline less than two days away, Witt’s commitment to being part of the Islanders’ solution is stronger than ever. A week after telling Point Blank that he’d like to stay an Islander but would not appeal to management to keep him because he knows “it’s a business,” Witt re-asserted his belief in the rebuilding franchise.
It all adds up to this: when the Islanders host the Rangers on Thursday night, Brendan Witt will still be a member of the home team.
“I want to stay, and I hope not by things I say but by my actions on and off the ice that management understands that,” Witt said during the Islanders’ 4-2 win over Colorado.
Fair enough, but here’s what the 34-year old defenseman said on a few issues:
On Scott Gordon: “We’re good. No issues. We work together well. He’s doing a good job in what’s been a tough year. Look at how all the young players are coming along.”
On those young players: “Tremendous. Great kids. Talented. They’re fun to be around. They’re a big reason why I don’t want to go anywhere else. Kyle, Bails, Comeau, Bruno, Franzie.”
(Later on, while reminiscing about the leadership of his old Capitals teammate Ulf Dalhen, Witt said, “That’s who Franzie can be - Ulf Dahlen. He plays just like Ulfie.” Dahlen had 655 points in 966 NHL games.)
On a Newsday report of veteran discontent with Gordon: “I’m not going to talk about it. It’s not the way to go about it.” He laughed. “Stays in the room, right”?
Looks like the Islanders will have at least one respected, returning veteran to pound home that message at the appropriate time. Unless the Islanders receive overpayment in a trade offer, Brendan Witt is not leaving the room.
First NHL Game, Goal for Joensuu
Jesse Joensuu scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game. Prior to the game, Scott Gordon said that Joensuu’s call-up was probably just for one game. Count on the 6-4 Finn playing his 5th in 5 nights tomorrow in Bridgeport. Depending on the status of Nate Thompson and Richard Park, Joensuu could get a second taste of the NHL.
Joensuu made it three players from the Islanders’ 2006 draft in tonight’s game, along with Kyle Okposo and Andrew MacDonald.
ETC: Trent Hunter took warmup, but sat out the game with a lower leg injury. The Islanders have won two games in a row with just 17 available skaters in the lineup.
It’s not just the three assists for Jon Sim tonight. His relentless play the last few weeks has sparked his lines and also drawn the attention of scouts. Although the season remaining on Sim’s three-year contract will likely be a detriment, the Islanders may get some calls about him the next two days.
The Islanders offered all ticketholders for tonight’s game a complimentary ticket for one of three select games. Check the team site for details.
The Guerin Trade Watch Blog Whatever is over, at least until there is a Guerin trade. Comments. Guidelines.
129 Responses to “WITT WILL REMAIN AS PART OF THE SOLUTION
First game, goal for JJ; Islanders 4, Colorado 2”
Please Wait
Cool
Cb,
Who do you think gets traded now? Guerin, Weight, and Sim are my choices.
YES!!!! Love the guy -always have. I fondly remember one Ranger game I was at in the garden, when Witt was a terror to Jagr that whole nite. I mean, clobbered him to where Jagr was literally afraid. Witt could be the veteran presence to teach.
What a phenomenal photo of JJ on his first goal. That right there is exactly why you gotta love this game, and it’s going to be fun watching this team grow up over the next few years.
YAY WITTER IS STAYING!!!!!!!!!!!
grats to jj and the rest of the Bridgeport Soundtige…errr New York Blizzard errr 12in of Garth Snow errrrrr ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!!
Not sure I agree with this. I understand if you can’t get fair value for him, but I hope Snow isn’t stupid enough to turn down a realistic deal for him. If not I love the way he plays and would be happy to see him next year.
That is a GREAT picture of JJ (how the hell do you pronounce that name? I didn’t get to watch tonight game due to a family event).
Also, I’m glad that they have decided to set the price high for Witt. That is the right thing to do I think. We can’t turn down a great offer, but we need a player like him down the road, and we need a leader now so I am all for keeping him around
Glad to hear that about Witter. I personally want him on this team.
It’s good to be back to normal.
This team already has me excited about next year.
I just want to fast forward to the lottery then the draft.
Things are picking up on the Island.
He is you’re next captain. He should have been named captain over Guerin two years ago imo.
Lower body injury, ha! GGGRRROOOIINN Strain!!!!!!!
I agree Kevin he should have been.
Agree with 10 and 12. Witt stays, he is the Captain. Leads by word and deed!
Can you say next captain!!!
Good to hear about Witter possibly staying. Not a bad move at all. Keep Marty as well, he looked good with the ‘A’.
You can always tell who’s going to be a special player. If you score a goal on your first shot in your first game in the NHL. You’re going to be a special player.
Either Joensuu is that big or the rest of the Islanders are that small, but really his size stood out. I saw Jesse play 4 years ago and his skating has improved a lot. Still needs some work but much better.
Agree with Vukota in post 6 for the most part. Snow better pull the trigger if he can get a decent draft pick and/or prospect in return. Quite frankly I think Witt is over the hill and I would be thrilled to turn him over for a nice future building block.
Sim has been all over the place lately… just in time to swap for not one, but 2 bags of pucks.
Hey, class act by the Isles offering free tickets to another game for anyone who came out tonight. And not nose bleed seats either. I had lower VIP Center seats tonight, and they gave me lower VIP Center seats for the 3/25 Minnesota game.
I think if Snow gets a great offer he will trade him. Basically Snow is saying if you really want him, you need to offer me more than a pick.
Lets face it, as soon as the Isles trade him they will have that physical D man void and dont give me Sutton because my cats are tougher than he is.
I’m glad Witter is demanding a high return. I always liked him and was relieved he was extended this offseason. Say hello to your new captain.
CB, quick question-
How long before the game did the Isles change assistant captains? That’s why I thought Hunter had been traded. I figured if it was a quick thing, they wouldn’t have gone with 3 new assistant captains. Is there a timelimit to when you can do that?
That’s a great photo of Jesse. Kind of reminds me of the expression on David Volek’s face after the GWG against Pittsburgh in 93.
Isles really look good lately, playing hard! It is hard to really gauge though because Colorado is just horrible right now!! Big test against Rangers, who must win, next! I am starting to think this team is going to finish around 28 or 27 when it’s all over! Better start thinking Duschene (Sp)?
I love Witter, but I would still trade him if the right deal came along. Frankly, he’s not someone you’d label as essential to our rebuild.
Cool to see a Western conference team. Don’t get to see these players often. The kids keep playing like this, you’ll have to put the tavhedduch watch to bed too.
Great news.
If I was GM of a team hoping to make a run at the stanley cup, I sure would be willing to pay a lot for a warrior like Witt. And in my humble opinion, the 2 more years at a fairly reasonnable price can only increase his trade value.
But I agree, unless a team is willing to overpay, we keep Brendan Witt on Long Island.
I do believe we’ll sign Komi on july the first. With Komi, Witt & Sutton in front of the crease, it won’t be fun for other teams forwards. DP will enjoy…
Its brilliant driving his price up, and if there are no takers then we keep him till this time next year and thats a plus for us aswell. Great move
Derek @ 15 - I think Campoli scored on his first shot in his first game. Hmmm…
Congrats to Joensuu…maybe all that hype around him the year before he got drafted holds some water. Didn’t see the game…where did he score from?
The look on Jesse’s face in that photo reminds me of something out of SoundGarden’s “Black Hole Sun” video.
PRICELESS!!!!
Amazing how sometimes we forget that these kids really are just kids. Jesse looks happy as clam. Rare to see someone that happy around these parts!!!!
Here’s hopin Snow doesn’t sign any UFAs this offseason. I could watch these kids all year long, win or lose, and never get bored.
tipped to sim, sim pushed it wide and jesse followed up at the left pad of raycroft
great goal by Tamby also. Maybe he finally finds his wrist shot during the game, not just in shootout.
dirty goal unfortunatly the knock on JJ is he doesnt have a very good wrist shot
I second that MT275, Tamby has got to get to the slot more often, instead of staying wide all the time.
Witter staying is a plus. I totally figured he was going to go after the comments from mid-season, but I guess Gordo and Witter have buried the hatchet. I knew Witt wanted to stay on the Island, but still a shock. Throw a C on him as soon as he comes back from the suspension.
hey dirty goals work too. Thanks guys. JJ seems to have the build to get where he’s gotta go to score a bunch of those going forward.
And I gotta say I’m glad to hear Witter will probably still be around on Thursday.
Witt’s part of the “physical” we need so I’ll be happy if he stays.
PRICELESS picture of JJ and congrats to him!
Great win tonight. And whoever said something about being excited for next year I couldn’t agree more:)
Was at the game tonight with a bunch of people. Not only did they offer another game but invited everyone in the 300’s to move down towards the end of the first period.
Wouldn’t mind seeing McAmmond next year either if Guerin and Weight are gone.
Or the Isles are trying to make the other teams think they really are serious about keeping Witt and using the media to help drive up the price.
It would be interesting if they keep him because that means they’ll have to continue to play the modified version of Gordon’s system. Does this mean The aspects changed really weren’t suitable for the NHL vs. the AHL or still the personel is not a fit?
The one thing the Isles cannot do here is not get value for the assets they have. Witt would be the ONLY vet worth keeping but if he goes for value I don’t care.
The Isles even need the PR boost of giving the fans some hope of making more intelligent deals like the Campolli/Comrie deal is.
Guerin, Weight, Martinek, Sim, Hilbert, Pock, Geravis, etc gotta go.
Great effort by JJ. Nice to see a big guy out there on the ice for the Isles again. He didn’t look out of place.
So happy to see Tambelleni having a bit of success. Will it be the last time we see him.
Scouts in attendance. Interesting. I could see Martinek in Detroit. The Rangers we play them next so nothing to read into.
#15 - Didn’t Campoli score in his first NHL game? Yikes.
Witt could be the next captain. long deserving, in my opinion.
Great game tonight. i hope witt stays, hes a great player and a stand up guy.
I love Witt also but to be honest. I think that Gordon would name someone else Captain. I really think if they return, Silly, Park or Hunter would be the short term C. It is Okposo’s in a couple of years. Witt keeps the A
Chris Botta wrote: “It all adds up to this: when the Islanders host the Rangers on Thursday night, Brendan Witt will still be a member of the home team.”
Pretty much gaurantees Witt will be traded.
props to Capuano and the rest of the coaching staff at Bridgeport…almost all of these kids that have come up have stepped right in and have been ready to play in the big team’s system, none have looked out of place…and I agree, keep Witter (”Blood and Guts”) unless Garth’s compl;etely bowled over…what he adds is worth more than yet another 2nd or 3rd rounder (how many of these picks can you possibly sign and keep? 5 in the first 2 rds are enough)
I just got in from the game. I am happy about Witt sticking around. Imagine him and Komi on the same blue line next year. It is always said you build from the net out. Add our number one and the progress of the kids and I think this organization makes big strides next year. On tonight’s game, I had a hard time analyzing anything from where I sat but the one thing that stuck out to me is that Baily seems to be in a rut. He leaves the ice frustrated and I saw him slam his stick at least twice. Growing pains I guess…
oh, and my vote for the “C” is Streit…he’s basically the face and voice (through the press) of this team right now, he’s the best player, on the ice close to half the game and a real class act
Can’t agree more rb. The Bridgeport staff is doing a heck of a job, not only winning with their lineup changing constantly but you are right, every guy that has come up here looks like they fit.
Streit is signed for the next 4 years and has been a captain for Switzerland in international tournaments.
This news also makes you wonder exactly who all these veterans are that have a problem with Gordon. Weight has sung his praises, now Witt says he wants to stay. Who’s Logan talking about? Sim? Hunter? Hilbert? Park? Martinek? Anybody not expendable in that group?
Mcdonald and Hillen look an aweful lot like Campoli.. That was a good deal, lets move Guerin, Weight, Sim and Witt. Get value for these guys and then sign younger similar players in the off season. And please stop calling Witt a warrior, this has to stop, he hasn’t played tough in two years. If he cleared out in front of the net he would not be -30. Look at the game highlights, how may times did you see a guy in front tip in or bang in a rebound, then see Witt hanging his head because he did not put a body on him. Tough not anymore….
I just saw JJ interviewed on versus by Billy. It is nice to see an Islander who is considerably bigger than our announcers. JJ towered over him and looks to have the body type to be a power forward. I am used to seeing these interviews where stan fischler is the same height as our players.
The only thing enjoyable about the versus broadcast is billy jaffe.
If for some strange reason Weight was here next season, how about him for the “C”? I just don’t think Hunter’s ready yet. (Assuming Witt is gone of course)
Billy Jaffe will be on NHL Live’s trade dealine show Wednesday.
guerin and witt for higgins! lol
Steve (24): Even if the Islanders go 10-10-0 from now to the end of the season they have a 0% chance of finishing anywhere but 29th or 30th overall… and a 90% chance of finishing 30th overall. Just giving some perspective on that.
very happy for joensuu… nd happy about witt staying although a mid 1st round pick woulda been nice to have…. tamby could be a 40 goal scorer in my mind with that great wrist shot… nd i dont mean 40 goals in his career which is possible… i wonder if were going to do nething at all for the trade deadline now that witt and it seems like guerin arent gettin traded… nice to hear smyth get booed, not nice to see him score twice
“Cold hearted orb that rules the night,
removes the colors from our sight,
red is gray and yellow white,
but we decide which is right…and which
is and illusion”.
That was for #44 strummmer and the trip he’s on.
P.S. Colin Campbell must go!
Pete (50): You also have to wonder when these anonymous quotes were made. Were they made during the teams prolonged losing streak? Were they made when the vereran who supposedly said them was waived or scratched? Were they made when their ice time was cut in favor of some unproven kids? Since we dont know the answers to those questions and they are important factors in how to take those quotes, I dont put all that much faith into them.
Great effort from the team as a whole tonight, and for the last couple of games for that matter. LOVE watching those kids play and excel! I’m really getting excited for our team’s future!
Glad Witter is staying, much preferred. Another very good game from Yan Dannis. And Congrats to Jesse for his 1st NHL goal in his 1st game.
I am starting to get worried about snow. I really hope he trades guerin, weight, martinek. I would resign hilbert. Also we gotta start losing a lil I want Tavares.
Hey Strummer (44),
I’d be worried if Howie said it, but I don’t get that jinx feeling from CB. And if I said he was safe, he’d be gone before I said “safe.”
#59 - WOW, that takes me back.
I love it how Greg Logan has nothing on the game so far up at Newsday and its 10:50. If you didn’t know, it would look like we didn’t have a game today.
Hey Chris #57, How do you Figure?? The way I look at it , the Isles go 10-9 from here ( only 19 left), Atl goes 7-12, we finish ahead of them and TB goes 6-13 we finish ahead of them. I don’t see those records being a ridiculous possibility! Please fill me in if my Math is wrong!
Steve (67): That scenario would make us 29th overall. I said that going 10-10 (including tonights game) they would finish 29th or 30th overall. I was refuting the notion that they would finish 27th-28th overall, which they would have to do much better than 10-10 to have any minute chance of doing.
Congrats to Jesse on his first NHL goal….seems Jack Capuano might be better at teaching Gordon’s system than Gordon is…
;o)
Was Park a healthy scratch tonight?
Does Mark Herrmann have any clue?
#66- what are you talking about??? Logan has to get quotes from coaches and players post game and then put up the article. He doesn’t just type up a synopsis….get a clue.
Give Greg a chance, he’s probably working on a piece about how the zamboni drivers hate Gordon.
Chris (70): Park isnt healthy lol, he has been on IR. He skated today but his ribs are not fully healed yet.
I’m not so sure this is good new or bad regarding Witt.
Callahan, MacDonald, Gervais, Martinek, Streit and Witt. Hmm… Sutton and Meyer.
Looks like it’s a bit overcrowded.
Oh well… these things work themselves out somehow.
DOC
LOL #73! And that’s my 4th so I’m out.
Park’s been hurt for a week or two now
In case Kevin Fitz and others wondered, Ryan Smyth was booed relentlessly tonight - everytime he touched the puck, and during the 2 goal scorer announcements. Then again, ya probably heard it on Versus. Tonight was a strange night, for sure… with Gervais’ first goal of the season and JJ’s first goal in his first NHL game. It was a sloppy sloppy win.
After home games against the Rags, Devils and Yotes, we have a 6 game trip to Tor, Mon, Bos, Chi, Car, Ott also at Det sandwiched by home games against Min and Philly.
Even if were a playoff contender, this month is going to be brutal. I’d say we win 4 games max the rest of the month and we’ll have a firm grip on a top 2 pick.
Is it possible that the Isles pulled Guerin from the lineup because a trade is in fact in place, but the receiving team is leaving him w/the Isles until the deadline to save money? Salaries are pro-rated on a 187 day regular season. Thus, if the trade was agreed to on Saturday, by leaving Guerin with the Isles until Wednesday, the receiving team would save four days of his salary. That would save the team $96,256 (4/187 x $4.5M). If, as rumored, the deal is with Washington, they would be without Guerin for two games…if they could’ve gotten him in time for their Sunday matinee game–otherwise they’re only sacrificing one game with him in the lineup. Saving that money at the expense of of 1 or 2 games isn’t out of the question…especially for a team like Washington that’s 13 points up and a lock to win its division either way.
(dmen77 #79) - cool, some exciting opponents to look forward to (Bos, Chi, Det, Min). The Avs were nearly as boring as Atlanta.
(72) All I’m saying is that if you go to Newsday right now, it looks like we didn’t even play tonight. CB put this up at 9:55. This is primarily the only paper that covers the Isles. I think they deserve better then that.
Awesome! Keep Witt and Weight. Guerin is probably on the move at this point. However, why do people want to trade Martinek? Solid 4th Dman signed for cheap over the next two years. Why on earth would we get rid of him for a 3rd round pick (at most). Martinek is more solid and responsible in his own end then all of other Dmen except Streit.
Post 80, now interesting! Im surprised with all the chatter that idea has not been discussed. Or maybe it has, there have been a lot of posts on this topic!
It’s getting harder and harder to read newsday. Mark herman has no idea about what he is talking about. He takes Logans stroy and basically ran with it, trying to sound like he has a clue. Logan isn’t much better. CB we need you more then ever!!! Since this site arrived I rarely go to newsday anymore.
The main thing here is that witt and gordon already had a spat. I think Gordon had handled it fine, and I believe witt is definately veteran enough to not let it effect the way he plays. if the islanders are contenders in a few years (giant pipe dream) they won’t have to go chasing after a gritty defenseman that usually gets added as one of the last puzzle pieces. Witt plays injured and it takes ALOT for him to go down. As long as he doesn’t have a major injury he can play until 37-39 I’d say. And he really likes LI. I give snow a B+ if he doesn’t get traded.
lets lose I WANT TAVARES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing I will say about Mr. Herrmann is that he is involved in a lot of things and sports. He does a good job with the golf corner but it just seemed like as another poster said that he took Logans story and basically said Gordon stinks and did nothing but a one sided piece.
That was a really fun game to watch, probably one of the more enjoyable games to watch all season. I really like how well we played, especially without Guerin, Hunter, Witt and Park (And we could say Weight, DP, Sutton, Thompson, and Sillinger, but I guess that’s irrelevant. lol). And I was really happy to see Tamby get some more playing time, he had a good game.
-CB, any chance we can have a brief true value on guys like Hilbert, Sim, Hunter, Park, etc? You mentioned that 13 (I believe) Islanders were available.. I was wondering if you could do something on that. I think that would be interesting.
AHEM….505 gives himself a pat on the back….
CB says…”According to sources around the NHL, the Islanders are asking teams for a lot if they want to acquire Brendan Witt.”
Back on the Witt “Mea culpa, I love Long Island Blog entry” from 2/25, 505 said:
“From my perspective, two time zones away, I don’t think Witt is gonna go anywhere.
I just don’t see anyone offering at least a 1st round pick for him.
Stay comfy Braveheart.”
All braggadocio aside (yeah right), I am starting to think that I’ve got Snow thought processes figured out.
Not bad, from two time zones away.
Enjoy the Island Braveheart.
Indeed! Witter should stay on Long Islad and wear “C” on his jersey. Thank you Islanders…
PRICELESS picture of Joensuu’s goal, CB.
Gotta blow that up and give to him.
A True Mastercard moment for the kid.
Bravo JJ
MORE KIDS!!!
hey, i know this is kind of jumping a bit… but with another possible “a” open… anyone think that maybe Okposo should be stamped with one? I mean look at what the caps, pens, and bhawks did with their younger guys… I think he would hold up to it.
Hey does anyone know where fans can get autographs from the visiting team after games at Nassau Coliseum?
Hey 505, if you got Snow all figured out from all those time zones away, why is Guerin still here? What’s taking so friggin long?
dedshark,
Okposo will wear the C next season if/when Guerin isn’t here. When Gordon said he took “some of his younger players” aside to tell them one of them would be captain, he basically was talking to KO…
I saw keep WItt, but im hearing he still isnt gettin along with Gordo. I really hope they patched their differences and can play nice together. Witt is far better then any tough Dman they could get elsewhere. He is a warrior and i would be proud to have him as the CAPTAIN of the Islanders.
Akeem, I think Guerin was effectively traded at the start of the Buffalo game.
Obviously something happened to scotch or delay the deal.
My first thought was that Guerin, or his wife, killed the deal at the last minute.
But that does not explain him not skating tonight. Cuz if the deal was dead he should have played against the Avs.
So…my backup thought is that it is still in place, but with a team that needs to clear up cap space or some other technical issue.
When do the Isles play the Rangers?
(I’m goin out on a limb and sayin’ its Prucha or Dawes and a draft pick…..and the Ranger fans are gonna go ballistic).
Just my opinion, I’m probably wrong.
(with my luck WITT will now be traded to the Rangers)
Kyle Okposo needs to work on his game, and leadership will come in time. Just because he is good doesnt mean you should pile a pig load on his shoulders. The notion of giving him or any other kid a C before he is an established force in the NHL and he naturally gets to that point is IMHO ridiculous.
BTW, the “technicality” could very well be Avery not clearing waivers. Anyone know if that’s done yet?
It worked in LA with Dustin Brown being captain but he is very mature. He is married with two kids already at 24 and had a tough time with a lisp and so basically he is a 35 year old in a 24 year old body well beyond his years.
NO WAY does KO get a C at this point in his career..Not this year, not next year.
Okay, that’s my 4 for the blog.
Tambellini seems to be inspired by other’s first NHL goals. He also scored on the night that Trevor Smith scored his first NHL goal.
Joensuu has nice size, and seems to know how to get to the front of the net. No matter who comes back, keep him around. Tambellini can go down to Bridgeport and help them in the playoffs… and if he has to clear waivers… oh well.
Bruno has been playing great the past few weeks. I don’t know about everybody else, but I thought this was going to be what he looked like coming out of the playoffs against Buffalo… but he seemed to regress last year, and wasn’t exactly showing any signs of life earlier this year.
I’m glad Witter is staying (I guess) because I understand that not every team is going ot be as soft as Buffalo and Colorado, but the younger faster “D” has been pretty effective. I wonder if this time next year we’re trying to figure out who’ll be giving up their second rounder for Sutton.
What happens if who ever Guerin was to be dealt to was just yanking Garth’s chain. Can they possibly make a return of Bill Guerin work?
I’ve been kind of quiet for three days, because that was my biggest fear. Snow holds him out, then leaks the Gordon v. the Vets stuff to spin the situation… and now there is a possibility that Guerin will still be an Islander after the deadline.
No matter how good things get, there will always be a cannon, an elephant and group of clowns ready to put on a show with this team…. always.
Glad to hear Witt is staying. I like him. Good game tonight. Also happy that Bruno finally scored a goal and Tamby scored during the game. We need more of that wrist shot.
If Guerin comes back and plays for the isles because this trade fell through, I am officially embarrassed. I also have a feeling that it is going to happen.
I’m really loving Dean McAmmond. Anyone else care if this guy stuck around? looked good with the A on his jersey too. Guy can skate.
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agree on McAmmond…he makes Comrie look like he was skating in lead skates…gotta wonder if Comrie will ever recover from the hip problems
Guerin and Gordon are big boys… They can punch each other in the arm, call each other jerks and move on with it… If it comes to that.
DOC
Thanks for the reminder Chris… I’ve been one of the recent offenders.
DOC
Just wanted to point out CB is saying the Islanders are asking a lot, so it LOOKS like Witt will stay an Islander….but what happens if someone meets Snows demands at say, 2:55 Wednesday?
Bring #106: Me too. And a great faceoff guy. In fact, maybe the only one!
I really hope Witt stays. He’s exactly the type of player we need more of, and he’s one of those heart and soul guys who you need on the team.
For post #7 Joensuu is pronounced:YO-N-SUE
And John Forslund on VS last night is terrible at saying Yann’s last name right.. it’s not Danny — It’s DEN-NEE
CB - Now that Witt is back in the fold, has Flash dumped his over speed nonsense in the toilet– permentantly? I know the Isles have drastically changed things the last month or so, I’m curious if that’s a permanent change. I hope so. Gordon’s system was an easy to beat system by any NHL coach who believes in “in-between period adjustments.” It was also a system that rendered Brebdan Witt useless, which is not an easy thing to do.
Hopefully Flash is beginning to understand the finer points of pro hockey. Now, perhaps 25th place can be a realistic goal for the Isles next year??
FYI, Dahlén is doing a great job coaching the Frolunda Indians(SEL) into his first play off as head coach of the Swedish franchise.
Glad to see Witt sticking around or at least it looks that way. I don’t want to see the guy for a 3rd or 4th rounder. Now a 2nd and maybe a prospect I would be thinking. I think Snow is throwing this out there to let teams know he’s not going for cheap.
If witt stays, then they have to move martinek. when all these players return from injury-sutton and meyer among the dmen and park, hunter, thompson etc among the forward, we are bout to have a logjam of vets.
since they shown they can win without them we have to seriously considering moving martinek(if not witt), and i’d now add park to that list
totally off subject. . . that tambellini goal was sooooooo fresh. that play once again showed that mark streit is extra extra fresh. The whole play around the corner, made his move around the defender at center ice, barrels in and dishes the puck to tambellini who then makes a sweet lil toe drag before he whips that shot, it was great. just felt everyone should know that.
love Witt, hope he stays….but the C belongs to Mark Streit. Anyone watch this guy tonight? He looked like Brian Leetch out there (not as good, but getting closer) to me. Jumps up in the play, holds the blueline, gets back in time. He is brimming with confidence and controls the game out there, even paired with the young kids. Also, Im impressed by the play of Gervais, Hillen, McDonald, etc.
Also, love Tambellini lighting the lamp, but was more impressed the coach had him out there late in the game for defense. Maybe the coach is trying to spoon feed him some more responsibility. Can only help going forward. I really dont want to quit on the kid yet and see him scoring 30 goals for Pittsburgh in a few years. Scorers (at any level, even the minors) are hard to come by…
Here are the Islanders Top 10 Prospects from Future Watch.
1-Aaron Ness
2-Corey Trivino
3-Kirill Petrov
4-Travis Hamonic
5-Jesse Joensuu
6-Trevor Smith
7-Jack Hillen
8-Matt Martin
9-Mark KatiC
10-Rhett Rakhshani
Streit is my choice for captain. He will be with the Islanders longer that Wiit. No problem with Witt staying,if the Isles don’t get their price, they can afford to hold on.
I would trade Witt, I think we should. He isnt the presence he once was and is - what 30? Bye, no need for the likes of him in the rebuilding project.
Would prefer to trade Witt than to keep him. I respect him, what he’s done this team and how he goes about his business but trading him can do more to help this franchise than keeping him - no matter how many good things he says about the team and GOrdon.
in response to #33 jj has a great release his knock is his skating and toughness which are improving daily. As for the captain next yeari feel it should be streit
I’m deliberately staying away from the trade talk, because 99% of what gets posted on that subject is, frankly, delusional. I’ll only say that anyone who thinks this “rebuild” can or should be done by dumping all (or most) of the current veterans is completely out of their mind. Some of them have to stay next year, and they could do a lot worse than keeping Witt.
Unfortunately, with the trade deadline stuff the on-ice product seems like it’s getting overlooked to some degree. That said, entertaining game last night. Congrats to Joensuu, Callahan, and even Gervais on their firsts. Nice to see Tambellini rewarded for his recent improvement (and if you don’t acknowledge that there’s been some, you’re only watching the box score and/or just hate the kid) with not only the goal, but PP time (finally) and what appears increased responsibility. Sim (just now back from his injury) and McAmmond (younger, faster Sillinger) continue to show what I’ve previously said about them, and that they might just be good to keep around. And it’s already been said about guys like Streit, Okposo, and Danis. Great stuff.
I’m happy to hear a veteran like Witter wants to be part of the rebuild. I’m getting so tired of the excuses for vets being traded and I hope Garth doesn’t trade Dougie Weight either. He’s a class act and has a tremendously positive attitude. You can’t put a price tag on the character that Weight has. I believe Doug Weight should be the Capt along with Witter.
I just hope Witter is off in a corner somewhere right now with Hillen and Callahan, explaining how to play against Avery on Thursday night… “First, stuff cotton in your ears ’cause the guy never shuts up…”
There are some situations for which youth will never be a match for experience. If I shudder to think of playing the Rangers without Witt for one game, imagine how it would be to play six next year without him.