Comments on: LOS ANGELES 2, ISLANDERS 1Join our interactive post-game Plus/Minus

By: Steven

Steven — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:15:51 +0000

So tell me 162 why did Ryan Smyth, Drury, and Gomez turn down big money from the Isles? Please name the mystery big Free agent who was dying to sign with the Isles the last couple of years?

By: TM

TM — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:16:00 +0000

160 and 161 are just excuses and people Wang is counting on. $3.7 BILLION WITH A B for the LH but runs NYI on the cheap. He’s lost money to gain getting lots of money on the real estate. He knew 10 years ago what he was getting into. There’s absolutely no reason to justify being so cheap as to cut out radio and have a minimum payroll. NYI has the 11th highest tix prices in thew league but are cheapest in spending.

Sorry, that’s a free pass to Garth and Wang to get by on the cheap while Wang pursues what really matters to him (clue: it doesn’t involve hockey, the Islanders or you).

This team sucks. It cannot be denied. The roster is putrid. Instead of building on the excitement of Tavares, they did nothing. I know I should be “patient” because the past 16 years of patience just hasn’t been enough but MHO is we’re getting hosed.

Frankly, if there is any alternative at all that involves the Islanders staying in the metro area and does not involve Wang and his unbroken record of putrid hockey, horrendous management and miserable on ice personnel decisions and contracts, and his ****** Lighthouse, I’m all ears.

By: Steven

Steven — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:14:05 +0000

I’m glad someone gets it Billy. These top free agents want to play for a team already good and with a great building. The Isles are not on the top players radars. I know it hurts but it’s the facts. This is not NHL 2010 on the Xbox where you can sign guys easily. Even guys on the Xbox game would probably turn down the Isles right now.

By: Billy McCarthy

Billy McCarthy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:00:18 +0000

It’s amazing how we can spend other people’s money…How many times must we say the same things? Nassau Coliseum DOES NOT attract free agents. The building is a dump. In order to attract the free agents, Wang must overpay…after he’s aleready lost millions of dollars on this team. We need the Lighhouse, but there’s no guarantees there. This is why the tix cost so much, why the radio deal is so awful. Wang is tired of losing money. Seeing how some people on here somplain about spending $100(which is definately your right, by the way – I don’t blame you), imagine losing 10000 times that, and you’ll understand why Wang is “being cheap.”

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:35:26 +0000

#105 NO WAy would I give up two first round picks for Kessel! NO WAY!! For Toews I would who is going to be a franchise player.

By: Cary

Cary — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:20:49 +0000

That was a boring game. I think the team may lose out by not having 1 more veteran top 6 forward just to give the team some confidence and leadership when we’re down.

Bailey should have been sent to B-port last year, and he should be sent there this year. Would that expose him to waivers?

I thought Sutton came around this game and am willing to give Witt a chance to also.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:56:04 +0000

Big Minus to the people who seem to want the heads of half the team / coaching staff after only 4 games.
We are in the second year of a rebuild, what is everyone expecting? To bash the team and talk about what a horrible product they are putting on the ice is absurd at this point. I really believe that no matter what this team does, people are going to find something to criticize.
People are saying that guys like Sutton and Witt are playing horrible and a guy like Hillen should be given a chance. When Hillen didn’t sing his QO, people were saying show him the door because he is easily replaceable. If Hillen is put in the line up in place of a Sutton or Witt then everyone will be screaming that we have a soft team full of Smurfs.
Half the posts seem to think a guy like “Wrecker” is going to improve this team. I think in a few years from now he could be a legit enforcer, but for now, how many guys are thinking “I better not take a run at Tavares because I might have to answer to The Wrecker”. Why use the guy for 3 minutes a game. Let him develop and give a guy with a more complete game who has the ability to log in some real minutes a chance.
Obviously there are holes in this line-up. Had we thrown money at a Gilroy or a Tanguay in the off-season, would we really be in a different situation than we are now? Some of the holes in the line-up will be filled with guys we are developing in the system and some will be filled via free agency. Remember, we have several guys who make up the core of this team who are playing on entry level contracts. Do you really want the quick fix by throwing money at some free agents and then not having the cap space to re-sign an Okposo or Tavares when its their time for a long term / big money deal?
Fact is this team will have some growing pains over the next few years. The coaches will make more bad decisions and players will make mistakes but I really think the Isles have a lot to look forward to in the near future.

By: Bob E

Bob E — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:39:26 +0000

MIkey Pants #149 – Shows lack of knowledge of A rebuild vs a load up of vets.

Osgood, Peca, Yashin – While team made playoffs was anything achieved?

No lets assume we did poorly then yet we had Spezza, Connolly, Chara and Luoungo instead. those are guys we gave up for guys acquired. what lineup would you be more happy with a few years later?

Rebuilds are not that enjoyable in early stages. If Tavares wins calder and we can just make a run at last few playoff spots it would be deemed a great season.

We dont need to finish last and get taylor hall. Look at the Kings. while doughty was a solid #2 pick. There best players are Kopitar (#11 overall 2005), Dustin Brown (#13 2003), Frolov (#20 2000, Jon Quick (#72 2005)Wayne Simmonds (61st overall 2007).

we are probably 2 seasons away from being a Top 3-6 team in east.

And fear of Avery hurting Tavares. Why? Weight could beat up Avery. You dont need an enforcer for him.

By: Mike Olivo

Mike Olivo — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:24:06 +0000

The thing is, these “enforcers” are useless to me if they cant play a few minutes. If they cant throw 5 clean hits a shift, get rid of em. Forgot to mention I was at yesterdays game. Streit, Bergenheim, Bailey, and Martinek were awful in my opinion. I don’t ever rag on Streit, but he had an awful game.

By: StevieL

StevieL — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:18:21 +0000

#152 right on! I have real fears about protecting JT from the likes of Sean Avery. The minute, God forbid, that JT is taken out or injured because of a cheap shot from someone like Avery, I will expect Snow to be fired! Our 19 yr old future franchise player is playing his first year in the NHL with little to no protection!

By: Mike Olivo

Mike Olivo — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:05:36 +0000

Not to go on and on, but for a team that is supposed to “outwork, not out-talent” the opposition, having between 6 and 9 players that have no shot at scoring more that 10 goals is a major issue. We have some talent in the AHL, so use it. I don’t care if Jesse Joensuu can’t skate like a pro: the guy has a nose for the net, great hands and plays hard. If no one down there is ready, sign someone.

By: Mike Olivo

Mike Olivo — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:02:06 +0000

I have a problem with the enforcer/wrecker/whatever. The role that we need filled is capable of being handled by like 5 guys in the league. One of them is Sean Avery. I know we all hate him, but the man brings passion every night. Yes he takes penalties, and he’s small. But the man will hit anyone anytime and gets under opposing people’s skin. Another is Donald Brashear. If someone hit Tavares like the guy in Ottawa did the other night, Donald would have knocked him out. It isn’t about having an enforcer or checking line, its about having the personnel that know how to play those roles.