DUCHENE, TAVARES NAMEPLATES AT COLISEUM
Hey, Burkie and Jaff said it would be a forward!
UPDATED at 4:40 pm - The well-respected Eric Duhatschek says almost everyone around the draft floor thinks the No. 1 pick will be Matt Duchene. Yes!
Islanders Point Blank on Twitter
PB reader Jeff K, in town for the Draft Party and staying at the Marriott, just walked over to the Coliseum. At the merchandise kiosk he spotted a stack of TAVARES nameplates in clear view among other closed boxes. That jives with a story we heard recently: the Islanders are prepared to personalize jerseys tonight for TAVARES or DUCHENE and will just throw out the ones they don’t use. If this means anything, it’s just that they are drafting one of them – not both. Relax. But why no nameplate love for HEDMAN? Comments. Get in your predictions below.
221 Responses to DUCHENE, TAVARES NAMEPLATES AT COLISEUM
Hey, Burkie and Jaff said it would be a forward!
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IslesfanND says:
AHHHHH my adrenaline is PUMPING right now. can’t wait for 7 o’clock to role around
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Harold C says:
I can’t fathom they take Duchene over Tavares at this point… T minus 3:43 and counting.
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damn. maybe this is a hint that they are looking to trade up to number 3 as well hahaha
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WM says:
Isles are trading their # 1 pick to Colorado for their # 3 (Duchene) and Jon-Michael Liles. WOO-HOOO!!!!!
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islestherapy says:
i just thew up.
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Jason says:
probably a trade with Tampa Bay for the No. 2 pick – seeing as how Tampa is one of the few organizations more dysfunctional than us at the moment.
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NYI Pole says:
oh boy oh boy oh boy i am so freakin nervous i cant WAIT WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 24k sold hehe
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felix says:
Why would they make jerseys with duchene if they are not picking him? or for that matter why would they make jerseys for any player they did not intend to pick?
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SCLI says:
Could it be possible that there is some astronomical, mind boggling, blockbuster of a deal to be announced tonite that will somehow land us both tavares and duchene? What do we have that would interest Colorado that much to pass on Duchene?
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Marc says:
It would kind of suck if this was true if in fact there was any chance of using Hedman as a decoy (ie, forcing Tampa to trade up to #1 to get him, or asking Tampa for a draft pick for the Isles NOT to select him #1.)
In any case, let’s hope it’s JT or BOTH JT & Duchene. If it’s just Duchene, the Coliseum will be demolished tonight.
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alex says:
Cb, could it b JT and Duchene?
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NYI-fan-in-NC says:
Tavares AND Duchene will both be Islanders. Something is big brewing. Or, at least I can hope that something big is brewing.
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Brendan says:
Interesting. NYI-fan-in-NC, something big brewing would definately jive with what Jaffe supposedly said earlier on NHL live.
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I say snow must be a genius, we draft Tavares at #1, and then trade two picks this year and next years first rounder and a player to colorado for this years #3. JT and Duchene? isn’t that far of a stretch, is it?
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Tavered OR Duchene? Or Tavares AND Duchene. C’mon CB, you say this jives with a story you recently heard but you don’t tell us what that story is. What are you trying to do to your faithful readers?!? I don’t drink but I may just make you buy me a $1 beer.
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Giaco says:
Imagine a line of
Okposo Duchene Tavares
Bergie Baily ComeauOk OK lets stop dreaming guys.
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steve says:
JT welcome to Long Island.
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smitty says:
Sounds like a good bet for Tavares!
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Smokey says:
#14, I swear I have some sort of premonition that the Islanders are gonna deal for the #2. That or I belong in a mental institution.
Uh oh.
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bergie20 says:
i would imagine the plan is to take tavares unless tampa or colorado blows snow away with an offer to move down, in which case we probably take duchene.
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Izzy Franchise says:
I don’t understand what’s being insinuated here. LOL
You mean to tell me after a shroud of secrecy, someone let nameplates be seen in clear sight? unless they don’t care if we know anymore?
or are we to believe we’re gonna be either or, or both?!
WHAT THE FRIG?!?! ARGHHHH!
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Matt says:
I have this sick feeling that Josh Bailey won’t be a member of the New York Islanders after tonight. I do not know why but I think he will be part of a deal to the Avs for the number 3 pick where we will take Duchene.
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admin says:
I tweaked my original post to clear up any misunderstanding. All it likely means is they’re drafting one of them (you know who I said they are taking). They’ll throw out the ones they don’t use…CB
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Defensewins says:
Why would they make nameplates of two draftees? Either they are trying to keep the suspense for the guys at the NVMC, or something big is going down tonight!
Tavares-Duchene-Okposo
Bergenheim-Bailey-Comeau
Tambellini-Nielsen-HunterSick!!
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drouin says:
Obviously they have a deal in place to get the #3 and are taking both
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Macch says:
Tavares jerseys are a smoke screen to the world: Duchene is the pick…
God I hope not
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Mike79 says:
If Snow lands them both I will never say a bad word about him.
I would trade the 26Th and the 3rd 2nd rounders to land Tavares and Duchene.
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mw147 says:
There might be Hedman ones there too, just that no one saw them.
Still could be any of the 3.
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#25/CB
They know who they are drafting first overall(per the words of Snow). If they know who they are drafting first, why would the need two players’ nameplates?
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bcarey says:
Colorado must really not be too high on Duchene if they are willing to part ways with that pick for a first rounder next year and a few later picks this year.
Unless Okposo is on his way out of town, not happening.
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kreatiiv says:
i love it a video on tsn.ca with brisson, tavares and duchenes agent, and he said garth is great at being sarcastic and keeping everyone in the dark and in his 20 years as an agent at the draft he has never seen a situation like this where nobody really knows who is going to go where…. if garth’s intention was to keep everyone guessing up to the last minute he did it brilliantly and was sort of complimented by brisson for how he has done it. great to watch!
if garth DOES pick tavares here, he will be considered brilliant not for making the obvious pick but for keeping the entire league, sports writers, agents…. the entire industry in a fog…. not easy to do… if he takes JT, he gains a great deal of respect from me and most likely the entire ensemble of the NHL as a gm and would probably give the isles more respect from the players as well.
now pick tavares!!
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bruce says:
how do you know hedmans name wasn’t in the unopened box. also could be another decoy to think he’s picking one of them and then takes hedman. you never know with garth
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Garth! Why has thou forsaken us??!?!
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Dennis says:
It could be that they might trade down to the #3 and take Duchene. I can’t see them getting both.
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Eye on the island says:
Does anyone else have this nausiating feeling in their stomach right now
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Willis says:
He’s saying “either”, not both, Izzy.
Crap.
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Nick says:
You guys must be nuts to think theyd get both Tavares and Duchene. Stop drinking the kool aid. They may deal #1 to Colorado to get a prospect or later pick and then draft Duchene with #3, but other than that its gonna be straight up.
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Klynch says:
I am willing to bet you there was a Hedman there and no one saw them.
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dose says:
“RELAX?”
whad’ya kiddinm me?
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I know. I just like to dream big
In all likely-hood, there were Hedman nameplates as well, but they just weren’t seen.
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Whatchu talkin about Willis?!
Yeah, i hear ya. Just had to jump to my own conclusion for a sec…
I’m feeling a lil queezy ova here! lol
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of course there was a Hedman there you fools! NOBODY knows who the hell Garth is taking, but one thing’s for sure, it ain’t gonna be 2 of the 3! Stop dreaming!
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Mike says:
No chance we get both. Let’s all calm down and focus on what Garth does with the #1 pick. Don’t let stupid nameplates play with your emotions.
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Enzo says:
This is nuts. It’s just exhausting being an Islander fan. Can’t they do anything normal?
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Rich says:
No more prediction time. It’s time to just sit back (or try to) and see what unfolds..
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Paul says:
Not going to happen but what if they did trade for Tampa’s #2. They take Duchene 1st overall and just when everyone’s about to walk out of the Coliseum we hear “We have a trade to announce” and we take Tavares #2….one can dream.
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either way you have to give a lot of respect to Garth for keeping the pick a secret for this long. I’m sure something would have gotten out with a lot of other teams
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max says:
The only way we get 2 of the 3 is if we package okposo, the 26th pick,the 37th pick, and a prospect for colorado’s 3rd overall pick.
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Pedro says:
It’s been said consistently that only Garth, Wang, and RJ know who the pick will be at this point … thus, probably just the merchandise people being prepared. I want Tavares, BUT if we are taking Duchene it would help to get something from Colorado (as no one really has Duchene ranked at #1).
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Hypothetically, If Isles offered #26, #31, and next years 1st rd pick to Colorado, do they make the deal? Is having JT and MD on our team this year worth that? I really think its possible to get into the 2-5 pick range if the deal is overwhelming. We have the assets to overwhelm. But is it worth the price?
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anthony c says:
I’m running on about 4 or 5 hours of sleep. I am somehow still awake, and my anxiety has been through the roof since I woke up. Its has to be Tavares, cause the only people that would be left at the coliseum if tavares isn’t selected will be the ones tearing the place apart. I’ve said this over 100 times and I am saying it for the last time. TAVARES OR BUST!!!
3 hours 15 minutes before we see either the rebirth of the islanders or the beginning of the end.
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How many Duchene nameplates will they really need on hand? I hope the vendors at the jersey customization stations brought a good book to read if he’s our pick. JT on the other hand, the lines will stretch out to Hempstead Turnpike.
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BB says:
The reason they got the name-plates of both, or all 3, is that if they got just Tavares plates or just Duchene plates then the people who work at the Coliseum and unpack them would know who they are picking and could let the word out. Snow has kept this a secret for so long and would not let something that easy slip by him.
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So neither of the players or their agents know, but the color guy, beat writer, and national analysts do? Hell no. It’s gonna be Johnny boy. It’s got to.
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Frankie Boy says:
just like the new black eye peas song goes” i gotta a feeling, that tonights gonna be a goodnite.” Tavares welcome to Long Island.
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isles99 says:
you know what…i hope they trade bailey, 26th, 31st, and 91st for duchene so we can have both
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Joe says:
One question, if 90% of fans want Tavares and they draft Duchene how many people do they expect to buy a jersey and customize it for him. I would be shocked if they get both but I know they won’t. I want to hear John Tavares’ name 1st overall by the New York Islanders!!!
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StevieL says:
Gasing up the car and heading out to NVMC! Gotta be there!! Anybody know where “Big Van Vader” is sitting? I don’t want to be launched thru the jumbotron!LOL! He won’t launch anyone. Tavares will be an islander tonight!
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Numbers65 Dynasty Era Fan in OHIO! says:
UGH! JUST PICK JT! 3 hours 7 minutes to go. Don’t make us sick!
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Long Suffering says:
I’m starting to feel like Snow might do the right thing…impossible to rationalize taking Duchene over JT. So it must be JT. Not long now…
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Frei says:
No Tavares = Garth Snowbury
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GPMD says:
Never thought I’d see such an extensive conversation stemming from the topic of nameplates.
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kevin fitz says:
Ahhhhh!!!!!! soooo close! I want this to get here so I can be disappointed and pissed and get it over with! This is my last theory why I believe they will pick JT. Ken Morrow was OVERJOYED after winning the lottery. Why would that be? If they wanted Duchene from the start, they would not have cared if they won the lottery. The worst they could have been drafting is number 2. And you know the Islanders are the only organization that would pick Duchene over Tavares or Hedman. I mean it is the Clippers, I mean Islanders.
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You all know its gonna be Duchene, right? Jaffe and Logan arent gonna be wrong. The Isles have been laying groundwork for Duchene all week, and what other reason would they have for keeping dead silent unless they thought they could leverage #1 and trade it to get #3/Duchene
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Here’s my question if the Islanders have the name plates ready… we’re widely assuming JT would wear #91. What number would Duchene take?
How can we do jerseys without knowing numbers?
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That’s a lot of nameplates to buy just to keep the guessing going. (I kinda like it!) But THROW OUT what they don’t use, CB? Don’t these things cost money?
On the other hand, looks like we might be getting one of the top 3 at least …. as opposed to trading down to get number 9 or something!
So that’s a positive! (yay)
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BringBackNyles says:
BB hit the nail on the head, if the Isles had just ordered one name , everyone from the front office to the janitor discarding the boxes would know the first pick.
It’s the same theory that TV uses when filiming a big episode (the last Seinfeld had three endings I believe filmed)
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# 67 the islanders probably asked duchene during interviews what number he would wear.
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Brian G says:
My Friend called me from the Coliseum and said there are already between 1,000 to 1,500 people hanging out in the parking lot. How many more people could show up?
(its only 4:15pm) -
Jake says:
DOES ANY ONE KNOW WHAT TIME THE 1ST PICK. I HAVE SEEN 7:10 BETTMAN TAKES PODIUM I HAVE ALSO SEEN 7:15.
I leave work at 7.. I need to know how many speed laws and lights I need to run.
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IslesHostage says:
The Islanders still will stink next year. The first round pick will qualiy for the nottery next year in all likelihood. Colorado gets a late first rounder this year, a first rounder in the Kabanov/Hall draft next year and the second rounders.
And the Bolts could screw up and pick Duchene with their ownership, leaving us Tavares AND Hedman!
It’s improbable but not unreasonable.
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SIR WILLIAM says:
It’s JT. Bet on it………Sir William
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You know, I’m excited whoever they choose of the top three. You can make a case for any of the three. Sure, Tavares would be nice from a sniper’s point of view, but I think Hedman or Duchene would fit Gordon’s system better – but they would take longer to develop into the stars.
I trust Garth and whatever the group decides.
He isn’t Milbury.
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mike says:
On my way to Coliseum. My ticket says “subject to available seating”. I will be pissed if I don’t get in because the Isles gave away 24,000 tickets to an arena that only holds 16,000. I hope the scouting squad has more common sense than the ticket people. PICK TAVARES!!!!
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Danielle says:
Oh man, it’s gonna be PACKED by the time I can get there if there are already people hanging out at 4 pm. I HOPE THIS ISN’T A WASTE OF A DRIVE OUT THERE!
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Hey Smitty, You cant possibly be an Islander fan. Your much to calm. LOL
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lefty says:
I agree with smitty. although i’m really only happy with a forward. please don’t burn me or smitty’s house down after garth chooses Duchene and you guys get done burning down the collesium.
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This is just a feeling, but Snow may grab Landon Ferraro just to make up for Mad Mike not taking Parise. Just a feeling….Sir William
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hes not choosing duchene unless he traded down and he sed he wouldnt trade down only up
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Jake, you’ve gotta leave before 7, there’s no way you can take that chance and miss it! Start with the ”
stomach ache” now!!!! -
Who’s “system” doesn’t have room for a 50-goal Stud?
If the answer is Gordon’s, then get his ass out of here.
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Dennis says:
jt all the way, but i’m not sure this is what snow will do. either way, i think we have to take a page from Americans who support the troops but not a war…boo the pick if you don’t like it but applaud the kid when he’s interviewed (if you’re still in the nvmc, and if it’s still standing!)
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Jim says:
I don’t, for a moment, believe there are NO Hedman nameplates. If there were only three people that knew the pick then who autherized the use of TWO nameplates? The peopele that make these things would kow that Hedman was OUT and that would have gotten out to the public. It also stands to reason that if there really are only three people that know that there are three nameplates, as it would be REDICULOUS to have personalization stations and possibly NOT have a nameplate of the guy picked. CB is correct, this means NOTHING. They will have all threee nameplates somewhere in the kiosks
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fwb says:
The interesting thing with the jerseys are – we assume that Tavares would be #91 – but Duchene wore #9 – you know he ain’t getting that on the Isle – what jersey would they print up for Duchene if its him? Tavares would be easy to print … just a thought.
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tim says:
wayyyy to excited. I agree with most though, Tavares makes too much sense. I just can’t wait till this is over and I can relax.
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i’m thinking about what nick said and,
uh-oh. -
Pauly G says:
Anyone ever think that they labelled the boxes with different names but the contents of the box only say TAVARES ???????
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Brian says:
I want to believe, but this is the Islanders we’re talking about here. If It’s JT, I’m celebrating with some quality craft beer. If it’s Duchene or Hedman, I’m going on a JD bender.
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Rish31 says:
I hope that bergie20 has it right because that was my thought. Tavares is the pick unless an offer they can’t refuse comes along. Since the draft last year I have had my hopes set on Tavares and in a few hours I hope that Okposo and Bailey get the dynamic player they need to play the next 10+ years on LI with!
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Tom B says:
I CAN’T TAKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PLeaseeeeessessessssessesesseeesse take Tavares! -
Rebecca(and Baby P) says:
There had to be some Hedman love there, just hidden away (or that’s what I will keep telling myself)
I will be stoked with Tavares but I will probably remain more stoked to see Okposo this coming season. (if they get rid of Okposo I will be a very hormonal/pissed pregnant women)
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“Anyone ever think that they labelled the boxes with different names but the contents of the box only say TAVARES ???????”
They might Rabbit, they might.
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If we lose Okposo Then I want Duchene too. NO WAY Okposo goes. he’se home grown, we need guys like him to build this back up.
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Thats possible but i think some of the sales peoples probably took a peak inside the boxes but idk
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who’s this well respected guy sayin the Isles are taking Duchene? why is everything falling apart around us?!?!
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Bridge says:
“The well-respected Eric Duhatschek says almost everyone around the draft floor thinks the No. 1 pick will be Matt Duchene. Yes!”
Why yes?!?
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Isle be Damned says:
2 hours and 15 minutes to go
aggghhhhhhhhhhhimagine if the NYI drafted #1 & then moved up to #2 or 3 as well. That would be insanity. As long as they don’t give up Streit or Okposo that would be incredible. But that is so unlikely that I’ll just curb my enthusiasm right here.
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I am gonna laugh if Garth fooled everyone. Just saying.
It’s a lot more likely, though, that this guy is right. I’m getting a Duchene jersey just to spite you all.
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Vinny says:
NOOO! Not Duchene. Snow better pick John Tavares!!
Dont mess this up Garth. Enough is enough!
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everyone should chant JOHN TAVARES! so snow could see on the cameras that we want JT so he doesn’t embarsse us
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whos eric duhatsek
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CT Isles Fan says:
f-f-f-f-fooolin’ – def leppard
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enuhmeofthestayt says:
this site is famous: from the “tavares” blog
The NY fans should put some blame on that guy , that runs that Blog- He is a pain & has made things difficult with all his hype
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Right on Tom B on post #96
as far as #95, it made me giggle… If that were true we have some people who need to swap jobs (some people who Think for some who don’t like to think so much) -
RickyRed says:
Duchene? F Me.
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Well I guess it is going to be JT then! When everyone thinks the Islanders are going to do something, they always do the opposite! Let’s go Clippers, I mean Islanders!
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Jeff says:
I don’t know what to think anymore. I am nervous. Time to leave and go to Nassau Coliseum. My heart is punding.
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Who the heck is Eric Duhatschek? Please be Tavares or Hedman. Please…
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Dont Hurt Us Again says:
A glimpse into the future if the Islanders draft Duchene:
Tampa picks Tavares, he turns into the next Crosby and Tampa wins the cup within 5 years. The Islanders fanbase is deflated after the pick – ticket and merchandise sales decrease, the lighthouse project falls through, Wang sells the team and the team moves to KC.
ALL BECAUSE SNOW AND COMPANY FELT THE NEED TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MIKE MILBURY AND THINK THEY ARE SMARTER THAN 90% OF THE SCOUTS, EXPERTS AND FANS OUT THERE WHO SAY TAVARES SHOULD BE THE #1 PICK.
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Joe says:
I hope you are wrong Cb…
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Ugly Roe From Massapequa says:
Would anyone be willing to trade Okposo straight up for Duchene?
If Duchene is the next Joe Sakic, then yes, I would.
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Michael says:
i just cant wait until this is all over and we get ourselves one heck of a hockey player….
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Michael says:
I can’t believe I’m about to drive to Nassau Colisuem to watch my GM draft **** Matt Duchene. This is incredible.
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Eric Duhatschek is a writer for teh Globe and Mail…so grain of salt taken with that one.
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dk7937 says:
That update just ruined the time from now up until 7:15.. i hope this guy is wrong
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I am sorry. I am just not a fan of Duchene. He reminds me of Josh Bailey, which I am not saying is bad, but we already have Josh Bailey. We don’t need a billion two way centers. We need someone who can put a puck from point A into point B(note: point B is in the net). Or we need a young stud defenseman.
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*I am now staying home
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I cant believe you guys keep deluding yourselves. Face it- ITS DUCHENE. Thats why they’ve played this so close to the chest. They’re trying to leverage the #1 pick.
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guys duhatshek is a sports journalist from canada
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I agree, i like Duchene but we don’t need a player like that we have bigger needs. BTW you don’t hear anyone saying they would trade up for him, just JT and VH…..that tells me something.
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let’s not lose sight of what’s important here: that brian burke doesn’t get tavares. that blowhard needs to get knocked down a few pegs.
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tim says:
nick – you are probably right. it’s foolish to take duchene at #1, so the isles kept it a secret to try to move down 1 or 2 spots. but if they can’t get any value for the move, then they will take duchene anyway. foolish, but true.
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i am still holding out hope its JT. The Canadian media doesn’t want Tavares anywhere near Long Island so I think we should just all wait until 7.
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Jim says:
I just know Garth is going to mess this up.
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dmoney says:
So, 2 hours before the draft it gets leaked? I doubt that is the case, but gotta admit with all the grandstanding I do think Garth is about to disappoint a lot of people.
One reason I am not for MD and would rather see JT is the possibility that MD could end up back in juniors next year. Lately, #1s are NHL ready, and we are gonna pass over two NHL ready players (by all accounts JT and VH are there) that could fill holes that exist in the roster now? So that means more 3rd and 4th liners to fill those holes, instead of the guy projected by all to be a flat-out scorer (including Bowman who says he could lead the league in scoring) or a cornerstone D-man? More importantly, did anyone see how many goals a guy like Crosby scores from below the dots in the playoffs, if not right in front of the net where coaches are always asking their players to be? Again, by all accounts, JT scores most of his goals the same way–he’s in the right place at the right time in a lot of ways, including at the top of this draft class, and Snow is gonna pass on him.
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Bill says:
Guys…..we need to face reality…the pick is going to be Duchene and let’s face it…once you become employed by the Islanders your brain and common sense are removed during the interview process (excluding you CB, since you had the common sense to get out while you could)!
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Bob says:
On XM they are saying Duchene as well, hopefully plus a pick….
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Why did the Isles trade down last year? Bc they knew they could get Bailey at 9. If we are keeping the #1, its gotta be JT..
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Well, I am not going to the draft party. Just called my friends and we are opting to stay home.
So make the pick Garth, but you just lost 4 fans if it’s true. I’ll watch from home, and next time you go off the board, you’ll do it without 4 more fans.
This franchise is pathetic and sickening.
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the islanders won’t take duchene number one overall they would only take him if they traded down and i think whoever put the comment about eric duhatschek saying everyone thinks the isles are picking duchene is bs
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I’d question anything coming from anyone in the media right now, especially the Canadian media. It’s well known that they DON’T want to see JT go to the Island so I’m sure they’ll do their damndest to make people think it’s not happening.
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derek says:
WTF??? If that’s the case Garth truly is an idiot…get prepared to be the laughing stock of pro sports for another 15 years.
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rb says:
if we take Duchene I feel really bad for Andy Hilbert because Duchene is gonna slide right into that 4th line role for the next 8-10 years
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RHL Vin says:
The Islanders will again blow it on draft day just like they blew it trading Luongo, trading Spezza and getting useless Yashin, trading down last year, drafting worthless Nilsson and passing on Parise.
Finally after years of disapointment there is some real excitement around this team and the fans can finally see some light coming from the end of a long tunnel. And now it appears that Snow is gonna destroy that excitement. It is a sickening feeling that after all these years we can’t just do the RIGHT thing. Everything this team does is a mess. From the Fishsticks logo, to the Muller saga, the years of stupidity letting Milbury run the team, the Neil Smith /Pat LaFontaine fiasco, acquiring Trevor Linden and trading McCabe, Bertuzzi, and Jokinen and getting close to nothing in return,…….and now add not drating Taveras to the list.
I cant take this team anymore……all they do is let you down. And tonite they will just let us all AGAIN. I am seriously sick to my stomach.
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just read on the TSN blog site that everyone in the building is aware that atlanta’s fourth pick overall is up for grabs… i wonder if garth is planning on swinging some deal with the other top two teams to grab both players with atlanta’s #4?
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#130….yea hopefully plus another pick…yea lets just give up the best players for more picks.
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Ok….I’m not questioning the credibility of the report, but let’s consider two things. The report indicates that GMs “think” it will be Duchene. If Snow, Wang, and Jano are truly the only three that know who the pick is, then it doesn’t really matter what the guys on the floor “think.”
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db says:
please cb give us some good news. do you still think its tavares because i just threw up in my mouth.
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Mario says:
Duchene is Jamie Lundmark, remember him, that’ what I mean
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Probably Done says:
Call me not a true fan, or whatever, but I stuck with this team through hardships and hardships. However, if they are inane enough to pass on this golden opportunity, I am probably done. Please for the sake of this franchise don’t select Mash Baichene.
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he is more like a lundmark/brendl type lol
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CB – any chance that garth could pick tavares and swing a deal with colorado using atlanta’s #4 to grab duchene at #3?
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I’m Canadian…Duhatshek is about as respected as an anal wart.
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PLEASE CHRIS TELL US WHAT YOU THINK.. THIS IS NOT FAIR. I AM GOING CRAZY..
Is our GM really about to do something this crazy? This is so unfair. SOOO unfair.
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If wang’s decision is figured into this than the isles are definitely taking tavares because that means MONEY
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cb where are you please respond my finger hurts from hitting refresh
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So CB, do you still have Tavares at 80% in the snojanks! report?
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- Or Wang REALLY wants out and this pick will push the fans away, the lighthouse will fail and he gets to move out from under this debt…just thought
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A guy ssaid that eric duhatschek is not credible at all
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right on derek, that is good news. Guess most of us didn;t get that CB’s post was probably meant to be sarcastic…
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Tim says:
Exactly! If they dont take JT, the fans will be so pissed no one will care about the Lighthouse. If they DO take JT the fan support will be at its greatest. DONT F THIS UP!!!!
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I believe the chant we’re looking at here is “SNOW BLOWS”
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Millsie says:
Maybe their plan is to draft Duchene so that the 18,000 people at the Coliseum can start the demolition work on the old barn for them.
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At this moment I am SO HAPPY I spent the $$ I saved for a Tavares jersey on new pair of skates.
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Didn’t Snow say the decision was pretty much unanimous a week ago and he also said it was the same player he had baack in April. Doesn’t that eliminate duchene
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CB give us updates……… PLEASE
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Atlanta’s 4th pick in the draft is available- I say Garth throws them the #26, #31, and Jesse Joensuu or another draft selection.
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CB.. you need to give an update because you have an entire fanbase freaking out now.
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butch91 says:
I just hope they didn’t order too many Duchene name plates for tonight, something tells me if they draft him they will be stuck with many boxes of unused nameplates! As well as unused seats for this season, after that we will all be fooled at least temporarily to believe Duchene is better then we will watch tavares play and be pi$$ed off again. I just believe they know this as well and will do the right thing.
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Stevie10703 says:
Duhatshek I believe is the guy that’s always on CBC’s “Satellite Hotstove” during the Hockey Night in Canada telecasts and I’ve never seen a prediction he’s made become reality. Most of the time he’s wrong when he talks about the trade rumors that are out there during the season. I pray he continues that trend tonight. Then again, you throw enough darts you eventually do hit the bullseye once and these are the Isles.
TO one of the posters who said that Duchene reminds him of Bailey and we have enough 2 way centers, Bailey isn’t really that good in the defensive zone and that was one of the pre-draft knocks on him last year that he needed improvement in that area.
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isles 14 says:
there is no way we are not taking jt.snow is messin with us.right?
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Okay, I’ve gotta go to the airport and pick up my niece who’s stranded there and then drive her 3 hours north so her Mom (who lives 3 hrs farther north) can meet us and get her. So it looks like Willis is not gonna know what happened until muchmuchmuch later. Bummer!
But guys, it’s gonna be JT. Put a smile on, lets get some good positive thinking going and lets go islanders!Cmon, GOOD VIBES!!!
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Its John Tavares. Snow is no dummy. By allowing all of you to argue, discuss, fight and cry over who will be picked #1 by the Islanders he is renewing interest in this dead franchise. When was the last time the Isles were the main topic of conversation? When? During the 80′s and when Milbury destroyed the the franchise. Snow is rebuilding it. Everyone is talking about the Islanders. Have faith. The pick is John Tavares. End of story
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WarrenG says:
Damm the wait is killing me, less then 2 hours left. I am still hoping for JT, it would help to see more scoring when im dropping 140 bucks each year for the CENTER ICE package on DTV. I just hope dumbass Dolan fixes his fued with others and we get our HD BACK!! JT is MONEY!!!
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Froggy says:
Cb – still think it’s jt?
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draft party starts in 2 minutes
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Once again, we are the freaking laughing stock of the NHL…….! If any Islander fan goest to support the lighthouse project after they don’t pick Tavares, they are out of their minds!
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Bily Jaffe said, TODAY, that Snow has kept an eye on Duchene ALL YEAR. So, at the lottery he already KNEW he was high on Duchene and his play down the streach, and in the playoffs, solidified it…
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this is killing me.
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is there a pre-draft show in versus? anyone know?
and wouldn’t it be nice if ESPN at least MENTIONED the draft? I mean, I know they’re not broadcasting it, but, come on!
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When does coverage begin on NHL Network and Versus? I am not going to be anywhere near the Coliseum tonight
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Pre draft show on the NHL network. 6pm and post draft at 10 pm
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downwithsnow says:
ohhhhh man…this is gonna be bad.
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I wouldn’t read too much into the whole Snow comment about wanting this player all along. That’s just common draft jargon in any sport. There is a decent chance he changed his mind at some point during the process, but doesn’t want to admit it.
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Dreger also said Garth is still not tipping his hand either way.
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Blizzard says: There is no way Snow is taking Duchene number one overall without a sweetner. Just not gonna happen. If he does I am gonna throw a temper tantrum that would make one of my daughters look tame. It will be Tavares. I can feel it.
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what the hell is making EVERYONE say Duchene?????….this isanity!!!!
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all the scouting directors such as ej mcquire say the islanders will take tavares
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We should boycott the games if he takes duchene
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173 max when and where did you hear that
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The Isles’ web site still says that they have openings in the SALES department so I say it’s still JT!
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i meant 177 max when and where did you hear that
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Daniel says:
It is amazing what hope can do. Would any of us be as shocked as we say we would if Snow picked Duchene? My answer is no, simply because of everything we have been put through by supporting this team. I really HOPE they pick Tavares, but unfortunately nothing will shock me if it is being done by our beloved Islanders. All the rumors in Canada as of now are that Duchene is going to be the top pick and I am going to be pretty pissed, but definitely not shocked. Anyway, I will be at Dugans tonight, hope to see some of you guys there. My g/f will be on hand to drive me home because whether it will be celebratory, or depressing drinking, I will definitely need a few beers after this night is over.
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ldk says:
For almost a year this was a two-player draft: JT or VH. No way Snow selects MD.
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cb where are you update snojanks please do something
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Strummer's Army says:
With all due respect to Eric, I don’t think Snow, Wang, or Ryan has opened their mouth to anyone about who they are picking so he and everyone on the draft floor are guessing.
It could be Duchene, his speed and his ability to do things at very high speed is amazing and would fit very well but no one knows.
I also think the Isles “begging TSN to put he camera at the draft party” means Tavares. I know they are proud of the expected crowd size (and darn well should be) but seeing that many people boo the pick isn’t the message they wanna get out.
People even if it’s not Tavares please don’t boo or walk out. Let’s show a positive image of Islander country this year to the rest of the NHL.
I have a good feeling for tonight. 1) Today is the anniversary of the 2nd time Al Arbour was named Isles head coach. 2) It is Mick Jones’ (from the Clash, Big Audio Dynamite, and Carbon Silicon’s Birthday) 3) My day has been so amazing and easy.
Who know’s maybe we will get Tavares and Kassian tonight!!!!!! Go Isles
Oh, also, please if the Isles don’t pick Tavares don’t take it out on Botta at Dugans. He’s pushed for Tavares harder then anyone, has no say in the pick, and does not work for the team.
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i was watching this thing on the nhl network a week ago and they were profiling the prospects and ej mcquire said tavares should go #1
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NYICHAMP39 says:
sweet god no. Please for the love of god do not F this up!!!!
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According to TSN, no one knows even now. They speculate that VH is more ready for NHL than JT.
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KO21 says:
John Taveras, bring him home Garth Its been a long time coming!!!
“Poppa needs a new pair of shoes”!!!
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Everyone chill out there is not one mock draft on the planet that says duchene. Most of them say tavares and some say hedman
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fred says:
Pregame coverage at 6 on NHL Network then switches to Versus at 7.
Second Round Coverage begins at 10 AM on NHL Network and only airs on NHL Network.
Guess I got to order NHL Network for this weekend and then Cancel July 5th or so. I will wait till after big FA Frenzy to cancel.
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EdTurner says:
Bring Back Mad Mike
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Paul23 says:
Botta, from a Isles fan all the way down here in TN, I have to say thanks for all the great info you provide. Isle will pick Tavares tonight and you can then call Logan and say, “Told ya”.
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Priest says:
If they take Duchene I’ll be fine with that. Although my choice would be Tavares, I honestly feel that in 5 years Matt will be the better player.
Kudos to Snow for keeping it a real mystery. I didn’t think he’d make it to draft day without some kind of leak.
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anyone know what channel the NHL network is on Cablevision?
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has anyone seen how fast matt duchene is go to youtube and look. Although i would select tavares in a second, duchene looks really good. But tavares is better!
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Brian B says:
173…if thats the case…I believe the Isles would’ve been shopping the pick a long time ago to either Tampa or Colorado…(You might say there is no reason for them to trade up) But at least pick up the phone and mention to see if maybe you can get some assests and take the player you want.
I think Garth wants Tavares and takes Tavares. I mean come on…he was asked if he had one of the two players in mind (JT or Tavares)…and he said yes. Then he reiterated that the other day. It has to be JT…or possibly Hedman. No way its Duchene.
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sorry, that is the versus channel, unless you subscribe to CV’s sports pack, NHL network is blocked out.
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frank nyc says:
aww man the time is almost here!!!!
god help me if its a disapointment.
cmon isles DO THE RIGHT THINGGGG! -
NHL Network is 791 HD or 419 Regular I believe. You have to subscribe to the $5.99 Sports Pak to receive it though.
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Healy says:
Crossing fingers and toes….please please please please please please please.
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Problem with NHL Network is that it was that it came out before MLB TV and NBA TV and was at a time when people really did not care about Hockey. I think last year was its first year, but they do not have the leverage that MLB TV has. NBA TV is same as NHL Net. You either have to have the full court package or the Sports pak. Its because Cablevision plays hard ball. And they can. They have more subscribers on LI then Direct TV has period. It will be interesting to see what happens though when FIOS makes it way to the east end, or when the NFL Package runs its course with its exclusive rights with Direct TV.
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there seems to be a groundswell now for duchene. i am going into shock.
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if it’s duchene, they better get hedman too.
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Watchin now on NHL net on DTV, sheity comcast doesnt have NHL network, but i dont get VS on DTV so have to switch back to them for the draft.
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Madchef says:
A whole year of if’s and but’s and in one hour we will have our answer. Thanks, CB for this blog. I cannot wait, I hope for Tavares but will be happy with Hedman or Duchene. C’mon Snow make us proud for a day, we deserve it
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Damm one of the 2 guys talkin on NHL channel just said after all the hype he still would take DUCHE , but thanks that hes not a GM. The other guy goes, “THERE GOES THE PARTY ON LONG ISLAND”
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Snow PLEASE DON’T HELP THIS TEAM OR ITS FANBASE! DRAFT DUCHENE!
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I keep hearing more former players who are doing commentary and have watched all 3 a lot say Duchene will be better then the other two. I have no idea myself but I know the JT pick will go down easier.
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I have always thought I would be a good NHL GM. Today, is the one day I am thankful that I am not. This will be an amazing day. I remember the draft that we blew the load and traded picks and players for Yashin and Peca (Which what I thought was great at the time and much needed). I wonder what the next two days will bring.
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Bob McKenzie just said on NHL Network “why would the Islanders hold a draft party with 17,000 in attendance, with 16,999 expecting Tavares to be picked to pick someone else”
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official count so far at NMVC is over 10k. Tavares chants are very loud according to Greg Logan on newsday who is holding a live chat on newsday.com
Tavares, unless blown away by someone with a crazy offer. See you in a few hours.