REPLIES: Billy the champ, Mick at the bar, Garth’s poker skills, Taylor Hall, why some guys don’t like DP
Islanders Point Blank on Twitter
Here’s the first round of As to your Qs. Keep them coming. If I never get to yours, most likely it’s because I’ve written about it plenty before (Laviolette firing, for example) or am unable to answer.
Patrick: Hey Chris, I would love to know your opinion on Garth Snow trading Billy Guerin for a 3rd round pick when he was a huge part of winning the cup. Seems like a bad trade. He could not get a 2nd?
Point Blank: A month before the deadline, I estimated Billy’s value at a 3rd round pick and maybe a try like Petr Prucha. A player’s value is based on a few teams being interested and what they will give up for him. The way the final three months went, Bill didn’t have much value. If it’s true Washington really wasn’t interested, well then they made a big mistake. For the cost of a second round pick at most, they might have gotten by Pittsburgh in the second round.
As for the theory that the pick should have increased with each round, it just was not going to happen. In the end, the Penguins were the only team interested and by the day of the deadline everyone knew it. If Ray Shero gave up a first round pick for Guerin with 16 goals, that would have been reckless – even if it played a part in a championship. Garth Snow got what he could, Billy found the perfect spot and a chance at a Cup, Shero played it perfectly.
Congratulations to Billy, Ruslan Fedotenko, Eric Godard (!), Miro Satan, Dan Bylsma, Tommy Fitzgerald and former NYI scouts Jay Heinbuck, Jim Madigan and Dave McNamara on being champions.
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Matt Broseau: Chris, can you provide any insight as to why the Isles continue this draft kabuki? Not drafting John Tavares would be a real shock, and there doesn’t seem to be much downside in announcing the selection pre-draft. Could Snow be playing them close because it helps him in trying to move up later in the first round?
Point Blank: Consider this: if the Islanders take Tavares on June 26, Garth will be hailed as a genius for keeping his poker face for more than two months. Funny thing is, all that really will have happened is 1) the Islanders came in last place in the league, 2) they took one of the two consensus best players available who also happened to be 3) the player more than 80% of their fan base yearned for with the first overall pick. Ooh, cagey…
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Moose: This is my offseason checklist, how realistic do you think it is?
John Tavares
Craig Anderson
Rob Scuderi
Chad LaRose
Point Blank: Yes. Maybe, but the Islanders will be far from alone making an offer to Anderson. No, love the Syosset kid – made sure he was named No. 3 star in his Coliseum debut as an NHLer - but Rob’s going to be mega-rich because the whole league watched him the last month. No, because if the Islanders can’t draft and develop 5-9, 30-point, third-line sparkplugs of their own, they’re really in trouble.
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NYISLES1983: Any good stories you can share about Mick Vukota? He was my favorite. I know about the story of him telling Milbury to go back to his room or else.
Point Blank: I was right there, at the table with Mike and some friends in Annapolis the night before a game against the Capitals in Landover. Makes for a nice legend, but that’s not even close to what happened between Mick and Milbury. The most I’ll share is that they sat down, ordered another round, and talked man-to-man. It was past curfew, but not very far past curfew. Mick, if you happen to read this, you’re welcome to come on and back me up and tell the whole story.
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Sumo Goalie: Where do you think Taylor Hall would be slotted if he were available in this draft?
Point Blank: The draft would then have a Big 4: Duchene, Hall, Hedman, Tavares. (That’s in alphabetical order). In most teams’ eyes, he would probably be ahead of at least Duchene and be viewed by some as the No. 1 pick.
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UIF: There’s been a lot of speculation (I guess generally in news outlets north of the border), mostly citing anonymous sources, that the Islanders are taking Hedman. Where do you think this speculation started, and as it continues to gain momentum, do you believe there is any validity to it (the rumor itself, not whether the Isles will actually draft Hedman)?
Point Blank: No one has sources saying the Islanders are taking Hedman, other than the voices inside their own heads. There has been some speculation that Garth Snow wanted it out there to scare Tampa Bay, but I really don’t think the Lightning are losing sleep over missing out on Hedman and – heaven forbid – getting Tavares. The entire last two months of draft speculation has been the silly season, but who am I to get high-and-mighty about it? I did the best I could to bring facts, interviews and at least informed speculation. But as an Islanders blogger, I couldn’t help but milk the heck out of the situation.
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Mike L: I haven’t seen you write much about Chicken Parm Jr. Do you believe it is not very likely the Isles will draft him? Landon was ranked as a mid-1st, but his stock has seemed to drop. Could he drop out of the first?
Point Blank: I’ll have a huge smile on my face when Landon is drafted somewhere in the second round. I just don’t think it will be with the Islanders, which is why I have not included him in my coverage so far. Maybe a consideration at 37, if the Islanders still have the pick. That’s informed speculation.
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icepiks16: Can you give us some background on Ryan Jankowski?
Point Blank: There’s no bio of Jankowski on the website or in the media guide for some reason, so I’ll go by what I remember from working with him. He started in hockey ops with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League and worked for the Canadian National program before he was hired by former Islanders scouting director Tony Feltrin.
He was the team’s Western scout for a couple of seasons before getting the chance to go to Europe and run that division. Since the Neil-Garth summer of 2006, he has been assistant GM/director of amateur scouting. He is married to a woman named Tracey who must be an angel for putting up with his travel schedule and with Ryan himself. They have a beautiful young daughter named Krystin.
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Bob: With today’s win now mentality, and the expectations through the roof for JT (or VH/MD) what kind of learning curve can we expect? ie, how much of a pass will they get if the results aren’t there and the progression to the nhl is slower than expected? (from a fan’s POV i mean).
Point Blank: The Islanders are not going to be predicted to contend next season, or even make the playoffs, so there won’t be that kind of pressure on Tavares. If he is drafted here, I think he’ll be expected to score at least 20 goals next season, have a great attitude and just not fall on his face. I believe that’s more than fair. I know he can handle it, and probably do a lot more.
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Gloobenberg: CB…What’s your honest opinion about Rick DiPietro and if he’ll be back or his career is over?
Point Blank: On a personal level, I like Rick. I think when he’s healthy, he’s somewhere between the 6th and the 10th-best goalie in the league. I think if he was healthy, he could rise up those ranks. I believe he will play in the NHL again.
I find the curious stance of some Islanders fans to detest what was their best player before he suffered serious injuries a sad reflection on the state of a team that hasn’t won a playoff series in 16 years. I believe about 25% of the hundred or so people who sometimes come on here and rant about him with an almost twisted hatred either 1) blame him for a contract someone else offered him and 2) can’t get past their girlfriend or the woman they pine for thinking DiPietro is hot.
Enjoy your Saturday. You can keep the questions coming in this Comment tread. Still working on the other ones.
119 Responses to REPLIES: Billy the champ, Mick at the bar, Garth’s poker skills, Taylor Hall, why some guys don’t like DP
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BringtheReign says:
Any chance the isles plan on signing a UFA to play along side JT if he is drafted, lets say Gaborik or Havlat?
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Shawn R. says:
Wha is your honest opinion as to when, if at all the Islanders can legitly compete for a cup?
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hextall72 says:
Ditto to #1..
Hey CB, any hextall stories that come to mind? how was he in the locker room? on the road?
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StevieL says:
Hey CB here is a question, since this will be my first draft party and it is General Admission, where is the best place to sit?? Is the arena set up like a concert event or is it in the round??I would anticipate open concessions and SMG still collecting $10 bucks to park! Any insight into what to expect??
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Isles fan in CA says:
Congrats to Guerin, Scuderi, Fitzgerald and the other ex-Isles who were able to lift the cup tonight. So does Hossa resign with Pittsburgh now?ha Looking forward to see the Isles select JT on the 26th. Let’s Go Isles!!
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Priest says:
Chris, this is a stupid an irrelevant question, but why was the Islanders website xice.com? (going WAY back, but sometimes I remember the strangest things)
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rb says:
DiPietro, for better or worse, is a living, breathing reminder of idiot Milbury’s incompetence and the fiasco that was draft day 2000
and I disagree with the asessment that he’s a 6-10 or even higher ranked NHL goaltender even before his recent streak of injuries…while he may be the most talented goaltender ever produced handling the puck, he’s never been more than NHL-average at actually stopping it…if he were waived or bought out tomorrow it wouldn’t bother me one bit
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Crosby handed it right to you, Billy G. Congrats from Long Island!
CB, I literally laughed out loud at your Rick theory. I think youre 100% correct, and Id add in another between 1 and 2: that people blame him for when someone else decided to draft him. I have to say that the guy honestly is great looking, I know 9 year old girls and women in their 70s- and every age in between- who agree completely on that lol.
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Craig says:
The Islanders have had a hard 15 years. With changing owners, Milbury making awful deal after awful deal and allowing players be the reason for coaches to lose their jobs despite doing a solid job (Laviolette), what do you feel the Islanders need to do to once again be seen as a respectable franchise and not a laughing stock (outside of winning the stanley cup)?
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When you breakdown Pittsburgh roster, if we had a healthy DP and one stud D man, with Tavares already having a year under his belt, I think we’re better then Pittsburgh. I honestly do. I know Crosby and Malkin will be hall of famers..but…I am curious to see how many times we beat Pittsburgh this upcoming year if they decide to stick with the roster they have…I think Tavares will have 30 goals this year…not 20.
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the1gwiz says:
Thanks, CB. After watching that Met debacle, I needed that “can’t get past their girlfriend or the woman they pine for thinking DiPietro is hot” comment and the chuckle it elicited.
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Jim M says:
Hey CB, we all know how one player can really turn around a franchise, and how that one player can attract others to come play as well. I know it seems to be very unrealistic, but what goes to say that Marian Hossa wouldnt take 1 year/7.5 mil offer from the Isles knowing that Tavares very well maybe heading there too and considering their group of younger talent,he maybe attracts another top tier free agent, putting us back in the mix of things. I know, I know very unrealistic but it really would change things drastically on the Island and immediately make us a playoff contender.
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D-man says:
it amazes me to hear all the ridiculous hatred dp has thrown at him by a stupid minority. what i love is these people pine for luongo… someone who is good but let’s be honest… has won absolutely nothing and has already been traded by the team that got him from the isles. one of the few guiys that actually likes long island and likes to play and suffers an injury and instead of support this pathetic small group turns on him. yet the one who was let go as well… osgood… has won way more than luongo. but no one misses him
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Steve says:
I am so happy for Bill G. congratz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Josh says:
Congrats to the Pens, Guerin, Scuderi, etc. I went to school with Rob Scuderi in the Island Trees School system from K-9th grade. Great guy, loved to talk hockey during lunch & play hockey all the time, so happy for a local boy doing good. Congratulations Robbie!!
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doc says:
I’m actually happy that the Penguins won. I’m sick of hearing how Niklas Lidstom is THE reason why the Red Wings win all the time.
I think they lost because Datsyuk was injured and was only marginally effective by games 6 and 7.
Finally, offensive stars like Crosby and Malkin (MVP) get some credit where credit is due.
DOC
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Philpiv says:
I wanted to acknowledge the passing of former Islanders Broadcater Bob Lawrence yesterday. Bob was the Islanders Radio Voice on the Nystrom Stanley Cup winning Goal and was a staple at WGBB for years.
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german islesfan says:
I’am until the end on DP side and i’am sure he’s healthy back in the net when 09/10 is starting. congrats to billy and co for the cup but i’am not friend of those penguins.
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Abie Nystrom says:
I have no doubt that Ricky is working hard and will return to top form. He can shave my crease anytime he wants to.
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The PolishPrince says:
Congrats to Billy G and the rest of the Pens! I’m still a Rick D. fan and want him back on the ice healthy in the worst way. I just have a feeling its not going to happen for him. I have no doubt in my mind however that he’s trying his hardest to get healthy and back in the crease.
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kevin27nyi says:
great for billy and the rest of em’.
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Ben says:
As i watched the players from Pittsburgh taking turns hoisting the cup all I could do was say “he was an Islander, he was an Islander”.
I am happy for each of them but am again and again reminded of the disfunctional operation the Islanders organization has been for so many years by seeing so many ex-Islanders spread throughout the league. It is nausciating sometimes.
Question: Aside from the fact that you like DP on a personal level, you “beleive” he will play again. That is not a very strong statement of what is to become of DP.
If the choice by the organization was to establish more reliable coverage i net and DP was not part of that picture, a) What might the Islanders get for him now? and What would the cap hit be if they were to buy him out now? Finally,could the Islanders claim his injury for insurance reasons and also avoid a cap hit?
Obviuosly, I feel there should be a new direction in goal and that DP is not the answer, but instead a wishful thought.
If by somehow trading, buying out or whatever we can then make a serious offer to Anderson or Conklyn.Do you honestly believe DP is the player in 2-3 years and beyond to help this team move to fame and glory?
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Tony F. says:
I don’t know Bill Guerin, he might be a great guy, congratulations. He had a real impact on the Penguins and helped them win the Cup. It sure seemed like he didn’t play with half that enthusiasm when he was Captain of the Islanders. Captain! and he looked like he was at 50% for a year and a half. Can we sign FAs that give a damn even though they might not be going to the cup finals?
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a REAL hockey fan says:
Im glad the Pens won, i SIMPLY CANNOT STOMACH watching a Detroit Snore Wings game. They are beyond boring to watch, are they a good team? are they talanted? YES YES – but are they boring to watch SUPER SUPER YES! No passion, no emotion, no ‘physicality”,ZZZZZZzzzzz boring!.. they dont draw 2 well on TV and no major US newspapers covered the finals – ok “rant off” – congrats Pens………. Tavares must be the choice, besides the box office and media attn, the guy adds something the Isles have needed 4ever and thats a SCORING touch, the Isles need a guy who can be a 35-45 type scorer and Taveres can be that along with playmaking ability.. GET TAVERES NOW! NO GAMES, NO BS ISLES!!!!!!
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Obs says:
Cris, can we get an update on the status of this wonderful blog? Can we look forward to another year?
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orngfan says:
does anyone else who saw the pre-game show on NBC last night think mike milbury jinxed the red wings? he was giving a “fake pre-game speech” to an empty lockerroom of red wings jerseys.
i thought that set the tone pretty early for a penguins upset!! anyone else feel that way? chris??
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pained says:
Congrats to Ruslan Fedotenko. Always thought he was a smart, effective player and it showed in the playoffs. Too bad didnt work out on LI.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Great to see BG grab hold of the cup … That could be his swan song unless he is looking to move again and put in another year or two. Congrats Billy!!!
As far as us getting more than a 3rd rounder for him? I guess that’s the breaks … he became damaged goods trade wise when we couldn’t move him to the Caps. Now he’s a virtual 4th round pick being the Pens won and his pick will be the 91st overall.
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Who here thinks that Hossa angered the Hockey Gods …. Geeee … doesn’t that just lower his stock. LOL!! -
patrick says:
hey chris
thx for responding to my question.
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The whole DiPietro hate thing makes no sense. I understand the whole 2000 draft thing … but that wasn’t DP … that was Milbury. Perhaps some hidden Luongo thing made it imperative that they deal him.
Wang offered the 15 year contract … DP didn’t insist on it. Don’t blame DP. We’d all take that deal in a heartbeat.
Also, as my buddy / teammate Kevin says … DP helped get his wife into watching the Isles. LOL!
The only thing about DP that bothers me is when he comes 30 feet out of his crease … I also think those End Zone Trapazoids are ridiculous … all they did is create restrictions on certain goalies like Broduer and DP that have a talent for playing the puck.
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Mike L says:
Thanks for answering CB. Here’s to a successful draft
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C.J. says:
Tony F. (#25), I saw the same thing and it irritated me.
I’d like to have seen Guerin play at least one shift the way he did for the Pens in the playoffs. To his defense, there’s a big difference between a Game 7 in the Cup Finals vs. Isles-Minn on a Wednesday night in November.
Even so, I never saw much heart in Guerin’s play while here. Not even in his 1st game.
That’s what irritated me…. and that’s when I wanted ‘The Coasters’ (he, Comrie, Fedotenko, and Satan) all out. Even Sim, with half these guys skill set, at least plays hard.
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First off, congrats to Billy Guerin. I met him a dozen or so times and he was always a class act. I also would like to say congrats to Marian Hossa for being on the losing team in the finals two years in a row. My question is, it was apparent that Scott Gordon was a fan of Micheal Haley in training camp & you specifically called Haley out on this blog during the playoffs, saying that “Gordon would be watching”. My question is do you think Gordon had anything to do with Haley getting a two way NHL deal?
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CJ (#34) … can’t argue with that … But I think Billy G. did play hard at one time with the Isles … and there is a huge difference as you’ve stated .. not to mention playing along side 2 of the greatest centers in the game … lets face it … Billy didn’t carry the Pens … he was asked to carry the Isles … for which he wasn’t equiped to deal with … I think Dougie Weight has a lot more of those tools … but for the greater part of when Billy was here he led the team in goals scored … Nobody complained about Billy’s lack of production especially when 80% of those who post on here didn’t want any veteran Isles to play well b/c they didn’t want to ruin the Tevheduch sweepstakes.
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Oliver says:
Hey CB I have two questions for you …
1) Have you asked Bailey where stayed when he visited LI prior to last years draft?
2) Will the Islanders try to resign Iggy to a two way contract?
Finally I want to offer congraats to the Penguins on their stunning victory – it was a hard battled game with both teams leaving it all on the ice and that was one heck of a save by Fleury to keep the game from going to OT … As far as Hossa goes I can’t even begin to imagine how he must be feeling, but he will not be an Islander. -
Andrew says:
As for DP, in two years we may look back at his injuries as something that helped turn this franchise around. With him healthy and playing this year we dont finish last and get the #1 pick, whom ever its going to be. Plus, if he can come back and play well he has one less year of hockey wear on his body. I have always been a DP fan. I especially like the fact that in a sports age where there is no team loyalty, DP declared he wants to stay on Long Island and play for the Islanders his whole career. He is an All Star Goalie who go injured, he didnt want to be watching all year.
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dalcy says:
that Pittsburgh team will go down as “the team with the worst wingers” to ever win a cup.
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dose says:
Philpiv on Jun 13th, 2009 05:31:17 said:
I wanted to acknowledge the passing of former Islanders Broadcater Bob Lawrence yesterday.wasn’t lawrence’s partner on that first radio team the one and only john sterling?
wow. roy boe, bob lawrence. a lot of poignancy happening with this team lately, along with the draft, the LH. what a time tihs is! -
-Big Van Vader says:
Enough about Luongo, people. HOW many times has that guy been TRADED???
I’m no Rick Dipietro lover, but Roberto over there hasn’t won jack squat and has been TRADED multiple times. Now tell me, if he was as GREAT as everyone makes him out to be, WHY has he been traded at all?? I would think the ONE thing an awful team would keep is their “franchise goalie”.
Good goalie? Yes, absolutely. Great goalie? No way.
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Guerin always played hard for us and was a class act! Those who say otherwise are morons just like Hossa!!! Hossa nice move switchung teams, look both ways before crossing the street, you have no luck!!
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isles99 says:
well, since my last post got deleted, ill form it into a question. since pitt had no franchise defenseman and they won the cup with elite scoring and a hot goalie, do you think that affects the tavares decision and what they do with the other picks?
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jeff says:
CB: As one of those who thinks that DP is overrated, let me just say that I don’t blame him for his contract (that’s all on Mr. Wang) and my wife doesn’t think he’s hot. It’s not even DP’s fault that he’s been over-hyped and overrated since MM had the bad sense to pick him over Danny Heatley. It’s that he places his own ego over the team. Two years ago, DP was having one of off games and during a break, Nolan called him to the bench, presumably to change goalies. DP just waived him off and stayed in goal.
And ranking him in the top 10 goalies in the league is ridiculous. I’m not even sure he’s in the top 5 goalies in the NY area. If he’s the best goalie the Isles have, it’s only because no legit goalie wants to come be the backup to a guy with a 15-year contract that insists on playing 70 games a year.
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(44) Messier? Yes, he sucked BIG TIME!!
lolNowhere in my post did i say that “DP” (hate that nickname’sounds very…..wrong) was as good as luongo. They are both good goalies. Dipietro, when healthy is a level below Luongo as evidenced when he actually WAS healthy and went to the Allstar game because of his spectacular play a couple of seasons ago. Again though while being better than Dipietro, Luongo has yet to show his “greatness”. And his good stats are just that. Good stats. When he leads his team to the finals, then we can start calling him great. Greatness=winning. Not just regular season stats.
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Ziggy P. says:
I think part of the dislike for DP comes from how we got him. That trade will forever live in Isles fans memory and b/c he was the guy that replaced Luongo and has never reached that level. Maybe it’s not fair to him but thats life.
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bcarroll25 says:
cb, what’s the real story behind the berard/potvin trade. seems to me mm got way below market value.he traded a calder winning defenseman for a goalie who was pouting and sitting home as toronto had signed cujo.
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KO21 says:
Luongo is great in regular season but when its time to win the most important game, the game that really matters, he’s chokes and he crys…
Is it a blessing is disguise that we don’t have him? I don’t think so but it is comforting to know…
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hathead68 says:
No disrespect to all the DP haters, but really now, step back and think about it. Luongo is very good, but he hasn’t carried Vancouver to the Cup. Heatley is very good, but hasn’t won anything either. He, sadley, was responsible for the death of his friend, and this is the second time he’s asked for a trade. JT has higher potential than him. Gaborik has been hurt often so far during his career. DP, if healthy, can easily be a top 5 goalie in the league. The guy loves being an Islander and is ultra-competitive. Let’s all root for him to be 100% come training camp and have a great 12 more years.
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Dan says:
CB You mentioned a while back about a 50 man limit. Could you please explain that rule. Having a bunch of picks again this year would that mean we need to trade some of this years picks just to be under that number? Do we need to possibly let some of our other prospects go before they may be fully developed just for these new prospects?
Also when looking at the various prospects that will be in this draft do they take the best player available or do they somewhat look for a player that will fit into Gordon’s system? I doubt a possibly 3rd round rank picked in the first but if it is somewhat close do they go that way and who would be a Gordon type of player in this draft? -
Strummer's Army says:
Billy G, nice to see you can play hard when you want to. I had forgotten that after your last three months in an Islander uniform when you’d quit on the Islanders. So I’m not going to congratulate you.
Federtenko and Satan wow, two guys who never earned their name on the cup.
Congrats to Goddy and Scuderi.
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and people let’s not forget Guerin didn’t do the Isles any favor in 1) his horrible play for 3 months prior to the deadline and 2) his demands to be traded only to certain teams. The Islanders could have got a lot more for Guerin if he helped them but it was all about Billy G.
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Jared says:
Hey Chris,
With the isles not expected to contend next season either, assuming we get another top 5 pick is there anyone eligible for next years draft that we should keep an eye on? -
Congratulations to the Pens! They did it without the stud Hedmanesque D-man. Draft the sniper (clap-clap-clapclapclap).
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Mark says:
So Rick’s obvious arrogance has nothing to do with so many Islanders fans not liking him, huh?
Everyone just doesn’t like their wife or girlfriend thinking he’s hot…yeah, that’s what it is.
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Congrats to all our ex-Isles, especially Bill Guerin.
not too excited to see Crosby hoist the cup though. couldn’t look at the tv.
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#55, I have never perceived DiPietro as being arrogant.
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isles14 says:
Hi Chris,
Do you think Bryan McCabe will wear an Islanders sweater again before he retires?
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Strummer, with all due respect, the guy is dripping in arrogance.
He was even voted in the NY Post sports section about a year ago by sports writers as the most arrogant athlete in New York.
Confident is a good thing, cocky isn’t.
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Tony says:
Am I the only one who wanted the Pens to lose cuz they had so many ex-Islanders?
I know, I know–sour grapes.
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Joe fred (#48): Thanks for lumping me into the moron category. You’re a class act.
Second, I think you need to go watch some tape and stop drinking the Orange and Blue Kool-Aid.
Billy G. did nothing but coast in Year 2 w/the Isles. I recall laughing about the fact that he won the ‘Fastest Skater’ in the skills competition earlier this decade. He had cinder-block feet as an Islander.
Miraculously, those wheels returned come playoff time. Sure guys amp it up in the 2nd season, but it would have been nice to see Guerin do it at least once of twice.
Go study some video tape. It will help refresh your memory.
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bob says:
Did I read someone say that with a healthy DP and a stud d-man, the Isles are a better team than the Pens? I’ll tell you what, give me Sydney Crosby & Malkin and I will give you every single player on the Isles roster, every single prospect they have and every single pick they have coming up. Come to think if, I would take Crosby alone.
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Blizzard says: Hey did you all see the stud defenesman hoist up the cup last night……..Ooops that was Crosby LOL!!! Tavares or ESLE!
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Ann Aquarian says:
Sorry, even when he’s healthy, DP is not one of the top ten goalies in the league.
And, he is very good looking, but I would rather have a goalie who looks like Randy Johnson in the net who stops the puck rather than a hot piece of tail who thinks he’s a defenseman and believes the best position to be in when he tries to stop the puck is laying on his belly or his back.
He only plays consistently well against the Rangers & Devils. He needs to bring that intensity & focus more often to be great.
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Giaco says:
How much of an a$$ does Hossa feel like right now?? How did he go and shake his formers teammates hands??
COngrats Billy
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Blizzard says:
All the is DP hate is just not right. I put him in the top five when healthy. You all have short memories. This guy has a tremendous skill set and he should be hitting his prime right now if it wasnt for injuries.
This guy has never played on a serious playoff caliber team. I am a believer in Ricky. If we can only get him healthy.
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UIF says:
Personally I think it’s DP’s perceived arrogance for someone who has won nothing that bothers a lot of Islanders fans. And it’s not really me saying that, his own Chicago Wolves teammates said it many times in the SI story titled “Teen Angel” from when he first got called up in ’01. It’s possible…likely even…that he’s grown since way back then, and maybe he’s learned to get along better with teammates and be a bit more humble. But, right or wrong, I think the stigma remains in the eyes of many observers.
Since we don’t post links here, Google the article (title is referenced above) and give it a look. If nothing else, it’s a stroll down memory lane to see “Isles starting goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck”!
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islesphan says:
CB…….suggesting that some isles fans don’t like DP because of his looks and how their wives or gf’s may think of them takes a MAJOR hit to your credibility. That’s just a slap in the face to your readers.
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steveO says:
congrats to the ex isles.. and to all you billy haters, didnt you watch him and Doug Weight skate back hard when they turned the puck over, i saw it since day 1. they never gave up on the play..open arms if he wants to resign with us..
Q1.CB which of the UFA do you think Garth is going to pass on??
Comeau, McAmmond,and Iggy need to get a 2yr contract
Q2. anyway Garth goes after Ozzy or Coklin for the back up job -
I wanted to see the Red Wings win. I could care less that there are former Islanders on the Penguins. Why would I root for players who wanted to leave our team? Why would I root for players who play harder for contending teams? Well at least Bettman got what he wanted. I knew it would be too tough for the Wings to beat the Penguins AND Bettman and his cronie refs. All I care about now are the draft, Rick’s health, the players who WANT to play for the Islanders (i.e. Doug Weight), and the upcoming season.
And on a side note, I surely hope that the people who are congratulating our former players aren’t the same ones who are bashing our current goalie and young man who wants to help the Islanders contend again, who wants to play for this team, and who is doing whatever he can to stay on the ice and remain healthy.
GO ISLANDERS!
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mrlbem says:
Here are two questions for you:
1. If I don’t think that Ricky’s play to date lives up to his reputation or hype that the Islanders organizations is responsible for, how does that make me or anyone else who feels that way a “DP hater?”
2. How does Garth Snow convince a true 1A goalie to come to this team in light of Ricky’s contract?
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Islesphan,
IT’s called SARCASM… you know… playful banter… it’s called a joke. Get a sense of humor, or did CB strike an exposed nerve?
DOC
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Brian B says:
CB….do you believe with the Isles drafting Tavares and having a healthy DP playing 50 games or so with a legitamate backup goalie that they have a shot for the playoffs? I do.
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75 – No Doc….no exposed nerve. Your wife thinks I’m hot. That’s good enough for me.
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Warmest regards to Billy Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko, Miro Satan, Scuderi and the rest of the Penguins. Drink it in Boys, it dont get any better than this! CB, any good tales of Battlin’ Billy Smith?
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Mike79 says:
Yea, Botta it is because of our girlfriends think he is hot.
What a stupid thing to say, you lost ALL credibility!
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I do not blame DP for 1) the Luongo trade, 2) accepting the contract, or 3) his looks. I liked DP the first couple of years, & I hoped he would mature as goaltender, but he hasn’t. Nothing, & I mean nothing, would make me happier than to see him come back healthy and play phenomenally.
However, I don’t watch the games through rose-colored glasses, & there is plenty of reason to worry about his performance.
Isesphan has a point. It’s a cop out to say that a substantial amount of people who criticize DP are just jealous of him.
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Quez says:
C.B. Question: Could the Isles parlay a few of their picks (late 1st, (2) 2nds) into Phil Kessel?
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admin says:
Touched a nerve, eh? As some of you like to post on here, call the whaaambulance. I wrote that I felt that way about 25% of the 100 readers who get all worked up about DiPietro. That’s 25 readers, or about 1/1,000 of the blog’s daily audience. Credibility? Too late for that. And you don’t have to make up a fake name to rip on me. I can tell who the Comments are coming from. Lighten up…CB
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Chris A says:
Would the drafting of such a high profile guy like Tavares wind up convincing a free agent or two to come to the island?
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about the whole DP thing: he is an all star goalie WHEN he is healthy. isles management is stupid for giving him 15 years (that’s not really his fault)….i just wish dp did not dictate too much of when he should come back…maybe he might not have reinjured his knee had he been more careful but thatss all speculation….the whole dp hate thing…people have a right to grip…its their opinion weather you believe it or not….the whole thing about being angry over your girlfriend thinking DP is hot is kind of bush league and immature….i mean people might not like DP for whatever reason (arrogancy, perceived “me first” attitude with injuries)…i just hope he comes back when we are good though i doubt it will happen
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Michael says:
There is no reason do dislike DP. He really works hard and is committed to the team, he just got some unfortunate injuries.
He’s no Pavano.
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DP says:
Here’s a question: What current islanders stay/live on long island during the off season??
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i def. agree with what someone above me said…..why would some ppl. root for billy guerin….he clearly didnt want to be here (his teammates MIGHT have felt the same way but at least they didnt show it)…..billy clearly played harder for pitt though there is no way to quantify that except for stats….as for miro and fedotenko, they palyed as much a role as the pitt mascot (if they have one)…..and pitt won without that great, franchise defenseman some of you claim to want
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Saw the following Tweet, does this mean the blog is coming to an end?? Say it isn’t so!
Twit’s reality: in need of full-time work soonish. Please spread the word. Write, PR, new media. Thank you. cb@islanderspointblank.com
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Really, Isles99?
Sergei Gonchar disagrees with you.
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Ed J says:
Congrats Pitt!!! Well played last night..
Marc-Andre all I have to say is… OMG!!!Bill G well deserved and it was awesome how Sid lets you raise it 2nd…
Satan, Tank, By & all our ex-Isles
CONGRATS!!!!!
And isn;t it nice to see hockey have a great season all around!!!!
09/10 will be great!!!!
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last post….the way some people buy everything they are told reminds me exactly why the pressure on murray has stopped after her handshake with wang…(some people hate DP cuase their gf thinks hes hot), (guerin was all class in demanding his trade), (justify the isles pick this year, whoever it is)some of you should realize that drinking the kool-aid can have damaging effects….but who am I? kool-aid tastes far too good to ignore
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umm… Sergei Gonchar is a good defensemen… NOT a once in a decade defender. He’s no Denis Potvin.
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Jason says:
PB,
What was your first reaction when you were shown the Fisherman logo? Any interesting stories to tell about trying to pitch that to the writers?
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Glenn says:
CB, you forgot one other reason for some anti-Dipietro sentiment within Isles fans:
the franchise jettisoned Roberto Luongo for him. Roberto Luongo. Not Patrick Roy, but one of the best goalies to come down the line in the last 10 years bar none. I admit, I fall prey to it sometimes, but without question, the team needs Rick in 2009-10 and beyond. -
Chris, I’m wondering, can you back up those DP “hater” stats or did you just make it up (credibility, anyone?)
You also did a poor job defending your ridiculous statement.
Apologies for the abruptness of this post but if you post in that style,well the readers can too. -
McLovin21 says:
Railbait(90) We can expect nothing from colorado, because they wont give us anything significant to move from 1 to 3. Actually, they might not give us anything at all. If snow really wants duchene that bad(and I think he does), then he’s going to have to pick him first, or move down in exchange for a mid round pick.
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Anything else on Jankowski? I hear he is respected scout in this league… anything to back that up?
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Railbait says:
McLovin21 (96)- I feel the same way and it scares me. I plan on going to the draft party and if they don’t select Tavares, well, it’s going to be a long ride home listening to my kids tell me I should root for another team like they do.
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#60 how the heck would the NYPost know anything about DiPietro or the Islanders they don’t really even cover the team? I haven’t read the NY Ranger loving NY Post in years so I could care less what they have to say about Ricky.
I’ve never met Dipietro. He seems like a self-assured guy to me in his interviews and when did that become a bad thing? I’ve never heard a whisper of his teammates or coaches disliking him.
I mean I think he might just be a target for a bunch of big fat Ranger loving sports reporters to attack while they shovel doughnuts down their throats. He’s young, he’s good looking, he’s rich, he’s talented so they have added incentive to dislike him. Plus he’s the face of the Islanders.
I mean go back to the wonderful NY Post archives and type in Sean Avery. THey loved him for years, they gushed over him. Now Avery is a nut job, as dirty as they come to the point where he is so unstable he’ll one day really hurt someone and the NY Post loved all on him and now that he’s back they are restarting the love fest.
Rick’s a great goalie and seems like a good person and HE’S OUR GOALIE. People need to see how many goalie Roberto Loungo gave up in the all-star game and Ricky only gave up 1. HAd the announcer shut his mouth he probably wouldn’t have given that up. I dare any of you to research how many goals against most goalies give up in all-star games. To only give up 1 in amazing and proves Ricky’s talent.
Some of you think King (what a joke) Lundquist is so good. HHHMmm funny how no matter what Isles goalie he faces in a shootout (Dubie, Mac D, Danis, Ricky) he almost always looses the shootout. I don’t think anyone would tell you the Isles have more offensivley gifted players over the years so it’s not like he’s facing better players then the Isles goalies are yet Lund almost always seems to lose. I don’t understand the Dipietro bashing all I know is I’m an Islander fan and he’s one of the three best players the Isles have (DiPietro, Okposo, Streit).
If ya’ll wanna rip on someone for attitude nail Guerin for quiting on the team. Wouldn’t defend Nielsen but in one of his first games with the Pens he started jumping everyone on the other teams.
Then there are all the guys on the Isles roster who aren’t good enough for the NHL and some people on here try saying those same players are gonna develop into stars and are some of the most coveted players in the NHL (Martinek, Hilbert etc).
Yet, one of the few guys with special talent and success in the NHL, the world stage, the All-stars, a guy who loves the Islanders and LI and wants to help the Isles win more then anything some people on here wanna attack.
Those who try saying he is an average goalie either don’t watch hockey or don’t have a clue at what they are seeing.
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hahaha….look what you started now the DP cheerleaders come out. Bragging about a goalie who has been hurt for a year and a half. ROFL!
DP couldn’t shine Lundqvist shoes. Like the all-star games means anything in regards to season. Such stupidity.
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Folks, this has been a fun read so far and I appreciate all the Comments on what’s usually a quiet day in blogdom. We can agree to disagree, but let’s also keep in within the Guidelines. Thank you very much. That’s my second post so I only have one left…CB
http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2008/12/comment-guidelinesthese-are-effective-immediately/
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CB – I would really like to see your input on what you think the line combinations will be for the 09-10 season. Here is what I came up with assuming that the Islanders draft Tavares, a healthy DP(40games) and the signing of Craig Anderson.
Bergenheim – Weight – Tavares
Comeau – Bailey – Okposo
Joensuu – Neilson – Hunter
Tambellini – Park – JackmanStreit – Gervais
*Meyer – Sutton
Witt – Martinek
*HillenDiPietro
AndersonI believe that if the Islanders are battling for the 8th spot, they will not make a blockbuster trade. A trade like that won’t happen unless they are battling for first in the east or top of the Atlanitc. I know guys like Kovulchuck will be available, however unless we’re a shoein for the playoffs, it’s not worth risking to still potentially miss the playoffs…any ways…let me know what you think!
- Kevin
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Hey CB, with some of the talk about Gordon’s comment about leaning towards one of the younger guys for a leadership position, i wonder about Hunter. Now he has never showed that he can regain his rookie form, still i love the guy. We signed him to a super long deal for a reason. If we are to have a younger-youngish guy as captain, is it plausible to name Trent? Or has Gordon ever made any comments about trent in that light?
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Joanny says:
CB – Are you secretly in love with DP? Come on, you are like a little school girl gushing about his looks. The Mrs. CB should be worried!
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TimQ says:
I don’t see him as a top 5, but he’s definitely in the top 10 when playing his best. Hopefully all of this time off has given DP a chance to evaluate his own game. His problem was (is) trying to do too much. With more emphasis on some other people on the ice now (KO, JT?) he should tone his game down. If he continues to hurt the team with over- aggressive, poor choices on the ice then I’ll believe the arrogant label.
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guys when the team in front of you is horrible as a goalie you feel like you have to compensate and try to do too much. However, I think that hasn’t been the case for a while now, he has toned it down. The entire coming back several times too early thing is part of that as well and cause for concern if that was Rick but I’m not sure it is, like they said he was always medically cleared to play so the finger has to be pointed at the medical and training staffs. No matter how bad a player wants to go if he’s not cleared he can’t play.
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geduffer says:
Strummers Army (#52)-Be careful in saying that Fedotenko never earned his name on the Cup. Don’t for get that he scored the only two goals for Tampa Bay in game 7 against Calgary in 2004 and they won 2-1.
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savetheisles.webs.com says:
i agree with you CB about DP.
when he is healthy , he is top 10
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Brother Rat says:
Hey CB–as I was a toddler during the dynasty, I grew up with Pat LaFontaine as my hockey idol (and it took me years to get over that his contract demands weren’t met, and he was traded). I really liked that Patty joined Team Wang in 2006, but then was crushed when the Smith/Snow saga turned him away from the team. Would you have any info as to the status of his current relations with the team (management, ownership, etc.), any chance of a reconciliation any time soon with this management/ownership, and whether the Isles have contemplated retiring his 16? I recall there were retirement rumors before 2006. He is a HOFer, and the bulk of his years and numbers (if not that monster, 148-point year) came with the Isles. Thanks!
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Danielle says:
It’s funny seeing people get so up in arms about the girlfriend/wife/DiPietro comment. It’s obvious a lot of readers don’t have much of a sense of humor, but I appreciate the little laughs here and there. The internet is full of mutants.
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PS And let’s be real, the guys getting pissed off probably don’t have girlfriends, anyway.
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Brad says:
You can sure classify me as one of the “Ricky Haters.” It’s true one of the main reasons I hate him are not actually his fault is because of stupid moves by GMs. Considered the Milbury deal that he writes off by saying, “I traded Reberto and Ollie because I knew I had DP in my pocket.” Also, his 15 year contract does not help his cause. To me and many others he is a symbol of the stupidity of two consecutive GMs.
To 107 LaFontaine has no current relationship with the Islanders. A few months after Lafontaine resigned to protest Neil Smith’s dismissal, he was a guest of then Duck’s GM Brian Burke at an islanders game in the coliseum. LaFontaine was discussing the possibility of Burke working with his charity Companions in Courage. Snow sent security to the visiting GM suite to escort LaFontaine from the building for reasons that I do not know. When security arrived, Burke said that if LaFontaine was going to be ejected, he would have to be ejected too. Snow then had security throw the Hockey Hall of Famer and Brian Burke out of the coliseum. Thats why I believe Brian Burke is a stand up guy and Snow is a jerk (amoung other reasons). I’m sure some of you will try to discredit this comment or me but I swear, to my understanding, that is exactly what happened. Take it or leave it. CB if any of this story is wrong please tell me where I diverted from the truth.
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anthony c says:
2 words will sum up why most people including myself are not very fond of DP. Roberto Luongo. And #97 how many all star games, playoff appearances, and vezina trophy nominations has DP had compared to Luongo. DP is good, but he in not an elite goalie, not by a long shot. I wouldn’t even rank him in the top 10 among current NHL goaltenders. He’s overpaid and unproven, and if he comes back 100% he better learn to stay in the damn net, cause he has caused more turnovers and goals for trying to act like martin brodeur. He rick if you want to be like brodeur every night, how bout you shut the other team down like marty has done his whole career, and not come out of the net every damn time the puck comes into your zone. You’ve got one of the richest if not the richest contract for a goalie, and your resume doesn’t add up to the dollar signs on your contract.
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Numbers65 says:
2 great offensive #1 draft picks and the Pens go from suck to CUP! No reason we can’t go that route! Draft Tavares! Here’s hoping we here some good DP news!
Let’s go ISLES! -
Ha ha ha. read some of the comments, don’t worry CB I will always rip you from my actual name where approptiate, I have a feeling you can handle it. These types of passionate comments are what the internet is great for.
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#97 I think Mike Milbury (the worst GM in the history of the game and no “hockey expert” as NBC would have you belief) should have/could have gotten way more for Loungo and Jokienen then Parrish and kvasha. Not DP’s fault.
On pure skill alone DP is a much better goalie. Look at the rebound control alone. I’ve already stated in previous posting why I dislike Loungo and am thrilled he’s not an Islander.
How many times has Loungo been traded? Why are their rumblings right now that Van might be trading Loungo? Surely if he is one of the top 3 goalies in the game and a good teammate he wouldn’t have already been traded twice. I mean a player that good doesn’t get mentioned in trades. Why did Van name him captain (a move not even the outside the box thinking Isles have done in name a goalie captain)but to try to appease him for his upcoming contract negotiations not because he is any sort of great leader). If he’s as good as you claim he wouldn’t get traded at all.
DP’s contract is fair. I believe he’s at 4.5 mil per year. Please look up the salaries of other NHL goalies to compare even less talented guys are making more.
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25 readers is 1/1000 of your daily audience? 25,000 people visit this blog everyday. Wow. I didn’t know that. Congrats.
And I’m not being sarcastic. I really didn’t know this blog was that popular.
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jonw says:
114 sorry but your arguments for Dp being a better goalie then Luongo are poor.
The rebound control is spot on. Bert has never been good at rebound control. Aside from that Dp cant stack the pads against Luongo.That doesn’t meen you have to jump up and down in your room and pull all your Dp posters down,it just meens that some people have a different opinion then you. You can stand there and mash your keyboard and come up with a better argument then the having been “traded twice” one, and at the end of the day Dp sits somewhere between 8-14 when healty and Luongo is top 3 and has been for a while.Ive been watching hockey for close to 30 years and have been a fan of the Isles the whole time.I am not a Dp hater and I am not trying to convince anyone to be one.He is a good goaltender who can play great at times. Again that is just my opinion -
Hey 110–thanks! Much appreciated. What a very sad situation….Clearly there’s more to the Snow/LaFontaine animus than Patty just quitting after Smith’s dismissal. Snow having Patty tossed from the building strains belief. I wish they could work something out and get him into team management.
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bob l says:
thanks for the love cb
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IslesHostage says:
Terry Sawchuck played for FIVE teams. Roy two. Luongo three. I guess DP isn’t “top ten” in the NHL now…..he’s top ten all time! His drafting and contract – not his fault (I believe Wang wanted him in 2000 and Milbury’s look of “disgust” is why). His injuries? his fault shared with the isles team who couldn’t/wouldn’t reign him in. His play? One great game, two good games then off the cliff. Rinse. Repeat. He always shows up against the Debbies and Rag$, though. Woohoo. His ego? AWFUL. Hiw teammates? I recall aq fan, a VERY TRUSTED DIPIETRO fan, heard DP calling Scatchard a “frank alpha george” during a game from the bench, and saw on tape DP calling out Hamrlik only to get a dirty look, ignoring Nolan, many things…..but I don’t say that’s DP’s fault. The organization, as inept and misrun and feeble as it has been, allowed one star player to put himself over the team.
DP was almost traded to Boston but MM nixed it asking for too much. Atlanta wouldn’t bite on a DP trade offer we made. He was gone if Osgood signed a new contract (and we never would have Tavares/Hedman/opportunity to trade down more).
DP has been subject to ire from many intelligent fans as well as jealous boyfriends (good one Chris
). He goes way out of position STILL, he drops way too early, he overcommits, he steals pucks from teammates (it’s available on video…..one need only see the maturest DP of this year stealing the biscuit from Witt and Sutton and Co.), he plays the puck with power but not well (led the ENTIRE LEAGUE in giveaways until his injury this past year, was the top goalie in giveaways by a margin of 2:1 last year and in the top 20 among all skaters), he made the ASG as a fill in, not voted or named until Brodeur and Miller were unavailable, he could have turned down the 15 years like Yashin could have and Peca DID (Yashin gets scorn for 10, FWIW), he DID say when being sent up and down while Oz was in net he would be happy to be a starter in this league here “or wherever” and he did all the above over his career on LI. The Chicago Wolves teammates quote sums it up:“Rick needs two seats on the plane for the flight home; one for him and one for his massive head.”
Well, he turned the corner two seasons ago with discipline and I liked his game. The discipline eroded, and his not resting and recuperating according to schedule cost him his knee and played a part, no doubt, in hip injuries.
I feel bad for him, as one of the FOREMOST “DP haters” and wish he would have grown up and given us the goalie we thought might happen two years ago. He won’t, too late, and we’re stuck.
But at the end of this LONG post, I say DP “haters” do not hate this kid, we actually were endeared with his humor and the father/son story and he has some quick wit as we saw in the Nova Scotia video. We just wish we had a better goalie and one without a church like allegiance. I hope he has a long life pain free, nevermind the career. Right now, two bad hips and two bad knees will permanently affect him and I think anyone, not to mention a pretty alright guy, should be wished well and a complete recovery and removal of pain. I hope he retired rather than subjects himself to permanent joint pain. We can always use a new GM
Great Work Chris, sorry for the length but this is my only post as a prominant known DP hater.
Chris, can you talk about what your reaction was when Pierre Turgeon was shipped away for Kirk Muller, and your thoughts on the general dismantling of that ’92-’93 team? I, for one, thought we had a solid core that could have been legit contenders for a few seasons…