TIM JACKMAN WINS THE NYSTROM AWARD
Islanders 3, Lightning 1, Avalanche salivating
Tim Jackman was named this year’s recipient of the Bob Nystrom Award, given to the Islander who best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedication. Jackman received the award in a pre-game ceremony from none other than Mr. Islander himself.
“To be associated with Mr. Nystrom in this way is something that I take great pleasure in,” said Jackman.
Next week we’ll have a story on an example of Jackman’s leadership that should illustrate why he was a worthy winner of the Nystrom. Previous winners include Richard Park, Trent Hunter, Kevin Colley, Jason Blake and Garth Snow (a tie in 2003-03), Steve Webb and Dave Scatchard.
I had the privilege of being part of the creation of the award in 1991 when it was named in honor of Nystrom and first presented to Brent Sutter. During the dark days, Claude Lapointe was a three-time winner (1997, ’99 and 2000). Lapointe is the only Islander to win the award more than once.
In this view, also worthy of strong consideration this season were Mark Streit and Brendan Witt.
And while I’m at it, let me add this: Bob Nystrom – best guy ever. Grew up watching him. Worked with him for 20 years. In both realms, Bob never let me down once.
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ISLANDERS 3, LIGHTNING 1
Candidly, dear readers, I don’t really know if I can bring anything unique and insightful to the coverage of tonight’s game. It will probably not make the next DVD of Islanders Classics. The Lightning played hard last night in New Jersey. Tonight, Martin St. Louis played hard.
That said, I asked Scott Gordon in the post-game presser to name two or three players that stood out for him besides winning goaltender Yann Danis. Gordon’s Three Stars:
1. Jesse Joensuu - “Used his speed, was physical, was in the right position. He’s a part of our future.”
2. and 3. Radek Martinek and Brendan Witt - “I haven’t had a look yet at the scoring chances, but they did a great job on Tampa Bay’s top line.”
Big-time kudos for Gordon for his honesty. Asked if Mitch Fritz showed improvement tonight over previous NHL stints, the coach was complimentary of the enforcer but also acknowledged that respect to Bridgeport played in his lineup decision. Said Gordon: “Bridgeport is in a playoff race. I didn’t want to take too many guys who are playing tomorrow at 1:00.”
The Sound Tigers host Albany at the Arena at Harbor Yard on Sunday at 1:00 pm.
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With the Lightning getting that big point last night in New Jersey, tonight didn’t seem so much about Islanders-Tampa Bay in the Tavheduch sweepstakes. It’s likely down to Islanders-Colorado now.
1. Islanders 26-43-9 61 pts (4 games remaining)
2. Colorado 31-44-2 64 pts (5 GR)
3. Tampa Bay 24-37-18 66 pts (3 GR)
Greg Logan asked Gordon if he follows the lottery situation. “I know where we are,” the coach said. “We’ve been there for a while.” Then he said his concern was the team building on the second half and setting a tone for next season.
The Boston Bruins clinched the Eastern Conference today. The Bs play at the Coliseum on Easter Sunday and then could very well have a playoff game three days later. Going against The Wrecker, Fritzinator and the gritty-gutties, can’t wait to see what the Bruins lineup and effort will look like. Coach Gordon might recognize a lot of Providence players in that one.
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TOP PROSPECTS
(Thanks to Michael Schuerlein for the picture)
On the MSG Plus pre-game show tonight, Point Blank was a guest of C.J. Papa in a segment on top Islanders prospects in college and junior. This is how we broke it down. Our first 3 selections were the team’s second round picks last summer.
1. Aaron Ness - U. of Minnesota freshman defenseman
2. Corey Trivino - Boston U. freshman center (in the Frozen Four next weekend)
3. Travis Hamonic - Moose Jaw (WHL) defenseman
4. Rhett Rakhshani - Denver U. junior forward (could sign with NYI this summer)
Most Improved – Matt Martin, Sarnia (OHL) forward
Biggest Wild Card – Justin DiBenedetto, Sarnia (OHL) forward
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NYI LAUNCH SEASON SALES CAMPAIGN
The Islanders distributed a press release tonight announcing they have launched new season ticket sales and season plan renewals for the 2009-10 season.
According to the release, in addition to a price freeze, subscriber benefits for “next season and beyond” include “playoff options, giveaways, up to 20% off NYI merchandise and up to a $200 merchandise voucher.”
The team states that it has seen “season ticket renewals grow from 67% to 74% to 80% over the past three years and have steadily increased its season ticket base.” The club says “new season ticket sales for the 2009-10 season are 35% ahead of the same time last year.”
Islanders Group Sales ranks 4th in the NHL.
The press releases ends with this statement: “To demonstrate its appreciation for its fans, the Islanders’ successful two-year loyalty program has been extended in order to allow season ticketholders to enjoy significant savings and to lock in their current pricing in the future. The team is also offering a variety of extended payment terms and adding a host of extra benefits to all season ticket packages.”
Call 1.800.882.ISLES for details.
Comments.
65 Responses to TIM JACKMAN WINS THE NYSTROM AWARD
Islanders 3, Lightning 1, Avalanche salivating
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C.J. says:
It’s this simple… we need to drop our next 3… all in regulation.
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dlk1 says:
No way “Tanka” is as bad as they looked tonight.
We should have never traded Comrie!
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Pete says:
Comrie sucks
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Frank James says:
Yet another pyrrhic victory for the Isles.
If we do not get pick 1 or 2 this entire season to me has been a waste.
I love the Isles and the way the kids are playing. But you know what? Other teams have kids too. A lot of the kids on other teams are much better than ours- already.
So these victories are not getting us any closer to a Cup.
I enjoyed the Leafs-Isles series but i am not a fan who will be simply happy to get in and get bounced every year in the 1st or 2nd round. Then when management realizes that is as far as this squad can go they will rebuild again.
Hell no.
In my media room in my house amongst my sports memorabilia is a poster. It has Kurvers, Higue, and Vaske celebrating a goal.
It says on the poster 1993 Patrick Division Champions.
Remember back then the playoffs were divisional?
That coward Hunter took out Turgeon. Yet the Isles still knocked off the champion Penguins. If we would have beaten Montreal we could have won the Cup.That was 1993.
I had yet to graduate from St. Johns.
I was only 22.
I was 9 when they started winning Cups. That was so great to have your favorite sports team be THE team in all of sports.
Now it is 16 years later.
I have enjoyed our very limited playoff appearances since then.
But come on. It’s been a long time.
I think the Isles should just play Mannino and shut down whomever is dinged up.
I have enjoyed the progress of our kids.
I think they have a real good future.
But you knwo what?
Other teams have kids.
Kids who are already much better than ours.So I am not hoping that we can eke into the playoffs the next few years to be bounced in the 1st or 2nd rouns. Then management will say “it’s as far as thi sgroup can go and we are rebuilding (AGAIN).”
Hell no.
If the Avs (with their recent successes in comparison to us) or the Tanka Bay Bolts or the Kings (with all their better kids) or the Thrashers with Kovalchuk get #1 and we get bounced from the top 2 I don’t know if I can handle another 16 years of this.
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Strummer's Army says:
Loved Riechlecz and Fritz dominating. Loved the continued improved play of Bailey, Comeau, Josenuu etc not thrilled about the 2 points.
I’d love to have the same line up when we play Philly again!
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Sorry for the typos and restating some parts. It’s been a long day.
Have good night.
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Steve says:
I agree these wins are hurting us in the long run. But we did have a minor league roster out there. These kids just have heart.
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NYICHAMP39 says:
why god…why?
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Richie66 says:
God has nothing to do with this….its the Devil thats messing with us!!
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djd says:
didnt see the game – quotes from tampa goalie Mckenna indiacte they (Lightning)played hard and should have won….any truth or did our isles continue to play hard and deserve the win??
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Smokey says:
Yup, because that’s how the Devs and Wings do it. Tank for the #1 pick every year. No value at all in watching the kids you’re drafting develop beautifully. What a wasted season when you’ve seen as many as 5 kids (Bailey, Okposo, Bergenheim, Nielsen, and Comeau) show flashes telling us they can touch stud territory at some point in their careers. You sent your free agent defenseman to the All-Star game, and he’s signed at a bargain contract for 4 more years. Between him and Dougie Weight, plus what looks like an A+ draft, the Isles had the best offseason of any team in the NHL, and that includes the Red Wings, who brought in Marian Hossa. Your coach’s system is working with absolutely zero talent, your hard-working kids shut out the defending Stanley Cup champs on their own ice, and even guys who started the season by redefining “THE SUCK” have stepped their game up (Gervais and Tambellini). Your GM made a brilliant trade at the deadline and then an okay trade, both of which put you in position to have another monster draft. The season marked Year One of the rebuild, which is clearly taking a turn for the better. BUT NO. If we do not get Tavares or Hedman, THE SEASON IS LOST AND WE CANNOT POSSIBLY EVER WIN ANYTHING. News flash: a lot of people like Matt Duchene. A lot of people like Brayden Schenn. A lot of people like Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. But woe is me if we end up having to watch one of those scrubs for the next ten years.
If Ilya Kovalchuk, Rick Nash, Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, and Marc-Andre Fleury tell us anything, it’s that the #1 pick and a generational talent mean automatic championship. No doubt Boston, after trading the guy they drafted #1, was destined for perennial 1st and 2nd round exits forever and ever until they transmogrified into Tankasaurus Rex.
You all sound ridiculous. Either you have faith in the scouting and you’re along for the ride, or you can switch your allegiance when Tavares and Hedman get drafted. I for one thought this season had successful elements to it, and I’m excited for the future no matter where the boys in blue and orange end up on draft night.
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JZimm says:
Tonight’s win was not a killer. It’s only a killer if they get two more wins. I’m not concerned about catching TB. Carolina, Pittsburgh, Philly, and Boston are remaining. Don’t underestimate the value of home ice advantage. Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Philly are all playing for that. Home ice is particularly valueable at the 4-5 seeds. Which is what all three of these teams are playing for. And as much as the Devils have struggled, I don’t think that any of these teams want to draw them in the first round. So there is something for 3 of the 4 remaining opponents to play for. I think the Islanders might have one more win in them. That win will probably happen on the last day, when they host the Bruins. Assuming that the other 3 games are losses in regulation, they will not have won enough to crawl out of last.
The Avalanche do have a winnable game against the Stars remaining. They have two games against the Canucks, which are likely losses.
I look at it this way; I’m not upset about the wins. I think that a team that tanks is less likely to actually win the lottery or maintain the top pick. I commend the Islanders for not intentionally losing. I truly believe that if the Islanders do in fact finish last, they will be holders of the 1st overall pick in June.
From a fan’s perspective; trust me, the Avalanche fans are sweating it more than we are. We have to catch them, and I believe that they’ll get a “meaningless win/point” of their own. Making up 3 points is not going to be easy.
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Swan says:
Nicely done, Smokey.
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Alex Kinkead says:
Come on Avanlanche win a game for god’s sake!
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patrick says:
Jzimm
why do you think that a team that tanks is less likely to actually win the lottery or maintain the top pick?
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It’s karma, Patrick. It’s karma. Yeah, I know about the Penguins tanking 25 years ago. Mario is arguably the most talented player to ever play the game, but he was hurt a lot… hurt A LOT!! And the Senators tanked 16 years ago, and Alexandre Daigle hurt them a lot. So I do believe that there is blind justice and price to be paid for tanking. I do believe that the Avalanche do have one more win left in them. That win will likely come against the Stars.
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rb says:
when I saw Rechlicz and Fritz come out on the same line I immediately thought Hanson brothers…all that was missing were the black rim glasses!
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Daniel says:
Never in my life as an Islander fan have I watched games and have gotten angry when the other team misses shots/scoring chances. This is some situation we are in but it is definitely nice to know the future is bright for this franchise. I am really excited about next year, yet really nervous about Colorado. Does anybody think its possibly in their last 5 games to get a win and an OT loss? I really hope so because this race for 30th is becoming too stressful for me.
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When did the Devils and Wings tank?
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Let me echo the sentiments for Tim Jackman. He is a hard worker and a good guy to have on any team. I am proud he is an Islander.
As far as the game tonight goes, I have to ask: What in the world did some of you really want these guys to do tonight? What? Honestly. You cant just WILL guys to lose a game, it is not reality. I think that you all know that, too- but some of you have completely lost touch with rationality.
What is this complaining and worrying is POSSIBLY helping?
For anyone who is depressed or angry or freaking out or whatever, well- as far as I know nobody told you to get so attached to kids who have absolutely nothing to do with this organization and may NEVER have anything to do with this organization. Its fine for fans to evaluate talent. Its fine for fans to desire talent. But it is not normal & healthy for fans to get completely fixated on the imagined dream of some pimple faced kid dropping in from the proverbial sky and making everything perfect. Its not normal & healthy for fans to get to the point where they slam the players that their team is going to be counting on for years to come because they arent losers. If you chose to let yourself sink to that point without even attempting to keep things in check in your own mind, well- then you are now reaping what you sowed. Thats going to get a few people angry and Im sorry, but that really isnt why Im saying it. I am saying it because it is simply the truth. I am glad this team has been trying so hard. I respect it. I am glad that the Isles have young players that are showing promise at the NHL level. And yet you wont see me crying if the Isles get a top player in the draft. I know that the Isles could really use a top player- but unlike some people, I have not fixated on one specific player to the point of losing sight of everything else. I will be happy if the Isles work their butts off and this summer they are going to draft a talented kid that will hopefully at some point turn into a fine NHL player. Thats it. I know many disagree, but ultimately thats always it.
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Hey Chris, speaking of him, do you have any idea how Claude LaPointe is doing? Last Ive heard anything on him was the season with the Flyers when he had a lot of personal issues going on, I hope hes gotten all that straightened out?
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born83 says:
wow this game was a real shame. The only plus was Bailey scored with an assist from Comeau. Otherwise all we got out of it was an opportunity for 4th line Richard Park to pad his stats and Radek Martinek to suddenly get a useless goal.
We need this pick we don’t need these pointless wins esp when these wins aren’t even from points by Okposo, Nielsen and Tambs on top of Comeau/Bailey. Those are the only five guys along w/ maybe Jonessu and Hillen/Gervais I want to see produce. Andy Hilbert Tim Jackman Richard Park getting a point is no big deal since they aren’t going to develop into anything.
Hopefully we lose the last 4 four games. Actually we must lose the last 4 games.
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admin says:
Comment Guidelines:
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Julie says:
born83 – We can win 1 and tie 1 and still finish last.
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nystrom23 says:
Sad to say but i dont see them winning any of the last 4 games…2 will be close and the other 2 will look like how they played against montreal the other night
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hale says:
to post 13…..THANK YOU!!!!!!!
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Personally, I had mixed emotions tonight. While I attended my first game in over a month, I did so preparing for a good friends funeral. It was mentioned here earlier yesterday, but for this that don’t know, Robert **CEP** has apparently lost the battle he has faught for the last 6 years. While he certainly was controversial at times (especially when it came to **those** trolls and backstabbers in Sec 303), he wore his Islander colours on his sleeve 24/7. May he rest in peace.
Your friend,
Steve -
For those that are pondering why a true Islanders fan would have preferred that the Islanders lost on Saturday night. Take a peak at the standings on Sunday morning. We are now only three points behind Colorado. Tonight is the first time this season that I actually felt myself rooting against my team. Why? Because this was a “4 point” game in regards to our chances of getting the first pick in the draft (yes I know about 48.2%). Tampa Bay can now still tank their way to last overall. Colorado has not won an effing game since March 14th and is well on their way to last overall. The Isles need the 1st pick, not the 2nd, not the 3rd…
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Islander505 says:
Smokey #13
COMMENT OF THE YEAR.
(Despite the obvious violations of Botta’s length of comment rules).BRAVO SMOKEY!!
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Booten says:
Everyone stressing over the draft (myself not too long ago) and calling shenanigans if we don’t get the 1st pick needs to relax…there will be a lot of happy faces on islander fans after the draft, 1st overall pick or not…think about it.
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I love that our kids are developing.
But our kids simply are not as good as the kids on teams such as
Chicago- who missed the playoffs for only 6 or 7 years. Kane, Toews, Keith, Seabrook.
Los Angeles- Doughty, Johnson, Kopitar, Brown.
Boston- Kessel, Krecji, Lucic, Wheeler FA.
Phoenix- Turris, Boedker, Meuleer.
Did teams like Washington and Pittsburgh do it completely fair and square? I don’t know.
I am not saying 100% that I would take all those players over our own.
Just that it would be nice to add a clear cut #1 player like Tavares or Hedman.
Instead of settling for the next level.
It’s a terrible feeling not wanting your team to win every night.
But 16 years (of just not winning a playoff round- let alone an actual Cup) is too long to keep being patient.I want a clear cut top notch player.
Not another good player we have to wait to develop.
I love Nielson, Okposo, and Bailey but I want to add a STUD not a prospect.
Just one fans thoughts.
Have a good day everyone.
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Jimmy Mac says:
Colorado has to be able to get one point in the final five games.
Hopefully tonight… I can’t believe this is going to come down to next weekend.
St. Louis @ Colorado Sunday @ 5pm… could decide it all.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Congrats Timmy Jackman … I really can’t think of a player on this roster (regular or with callups) that best represent what Bobby Ny brought to the Islanders.
When I saw my first hockey game on TV in the Winter of ’76 … Bobby was the first player I noticed on the ice … tenacity.
I see the same thing in Jackman … Tim can play a big role in the future of this Isle team.
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I’m going to make a bold prediction …
The Islanders WIN … 3 of the last 4 games.
Beat Carolina.
Lose to Pens.
Beat Philly at Home.
Beat Boston (resting regs) at Home.Finish 28th overall as I do not see any more points out of Tampa and Colorado.
I think we should stop criticizing each other for wanting the Isles to win or lose. There’s been enough stress following this team. We all have our own reasonsf or a win or loss. The same people use this space to knock others who want a loss or a win because they feel it’s in the best interest of the organization.
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JoeRiverside says:
Isles can go 1-2-1 and finish last (assuming Colorado loses all their remaining games). So Isles can squeeze a win and an overtime loss. If Colorado gets 1 more pt, Isles can go 2-2-0 and still finish last. (Note: tie in pts go to Colorado as they have more wins).
JoeRiversideps – My Vote = Tavares (although, Hedman won’t kill me)
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Matt says:
I am glad the Islanders beat Tampa Bay last night. For a couple of years they seemed to have our number. Now we have gone 6-2 in our last 8 against them.
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Coach B says:
Good for Tim Jackman, worked hard to make himself a full time NHL player. On a prospect note, Matt Donovan (4th Round,2008) became the second straight Islanders defensive prospect to lead the USHL in defense scoring (19 goals,51 points). His team, Cedar Rapids are in the play-offs. Donovan goes to Denver University next season.
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I HATE … rooting against the Isles, but Frank James (32) pretty much lays out the reasons I want Tavares (1) or Hedman (2) … I like our kids … but even Okposo got overlooked for the young stars game.
We’ve mentioned how Detroit doesn’t have to finish last to be great. The Isles aren’t Detroit & we don’t have the greatest facilities, scouting & coaches in hockey. So since the Isles have a long way to prove in all departments … I’m more confident in the SURE thing than a good thing. I can’t explain my reasoning any simpler.
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BC says:
19IsleinNJ22(36), I think you are underestimating the teams we have left to play. Carolina, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are all fighting for playoff positioning, so the games against us are great games for them to pick up points on the other teams.
While I agree Boston may sit some of their regulars, its still the Bruins so a win against them is not assured.
I think that the team will finish at most 2-2 in these final four games, assuring us at least 29th, and maybe 30th, as the Avalanche are playing a game against the Stars, who I think they can beat. -
Tony says:
Tampa and Colorado should be ashamed of themselves. They are tanking and it’s obvious. Their veterans should be forced to retire for such an embarrassing showing on the ice. And both coaches should be fired. Disgusting!
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last time i checked..really good hockey players are drafted after the second pick in the draft
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Islesphan25 says:
I am telling you..Getting the 3rd pick will be a blessing. Matt Duchene will be a STUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Better fit for this team… Trade the other #1 and a #2 and get a Def. in the 12-15 range Defensemen. The Kids are playing well and thats all that matters….
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Edit to say…If we don’t get Tavares…I don’t want Hedman…
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cusi says:
Congrats and thank you Tim Jackman, for giving your all every night, standing up for your teamates, and the dedication & work you put in during the offseason on your skating. These things get noticed in New York!
How great was that play by Bruno to Comeau who taps to a streaking Bailey who finishes the breakaway! Youngs guys and a set play that was worked on in practice.
As far as rooting for them to win or lose. Does it matter? Do you as a fan have an affect on the outcome of the game? No, so just sit back and watch the postivies that come across your way and know you can not control the negatives, so let it go. I think learned this rule in following my sports teams when i was 9. -
Chris, when you get a chance, do you think you can talk about today’s article by Bruce Garrioch talking about how he has a source that said John Tavares does not want to play for the Islanders.
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CJCB says:
Matt Duchene is a great option for the Isles and in my opionion the guy that will probably be the BSET player in the draft when we look back at it in 10 years.
We are in a great postion any way you look at it for this draft. The one thing i would NOT do is trade one of the top 3 picks to move down, the top 3 are hands down the BEST in the draft. -
doc says:
I think CB has put the “TAVARES DOESN’T WANT TO PLAY FOR THE ISLANDERS” rumors to sleep on more than one occasion.
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#47…i hear ya. duchene will probably be a nice player but he is 5’10 and this team needs to get bigger. i understand tavares is 6′ but we have enough small guys on our roster. jeff tambellini is listed at 5’11 but i have stood next to him and he looks to be around 5’8 maybe 5’9.
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15 years of failure has many fans obviously happy with just being decent. As a bunch of people here and on other boards do not even care with we draft the BPA. Amazing, just amazing.
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(46) Bruce Garrioch doesn’t have anything. Bruce would have no idea what John Tavares wants. Tavares is already on record to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN and Hockey Night in Canada saying he’d join the Islanders. Bruce Garrioch once wrote that the Penguins were trading Evgeni Malkin to the Kings. I don’t want to give that BS any more credence so that will be the end of that subject. Waste of everyone’s time. Thank you and have a good day…CB
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prediction: Isles will get 4 pts out of the 4 games left, finish with 65pt. Colo will get 2 pts out of the 4 remaining games. Isles will end up with #2 after the lottery and Colo will get the first pick. just the luck of the draw, Isles select Hedman at #1. Steit and Hedman not a bad combo on the power play. I can live with that!!
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John R. says:
#13 Smokey, I did not read any further because your post hit the nail on the head! Thank you for pointing out the lunacy in this backward thinking. Some people have actually convinced themselves that without one of the top two picks the Isles will never succeed. Unbelievable. On another note regarding the ice girls and their skates. Is there any way we can stop them from wearing flesh colored stockings over the skates? What is the thinking there? Are we supposed to be fooled into thinking they’re in bare feet?
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I would just like to point out that I’m not taking any side when it comes to whether I want the team to win or lose. OFCOURSE it would be great to secure the top pick and to lose enough games to get us that chance. My problem comes in with the incesent whining over winning games. Am I happy that they’re gaining points, NO. But am I going to cry about it as if they’re doing something wrong to the fans by playing hockey, definitely not. That would be sensless right? Am I wrong in my thinking here? Why get yourself worked up into a frenzy over something that is completely out of your control? It is what it is. The Isles are doing everything they can to lose the games. 5 call ups to Tampa Bays 2. Team full of young kids with our third string goaltender leading the way. How in the world can anyone be mad at the team for not losing when they’re doing everything in their power (except not showing up to the rink) to lose.
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Lastly, Tampa Bay got the first pick in last years draft, they don’t seem to be setting the world on fire to me.
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Peter says:
The Islanders are doing everything they can possibly do. All they can really do is bring up players from the minors and give them a lot of time, which is what they’ve been doing. In addition, players aren’t playing unless they’re 100% healthy. They can’t realistically do anything more to “tank.” Whatever happens, happens. We’re going to get a top notch player, and they’re going to join a group of young players that are turning out to be better than most fans could have hoped. Just enjoy the ride.
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Michael from T.O. says:
I don’t understand why people here are complaining of the Isles winning. Even if they end last, they still are not guaranteed the first pick in the draft. I understand everyone here wants Tavares or Hedman, but as some have said give me Duchene (who I think is a great fit here) and I’m just as happy.
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Does anyone know what time the draft is? I heard it is at 1pm…but I thought it was 7-8 pm…Can anyone confirm this..
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John R,
So getting a lower pick than the first is better…great logic there. -
kabbage19 says:
Look around the league. How many really great players were not drafted in the #1 or #2 position? Some of them weren’t even drafted in the first round!
It would be great to get the #1 pick and choose the player that is projected by the Scouting service to be the best, but there’s no guarantee that that player always turn out to be the best.
There is a lot of value in developing your existing young players because anyone that knows anything about hockey knows that one player does not win Stanley Cups by himself.
I say keep developing the kids. If that means we get the #3 or #4 pick then we pick a great player at #3 or #4. As it stands right now, we have 5 of the top 60 picks in this year’s draft which seems to be a very deep draft. I think we have a very good scouting staff that’s not afraid to stand behind their picks and not necessarily concur with the status quo.
Rebuilding the team from where it was at takes time and the courage to stick to the plan (drafting and developing players). Not all of the players drafted last year and this year will end up playing on the Islanders, some will be traded for the Butch Gorings when the time is right. I like our odds.
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MikeD0043 says:
CB, how is Kevin Colley doing?
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IslanderFAN says:
Wooohoo..finally Colorado wins a game 4-1 over the Canucks (less then a minute remaining) this win might be a key one that will give the Isles the first pick!
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Out of all this draft craziness, one can reach only one conclusion:
BOBBY NYSTROM IS THE BEST EVER.
I agree Chris, every time I have met Bobby Ny he has never let me down. I remember my very first Islanders game and in 1975 and noticing #23. (There weren’t any names on the back of the jerseys then.) As I got older, I came to admire him as much for his generousity and kindness to fans as his play on the ice. In 1980, I think I cheered more loudly than humanly possible when the Isles won game 6, because it was Bobby who scored the OT goal. To me, Bobby is the ultimate role model. Fierce and strong on the ice, kind and giving off of it. Today’s hockey players should all take notes.
Larry F.
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rob says:
Top Prospects Section. How exactly does Jason Gregoire, a freshman at North Dakota, get left of the list? He had a great freshman year and played well in the tourny despite an OT loss to UNH. He was one of the best players on the ice in that game.
terrible win.