BOSTON 4, ISLANDERS 3 (SO)
50 minutes of dominance = a one-point loss
FanHouse Podcast with Ciskie and Botta
FanHouse on Coaching conflicts of interest
10:15 pm - Get ready for another round of quotes from the locker room about how the loss is not acceptable and “no one is getting used to losing.”
Wow. This was straight out of November, 2008. Brutal. Ugly. Scary. Only three of four wins this week will take the sting away from this disaster.
Time for some Post-Game Plus/Minus:
Plus: Strong coaching, game plan, goaltending and execution of a system. For 50 minutes.
Minus: Scott Gordon can point to three specific plays - most notably Byron Bitz undressing Andy Sutton – but still, the coaches have to find a way to end the third period meltdowns. The Islanders do not have to make the playoffs this season, but this stuff has to stop.
Plus: Of the 18 skaters the Islanders dressed tonight, not one of them has ever scored 20 goals in an NHL season. But when the Islanders skate like they did tonight for two and a half periods, this is what they can be.
Minus: Oops, they blew it again.
Plus: Kill Dwayne Roloson in the shootout all you want. He showed tonight – and will continue to show – why he was one of the best UFA signings of the summer. After getting the best one last summer (Mark Streit), GM Garth Snow knows his veteran free agents. He should do it more often. Or someone should encourage/allow him to fish a little more.
Minus: If the Islanders want to ever get that second point, Roloson and his goalie coaches will need to correct the shootout/five-hole flaw.
Plus: Mark Streit
Minus: Bruno Gervais
Plus: Radek Martinek
Minus: Brendan Witt
Plus: Freddy Meyer
Minus: Andy Sutton
Even: Time to give Jack Hillen a game.
Plus: No one is saying Matt Moulson is a first-line player, but he is a National Hockey League player.
Minus: Joel Rechlicz taking a slap shot on an opposing goalie long after hearing a whistle is the kind of disrespectful act that would drive the Country crazy. And the kind of thing that opponents remember.
Plus: John Tavares was the right draft pick for this team. Every time he gets the puck, which is a lot, Howie Rose gets so cranked up has to loosen his tie.
Minus: You don’t have to put John Tavares in the shootout. That’s your prerogative and everyone knows the OHL stats. Still – and I’m the Prez of the Richard Park Fan Club – you don’t skip over your franchise forward in favor of a third-line journeyman.
Plus: Kyle Okposo out-muscling Zdeno Chara.
Minus: Josh Bailey…not ready for prime time 5-on-5.
Plus: Even when they’re not scoring, the Islanders are moving it around on the power play with confidence. Streit’s upgraded reputation and the two young scoring threats have a lot to do with that.
Minus: Blaming everything on the coaching staff after 8 and a half periods of no complaints. Did I mention that of the 18 skaters the Islanders dressed tonight, not one of them has ever scored 20 goals in an NHL season?
You’re encouraged to add to the list. What you can’t do is load up on the profanity, like I’ve been taking down for the last 30 minutes. Thanks.
194 Responses to BOSTON 4, ISLANDERS 3 (SO)
50 minutes of dominance = a one-point loss
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Keith M says:
With Gordon’s system these guys always burn out in the 3rd period,always. Time to make some adjustments in the 3rd.
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KO21 says:
Minus: Josh Bailey.
Where is the world is Josh Bailey??He hasn’t taken a single shot all season…Is it the line hes playing on???Whats your take, CB?
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Lawrence Teller says:
Hard not to see this as a joke – there is noone on that defense who can stabilize the defensive zone. Gilroy and Komisarek were out there for the cost of only money.
It seems that whenever a superior team decides its time to win, the simply turn on the skill and we lose our advantage.
Hard to be an Islanders fan – too many years of excuses – I just want to win.
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isles316 says:
I’m really not a fan of Andy Sutton. He gets undressed all the time and rarely throws his body around.
One thing the Islanders can do to change momentum is maintain a cycle deep in the offensive zone. The pressure-transition game works great like it did on the Tavares goal but it doesn’t sustain pressure and when refs put their whistles away late in games, you can’t sustain pressure on power plays that don’t exsist. -
west coast isles fan says:
minus: rollie letting in a soft floater from the blue line at 3-2
Thats what stoppers are supposed to stop when the momentum is the other way.
Bailey is not doing anything on offense..we get that.. We also get he is backchecking very very effectively..in case you guys didnt see that throughout tonight’s game (specifically early in the 1st period on a 3 on 2)
Dont let that teeny tiny fact, which doesnt show up in the score sheet..cloud your frustration with him.
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angry isles fan says:
boston lucked out
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At times tonight, Kyle Okposo’s stick looked like it was made of swiss cheese.
Andy Sutton needs to some serious shooting practice.
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#7 is right also. Boston got a goofy bounce or break on all 3 goals allowed.
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hubie39 says:
Great call CB…..Jack Hillen must play on Monday. Sutton has got to sit.
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Dan from NJ says:
Plus: 3 points in 3 games
Minus: 3 points in 3 games -
beatlebailey says:
Cut bailey some slack..let him play. he should not have been here last year or this year quite frankly but Garth had to justify the trade down…give him some time…who can get on his gervais, sutton, even bergy…i think weight was missed tonight..would have helped settle things down.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
Tough loss — the first 19 minutes and 15 seconds of the first was all Islanders. The second started off a bit rough but paid off well. The team looked solid and didn’t feel like it could finish in the bottom 5. We all know how the third period went down. Roloson looked kind of frozen on most of the goals, notbaly due to some screening.
This was the first game I got to see — Tavares, Sim, and Bergenheim looked great in the offensive zone and Bailey, Martinek, and Streit looked good in the defensive zone. Moulson could be a 1st or 2nd line player — the jury is till out on Schremp.
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Steve M says: A game that was truly ours. Great goal by Tavares, and what… Sim scores!??! We need to improve the 3rd period, it always looks like a penalty kill while its 5-5 hockey. Go Isles, can’t wait for monday.
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At least they have played very competitive games every night and we’re seeing some improvement from last year. I think the system has to slow down in the 3rd and Biron has to play more as Roloson lets up way too many rebounds, he kind of reminds me of Garth and thats not very good.
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M Howard says:
Plus: Kyle Okposo looking like a ten-year vet!
Minus: Robbie Schremp and Jeff Tambellini seem to be twins seperated at birth. -
dahammer says:
Great point on not one guy in the lineup having ever scored 20 in a season, but that did not seem to matter with 10 mins left in the game. This system must be tweaked with a lead late in the 3rd. Unacceptable.
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i4e11 says:
Good teams don’t get lucky. Boston made their own breaks tonight and won.
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Alfred says:
Another night where the Isles play their $43 million team against a $56 million team and come out of it as the losers.
When will Wang wake up and realize that he is not competing in this league?
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John says:
Plus: Springsteen’s performances at Giants Stadium the past week. Brought back memories of 1984. Remember the Isles in ’84?
Minus: The hot girls at the ’84 concerts have aged like the Isles- decent in 85,86,87 a brief glory year in 93 and then all downhill ever since.
Plus: Bruce crowd surfing during Hungry Heart.
Minus: Sutton needs a hungrier heart for hitting.
Even: The parking lot fee at Giants stadium and upper tier end zone Coliseum prices. About 25 bucks each.
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Matt says:
i love Okposo and Tavares on the same line. not the biggest of our problems but it would be nice to get a real first line LW.
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The Mick says:
Plus – We finally have some skill players.
MInus – two of the three goals that went in were lucky bounces.Listen, the team should have nailed this one down, but still three OT games, three points, not a terrible start to the year.
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JonnyBoston says:
Plus – at the game tonight and saw a Steve Webb jersey.
Minus – saw at least 5 Yashin jerseys
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Alan says:
CB — you hit the nail right on the head – You’re the man!
Where in the world is Josh Bailey? Andy Sutton is brutal — but all of those goals were pretty freaking lucky, but you can do that when you have big bodies. Isles need a d-man to clear the front of the net.
We need secondary scoring — Bailey and Park need to step up their respective games, and quick to keep with the pack because every team in the league is solid!!!
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Strummer's Army says:
From the NYI Marketing Department “Islander Hockey Find A Way To Lose”.
Skipping Tavares and Bailey in the shootout for Richard Park for the shootout told me the Isles would lose the game before the first shot was taken.
Plus: The Isles being aggressive for once.
Minus: The terrible defense.
Minus: Saddling 9th overall draft pick Josh Bailey with some suspect wingers.Plus: Gordon allowing Bergy and Comeau more ice.
Plus: Bergy and Comeau performing so well it showed Gordon he made a smart move.I really like Roloson in games but his shootout performance isn’t nearly as good as DiPietro (one of the best in the NHL at shootouts).
How long will Snow sit on this line up? It’s simply not good enough.
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Chris Mc says:
Plus: Blake Comeau on the PK. I dont know if anyone even saw this coming but he looked great out there. And he was in the first forward combo out on the ice for every PK. Maybe Gordo isnt as down on him as we all thought
Plus: This team playing like they belong. Granted theyve pulled the usual Islander 3rd period meltdown twice already this year, but theyre not going to be pushed around by anyone this year
Minus: Andy Sutton period, but Andy Sutton getting an open ice pass on the tape of his stick in the slot in OT and NOT shotting the dang puck. Just fire it mongo. It either goes in or we get a nice rebound.
Minus: Richard Park/Nate Thompson as the second forward combo out there in OT. Really? I love Richard Park but Thompson over, hmmm, any one of 6 other forwards is ridiculous. I was seeing red.
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bergie20 says:
plus: rob schremp had a good game. he looked like he belonged in the nhl as a top 6 forward.
minus: this is probably the worst d in the league. can’t wait for de haan and hamonic. cam fowler or erik gudbranson would also look real nice on our d next year. major changes are needed on d in the summer.
roloson is a very good goalie but biron should be inserted for the shootout. rolie is a positional goalie, not a lateral goalie which is needed in the so. -
ledzep121212 says:
Plus: Sean Bergenheim. He was all over the ice tonight creating tons of scoring chances and played a very sound defensive game tonight.
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dmen77 says:
Plus – a 2 point effort for 52 min
Minus – a -1 point effort for 8 min+2 – 52 min (87% of the game)
-1 – 8 min (13% of the game)
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+1 60 minI find it hard to believe that being awful for 13% of the game can take away all the good you do for 87% of the game.
A good coach can coach a team to victory when the team is bad, a lousy coach can lead his team to lose games when they play well.
You mean to tell me Gordon couldn’t tell his players to get the puck and just fire it down and ice it? Does anyone remember a game a couple of years ago in MSG where the Rags took it to us early and the crowd was crazy. Nolan had the guys ice the book 4 or 5x in a row to kill all the momentum.
I just don’t understand how a coach cannot figure out a way stop the bleeding for such a small portion of a game and then bleeding ends up costing the team a win.
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chad says:
great 2nd period brawl in the soundtigers game
too bad the islanders dont have that kind of toghness
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dalcy says:
plus- we have a 1st line
minus- andy sutton was and always will be known as mandy sutton
plus-without the goaltending so far we would not have any points
minus- i hate the shoot-out
plus- the islanders will have at least 2 players this year with 20+ goals. maybe more -
Vealchop says:
I was at the game tonight. I saw about 25+ Islander jerseys and I was behind the net where the islanders shot at twice, so I am assuming even more then that where there. Good showing by Islander fans.
Plus – Streit looks awesome, so much control poise. Better get more league wide respect.
Minus – Richard Park on the PP (I know Weight is out, but still come on)
Plus – Richard Park good team player and does his job well.
Minus – Gervais & Sutton.
Plus – Okposo is the best Islander forward by far.
Minus – Richard Park in the Shootout. Why?
Plus – Taveras looked more and more comfortable as the game went on. I would like to seem him take a slap shot, he never does.
Plus – D-Rol, great play in the net tonight.
Minus – D-Rol in the shootout.
Plus – Bergenheim is the Isles 2nd best forward, he needs more PT. I like him Bailey and Comeau playing together.
Plus – Taveras can shoot, I love it.
Plus – It was great seeing the Islanders play tonight. In a year or 2 its going to be exciting every night watching the NEW YORK ISLANDERS play and WIN!
GO ISLANDERS!
Cheers
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rb says:
Rollie is a good positional goaltender, but he seems truly awful in the shootout.
@27: Are you allowed to use a different goaltender for the shootout?
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ItsGoodToBeRich says:
33. Not to butt into your conversation, but you can switch goalies before the shootout.
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Vas says:
The team will or hopefully will learn how to win. Did we think this would happen overnight! If you did shame on you!
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AZS says:
PLUS – Islander fans being excited during the 3-0 lead
MINUS – Islander fans overreacting to the lossPLUS – We have 2 really good first line players with a respectable LW
MINUS – The second line needs to generate points and take the pressure off – more balanced scoring neededPLUS – Jon Sim, Bergy, Robbie Schremp
MINUS – Bailey, Gervais, WittPLUS – Tavares 2g 3a in 5 games
MINUS – Had a great view of Park’s SO attempt -
Plus: 3 points in 3 games. This team SKATES and BACKCHECKS.
Plus: Outplaying two of the East’s best — Pittsburgh and Boston over more than half of each game.
Plus: 2 out of a possible 4 points on the road so far.Minus: Gordon, time to stick with a rotation of Tavares, Tambellini and Hunter in shootouts.
Minus: Andy Sutton.
Minus: A lot of the negativity on this board. Cut it out boys. We have skill for the first time in 15 years and reason for true optimism heading forward. -
Rich says:
Why in the world is Park in the SO instead of Tavares? I like Gordon but some of his decisions are baffling. My wife who knows jack about hockey asked “if 91 is the new star why is he not in the SO”.
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big jim says:
the islanders really need another top 6 foward.with a top line guy and a stud dman this team is a playoff team,and also a team that can put games away!
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2Bit says:
Plus = Bergie had a decent game
minus = Even Bergie should’ve been in the shootout over Park. -
Bob Bassen says:
I thought Comeu played quite well positionally and had some confidence with the puck in OT, but when things got dicey in the third neither Schremp or Comeu took the body..period. I don’t care if it was Chara with the puck or not.
You’re right about the Wrecker, CB. His insecurity is really starting to show. Bummer.
Where was Jackman?
Oh well, life goes on. -
George T. Brooklyn Fan says:
#29 that icing stuff might work if they could win a faceoff.
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MT says:
Plus: Bergie. I hope he gets a goal on Monday
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plus: kyle okposo, john tavares
minus: brendan witt, andy sutton, bruno gervais
plus: dwayne roloson(during regulation)
minus: our D is the softest in the nhl. -
okpososcores21 says:
OK there are some positives to take out of this one the boys looked good and controlled most of the game with very little mistakes it was very melodical as Howie Rose pointed out. The negatives are through 3 games our so called shut down deffenseman brendan wit is slugish and slow and is minus 5 aso bruno gervais who in my opinion was terrible last year is equally terrible this year. He cant move the puck and it seems every time he has the puck he gives it away or ices it. Also im seeing a different richard park not that hard working guy we saw last year not making a difference much i atribute this to there being so many youngsters on the team making him feel a bit superior but for him to be effectice hes gotta be cranking on all 8 cylinders a 100 percent of the time causing turnovers and creating havoc on the forcheck. o yea richard is also minus 5 in 3 games
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Alan says:
CB:
Is there anybody on the Bridgeport D who can actually use his body to hit someone or do we have a bunch of midgets. Secondly, is Travis Hamonic the only physical D we have in the system?
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happiness is watching JT and KO steaming down the wing, together or alone. we played pitt, sens and bruins and came away with 3 points. the bruins caught a break, but good teams convert those breaks(think yankees). sutton and bruno had awful games. boston was the #1 seed in the east, so they have talent.
we are fast, attack and play hard. we have guys driving to the net( sim and moulson always in front) our power play moves the puck, and when they dont, its suprising. schremp is a pleasent find, so far. there will be off nites, but i like these guys. we have a few finishers now, makes a huge difference. moving in the right direction. its early, but we dont appear to be the league bottom feeders so far. -
big dally mac says:
A bad this year mean a great next 7-10 years. I don’t care this is fun to watch win or lose….Bailey needs 20-30 AHL games..I’ve been saying it since last year when he should have been back in junior send him down bring Smith or Joensuu up or alternate a few of them and get this kid some confidence offensively in the big A.
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Starscream says:
This will take time. Stinks but it’s part of development. Great game by the 1st line again. Park in the SO is a real head-scratcher.
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Garth Snow needs to sell some of these veterans for some picks and maybe package some of these 2nd tier youngsters for more picks. They have 30 mill committed for next year, too bad 1/3 of that are for Dipietro and Yashin. A physical Dman (20-25 min a night) and a top 6 winger is a priority.
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#15 Were we watching the same game roly’s rebound control has been way supwerior to birons in his 2 games to martys 1 good ex was on bostons power play in the second period there were 2 or 3 hard low shots no rebounds with at least 3 boston players crashing the net waiting for one. i think Roly so far has been the beter goalie out of the 2 when most of his goals alowed were flukes.
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Great 2 1/2 periods. I put the blame on the whole team the last 7 minutes especially the D and on Gordon. What does he have to say now after all that bull that 1 point is not good enough. He definately did’t do anything to change that.
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Steve says:
Chris,
You say the third period meltdowns have got to stop. You question the judgment of putting Park in the shootout. I assume you saw the “standing around” that Goring was talking about in the late stages. But you think the fans shouldn’t be upset with coaching staff.I watched the Rangers from Renny to Torts and I heard all the talk about conditioning and I see a big difference with them. Do you think our them is in good enough shape to play this high tempo system for 3 and a quarter periods?
I don’t.
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stopthepain says:
It’s not negative to speak about some obvious observations. Streit is awesome. The rest of the defense is poor. Witt never seems to know where to make that first pass, and Sutton doesn’t fit in the system because of his lack of skating/passing ability.
Now, in all seriousness, the Islanders don’t have nearly enough skill to compete. They will eventually IF some of their draft picks develop and Bailey/Okposo/Tavares pan out. Let’s qualify for another very high draft pick and build some more. This loss is good for that high draft pick..
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ShardZ says:
I’m an optimist, so here are some plusses:
Plus: Sean Bergenheim. As the TV guys mentioned, he kept his legs moving the entire game. Drew a penalty on that almost-break, nearly drew another on a similar play, and generated offense both in the slot and down by the goal mouth. Didn’t score, but he was working.
Plus: Robbie Schremp. Looked much more composed this game than his first. Also began to show some of these skills we’ve heard of.
Plus: Matt Moulson. I’m biased (I was at Cornell with him for a year) but he was forchecking well, backchecking well, and his play in front of the net contributed to Martinek’s goal.
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Doug says:
I don’t care about not winning. If they get blown out, fine. If they just clearly can’t compete with better more experienced teams, again, fine, I understand. But dominating 50 minutes of a game with a 3-0 lead and blowing it is just unacceptable. The team CLEARLY can compete, but they are blowing leads just like they did last season.
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jonsson3 says:
minus- Witt, Sutton
Witt looks like he’s moving in slow motion, on the ice for 2 of the goals.
Sutton gets schooled by Bitz and dumps the puck into the corner instead of on net when there are 2 Isles in front.Can we trade them?
Use Hillen, sit Sutton, Witt and call up anybody from BP. -
Alan from Hartford says:
wow that was a tough one to watch. how about rob schremp getting the first and only goal in the SO? isles played great for 52 minutes tonight and it was awesome to watch. they dont have much further to go. this team is VERY young and getting used to eachother. i think other teams in the league will be quite upset when they realize the isles arent a cupcake win anyone.
minus – tough loss
plus – it’s still a point — and we did even average 1 point all last season — so we’ll take it.GO ISLES.
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Jeff Kuntz says:
PLUS: Schremp surprising good play this game. Tavares’ snipe. Roloson’s first 50 minutes. Our PK.
MINUS: Our entire first period powerplay. Roloson’s last 15 minutes (Shootouts don’t count against goalies. YOU try stopping breakaways against NHLers.). No 91 in the shootout.
PLUS: I think the 2009-2010 season is going to be better than I thought.
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I think it is silly that people are mad. OTT, PIT, and BOS kicked our butts last year. We got points, move on and win a couple and life is good. It’s a young team and the difference is last year we would have taken a zero point L.
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Plus – The improved play of Bergenheim and the surprising play of Schremp
Minus – The lack of leadership when things don’t go the Isles way.
Plus – John Sim is playing the way Garth Snow told us he would when he was signed
Minus – The ongoing injury problems that plagued this team last year.
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Dan says:
I would love it if we could stop having a goal a game go off one of our d-man’s skate and also have a floater from the point some how bounce off the ice or off a body and somehow find the net. Park was an interesting choice although if it does go in then we are not complaining but there were much better choices on the bench. Maybe we should put tamby on the bench play him a few shifts and then let him shoot in the shoot out. Traveras, streit, bergy. I gather recker was only called up to play in this particular game since the bruins are very physical. Call up trevor smith and chill out on bailey. Also lets get someone to teach KO what to do in the shootout. Last year it was that same fancy move that never worked although it looked cool. Yes it is great to fake out the goalie but a good old wrist shot also works.
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Concerned Citizen says:
Witt is a good guy…but not a good hockey player any more.
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Andre says:
The Taylor Hall sweepstakes has begun! Isles need to completely revamp the defense.
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JP says:
I just want to point out that John Tavares has 1.667 points per game right now.
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“Still – and I’m the Prez of the Richard Park Fan Club – you don’t skip over your franchise forward in favor of a third-line journeyman.”
I am the VP of the Richard Park Fan Club…but I was ready to hand in my resignation tonight after he got 1st line minutes (2nd only to Tavares among forwards), was on the 1st power play unit, and, of course, was given a chance on the shootout while Tavares and a handful of more skilled shooters sat on the bench. C’mon Gordon…..what are you thinking? Park is good, but not THAT good. Give the kids a chance.
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Sab says:
You pretty much covered most of it very well CB!!
The highlights were:
- The play of Kyle & JT
- Roli during the first two periodsMy frustrations were:
- Roli in the shootout (slip the quicker Biron in there cold, why not? it’s been done before!)
- Decision to put Park on the PP and Shootout. He’s a sparkplug but no Jason Blake (in his prime as an Isle of course hehe)It’s only one game…but with the injury bug starting all over again do we see a repeat of last year? Will our Captain play more than our apparent #1 goalie did last year?
SAB
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Isles fan in CA says:
Weak showing in the 3rd. Time for some wind sprints at practice in the morning.
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StevieL says:
Plus- JT makes it so much better to watch islander games. I Look forward to every JT and KO shift!
minus- Give the Isles to much credit for dominating the first 2 periods when Boston is obviously out of sync. and sleepwalking. They woke up late in the 3rd and dominated us in crunch time.
Plus- Streit, nuff said. What were the rest of the NHL GM’s thinking!
minus- Bailey is thinking D first. He has lost all offensive touch. No shots this year??
Plus-Sim , Bergy, Moulson, Schremp willing to go into the crease
Minus- Gordons system. Need to address a year + of the 3rd period meltdowns.
Plus- It is going to be a fun year watching the Isles. -
JPinVA says:
PLUS – Snow has done well to improve personnel with no budget and no future. Streit, Roloson, Moulson and Schremp MAY all be good pick ups…
MINUS – There were so many other talented forwards available, and so much cap room… But I guess TOI for wunderking tambellini was too important.
PLUS – Go Go has introduced a system that keeps an inferior team in the game for 35-50 minutews.
MINUS – NHL games are still at least 60 minutes… and GOO GOO does not adjust.
PLUS – KO, JT, Schremp(?) Moulson, look like they can contribute in the NHL RIGHT NOW.
MINUS – Bailey… not so much
PLUS – the Isles are getting very good goaltending. If you don’t think that’s true look at any game from last year (or any DP game) and compare the rebound control.
MINUS – They might have to start getting groin injuries after teh second period… so the fans won’t boo them when they give up 3 goals on 12 shots in the third.
PLUS – PK looks good
MINUS – Penalties kill this team.I most certainly do not know how to manage or coach a hockey team, but just as I said last year… when Brendan Witt and Sutton have the puck behind the opposing goal the risk far outweighs the reward.
Park over Tavares… what a joke. I know the answer to this already, but a good wager would be who last longer, Scott Gordon or Jim Zorn…
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Zteller says:
plus: the soundtigers are 3-0. the future is bright on LI
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TuxTax says:
2 ridiculous goals and one nice one…I’m not bringing out the ol’ pitchfork just yet…honestly I thought they dominated 90 percent of the game…my only complaint here is Witter, love the guy, but he is not able to keep up with todays NHL.
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yashin for president says:
Sorry guys, there is no way this team will be a lottery team. the only way is if both goalies go down to injuries.. Isles look pretty exciting. when was the last time we had someone come down the wing like that and snipe like Tavares did tonight? Its just feels awesome to finally have that talent now. Hope Moulson sticks..
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we need DP what’s the timetable CB? and what kind of rehab stint do you think he’ll make in bridgeport?
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Sean says:
It is me or is having Richard Park in the shootout instead of Tavares incredibly dumb? One guy’s a potential 50 goal scorer, the other is a 4th line grinder and I’ve never known Park to have dazzling moves or whatever. Never shoulda come to that but still.
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Oren says:
MR. BOTTA, i love you. BUT, a lack of 20 goal scorers is NOT why they blew a 3-0 lead. Some of this has to be attributed to the coaching staff. Gordon is the one not ready for prime time. Did I mention that this stuff was happening last year too. And I can directly attribute it to Gordon and his staff. Point of fact: we have 2 new goalies, Shremp, Tavares, Moulson, and improved Okposo, (even though he showed signs last year this year KO is unbelievable!) So what in the world does no 20 gl scorers have to do with it. Kind of disingenious anyway KO wouldve scored 2 more gls only played 68 gms, and Tavares will score 20…take that to the bank. No…different players, basically new 1st line, with veteran d-men….same results. I’m not saying gordons not the right guy, but apparently he needs IMPROVEMENT!!!!!
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rob d says:
PLUS- We came out of Boston with a point.
PLUS- Moulson-Tavares-Okposo
PLUS- Islanders aggressive play
MINUS- The lack of pure talent on team
MINUS- Too many role players
MINUS- Lack of youth and talent on def.
MINUS- Bailey! Time for Bridgeport!
PLUS- Smith! Time for Uniondale!
MINUS- Reichliz! Back to Bridgeport!
PLUS- Joensuu! Time for Uniondale!
PLUS- NYI Goaltending!!
MINUS- Last 10 min of every game!!!!!!!!
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Yeah, the Islanders are still pretty much an AHL team so blowing leads are gonna happen (on the rare nights they can even get them to begin with). They’ll be feisty but they are undersized, inexperienced and not all that talented outside of 5 or 6 guys like Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Streit.
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Minus- Gordon and staff, time to get an experienced assistant coach that doesnt want to be a head coach to guide Gordon. I think its simply put, but minus to the conditioning. The Isles staff has to come up with a better training regiment.
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Was it really them being out of shape or just unable to match a WAY more talented once it stepped up? Seriously, this is an AHL team and arguably not even a very good AHL team. Wang is not going to put any money into the team until he has assurances on new arena and until then they’ll skate with a bunch of NHL retreads and prospects.
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out of shape. sean, it happens every game to every team.
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Looking at all of last season and the beginning of this one, I still believe Gordon is in over his head and makes too many head-scratching decisions.
Bailey should be scratched at least one game. He needs to learn to fight through checks and he needs to get stronger on the puck and go to the net. Gordon can’t play favorites. He needs to sit guys who deserve to sit. Maybe sitting up top and watching a game will do Bailey some good. If not, send him to Bridgeport. Maybe he needs a confidence boost because although its early, he looked better last season.
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vukota says:
Why do you guys act suprised when they blow leads? Have you guys taken a good look at our D??? You want to blame the coaches and conditioning?? The D sucks just as bad in the first five minutes of the game as much as they do in the last 5 minutes of a game. The D is putrid… Sutton is brutal, Witt is on the downside, Gervais is soft and inconsistent, Myer plays with heart but just isn’t big or strong enough to be effective. Martinek is good but even he could be better. Streit is the only legit D-man they have. Just watch the kids mature this year and don’t worry about wins and loses. BTW- JT is a stud!!!
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Islebethere4u says:
I agree with most of your assessment of tonight’s game CB.But Meyer was not much of a +, and I think you left out Schremp. I thought he had an outstanding game, as did Tavares, Moulson and Okposo. Bailey looked lost and Comeau very inconsistent. I have always liked Witt, but tonight he was brutal to watch. Sutton was very average for a big man. Park was ok and Reihcliz and Jackman held their own. Roloson looks great during the game but horrible in 2 shootouts thus far. These meltdowns aren’t just 3rd period but final 10 minute disasters. That REALLY has to stop! No JT for the shootout? Com’on guys really? It should have been KO, JT and Schremp!!
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Joe Cusumano says:
Tough loss but 2 points out of 2 road games is the positive.. They have to find a way to develope the killer instinct..Schremp, Tavares, Roloson had standout games..but what in the Blazing hell is Richard Park doing in that shootout over Tavares??????
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Im sorry people but ive read a lot of the posts today and it seems a lot of people are claiming the sky is falling. Big deal…they lost in OT/Shootout the first three games of the season. It’s not like the world is going to crumble. Please look at the positives here because there were way more positives in this game then negatives. I for one am happy with this team right now, and I am looking forward to the 79 remaining games. We have the whole season to make progress and adjust and remedy the third period breakdowns. Anywho, I just hope everyone can stop breaking out the pitchforks and torches and just watch some hockey. Stick by your team!
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Mike Weggeland says:
With all the leads we’ve blown, i would have called a time out after the first Boston goal. Most definitely tohugh, the time out should have been used after the 2nd Boston goal. Park got way too much ice time, especially on the PP. There is no way he should be on the , I’d rather see Bailey or schremp get a chance on that unit with Weight out.
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jared says:
Minus: Witt and Sutton.. These guys look like they have seen much better does. Brendan can’t move anymore
Minus: Josh Bailey. What do you expect. This guy is a playmaking center with nobody to pass the puck to! I would put Josh in the minors to get his confidence up and then bring up next year when they can give him a scorer to pass to
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Ethan K says:
Plus: John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Mark Streit, Dwayne Roloson and Matt Moulson are good hockey players.
Minus: Everyone else on our team stinks.
Josh Bailey has been worthless so far this year… has he been on the ice? I can’t tell. Tambellini has lost his spot tonight… Maybe he can hit the 5 goal mark this year though. Rob Schremp is good in shootouts, which is good, because we’re going to be getting into a lot of them this year! Andy Sutton is the biggest waste of 250 pounds I’ve ever seen. Radek Martinek can’t handle or clear the puck if his life depended on it. Brendan Witt has plenty of problems on defense, especially a lack of discipline. Bruno Gervais WAS developing into a good defenseman last year… what happened? He’s weak and has been stumbling ALOT.
Trent Hunter, though a good hockey player, is rarely healthy these days. Comeau has yet to do anything this year either.Yes, I KNOW we’re 3 games in. I know the Bruins are a great team. But that’s a lame excuse now. We’re a team that has to start getting better. And for the first 50 minutes, Boston was NOT a better team. The Islanders were out-shooting them, and had a 3 goal lead.
Coach Gordon has a lot to learn, and so does the team. You have to keep yourself paced to be able to play the whole game, while keeping the other team tired. You can’t just get the lead and sit back and relax.
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Sutton and Witt are terrible, very slow, not very mobile, SOFT. Sit them down with Tambs, start Hillen and bring up MacDonald from BP.
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MJS says:
Minus – Nate Thompson being out in OT… again.
Next year Tavarez and Okposo are going to be fantastic. They were completely noticeable during the entire game. Tavarez needs to bulk up and learn to keep his head up more, but really is that good. Rask had no chance on his goal.
Big minus – Gordon not using the time out when Boston scored the first, or second goal. The place really came alive after being quiet all game. I knew the B’s would tie it up after that first one. Gordon did nothing to slow everything down after that first goal and/or the second goal. Not that we have a say in it, but it would be awesome if he would use the trap or something for the last 10 minutes of the 3rd. Certainly would’ve won this game for them.
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Terrance says:
The Islanders have got almost $13 million of wiggle room under the cap, why are they not picking up the help they need this season??
Except for the bankrupt, league-operated team in Phoenix, the Isles have the lowest payroll of any team in the NHL.
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billy says:
-shremp looks pretty decent
-snow should put biron in the shootouts
- witt just isnt witt at all
-not signing komisarek/beauchemin type will cost us a lot of games
- what happens when weight, hunter, and neilsen come back full time? we can’t keep all these guys as healthy scratches- “top corner” tavares is a natural. including preseason he has 8 points in 7 games and only 1 game without a point…..and he hasn’t fully adjusted to the speed his passes and shots need to be yet!
we deserve this kid soooooooo bad!!!!great game though except for the 3rd period collapse.
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Frustrated Voter says:
PLUS: We could have been 0 – 3
MINUS: We could have been 3 -0PLUS: Heightened expectations. When was the last time we had that?
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Restore the Pride-n-Passion NYI Hockey says:
Gervais a.k.a. baby bruno now 25+ ,still turns it over at least 2 or 3 times a game …. (usually leads to odd man rush)
Undressed at least once a game!
Physicallity is, or has never been there!
Offensively rarely if ever can carry in the zone by himself!I mean whats up here, other then an occasional pinch to keep it in the zone, where is the talent of an NHL caliber 4th 0r 5th defencemen????
He is not Offensive , hes not stay at home,
He gets outmuscled in the corners constantly.
Please wake up Snow & Gordon!!
How much longer do we wait?
AHL Yes. NHL hell no!
Amazing how he still plays for this club.
Along with Slow trotting Sutton & Witt their size means nothing anymore!
Witt was a helluva pro for 15 years those days are gone.These two are equally aging & inept currnet versions of themselves.
I think Most of the Gms & scouts would agree.
To be honest Sutton never could scrap though he could at least deliver Huge hits now & then….
(much more then shell of himself now)for what its worth this was evident last season to quite a few of us!
The Offense with the Kids looks Very promising!!(a bright spot for sure)The Defence lookes even older slower and softer then last year!
Hence another year of melt downs!
What a shame they actually look better
up front & in Net!
Can we use biron for the shootouts
The rebuild needs to find a hitter behind the blue line, with at least marginal speed, who is more then just a pilon in front of the net!Long Island has not had one of these in years!Wonder if our Gm & Coach agree?
oh well at least our former PR man realizes this.
Botta, your right on the triple minus on the blue line!
Lets go Isles.. Lets Go Islanders!! -
Candyman says:
Roloson has faced 5 shootout attempts….4 goals and 1 post. Wow. Put Biron in the shootout.
Say what you want about facing NHL shooters, the NHL average for goalies is about 75%.
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+: your +/- on our defense
-: jack hillen as our only allternate for the 3 minuses on our defense.+: shremp in the shootout and game overall
-: wondering if you’re allowed to switch goalies in the shootout because Roloson…. Jeez.+: Matt Moulson, no matter what line he’s on! I think he’s going to be a factor all year.
-: I love Bergenheim, but I hope he doesn’t become the player we always wait on to have the breakout year but never does. I’ve never once felt he’s found his permanent spot on this team or even the right linemates.+: Tavares’ goal is just the type I feel I haven’t seen from an Islander in forever. Everything about it just looked so right, like I knew he’d score on that. I don’t feel that way with any Islander in a scoring opportunity.
-: I’m now officially on the CB side of things and we definitely could have used a quality, veteran to play with some of these kids. Not just Weight and his bad groin. (Love Weight though, hope he gets back and stays consistent) -
JJ says:
PLUS (My favorite): John Tavares is the kind of raw hockey talent we haven’t seen in years.
Both his touch pass to Martinek, and perfectly placed wrist shot, show his great talent and hockey sense. Thank the lord, we finally picked a special player for our team!
PLUS: Kyle Okposo is a talented and solid hockey player. He’s so strong on the puck and is already physically competing with men five to eight years his senior. Think how strong he’ll be when he’s 26. Another very solid talent.
PLUS: Matt Moulson is a very pleasant surprise. He’s smart with the puck, and plays with an edge. As painful as it is to praise any Islander GM, we should tip our hats to Garth Snow for Moulson.
PLUS (hesitantly): Schremp. Needs to play a bit tougher, but showed some solid speed and skill. Plus, he has some fire in his personality. Everyone on the Isles is very mellow; the team could use a bit of an ass.
MINUS: Bailey blows. Send him to Bridgeport. The kid needs to develop some confidence and strength.
MINUS: The 3rd period meltdown. I don’t understand why this team cannot hold a 3rd period lead.
Sure, our defense is soft and our team is young. But a lot of this problem is psychological. The Isles have been a losing team for practically 20 years. I think there’s a confidence issue with that lead. It’s like the team doesn’t actually believe they could win.
I don’t know… But I think this team will learn to win this year. It’s early in the season. Three games. We’re seeing a much improved, much more competitive hockey team, but one that has some team kinks and some personnel issues to work out.
But at least we’re beginning to clearly define our problems. I have to have faith that we’ll find a way to plug our holes and fix our culture. We’re on the right track.
That said, the growing pains will continue. But for the first time in a very long time, I think we can look forward to a very competitive team, but probably not for another year or two.
Let’s just hope they’re still they’re the NEW YORK Islanders.
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The Islanders clearly have taken some steps in the right direction, but we have much more to go. The management and coaching staff have to realize the core players’ potential here. If we look at it realistically:
The Islanders aren’t a playoff team this year. But the core is coming along. Tavares and Okposo have shown in 3 games that they’re going to pan out to be point-a-game players. Soon enough, out first line will be feared. Guaranteed.
However, it’s developing the defense, and the 2nd and 3rd lines that need the boost.
Moulson and Schremp are showing that they can play on the NHL level. They’re both talented players. I’d like to see Moulson work with other players for a game or two. Maybe put him next to Bailey for a game, and see if he can work with Bailey’s playmaking abilities. Tavares and Moulson are both snipers, I don’t think we need both on the same line, even though they’ve been doing well.
The Islanders management has to see that we have a LOT of trade bait at the halfway point this year. Richard Park, Brendan Witt, Marty Biron (If DP is back and healthy), Andy Sutton, etc. These players have certain talents that can come in handy to a team that needs a boost or a fill-in player in order to make a playoff run. That’s what Guerin was last year, and boy did he help out… too bad that only translated to a 3rd round pick.
We really need to make some defensive moves. De Haan needs time to gain weight, but he’s got the talent to succeed in the NHL when he does. I don’t know where Gervais’ head has been at, but he was showing good potential last year. Mark Streit is an offensive wizard. Joensuu and Hillen need their opportunities to play. Martinek and Meyer can be benched.
Let’s trade some of the vets for draft picks, move up high in the draft like we did last year to get De Haan, and get another potential top-6 forward, and a good, BIG, 2-way defenseman. We need another point man like Streit to complete our developing PP.
Other hopefuls this year: Nate Thompson, Trevor Smith, Blake Comeau, Frans Neilsen, Joel Rechlicz. This is their year to show us they deserve to be on the team.
Next offseason, we’ll hopefully pick up a top-4 defenseman and a solid 2-way, top-6 forward. Ilya Kovalchuk might very well be available if the Islanders really wanna get serious. The B’Hawks will lose some of their young d-men too. SPEND SOME MONEY! ALL THE BEST TEAMS HIT THE CAP CEILING! WE’RE IN THE BASEMENT!
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Ed J says:
Plus: 52min of great hockey
Minus: Sutton & WittPlus: Our young 1st line
Dumb Luck: I wont say collaspe at the end of this one because 2 of those 3 goals hit 2-3-4 sticks/bodies/skates before somehow going in, I’d call it bad luck and I can sleep well tonight being 0-0-3Lets Go Islanders!
Oh and btw…. Bailey looks like he’s feeling the pressure a bit.
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Jeff says:
Three games, three losses. At least this version of the team is fun to watch. Obviously too early to get over excited, but Tavares – Okposo are starting to remind me of Bossy-Trotts. Now we need a Gilles. SInce this team isn’t going to make the playoffs, I’m fine with another first overall pick.
Except for Streit, the entire D needs to be rebuilt.
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Imagine this team with Luke Shenn instead of Josh Bailey.
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Brad says:
It was said all summer, we need a veteran D-man and a left wing who can score. Right now I think a veteran on the blueline is the most pressing issue. Maybe while he’s at it Snow can get rid of Tambellini while he still has some worth, does he even have any worth, I’m not sure.
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Oh yeah did that goal by Martinek remind anyone else of the ’93 season, Thomas to Turgeon to King score, hope there’s a lot more of those to come.
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Bossy22 says:
Plus – I thought Schremp played pretty good..night and day from his first game.
Plus – Sim looks like the player we signed 2 years ago.
Minus – I agree CB…can’t have Park shooting over Tavares or Streit.
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Will C says:
-Josh Bailey
-,-,- Nikita Filatov on CBJ -
I still like Bailey and haven’t *given-up* on him but post # 101 now is becoming a VERY valid thought after last night’s game. But maybe if Schenn is on last year’s team we win two or three more games and don’t get Taveres?!? Whatever…Islanders #1 problem is still the Lighthouse/Moving Van issue. Gonna be be stud free-agents up for grabs every year including defensemen, but until the direction of the team is solved, I just cant fault management to be cautious with the pocket-book.
Go Isles! -
NICK says:
We need to send people we dont need to bridgeport, you know the people who dont make plays, and get people like smith and jeosnnsu (sp?)
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UIF says:
Awesome writeup on the pluses, minuses, CB. Agree completely on all points – particularly the defense. People get on Meyer all the time, but I think he’s been fine so far. Gervais…man, even when he makes a good defensive play, he just lightly pushes the puck to the blue line and gives it to the other team’s point man. I like Witt a lot, but he’s getting smoked to the outside almost every game now.
Agree with others here…WHY is Thompson out in OT? And Schremp was a pleasant plus. Deadly on the pp with that pass. If he never gets a goal but sets people up the way he did last night, I’m happy.
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Rene says:
How about we have Dwayne Roloson start games in net, but if he does, and it goes into a shootout put in Biron
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thepolishprince says:
CB – I agree with every single plus minus above. Sutton is an absolute pylon. Could he bring back anything more than a 6th rounder in trade? I close my eyes literally every time this guy touches the puck.
Park should not have been out there in the SO.
Our defense stinks.
Go Isles! Kick some King butt Monday! -
Everyone who thought Witt still brings something to the table was blinded by his play three years ago. He has had one good year for us,,his first. He is to slow and does not play tough anymore. Last year when I made these comments people thought I was wrong, well it looks like more of you are realizing it now. He will not be part of this team when we get good, so trade him now before the rest of the league figures it out too.
The entire Defense needs to be overhauled except for Streit..We are developing young fowards, while using older useless dman -
mike says:
Park over our sniper JT in the shootout?
I guess gordon is trying to become a bigger IDIOT then jerry manuel?
FIRE gordon for that STUPID move.
I thought the idea was to try to win games not make friends with your team? -
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
CB- You hit the nail on the head. I was thinking about last November’s collapses when the B’s tied up the game. I thought of the critique of Gordo’s Go-Go system.
I still find it amusing that some can confuse the G0-Go forecheck as an actual system. It’s not … I’ve made a killing using the forecheck myself … but I’m not crazy enough to call it a system … it’s used as a press … you do it to buy time or to force errors as your defense sets up … to play 60 minutes like that is very demanding … and if you’re playing a team that plays a normal 2-1-2 or 1-2-2 system then they are going to have more gas then you do at the 50 minute mark. I think the only way it will work for the Isles is if they can get a 4 goal lead. Maybe.
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Blizzard says: ….agreed on most points…however i do not think coaching gets the pass that you stated. This is too reminiscent of troubles we had last year and are not acceptable.
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I’m not a goalie … or pretend to know how to goaltend … so I’m not going to even touch Rollie’s performance … That being said, 17 years ago I had a coach that was a goalie … he told me a goalie gets slower to his lower stick side as the game wears on … Holding the stick makes the stick side fatigue faster then the glove side he said … now I have no idea if that was a pscyhe ploy to get me to shoot stick side … but it worked for me. You can ask Sudsie what he thinks CB.
I have to question why in a shootout the Isles tend to go glove side? Is it a scouting report on the goalie? Need more lefties in the SO … ::cough:: JT
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Jimmy Mac says:
Yes they blew the lead… but they did play very good last night.
It was night and day from last years team.
I’m very happy with this team right now.
We have played Boston, Pittsburgh, and Ottawa… and looked good.
I wouldn’t worry about Bailey too much… his work as a checking shut down centre is going well.
If he can learn to shut down the other teams top guy and win faceoffs… then anything else is just gravy.
Our defence will get a makeover in the offseason.
We will see guys like Sutton and Witt gone, and de Haan and hopefully a trade for a guy like Barker. Maybe even draft Fowler. But that would mean a top 3 pick.
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Quez says:
Toughness,leadership,PP forward…Brendan Shanahan! He would light a fire under the arses of some of these underacheiving Isles!
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Finally … Rubber legs syndrome.
Have you guys noticed that the Isles’ players … espeically defensemen … get rubber legs in the later part of the 3rd period? If I can notice it the players and coaches of the other teams can.
This makes it much more difficult for the Isles when they get running around. Weren’t we taught as young players not to chase the puck? To square to the puck carrier and make sure our positioning was sound. That’s how I remember it… focus on the crest of the player … not the hands or eyes.. impede the puck carrier’s passing lanes with your stick and his body with yours. Fundamentals … positioning saves steps and goals against.
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Before you all throw Bailey under the bus, I’ll just say this, “Garth Snow has a problem admitting his mistakes”
Josh Bailey isn’t a bust, he’s 20. He’s not a top five talent and shouldn’t have been in the NHL last year. He should have been given another year of juniors, the WJC and then at least 10 weeks of AHL hockey.
Snow has done a very good job. this team had no talent when he took over. Last year’s draft strategy was definitley necessary, so don’t compare Bailey to Filatov or Schenn. Compare every thing we got for moving down to those two… and then point a finger directly at one Mike Milbury for leaving this team as deep as an august rain puddle in Phoenix.
IMHO Snow just needs to start refocusing on cleaning up his own mistakes… Tambellini, 7 goaltenders, Gordon, Bailey and not making a better case for veteran players to help the team develop faster (or at least more efficiently) Everybody wants to see youth get ice time, THEY”RE NOT READY, DAMN IT… and you shouldn’t be preparing them in the damn NHL! -
Tony says:
Roloson has the biggest 5-hole in NHL history. CLOSE YOUR LEGS DUDE!!!!!!
He hasn’t impressed me at all.There’s no need to watch a basketball game or an Islanders game until the final 5 minutes. In basketball, that’s when the important stuff happens. In the Isles case, that’s when they always blow the game.
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Rachel G says:
We were the worst team in the NHL last year and we are not making the playoffs this year, so lets relax. We have a young team with some slow footed vets. This year I am planning to have fun watching the development of the young kids. I hope Snow cleans house at the trade deadline (Witt, Sutton, Hunter, Tamby) get another great draft pick next year, and sign a quality free agent or two.
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Dominic says:
Although I love Dougie Weight and he is probably a great Captain in the locker room. I think it was a poor decision to give him the C especially with him coming off Injury last year and experiencing the same coming into this season and the possibility he will be out of many games.
Any team but especially a young team needs there Captain on the Ice to settle things down on the Ice especially when there Coach won’t do it. At the end of the day it is the job of the coach to “Coach”, Guide, Provide direction, and implement stability when h is witnessing a physical or mental breakdown of the time at any time during the game. I am not saying his decision always has to work but he must at least do something. We saw none of that late in the third from the coaching staff.
The plus here is that if we could get some solid D to help Streit…I think we have a pretty damn good team!
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Joanny says:
Minus – Scott Gordon in shootout management. Remember when he put Witt out there in a shootout last season? You all thought he did it on purpose because he didn’t want the extra point to wreck our standing in the Tavares sweepstakes. After last night, putting Park out there over Tavares, who had an unbelievable pin-point accuracy goal earlier in the game (probably had a spot to shoot at the size of a teacup saucer, and he hit it), it is clear to me that Gordon is whizzing in the wind when he puts out that SO lineup.
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NYICHAMP39 says:
PLUS: John Tavares showed that he can be a force 5 on 5. (all of his previous points had been gained on the power play making me slightly uneasy)
MINUS: Sadly Brendan Witt looks like he has come way past his prime. His speed is hurting him 5 on 5 and he has been beat half a dozen times already this season.
PLUS: Although I hate to admit it Jon Sim looked good tonight…I’ll leave it at that.
MINUS: Richard Park is not Miro Satan. He should never come in slow and try to snipe one low and away in the shoot out. M god Richi!! Know your roll!!
PLUS: Although they will be improved and may not land in the basement, the Isles will be bad enough this year to land us a spot in the Draft lottery. Which means “helllllooooo” awesome draft pick. After this years draft and a few smart signings over the summer this team will be ready to compete seriously by 2011-2012. -
Pete says:
I totally agree with giving Hillen a chance. I’ve always liked Jack despite his small size for a defenseman. Bruno is not picking up where he left off last year after the Campoli trade. Sutton I can be a little more patient with since he hardly played last season, but not for much longer. I think we need to stop trying to protect a lead and just continue to be agressive, especially with a 3 goal lead. It looked like the Isles hit “Defensive Mode” when the first of 3 unanswered Boston Goals were scored.
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Why didnt Ference get a Fighting Major in the 1st period when he throw 3 or 4 punches? I was at the game and I heard the intial announcement of 5 for fighting but then changed to roughing.
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AYUDOIN says:
I agree that the meltdown sucked. But to reiterate what many of us have noted, we have three points in three games and two of them on the road. Let’s get these bad third period’s out of the way early in the season and when the team truly melds in December/January, the league better beware. Dave Maloney even stated on MSG Plus after the game that Isles fans should be disappointed with this loss but also optimistic. He thinks they’ll get rid of these late-game problems by the winter. And hey, maybe our beloved DP will be netminding the shootouts.
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Dominic, the players voted Weight as captain. I understand what you are saying but you can’t argue with the players in that room everyday .
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Chooch says:
#73 – hit it right on the head. This team is not a lottery team. They aren’t a playoff team either.
Gordon needs to ease up on the PArk love-fest. The guy hustles, plays his heart out, but first line PP time and 2nd shooter in the shoot-out? Not buying it.
Love Bergenheim, best player on the ice last night.
Schremp played awesome, he is still getting used to the system but he was very involved.
Sutton is like freaking Frankenstein out there…his hands are always out in front. You’re like 6′-10 on skates…hit something. Bitz should have been knocked off his skates rather than be allowed to undress Sutton like that.
Martinek – MINUS – this guy looks T-E-R-R-I-F-E-D with the puck in his own zone. Yeah, he scored a goal. He consistently gives the puck and has a real hard time clearing the zone.
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IsleofNJ says:
All of this bashing…..we’re only 3 games in ! The team is competing in every game…..realistically all 3 games could have been wins. Growing pains.
As far as the Boston game and Gordons choices for shooters…. it shouldn’t have come to that. Park didn’t pick himself, the coach did. He did the best with his opportunity unless he tells the coach to pick someone else. -
Anthony L says:
MINUS – SNOW
Don’t bash Bailey, he was rushed into NHL before he was ready. On a last place team, there was absolutley no need for him on the big club last year. At the “very least”, WJC would’ve been a help to his development – and don’t forget, the WJC were played in the midst of our two-month slump last year – he made no difference here; we wouldn’t have missed him. Also, you have a great play-making center with 15-goal scores on his wings… GIMME A BREAK – lay off the kid
MINUS – SNOW
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complain all you want about these guys, I do, but until Wang gets his way this is what we are stuck with.
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Amazing how no one critiqued the system when we came back against the Sens.
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PLUS: We’re not the worst team in the Eastern Conference as all the “experts” predicted
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mrlbem says:
Yeah, I know we colapsed in the last 10 minutes, but we also “lost” the game in the first period. We dominated the Bruins and couldn’t come up with even one goal. If we take advantage of those chances and add the 3 we did get in the second, the game is a blow out win.
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Bryan says:
I would have thought Schremp would have made the plus column if even for his shootout goal and good puck movement in the 1st period.
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We can all slice and dice the first 3 games many ways. Realize this:
1. We have 2 true NHL goalies now!
2. We have a bona fide star or 2!
3. We are competing!
4. We earned a point each game!
5. We have played 3 games! Relax!
6. We are skating well!
7. We’d be 0-3-0 last year!
8. This team and system is much improved!
9. This team isn’t a lottery team!Finally, expect a frustrated team to really take it to the LA Kings in front of a hopefully sold-out crowd on Columbus Day!
Keep the faith, fellow orange and blue! Go Isles!
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Mario says:
Not upset at all by having 3 points in 3 games. Upset that we only have 3 points. Remember you have to learn how to win before you can win. I think once they start winning it could be contagious. I love our first 2 lines but after that we need some work. GO ISLES!!!
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Viper says:
Encoursging effort. Moulson is a keeper, but not on the #1 line. Get JT and KO a gritty veteran winger. They really need some experience to draw from.
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Scott Gordon is the issue. AHL system that teams can solve as players are gassed and looked so in the third. Brendan Witt once again crouches down trying to block a shot when he could have pressured Savard on the B’s first goal by taking that stride towards him instead of stopping and screening Rolo. He looked gassed in the 3rd, did Witt. Chasing everyone. On the bright side. Tavares’ play is promising. On every shift he either creates or gets a scoring chance. How long is Scott Gordon signed for? One more year? Do we really have to wait for him to learn on the job? We need an NHL caliber coach. Sorry, I’m old school, old time hockey. Enough with the theory that you need a younger coach to relate to these kids.
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Dank516 says:
I think Gordan didn’t want to send Tavares out during the shootout because he didn’t want him to save the rest of the Islanders. That TEAM needs to keep it together in the 3rd.
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Double W says:
PLUS – 3 points in 3 games
Minus – could have been 6 points in 3 gamesI think we should get used to this as fans. The acquisition of Rollie and Marty have made us competitive night in and night out. We just don’t quite have the talent to close these games out. Some nights it will be our defence, other nights it will be our offence. But the bright side is these days will be coming to an end. The kids are maturing and the team is taking steps toward financial viability, meaning a potential loosening of the purse strings.
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blackwasser says:
I agree #55. Bergenheim, Moulson and Schremp played well. I think Moulson looks like a good fit with KO and JT.
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Jim S. says:
Gordon must call a timeout after the second goal to settle things down and try to get the team back to what they did for 52 min. At that point there was no upside to not using it. Why bring up Rechlicz to play 2+ min. He needs to learn how to play the game in Bridgeport or the ECHL. Bring up a Smith, Joensuu, Martin or whoever seems to have the best potential of adding offense to the roster.
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Cary says:
Plus: Tavares, Okposo, Schremp, Bergenheim, Comeau on the PK, Streit on the PP, Rolo through 2.5.
Minus: Can we send Josh Bailey to the minors where he has belonged since last season without exposing him to waivers and bring up Trevor Smith in his place?
Plus: We have an exciting young team to watch.
Minus: I disagree with CB – consistent 3rd period breakdowns dating back to last year DO have to do with a coaching strategy and mental toughness.
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Since72 says:
Three disappointing losses- But this team has shown it can be competative with the best teams in the league. This season is going to be about development of young players and team growth. We’re seeing both. Good entertaining hockey!
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doc says:
Plus: The effort was great for 50 minutes. Bergy, Tavares, Detlef Shrempf, Moulson, Okposo, Roloson.
Minus: Inability to clear the puck and sustain any late 3rd period possesion late in the game.
Minus: Gordon not using a timeout for the 2nd game out of 3 this season. It’s there… use it.
Minus: Shootout choices. Head-scratching decisions more often than not.
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I can’t believe a lot of these posts on here. blaming the coach and system for blowing leads, lol. Look at our D that’s why we blow so many leads. You couch potatoe experts crack me up. The only thing worse then the Islanders D is the Islanders fans…
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Mikey Cavs says:
Christopher, What’s with everybody on here with their Plus Minus? We’re all trying to be like you!
Now that I’ve had about 14 hours and 2 visits to my daughters soccer tournament, I still feel really P.O.’d by Gordon not taking a Time out or Changing it up somehow with the lines. Put Rechlizc in or something. Do something to stir the pot. We rolled over too easily. As big as Sutton is, he’s really not imposing to the opposing player who just skates right by him. I really do think that the guy is a stork. -
BJ says:
The D is easily the biggest weakness of this team and the reason the Isles lost last nite, Gervais who i liked last yr has look absolutely brutal so far this year, Witt cant handle the puck behind our goal line its almost as if he wants to give the puck away down there he coughed one up with like 3 mins left in the game last nite and i almost broke my tv (anyone see his plus/minus last season how has that not been brought up more), lastly Andy Sutton is the softest big guy in hockey, when he plays its as if he found out his dog died 2 mins before the game and im pretty sure Marc Savard could smoke him in a fight no less Lucic…
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I feel Bailey has been playing fairly. He’s had a few bad plays, but so have a few other Isles and it should be more expected from a 19/20 yo. He needs some better wingers, like JT has KO. Bailey appears stronger on the puck and with his skating. The whole team needs to find their groove. They haven’t played as a full team in …. over a year??
3rd period collapse aside, they have been playing well for a team slotted to come in 30th.
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Lav says:
we dominated for 2 1/2 periods, tavares looks great, but we still have growing pains…we just have to deal with it. hey, we’re still undefeated right?
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tom says:
for gods sakes just pick up a defenseman some place, cam barker or someone, anyone, this is a waste, we have such good forwards and solid goalies and an echl defense, can we get 2 decent dmen with 19 million cap space here, i mean come on, with a little defense this is a playoff contender
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joe fred says:
I had a good chance to watch the Caps/Ranger game since I live in Va, Gilroy looked like a vet. It would have been great to have him, the Rangers made a good move pouncing on him. I agree with CB, Hillen deserves a chance, Gervais/Sutton may need to watch from the pressbox for the next couple of games.
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brian b says:
Its not the coaches fault the team can’t keep 3rd period leads. It has more to do with a poor defense facing very skilled teams that are desperate
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MSA says:
There is no rule that a rebuild cannot have a few skilled veterans.
As a 30+ year fan, I am aware of the past problems of being a 7th or 8th seed, out in the first playoff round team, and staying stuck there. But the real truth is WANGER will not spend the money on talent to mentor the kids (no offense to Captain Doug). Look what Streit has done. If we can pay $8 for a beer, etc..and put our hard earned money down for tickets, we DESERVE some talented forwards, and some tough veteran D!!!
With a vet center, or two, we would have put away at least 2, if not all of these 3 first games!!!
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Isles4cups says:
Plus – John Tavares 3 games played, 5pts.
Minus – 2 of 3 goals were fortunate bounces.
Even – Tavares is on pace for 136pts and the Isles are on pace for 82pts.
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Hud says:
Tavares goal sweet, painful end to the game but, lots of hope. Moulson looking good. Love JT, he does fall alot, though, anyone else notice? That being said, he can fall all he wants and keep getting points.
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Swan says:
Comments are spot on, C.B. Completely agree.
Bailey shows a lot of promise. I still have no problem with the pick. But he should be sent to Bridgeport when Weight and Nielsen return. He is a liability right now.
Thompson had a strong game, especially on the PK.
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Why can’t a regular season game end in a tie?
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dp says:
love the plus minus CB
double plus to: KO and JT
Team is playing amazingly well considering our lineup, its just those last 10 minutes and the shootouts.
oh well with a few more quality players we could be a contender
Maybe a team session or two with a sports psychologist as to why we collapse during the third.
Also as to coaching maybe modify the “system” so everyone is not so tired at end of third. Lets get our first win vs the Kings at tomorrow’s kiddie matinee. -
Joe says:
Minus: Josh Bailey
Minus: Out entire defense besides Streit
Minus: Gordon’s choice to put Park in the SO over Tavares
Minus: Shremp’s weak play until the shootout
Minus: Regardless of how many goals he scores, Jon Sim is the worst defensive player ever, -4 in 3 games.
Minus: Overall play looks like last year.Also CB, Meyer’s late hit on Lucic was worst than Wrecker’s late shot, which wasn’t very late, no one on Boston seemed that upset.
Plus: The fourth line was tough and the team didn’t get pushed around.
Plus: KO
Plus: JT
Plus: Moulson -
yea 163, a sports psychologist will make andy sutton and bruno gervais into good defenseman..
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MattyB says:
Sigh….For as good as Bailey was at the end of the season last year, he’s looked just as bad to start it this year. He is invisable out there. This loss as so deflating…even if its only 3 games in
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Patrick says:
Maybe if they didn’t waste a lineup spot on Rechlicz and his 139 seconds of playing time, the team would have had more a little more gas left in the tank in the third period.
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167- Blame the lack of talent and horrid defense, not the guy protecting the only talent.
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Keith L. says:
Don’t understand how people can complain about Robbie Schremp play. He was just flying out there and even made me forget about Tambellini for the game.
Plus Tavares, Schremp, Okposo, Sim.
Minus Gordon, Park ( in a shootout over Tavares), people who complain about Schremp after he had a good game. -
I only saw the meltdown and I after knowing the score while driving home, I knew I shouldn’t have turned the game on because I would wreck the win by witnessing it. I did.
These third period meltdowns have to stop. These guys get gassed by the third and throw the puck everywhere and nowhere. At least they are getting games to OT. Last season the meltdowns turned into losses without the 1 point. Kudos to the first of many baby steps.
I am so disappointed that Roli hasn’t made a single save in the shootout (the post on Bergeron doesn’t count as his save). Roli’s shootout stats are 0 saves-4 goals-1 post. Need to turn that around. Richard Park doesn’t belong in the shootout and KO needs less complicated attempts. I was disappointed that Tambellini wasn’t in the game because he’s a fantastic shootout player.
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Matt H. says:
People who complain about Wang not spending $$ on talented free agents and the cost of going to a game/drinking a beer in the stands fail to realize that Wang is not pulling in the profit from those expensive beers, seats and parking. As most of us know, Wang is not turning a profit and claims to have lost millions over the past few years by owning the team. The NVMC lease is lethal – it eats the potential profits that could otherwise be turned into the stud free agents that could help lead us back to the glory of Lord Stanley’s Cup.
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Islesin2010 says:
19- How can you say this team is not competing? This team has outplayed two of the best three teams in the conference in a week and you want to say they aren’t competing because they have $13 million less salary?? I don’t get it.
They didn’t win last night because they have yet to gain any confidence playing with a third period lead. It’s tremendously disappointing, to see such good efforts wasted and not celebrated.
Plus: This team will learn to finish hockey games. They are already learning to win, unfortunately learning to lose first. I am confident they will get it. Let’s start it tomorrow against L.A. and keep it going.
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Quagmire says:
171 – right on. Under the lease with SMG, Wang gets nothing from concessions and parking at NVMC, it all goes to SMG. Another example of the dirty Nassau County politics that have killed this team. Al D’Amato was close to SMG – think he sat on their board – and they got this sweetheart lease for the NVMC that has been choking the Isles ever since.
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168, I don’t blame the Wrecker, though I disagree that he protects anyone, I blame Snow for dressing an ECHL player for an NHL game.
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jt says:
Patrick-174, I agree. I understand the team toughness issue, but even though Tambellini is a better fit for a top 6 F on a skill line, if he was there for the limited mins that the wrecker got on Sat, perhaps he would be able to make some contributions. I feel he did not play too poorly in the opener and should be given a chance. That being said, I also think Schremp played well and looks like he can contribute to this team. If Bailey would have shot high, he would have had 2 assists on the night.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
+ John Tavares continues to post points, Kyle O shows his poise, and the Streit signings still holds up as one of the best.
- No wins yet. -
Reclichz….had 0% culpabilty in losing this game. Look no further then the blue line!!
Gordon puts on the Ice what Snow & Wang give him.
The kid from Wisconsin,
Lacks no Confidence.
Also appears to have a rock solid jaw (can Take a Punch)
In the current NHL the fights are broken up quicker, as witnessed in the game in preseason verse Edmonton
(against Macintrye he tooks big shots)
came back at the end .
By the way Macintrye would fill that role on Edmonton if not for stortini.
He also beat a bonafided heavyweight in Patrick Cote last season.So from this indivdual he fits in with the rest of the youth on this team , He will mature into his role.
He already skates better the fritz ever did. (fritz plays in the ahl) Rechlichz is somewhere between the Ahl & NHl He needs Minutes in either league & he will be fine!
4th liners are not the reason a team loses a game they are there for energy protection & an Occasional goal.
Basically everyteam in the league has a Heavyweight, so do we and we should allow him the chance to succeed in that role!
He is not the scapegoat here.Lets go Isles….Lets Go Islanders!!
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I’m done with the 3rd period collapse…..time to get 2 points vs. the Kings tomorrow! I’ll be at the Coli!
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Mike in Bohemia says:
Chris
Please dont say 8 1/2 periods of no complaints. After the game 1 plus minus blog I stated there is something inherently wrong with the mindset of a team that continually collapses in the third period. I blame the leadership. This started virtually the day Gordon took over this team. So far, I think he’s been awful. -
bossjones1 says:
I agree with CB, this team is short at least 6 NHL players… If you look at it that way these guys are doing a great job.
One more good draft ain’t gonna do it, they need to finally spend some $ in the offseason and not on the likes of Sutton.
1 quality defenseman and a couple good fwds and this team would be 3 and 0.
I am sick of that excuse they used about developing young players instead of brining in vets, you don’t help develop player if you:
A. Bring them up too early ie Bailey.
B. Surround them with marginal players, again Bailey. I agree he hasn’t looked good but look who he’s playing with. -
174- You must really like the Wings, a team that has no enforcer and gets pushed around a lot. Or the Canes the other night getting beatdown by Boston. Lets be real, he competes hard and is 100 times more effective than a quarter of this lineup. Heck, our blueline wasn’t even in the game.
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What does he do that is effective?
He competes hard, no question. The poor state of the defense has nothing to do with whether or not he belongs in the NHL.
He loses more fights than he wins and can barely crack the Bridgeport lineup.I like his heart and determination, but that does not qualify one for an NHL job. And again I blame not him but those who assembled the roster.I root hard for every player wearing the jersey and I love tough effective players (Howatt, Nystrom). He is not even in Cairn’s class and Cairns was pretty awful except when the gloves were off.
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Pluses: Tavares, Okposo, Moulson, Sim, Streit, Roloson (regulation), Biron, Hunter (when healthy), Weight (when healthy), Jackman, Park.
They are all very involved in the action and you always hear there names during the telecasts because they are always trying to do something or make plays.
Minuses: Injuries, the shootout, Gordon, the rest of the D after Streit (except for Martinek – he is still solid in my book), Thompson (should be with the STs), Bailey (needs to step up), and Bergie (although slowly coming around).
I’m hoping these guys get it together for today’s game against the Kings. I don’t expect a playoff team, but I expect effort and smart play.
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bob l says:
minus – todays game is at 2 and i’m at work, thankfully i can program my dvr online
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
Plus: Tavares, Okposo, Bergenheim, Schremp, Moulson, Streit, Martinek, Comeau, Sim.
Minus: Sutton, Witt, Thompson, Roloson in shootout.
Neutral: Bailey, Grevais – Its ok to have one off game. Its not like their actions cost us the lose.
Minus: Why Thompson in OT, and why was Tavares not a shooter.
Plus: Schremp could very well a great pick up for us. and Bergenheim and Comeau need more playing time. Those guys were flying.
Plus: stop moulson bashing the kid deserves to be where he is. He is playing great. I was impressed with his strength. Chara had hard time moving him and he injured Widerman running him into boards.
Sim still deserves his spot, he is in there creating havoc on net which is why we got him. He will help this year. I would not resign him though. -
Jethro09 says:
Are these 3rd period meltdowns from last season and this one coach-related or player related? I really don’t know. The coaches are supposed to put the players in the best possible position to succeed, but the players have to execute.
I really don’t know if its Gordon putting the wrong guys on the ice or employing the wrong system to hold the lead or is it just the fact that the Isles are loaded with bad to mediocre talent?
All I know is, against the B’s the Isles held the B’s in check for 51 minutes and then all of the sudden the wheels fell off the wagon. To me, that shows that the system was working for 51 minutes, so it should have worked for 60, IF the players executed for 60 minutes. Maybe Gordon could have done a better job of matching up personnel, but these kids on this team need to learn how to play with a lead and learn quick. Isn’t this why we kept some vets around? Where is the leadership?
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Big Boy says:
Either make the playoffs and win a series, or lose every game and lets get a # 1 pick again……i dont see that happening because we arent that bad but finishing 10th in the east and getting a 8-12 pick will do nothing for this team maybe even set out rebuild more back
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*It means alot to the game & me*
fair & balanced i think. thank you! -
I for one do not think Gordon’s system has a net result of effective. The third perios meltdowns are caused by an exhausted team who can’t hold the fort whent he other team puts third period pressure on. The Bruins played mediocre last game during the first 2 periods and had all there legs for the period against a very tired Islander lineup. Every good caliber team will beat us in the third by letting us exhaust ourselves with Scottso’s “System”.
I could see the system working if he rolled the lines a bit better and preserved some legs! JMO! -
I think Gordons system is effective. The problem is that when we have these leads all of a sudden nobody wants the puck on their sticks. The turnovers in our zone are so reckless, and when we actually get into the other teams zone during these meltdowns we are seldom effective at getting something through to the net. Just look at the tying goal the other day. If you throw it at the net, you never know…..
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CT Isles Fan says:
Goalie today?
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Chris TMC says:
Dominic 186 Youre talking about supposed third period meltdowns like it is something we keep seeing even. In the three games so far, the Isles were losing 2 of them earlier in the game and came back later in the game. Its only the last one where they blew a comfortable lead at the end of a game. Honestly, dont you think you need more of a sample size than one game to make a generalized statement about what they are like at the end of games? But by that I dont mean to go back to games from a year ago- last season is not this season.
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I just don’t understand how Gordo gets a free pass in the press. I know this organization has bigger issues right now, and maybe that’s just it.
I think he has the potential to be a good coach, but there are glaring signs of inexperience. An inexperienced coach with an inexperienced roster blows 3 goal leads in 5 1/2 minutes. Bottom line.
I also think Garth doesnt mind. He sees signs of progress with the young guns and knows this team isn’t ready to compete. He is willing to be a lottery team again. That’s ok if you think it will help us eventually win a cup. I just hope the kids who are working their butts off don’t pick up bad habits.
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Chris TMC: No, last season is this season, in the respect that this is exactly the same team as last year, only ADDING legitimate goaltending and JT. Same coach, mostly the same roster. They should be better at holding leads on paper. With the same coach and mostly the same roster returning back from last season, you can refer to their penchant for blowing leads to call this trend a “recurring problem”, even though they’ve only played three games this season.
This team blew tons of leads last year, just as they did in two of three games this year. They were beating the Pens in the third this year in the opener and lost the lead. They were winning handily in the third with less than 10 minutes to go against Boston and blew it.
The time to give them the benefit of the doubt has passed. Nobody expected a playoff team, a 50 win team out of the Isles, but we should be able to expect them to hold onto multi-goal third-period leads with less than ten minutes to go. Last year’s team couldn’t hold those leads and this year’s team doesn’t appear able to either.
Tough loss but very encouraging game…I wish Gordon would have called a time out at some point.