NYI at BOSTON, 7:05 pm; Hunter Out 2-4 Weeks
Also: Weight (groin again) out, Thompson in
FanHouse Podcast with Ciskie and Botta
FanHouse on Coaching conflicts of interest
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4:45 pm - Doug Weight (groin strain again) out, Nate Thompson in. That’s a loss for the Islanders’ power play.
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1:05 pm - Of the scratches from Thursday, there’s a chance Nate Thompson could return to the lineup tonight against his old organization. If not, you could be looking at…
Moulson - Tavares - Okposo
Bergenheim - Weight - Comeau
Schremp - Bailey - Sim
Jackman - Park - Rechlicz
Same D. Roloson starts. Bruins fired up, angry. Will be physical. Should be fun.
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10:35 am - Turns out Trent Hunter’s strained pec actually had a tear in it, or he aggravated the injury playing with it. Could be worse, could be a Jose Reyes situation. According to Islanders PR maven Seth Sylvan, the medical staff is saying Trent’s out 2-4 weeks.
Up in his place? Nope, not Justin’s boy Trevor Smith (the star in Bridgeport last night). It’s that noted goal scorer, Joel Rechlicz. Notable about the Rechlicz recall is that the Islanders were already healthy-scratching Jeff Tambellini and Nate Thompson. Guess they want more toughness after Ottawa pushed them around the other night.
In Bridgeport’s 4-3 win last night over Worcester, Smith had a goal, an assist and a shootout goal. The Wrecker played 7 minutes on the fourth line with Tomas Marcinko and Micheal (That’s How I Spell My First Name. Deal With It) Haley. Joel is better rested.
Dwayne Roloson gets the start. If he plays well, I wonder if Scott goes back to him for the Monday home matinee against LA.
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To all those inquiring via email, my take on the Lighthouse Project silence of the last week is that Charles Wang ordered a news blackout of his staff. Think about it: after the deadline passed last Saturday and the Islanders owner said everything on his mind, it is good strategy to go away for a week or two and see what transpires.
Sure enough, Jim Baumbach of Newsday wrote of the legitimacy of the Queens option. Brooklyn politicians have come forward to express their interest in the Islanders. The Nassau County IDA came out in support and even bought a full-page newspaper ad to show their love. If you’re the Lighthouse developers, that’s a dream week. You got a lot of press and everyone else did the PR for you.
Also keep in mind Wang’s disgust at Kate Murray for making their phone call public. Maybe they did speak again this week. The Hempstead Town Supervisor isn’t going to talk about it. Believe me, if anything substantial comes out of their discussions - positive or negative - you’ll hear about it soon enough.
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To those inquiring in the wake of the Trevor Smith arguments, I’ll have a frank breakdown of the top prospects in Bridgeport next week. Yes, we will zero in on who’s a legit top-6 forward or top-4 dman.
The results will be consistent with our coverage of the Sound Tigers last season. Short answer: in Bridgeport, the list of first and second-tier prospects is short. In junior, college and Europe, the list is longer. What this means is that, in most cases, the wait will be longer.
More later if any news comes out of Boston.
239 Responses to “NYI at BOSTON, 7:05 pm; Hunter Out 2-4 Weeks
Also: Weight (groin again) out, Thompson in”
Please Wait
where exactly did we find out medical staff?
So begins the Bridgeport shuttle.
If the Islanders want to keep telling us they are this young, gritty team playing “Islander hockey”, well, then they need to add some youth. They are not a young team. They have some young players, so do all teams, but they are not a young team. Average age of the players that dresses vs. Ottawa was 30 plus. Not many other teams are icing a team with an average age 30 plus. To take pressue off management, the Islanders want everyone to believe they have one of the youngest teams in the league. They don’t. So stop saying you do Garth!!!
I hope they dont use the mets medical staff (please no repeat of last yrs Isles man-games)
The Isles still need ALOT of talent and players and they need help in ALOT of areas! (D-fense, Scoring, Size, etc, etc) The do need some scoring as well with Hunter out, time will tell
I like having Wrecker in the lineup, i REALLY do. He can add some hitting, some physicality, some passion, some energy and can help *spark* the team/building.
Lets see what happens, lets go Isles!!!
Rechlicz is positively awful. I don’t understand what they see in him. If he is the future of “Islanders Hockey”, they will be a terrible team for some time to come.
Make a package of 10 players from Bridgeport and send them to Tampa for Vinny L. I would even throw in Sim and Tamby. Vinny on any of the first 2 lines would be awesome.
The average age of the Islanders line up against Ottawa was 28.15. They had 10 guys under 30, 10 guys over 30. 7 of the 12 forwards dressed are 25 or younger. They’re defense and goalies are old though.
I was at the game last night and Rechlicz did nothing last night. made nothing happen, so why call him up. like you said Smith had an amzing game and should be the guy to get the call up
Poor Trent… that’s bad news.
Please don’t blame the medical staff… how are they to blame for injuries that happen on the ice.
As for the average age on the team… our forwards are young. Our defence will get a make over in the next year or two.
Don’t forget most defencemen take time to develop.
People complain about toughness, then they put Wrecker in… they still complain…lol.
We haven’t lossed a game in regulation time… try to be positive.
Bad news about Hunter. I really like Rechlicz. I just hope Lucic doesn’t pick tonight to turn it up a notch and show the Boston Mgmt that he’s really worth the $4+ mil. Wish somehow the Isles had made a deal for him. First Win of the season tonight! Hey I can hope
I feel bringing up the Wrecker is this years version of last years Mitch Fritz. Let’s be honest here, he doesn’t deserve to be in the NHL. The Isles were thrown around in Ottawa, no doubt about it, but they were just as badly out-skated and outworked as they were manhandled by the bigger Sens. I think Smith or Joenssu would have been a better choice just for the simple fact that this team is lacking a big body that can skate and produce chances. I loved what I saw from JJ last year, simple smart hockey.
I’m guessing Wrecker is up because we’re playing Boston and need someone to help keep the beasts off our guys. Wouldn’t surprise me to see him go right back after the game and see Smith up soon after.
Hunter did not look right to me first two games although he had a great goal. He was way slower than usual and was not playing his usual physical style. I assumed he was hurt and this does not surprise me.
You’re right Jimmy (9) people complain and when they get what they want, they complain some more. It’s a lose, lose situation for us all.
Against Boston, Wrecker is a good call up, Ottawa dominated the last game physically and Boston is even more physical than Ottawa. I’d like to see Smith up to though, Schremp is who should be gone to make room for Smith.
Wrecker is a waste of space…4 minutes, maybe a fight for those who watch hockey to see fights on ice and nothing more…sigh. This team will be making progress when there’s no room for guys like him. Would MUCH rather see JJ or Smith
With this lighthouse silence; I believe it is the result of Mr.Wang realizing that he should have not set a deadline, because it meant nothing from the start.
Look Mr.Wang wants this lighthouse project more than anything. We all do! This is not about running a hockey club in another location. This is about that property in uniondale and the result of a beautiful arena and complex with housing and luxary hotel, and Rental housing with a shopping mall.
This is not about putting a hockey team elsewhere! Mr.Wang would still have the obligation of putting a Team on the Ice that would draw a sellout or try to fill every seat. He would have a High marketing budget and would have to spend money on quality players.
Besides if he walks away he Lose’s alot of money (ok he has alot)Now he has to spend a whole lot more for the new location and the team.
Mr.Wang is realizing he needs to meet the Town in the middle and he is 3/4 the way closer to his goal.
Wrecker tonight vs. the Bruins is fine with me, it makes sense. The Bruins have a boat load of guys who can drop the gloves. And they are really big and physical.
I am going to the game tonight so I expect to see a 4-2 Islanders win and a few fights.
The Lighthouse silence, not sure if thats good news, if there was something positive, we’d have heard about it. Wrecker, he’s up here because there aren’t any alternatives for toughness, this should have been addressed in the the summer. Bad news about Hunter
trent hunter is beginning to equal peanut brittle. wrecker is good to have tonight. tough game could use the extra toughness. but after that bring up smith he has earned a shot.
Hey CB,
Make sure you get a good recap of the goaltending. I am more interested in that than anything else!
Yes the WRECKER is back and i complained he wasn’t here for Ottawa! I’m also NOT complaining he is here now! Who cares he did nothing in one game! Half our Islander team did NOTHING against Ottawa! All of a sudden a young Enforcer has to be counted on to lead the team? Why do you guys think 97% of the players playing in this league voted down the faceoff fight? was this to protect Tavares from getting thrown out of the game for fighting? Maybe it was for Hunter, Bergy, Okposo, Gervais, Tamby, or whatever other smallish player we iced verse Ottawa? Give it a rest about fighting does nothing it might do nothing in a Stat league but there is more to the game than stats!!!
CB, do we get that live chat tonight? That was awesome the other night!! Good Job!!
Good call-up. The season is young but Boston is having a rocky start so expect them to be playing a hard, tough game. The Wrecker is a pretty good skater but needs to drink a little less coffee and be less worried about starting fights…they’ll come.
Go Isles!
Bad news about Trent. Get better Trent, we need you on the ice! I saw a nice improvement of the team the last two games compared to last year. Be patient people, look how long it took Washington and Pittsburg to get where they are today.
No, it does nothing when the guy cant play hockey…we need more skill not this stuff.
Lucic vs Wrecker….better bring your A game Joel. Thanks for the input on the Lighthouse CB. We all wait impatiently for some sort of news. GO ISLANDERS!!!!
I’m not sure I agree with the Wrecker decision. Right now only one line is clicking. We need more offensive threats in the lineup other thank Kyle and JT. Wrecker played 3-4 minutes in the first game, and I do not see what he adds to the club with that level of icetime. If the coaching staff is not comfortable giving Wrecker 10-12 minutes a night, then he should be in Bridgeport. I hope for his sake that he does not drop the gloves with Lucic. I love Wrecker, but Lucic will eat him for lunch.
# 25 im not worried about our skill on the 4th line, we need more skill but it should come from our top 3 lines. I’m also not down on our core that is on the top few lines because they are young and inexperienced. I’m not sure any team in the league is running their 4th line on the ice down by 1 in the 3rd with less than 5 min to go. I’ll also go out and say it was not our 4th line that lost the game the other night against Ottawa, the game in which their Enforcer scored a goal? We can hardly ice 1 solid line and your worried about the 4th line? I just dont get it?
Bringing up Joel is a good call, did anyone see tht hit on Taveras the other night? We need to make sure that does not continue and if it does that player will pay with Rechliz in the lineup. So good call up in my book!
I think this is a good call. Boston is as is as tough as they come and we could definitely use Rechlicz tonight. What I think is funny is how many people say he sucks and this and that. When he isn’t in the lineup everybody says there isn’t enough toughness. People were calling for Snow’s head when he didn’t sign a legit enforcer but now that we have a real tough guy in the lineup up people are critical. Regardless, this is a good move for tonight.
I hope that Trent heals fast I hope this doesn’t start a trend. Prediction tonight we will take our first victory I hope. The second is that we will hope to hear something about the “Lighthouse” next week. Remember what I always say “This our year to chase the CUP” and keep the faith.”
It makes no sense to me. It seems like Smith would be the logical replacement for Hunter because he would fit a similar role and could play Hunterlike minutes. Instead you bring up a guy that will play 4 minutes tops. This team has some very puzzling personnel decisions.
aside from thr tavares, okposo, moulson line, our offense is non-existant. our d-core sucks besides streit. hopefully we win today instead of losing in ot.
Honestly, who cares if Lucic eats Rechlicz for lunch tonight? If both of them are off the ice for 5 minutes at a time, which team really loses out? Hint: it ain’t the Isles.
Anyone whining about the average age of this team doesn’t get it - and, in at least one case, are making up numbers, too. The team v Ottawa (not counting the backup goalie) averaged 28 yrs of age - not exactly “30 plus.” And that’s with 38 yr old Weight mucking up the average. Only 3 of the 12 forwards were over 30. For crying out loud, the average age of the 1st line is under 22. Know the facts.
One more time, with feeling: Smith would NOT be a logical replacement for Hunter (or Tamby or Sim or Schremp) because THEY DON’T PLAY THE SAME POSITION. Smith = center. Other guys named here = wings. Could you move Park to the wing and put Smith in at center? Sure, but it seems to have been established that he’s another one of those guys who isn’t gonna make an impact getting 4th line minutes. And he sure as hell isn’t gonna make an impact centering Jackman and Rechlicz, regardless of the number of minutes.
I hope they stay with the original thought to scratch Thompson, and that they let Rechlicz play - for a few minutes, anyway.
i hope they play thompson and scratch sim. game will be physical and we will need all the muscle we can get.
Great story by Newsday today about the game tonight, OPP’S my bad there wasn’t a story. On game day not even a mention..
What a shame
Ugh. Trent Hunter is a thorn in my side once again. I think we need to trade Trent, his luck here isnt working. And he’s always shooting into defenders, taking low % shots. Give him a shot somewhere else already.
Just quick note b/c this may never happen again all season: The Islanders currently have the top PP and PK in the NHL! Whoo!
I take that back… they DO NOT have the top PP, but they do have the top PK.
I take that back… they DO NOT have the top PP. PK is still the best at 100 percent.
Fact is the Wrecker does not even win most of his fights. He adds nothing to this team.
Hey CB…I know this is off topic…would you have any interest in making your blog available for the Amazon Kindle? I noticed there are may sports blogs that charge a monthly nominal fee. It would be different than charging the readers here on the internet. The fee would be so that we could have access to your blog anywhere, anytime 24/7 without a computer! Hey…I’m not too hooked! Thanks for everything. You’re the best!
#35
Trevor has been playing the left wing for the past 2 seasons. He only takes the draw in the defensive end on his strong side.
Pick one or the other Jackman, or Rechlicz. There honestly is no reason for both
wrecker is a good call up if he does not play and lucic runs tavares everybody against the wrecker playing will complain that snow lets the young guys get pushed around or hurt. Stop all the complaining about wrecker not belonging, even LARAQUE THINKS HE BRINGS AN ELEMENT TO THE TEAM.
CB what’s up with ur Twitter page ?????
Just curious…if Lucic plays on their first line…about 20 minutes per game, and Rechlitz plays on the 4th line, about 4 minutes a game (heaven help us), then exactly when/how will he “protect” JT? And, when will he “see” Lucic?
Thank God for Hunter’s injury. I am not sure if Gordon would have been smart enough to call up Riechlecz without it. Boston is the biggest, toughest, meanest team in the NHL, even more so then Philly and you have to have toughness. Even with Riechlecz the Isles don’t have enough to battle the Bruins but it’s a positive step.
It was disgusting watching Ott push the Isles around. Had that same hit Tavares got been put on Crosby Pitt would have gone crazy and got the guy. Isles players Sutton and whoever else wanted to make it seem like they went after him talking to him, who freakin cares? That’s weak on the part of the Isles players.
However, not our Captain not Dougie Weight, he went over there and crushed the guy with a hit before the night was out.
Trevor Smith….ya that is what this team needs another career AHL player who isn’t very big and isn’t physical at all. Thus far, his offensive prowess in the AHL hasn’t translated in the NHL….hhhmmm who does that sound like?
If Smith is such a hot prospect then trade him for something this team needs.
I’m sick of watching all these AHL players. Botta pointed out, the Isles charge NHL prices and we have to pay NHL prices to watch them but they haven’t provided us with an NHL product.
Also, this constant crap of getting reclamation projects and immediatley giving them more ice time then your longterm prospects like Bergy and Comeau (1st rounder & 2nd rounder) has to stop.
While I am enjoying seeing Moulson succeed he was given top minutes from the start of camp right next to Tavares. Do any of you believe that would have happened or would continue to happen if he wasn’t friends with him? As the Ott announcers pointed out, how is it you take one of the most talented players to come into the NHL in years and stick him with Matt Moulson? Is that the best the Isles can provide?
So Josh Bailey (9th overall)has to play tonight with Sim (cut last year and has done nothing to show why he is on this team except Snow trying to get someone to take him) and Schremp (a guy who for years couldn’t beat out Robert Nilsson for a job?)
I am all for rebuilding from within, it is the right thing to do but Snow can’t just keep putting the same team out there with the same weakness for years on end. This team, hasn’t had enough talent, a good defense, enough size or toughness for Snow’s entire time on the job. Sometimes you have to put a band aid on it until your othre prospects develop.
I like the way the team has performed, so far. Better than I expected. I would have liked to see Smith called up but I’m fine with Rechlicz for tonight. He needs to show he can take some tough guys on. Lucic is a spot picker so he might not fight Rechlicz; he’ll go after Jackman. I see Rechlicz vs Thornton.
For all of you saying Wrecker is a waste of space what the heck is Geravis, Martinek, Sim, schremp, Tambelleni, Hunter, Jackman, Meyer, Witt, and thus far this season Sutton? What have they done? Wrecker will contribute more in less ice time then most of the above. He will also have a longer NHL career then some of these not really “prospects” like Smith.
Hahahaha
Time to Trade Trent before he looses anymore trade value. Send him west young man. A contender west might pay for his services.
why in hell is nate thompson even a discussion in anything to do with the islanders?
he cant skate, he cant score, he cant faceoff and he cant fight. he blows
why is he even here?
most of the people who are complaining in here are absolutely ridiculous. do you watch hockey because you like it, or because it pisses you off? just freakin pick already folks.
“Make a package of 10 players from Bridgeport and send them to Tampa for Vinny L. I would even throw in Sim and Tamby. Vinny on any of the first 2 lines would be awesome”.
uh….did mike milbury recently become gm of the lightning?
because if he hasnt, no other gm is that stupid
TSN is reporting that the mayor of Quebec met with Commissioner Bettman about bringing the Nordiques back and that a deal for an arena could be announced within the next week or so. New York Islanders fans, we have to unite and keep this team where it belongs!!!
if you could put wreckers heart, hustle and emotion in the guys with skill, they might have something
he can play on my team anyday
dont compare fritz, a washed up 30 yr old retread on his 5th team with rechlich, a 22 year old still learning and who will do anything to get on the ice
Weight scratched from tonight’s game: Thompson is in. Bruins are a decent face-off team…gonna need Thompson.
Go Isles!
Pushed around all night? Really?…and a regulation tie on the road. AND, without Rechlitz, that future hall of famer…
Those that wanted to see Thompson tonight, you win. Weight has re-hurt himself, Thompson in tonight against the Bruins. (Strummer, start your own blog.)
#55 - I think we all watch hockey because we like BUT happen to be Islanders fans, which pisses us off!
You gotta be kidding me!!!!!
Now Weight too? Groin strains? Is that the hallmark of an NHL player or a NY Islander … because in all my years no matter how hard I pushed it when I played … I never strained my groin… maybe I stretch right? Maybe it’s my martial arts training? Who knows! I just think it’s beyond ridiculous now … not even funny anymore.
Everyone calm down…..
Give the team a chance.. only the third game of the year… Root for your team ..not complain about personnel decisions
Hope Weight isn’t out too long
next to the Mets, this is the most fragile team in sports. Hopefully by the deadline, our backup goalie can peddle off Weight, Sutton, Witt, Park, Meyer and Hunter for some picks
I think some people are misunderstanding what others mean when they say they don’t want the Wrecker up is that he’s not NHL skilled talent … Tough yeah … but not NHL level talent … What we Islander fans want is a big tough SOB that can more than hold is own in the skills department and lay some punishment when needed.
The Isles have nobody even in the system like this except maybe Matt Martin who is close but still not there yet.
In the Eastern Conference most of the teams that the Isles are going to play have tough skilled players … it’s going to be a long season if the Wrecker has to play every 3 of 4 games.
you gotta be kidden me.
Hey Bob???
Not sure where you have your degree in ADVANCED APPLIED MATHMATICS… but it seems to me when I add the ages of the 12 forwards and 6 defensemen that started the other night agains Ottowa, that it equals 27.77…!!! Not over 30. And that’s including an aging defense and a 38 year old Weight. So amongst the forwards if you subtract Weight from the equation, the 11 remaining forwards that were dressed for the Ottowa game is 25.
Pretty young wouldn’t you say?
DOC
Not going to be fun playing the B’s w/o Weight as the Isles will most likely need their PP to win, but we all know the groin is an issue with many players and that injuries will unfortunately happen. Good teams deal with injuries.
This team is showing promise and looks to be on its way to better days, but we’re not there yet. For all those Thompson haters, you must realize that this team is far from being the Detroit Red Wings (who probably wouldn’t have Nate Thompson as a fill in, and probably wouldn’t even hiccup at losing Doug Weight) - this is the team we have for now, so let’s sit back and enjoy for once!
Thompson in over Tamby? Wow. I know Jeff is no star, but Thompson over him is a joke.
lets get something straight…….everone on this team aside from okposo, tavares, streit, bailey sucks!!
This organization is a MESS!!
So sick and tired of all these reoccurring injuries. Players coming Back from injuries when they’re obviously not ready is prolonging their injuries. When is someone from this organization going to question the training and medical staffs…WHEN?!?!?
I don’t mind having a Jackman-Thompson-Rechlicz line for Boston. Hey, it’s not great, but it’s all we have that resembles “toughness”.
do all teams have this many GROIN pulls??..sheesh….we have so little talent to begin with that to lose these guys sucks…tambellini SUCKS i would rather see thompson in there at least he will take a punch..
Lmao.. we are a mess. This organization is bush league. And the injuries already cause us to lose games and the season’s not even 3 games old.
Bruins are going to ROMP us. Like it’s going to be bad.
I also expect another 3 injuries out of this game. We are going to have our butts handed to us. This is going to get very, very ugly.
wow…surprise surprise. man-games lost to injury are already mounting. good job. john tavares beware. your groin is in trouble.
Are Jackman, Thompson and/or Rechlitz true NHL players. The only 2 guys that I really want to see come up from Bridgeport are Martin (love the nastiness) and McDonald. He cant be worse than Meyer. Katic seems to be similiar to a prototypical Islander D man prospect (offensice minded, yet diminutive - ie - Dehaan, Kohn, Ness and Donovan). I cant wait to see Hamonic. He’d be on our top pairing, right now!!
i am all for the wrecker suiting to at least attempt to stand up to the bruins…like other have said who is he taking a spot from? trevor smith(JAG) who people like because someone wrote an article about him yesterday? i will take the wrecker..thanks
This medical staff is an embarrassment. Obviously, Hunter shouldn’t have been cleared to play, and they let him anyway.
Weight will always be hurt, but was he good to go on Thursday?
This is absolutely friggin’ ridiculous.
Jaffe has to be the worst announcer ive ever heard!
Tavares looks a little slow out there. It’s definitely going to take him some time to get his timing up to NHL speed.
Rob Schremp - best player in period 1. If we only had some true finishers!!! Where’s Tambellini?
Shremp’s already won me over
Wasnt Bailey the ninth pick in the draft. Where is he? Nikita Filatov wouldve been an awesome finisher on this team. Oh well!!
Can anyone please explain why Park is on the first PP unit during a 5-on-3 or does Gordon know something we don’t? I mean, I love Park and think he is a great 3rd line forward, but we need more SKILL on a powerplay! And while we’re at it, how about more skill in the line-up…..no more Thompson please. I’d rather see Tamby or even Jackman out there. I’m starting to think Gordon is the Mangini of the NHL and that is not a compliment. And I agree that Tavares looks a bit off tonight, but he’ll learn. I still think he will be an awesome pro.
Park is a #3 center on this team, but is a #4 center around the league. Totally agree. He should not be on the PP. Tonight’s top PP unit should be Okposo-Tavares-Moulson-Schremp-Streit. Love when Bergy plays with a little nastiness. As Callahan is a nasty player for the Rangers, that is how Bergenheim should be for us.
Apart from what just happened (Sim scoring) the Islanders really dont have to many finishers. Rob Schremp is still up in the air haven’t seen enough of him to make an assumption but Jon Sim is not a finisher neither is Richard Park these guys CANNOT be on power plays i am sorry.
Hey King who just scored that PP goal?
Sumo, Park takes Weight’s role on the #1PP. Park is the best choice for a playmaker on the PP. Not a Mangini move, but a smart one.
My observations … not just this game … but the previous 2 games that really strikes me is that the Isles don’t move the puck with authority … they seem to double clutch … hesitate … make slow passes on the power play. Except for a few instances it seems chronic … another thing …. The point men seem to just launch the puck with slap shots … not taking carefully aimed wrist shots or snap shots … much easier to defend against. NHL teams are gonna be able to read the Isles like a book. No wonder there’s no offense.
is anyone else very extremely with our goaltending situation/sort of surprised?
@Whoops Did I not just say “Apart from what just happened (Sim scoring)” ? He scored on a power-play yes. All alone in front yes. Did he score after the 8+ shots he had last game? No he missed the net on I would say 5 of them. Please read everything before making a ridiculous comment.
Prediction # 1:
Goaltending Tandem 2010 -
1. Roloson - (Brilliant Tonight - so far)
2. Koskinen
Biron - in Detroit.
Sutton - Old Age Home
I agree the Islanders don’t have (m)any finishers. I also agree that the Islanders are hesitant with the puck. They’ve been like this for years; it’s a strange cultural habit of this team.
Also, I hate Bailey.
The problem with Bailey at least in my opinion is he doesn’t skate. He isn’t the fastest skater to say the least so like Hunter and Tavares he needs to find ways to get there, which he has yet to do. Once he gets faster he will make more of a difference.
Martinek. 2-0.
Roloson, Moulson, Schremp and Bergenheim playing real well tonight.
King… I hope so. He’s done absolutely nothing this season. I just don’t see him as an impact player. He does very little to impress me.
Even the little chip pass from Tavares to Martinek show’s Tavars’s vision as a hockey player. Bailey just sort of floats around, doing very little.
I really hope he develops, but so far he seems like a waste of a 1st round draft pick for a team that really can’t waste draft picks.
Schremp is looking pretty good right about now.
Can Bergenheim get more ice time please?
JT BABY!!!!
TAVARES!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing I don’t like about Schremp is he’s very soft. He loses every battle for the puck.
That was a nice goal by Tavares.
Bergenheim is playing his best game of the season.
Tavares with a sniper short side (but not as nice as Martinek’s goal!). Chara gets caught. 3-0.
Bailey impressed me last year this year hes very slow SO FAR everyone also has to understand something..its three games..there are 79 games left take it easy with all the predictions and judgments. I know everyone is passionate about the Islanders and there game I mean I along with almost everyone here bleeds blue and orange. But I find that when I watch games is to take them moderately.
Tavares is looking amazing so far
If only Bergenheim can play like this every night. I hate comparing him to a Ranger, but he needs to be our Ryan Callahan. Regarding Bailey, what i am worried about is that he is playing tentative. Meyer playing much better than the other night. Sutton is the worrisome one. Thank G-d he is gone after this season. Maybe someone can give us a 3rd or 4th rounder or a bag of pucks for him
Good 2nd period by the Isles so far - REALLY attacking and moving the puck well!
Shremp is good/talented but the guy is a lil weak/soft, he gets knocked around pretty EZ..
* WOW WHAT A GREAT GOAL by Tavares - wow that was a great shot, looked like Mike Bossy 25 years ago - WOW - he had about a 8 X 10 area to shoot the puck and he hit it! High/tight on the stick side, made the water bottle dance… WHAT A GREAT SHOT/PRETTY GOAL!!!!!!
OOoooooooo cmon what a *ticky tac* joke of a call by the refs at the end of the penalty! these silly soft penalties are why i hate “the new NHL”, what a joke of a penalty, ticky-tack - let the guys play refs…. AWFUL call…
King… haha… I hear ya. I know it’s early to make predictions/judgements, but as we all know - it’s awfully difficult to be an Islanders fan. We’re very quick to judge and criticize b/c our history lends to pain so easily.
That said, very solid 2nd period. This team is definitely much stronger than last year’s group - of course, it couldn’t really get any worse.
Great start for Tavares. Loved his pass to Martinek and beautiful shot. Nice to see someone finish on the 2-on-1!
Schremp has looked pretty good. You could definitely tell he’s busting his ass out there for a spot on this team.
This is a huge third period. Bruins are going to come out desperate and we need to see if the Isles can match the intensity. Gotta kill the penalty first and for most.
Yeah Okposo is actually surprisingly quiet during this game lets see if he brings any momentum into the third. Schremp is playing this game like it is a playoff game which is good to see same with Bergy, couple of defensemen getting used on a couple plays but Roloson is backing them up.
Bryan — I agree, this is a big third period.
One of the major struggles for the Islanders throughout the years has been their failure to finish strong. They have a big three goal lead here… good opportunity to work on their killer instinct, and FINISH.
Isles much more authoritive since Sim’s goal … kinda like sparked them … gave them more confidence with the puck … 3-0 lead has to be held … I think there will be more offensive chances with the B’s taking more chances … this is a chance to open the flood gates for more goals.
JT!!! He’s got 5 points in 8 periods of his career … niceeee!!
I am in Massachusetts for the weekend and have to say Jack Edwards, the bruins play by play guy might be the worst announcer Ive heard in my life. Andy Brinkley announces with him and corrects him atleast twice a period. Im not the biggest Howie Rose fan, but its definitely better that this clown
Aside from Tavares….Roloson is going to prove to best move my Garth this summer. Biron needs to stay on back up duty.
bruins announcer: “scott gordon has done a hell of a job turning this team around”
a little preemptive eh?
To much chasing there…goal by bruins
Jack Edwards is the worst announcer. I liked him when he was with ESPN. He’s a ridiculous homer on NESN. Brick is pretty good.
Shoot the puck, Bailey. He has been horrible tonight. Maybe a stint down on the Bridge will be a wake up call
I like the way you think, Alan. Bailey does not look like an NHL-er right now.
I see chara is still taking dives, you figure a big tough guy like him wouldn’t resort to that nonsense. He did it as a rookie with us and he is still at it.
Andy Sutton is a statue!!!
Isles need to call a Time Out right now
This isn’t good…The isles need to get back to playing their game.
First job for Snow in the upcoming offseason - find a murderer on the blueline who isnt afraid to use his body
And so the Islanders third period play arrives!
This is on Gordon!!! A TO had to be used!!!!
Another cultural habit of this team - 3rd period breakdowns.
We Blew another one
THIS TEAM SUCKS!
I don’t know at to say this is just bad…They are running around and not doing anything here. Sutton looks like he is playing for the Bruins
___ WOW a TIE GAME!!
What a DISGRACEFULL 3rd period by the Islanders yet again — this is a team that needs to finish games and know how to win! Like a fighter who has a guy on the ropes!
Its Sooooooooooo f)(king frustrating to watch them it really is, AAAArrghhhh
bruins tv said the islanders called a timeout..i thought atleast
I cant take another OT loss, now that I’ve just said that the bruins are gonna score again the final minute.
I cant believe this
Sutton, Witt and Meyer are not NHL quality dmen, and this one is not on Roloson. He had no chance tonight. Snow - wake up!!!
The Islanders need a friggin’ shrink!!!
these guys are being way to soft they need to hit someone
Swan, putting Park in as a ‘playmaker’ does not make Mangi…I mean Gordon, smart. Park has never been a big playmaker or offensive guy. And I think Gordon puts in the prevent defense after they get a lead because they can never hold one.
i forgot - Josh Bailey was a better fit on this team than Luke Schenn, LOL
@ Alan can’t forget about Martinek and how soft and pathetic his play is. It’s really sad that the Islanders give him so much credit he really is terrible.
Gervais, Park and Witt all -2. I believe that makes all three -5 on the season already…..unacceptable
Awful. Gordon really needs to address why the Islanders always fail to hold onto leads. This team always plays to the scoreboard.
This team could easily be 2-0-1 right now. Unbelievable. They really should have won outright tonight. Where’s the leadership on this team?!
This was not at all on Roloson…D completely collapsed and whole sqaud was chasing! WTF!!!!
Look at the positive, still undefeteated in regulation.
Prediction #2 -
Michael Del Zotto and Matt Gilroy (2009-NYR) = Calvin Dehaan and Travis Hamonic (2010-NYI)
It’s amazing. What is Gordon doing.. Richard Park on the ice now…against a team that is 3 times the size of him…he can’t be serious park is tiny compared to everyone.
Snow needs to scouting the Detroit minor leagues and see if they have a Dman which might interest us for Biron
Sumo, incorrect. Weight’s key role on the PP is to create space particularly along the half boards and down low. And then look for the pass. After Weight, Park does that as well as anyone on the Team (Bailey is not physical enough). Plus, Park has the speed to get back on the defensive zone if the Isles loose the puck.
I thought Bailey hit the weights!!! He looks like a 12 year old boy out there.
What a move, Robby
Richard park in the shootout..yay
never fails. blow a lead much?
Wow…Rolo great in regulation….but obviously BLOWS in the Shootout!
Scott Gordon will take this team so far, but when they make that next step, he will be back in the AHL!!!!
Wow. Depressing.
Isles blow another one
They wont reach the next level until they learn how to play with a league
I thought we had made progress, but this is giving me horrible flashbacks of last year
Way to go Isles, enjoy your 0-0-3 mark
Brilliant move by Gordon to use Park over Tavares on the shootout. Park is much much more talented goal scorer. I’m also surprised Thompson didn’t get a chance. Oh and I know it’s only 2 games, but Roloson is horrible in the shootout.
Gordon and his system really work well at holding leads. This guy is a clown.
Good to see the same old Islanders are back in full form this year.
The dreaded three goal lead is still the bane of their existance.
Snow better have Gordon in his office very early tomorrow morning.
He got a pass last year but there is no way in hell than a 2nd year coach cannot coach a team to hold a 3-0 lead with 8 min left in the game.
Completely unacceptable, I don’t care how young this team is.
Where the hell was John Tavares in the shootout?
wow i think my scott gordon leash just reached its limit.. richard park on the power play and going 2nd in the shootout? lets not mention the last 8 minutes of the game with a 3-1 lead and absolutely no POISE from any player on the team or from the bench. call a freaking time out do something dont let the strings just unwind into another loss. this guy is a joke. his love affair with nate thompson sickens me. how many third period leads is this guy going to cost us?
PATHETIC!! Gased once again!! We talked about that Go-Go system exhausting the players by the last 10 mins of the third most of last season … and once again deja vu.
Oh … and when is the Bryan Trottier face off school going to take place … because the Isles losing face-offs killed them … prevented them from controling the puck and chasing the B’s around.
CB — your thoughts?
Roloson sucks in shootouts. Next shootout pull him & put in Biron.
completely unacceptable. come on gordon. 3-0 lead with 10 minutes left? LOSE??
that should say play with a lead
like i said, i aint spending a penny on this team.
Get Roloson outta the Shootout JESUS
I love how the same fools on here who were lauding the system for 2.5 periods today are killing “gordon” for not physically going out there and telling his players to skate.
Coudl he have called a time out to calm them down..YES
Is that why they completely lost composure?
Um..no
they stopped skating its simple freaking physics
Oh yea..and letting in soft wristers from the blue line.
Devastated.
Brutal d-men and an awful coach brought to you by a joke of a GM.
absolutely rediculous
park over tavares you have got to be kidding me fire this guy right now cause that has to be one of the worst coaching moves i can ever see
166 i completely agree why was Rcihard Park in the friggin shootout hes a hard worker not a goal scorer. GORDON YOU HAVE JOHN TAVARES ON UR TEAM USE HIM IN THE SHOOTOUT
if ur gonna leave Roloson in the shootout, just forfeit.
Sumo… I agree. Why in the world wouldn’t Gordon put his best offensive player in on the shootout? That’s like Wash not putting Ovechkin in. Make ZERO sense.
This team is the cause of so much misery!!!
Well, I have seen enough of Schremp. If he takes the body, the Bruins dont score their first goal. We’ll never get of Witt for anything now. Bailey…wow. Maybe I am missing something but boy does he look A V E R A G E. I could go on and on.
UGH!
#146 There is absolutely no postives to take from this game…You are up 3-0 with 10 minutes left and lost…That’s horrible
If they put out a traffic cone instead of Andy Sutton would anyone notice????
Mikey - It’s not Gordon’s fault. This team has no leadership down the stretch. Gordon helped get this team into a position to win. At that point, it’s up to the guys on the ice to bust their asses to hold onto a 3 goal lead, which shouldn’t be so difficult.
TERRIBLE job by the isles tonight. TERRIBLE. Blowing a 3 goal lead with 10 minutes to go is inexcusable. Oi don’t care who the opponent is.
This nonsense of blowing 3rd period leads plagued this team all year last season and appears to be a problem again this year. Gordon better get this crap figured out. Absolutely no character or resolve on this team.
Bottom Line
1. Josh Bailey might need a 5-to-10 game stint in the Port to get more physical. He played a wimp tonight
2. Andy Sutton and Brendan Witt are done!! If this is our physical tandem on the blueline, we have no chance in hell. Sutton should be moved immediately, and I know Witt is a company guy, but he is slow and old!!
3. Matt Moulson and Sean Bergenheim were agitators tonight - liked their fight.
4. Scott Gordon is an AHL coach. John Tortorella and Jacque Lemers are Stanley Cup Champion coaches.
Enough Said!!
Guys…all the negativity is misplaced. You have to look at the long term good! These are the points we have to give away in order to have a shot at the # 1 pick again! What’s offensive to me is that the Islanders organization expects fans to pay NHL prices to see AHL talent.
On the plus side, Tavares/Okposo looks like they will be very impressive. Well, that’s if they don’t require groin surgery by December…
And shooters are now 4-5 against Roloson in the shootout with the only failure being the second Bruins shooter that hit the post. I think a wood cutout would do better…granted he’s been facing tough shooters in Boston and Pitt but come on….
Happy birthday Boston, you just got a gift win after we outworked you for 51:59 out of 60 minutes, we need 51:59 but you just need the final 8:01 to really play
So when’s Ricky coming back?
I like Rolo in regulation …he is very sharp but OMG he hasnt kicked away one shooter yet in the shootout. Park in the Shootout???Seriously?
Gordon…..Sorry but you had your leeway last season…it aint gonna fly with us this year! Garth you listening?
it IS Gordon’s fault. Call an F’n timeout when things START to go awry. Change it up a bit with different staff. Did they win a faceoff the last 5 minutes??
the meltdown happened because of the prevent defense we play….it always does. WTF is wrong with gordon for putting in park over tavares? i want some of what he’s smoking. roloson sucks in the shootout and through his five-hole. period.
I’m sorry, what is the hockey worlds expectation of the Isles this year? Last in the league again???
I for one think they are playing above their talent and that has to do with heart and coaching having them believe they can play. Tough loss no doubt, but this team has played great hockey 6 out of 9 periods so far.
I’ve said this before and i’ll say it again…with Scott Gordon as a coach..this team will not win anything. He’s a good coach when it comes to motivating this team..but when it comes to finishing? Nothing We saw it last year and we’ll see it again this year..they we’ll play hard the first 2 periods..but this system wears the team out by the 3rd.
Unacceptable no matter what kind of team you have. Sutton needs to go and sorry to say Witt didn’t look great tonight especially on the 1st Bruin goal
Waht’s the rules with Goalies and shootouts? can you put in a different goalie?? I see Roloson 2 times,that’s enuff!
Year two of the rebuild, doing fine. Needs are obvious but loving JT and KO.!!!! Roli is fine and Moulson and Shremp are keepers. Bailey is the future 2nd line center that wins games but he needs time. JT is a stud in the making.!!!
T
Ricky who, Lance? I saw him on the golf course counting Wang’s money. Not bad for a dude getting paid for doing nothing.
kiss that lighthouse crap good bye. This is Hartford in the making.
So let me get this straight..an agressive forecheck system “wears out these players” by the 3rd?
So..basically they cant skate like the other 29 teams in the league for 60 minutes?
Cut the bs
Yeah .. Park over JT stunned my senses … My GF made a point to say Gordo was wearing a yellow tie with a black suit .. LOL!! She said thatjokingly after seeing Park got picked for the shootout over JT.
I have zero tolerance for Gordo’s incompetance this season. His 1 year learning curver is over.
I’m sick of seeing our numb legged defenders chasing around the opposition in the 3rd period … they look totally gassed.
Oh .. boys … in the shootouts … unless you can fake the goalie out of his pads … shoot stick side … goalies are much slower stick side after a 20 minute 3rd and 5 minute OT, especially after holding the stick all game to boot.
This was horrible, but it’s good that they played so well for 52 minutes that the complete collapse in the final 8 at least got us a point.
Tavares very well again but I still don’t understand why Gordon didn’t have him in the shootout….that was not an NHL coach decision right there, not with our young team trying to grow. If we are just going to lose with veterans in the important spots, why have veterans at all?
The funny thing is the Leafs are worse off than us. Their goaltending is atrocious. If Ricky comes back we need to package Biron with a waste like Sutton and steal Kaberle.
Isles - 0-0-3
Bridgeport - 3-0
Bentivoglio scores with 10 seconds remaining. Joensuu scores too.
I think they lost because they didn’t use Jon Sim in the shootout.
This seems like its just game #85 of last season. Same old, same old. I predicted when it was 3-1 that we’d lose in SO.
Sutton is like Stork, Witt gets toasted. Martinek, Meyer and Streit are the only guys that play composed. Gordon must go and bring in the guys. I almost don’t wanna go to my game on Monday…
Have to start wondering OUT LOUD whether Gordumb is to be trusted with this organizations future behind the bench. No Tavares in the first 3 minutes of OT???? And then NO TAVARES in the shootout!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WTF. Use your assets. Park??? Okposo is a poer foward with some finesse but Tavares is clearly the choice at #2 after Shremp. I did like the chance the gave Shremp b/c he has known shootout skills. My prediction is that the Isles will become competitive when Gordumb is not the coach. This is f-ing ridiculous. Same old Isles.
*power foward
Come on Botta. I wanna see the title of your next thread. You better come down hard on this sorry bunch!
Isles Fan….nothing to predict…just simpe expectation!
it seems like the 2004 Yankees, 2004 and all!
2004 Yankees, GORDON and all!
#162 I agree. This has nothing to do with the team and EVERYTHING to do with the coach. He plays the same guys over and over until they can’t keep up any longer and then the other team swiftly takes over. Jackman barely saw the ice and he is one of the most fit and strong players we have. Okoposo looked like his legs were going to give out during OT as he motioned to get off the ice. It happened all last year and it’s starting this year too. What a complete waste of these guys working their a#$es off all summer to just sit on the bench and watch the other team take over. I hope the players speak up to the coach and tell him to play smart and mix it up. Gordon is so predictable.
no excuse to lose a 3 goal lead in what 5 minutes? seriously? coach what are you going to do about this..your teams did this last year and are doing it this year too. WTF…it sucks so bad being an islanders fan..what did i do to deserve this??
Really great call on playing Rechleicz as well..didn’t see him at all in the 3rd.
That was a horrific loss tonight. As far as the shootout is concerned, is Roloson ever going to stop one?
187….6 out of 9 periods gets you three loses.
I can’t believe this Wang is actually asking for LI to hand over to him one of the most valuable pieces of land in the county, and yet $43 million is the best he’ll do for fielding a team?
The cap is $56 million Mr. Wang, you’re barely $3 million above the salary floor.
Wake up and start competing in the league already.
Some of you are a bit too overdramatic though, its the 3rd game of the year; we have 3 points. It could be worse, sure it could be better, but its year 2 of a rebuild.
I think its clear our defense needs some improvement. Hopefully something will be done about that, but for goodness sakes we have people saying the Isles are going leaving Long Island because they blew a lead?
Geez and the Oscar goes to…..
He isnt asking for anything. He bid on the land and now is asking zoning privileges
If Long Island doesnt want that , as i mentioned above i think Quebec city would take them with open arms. And they would get a truly galvanized fanbase a la minnesota wild return to league
I am sure long island can figure out more creative things to do with the land.
Like building a goat farm
If this team is going with the youth movement, how come they are playing with 4 30+ year old dmen. You need fresh legs and strong bodies to play on the blueline, and this team doesnt have that.
Dehaan
Hamonic
2010 1st rounder should all be on the Isles blueline next season
Obama James…the Oscar to Obama he wins all the awards now..maybe we could him to coach the Isles and get the lighthouse project greenlighted..Hey Mr. President we need some help here. We are suffering Islanders fans and I for one cant take it anymore..
How does Nate Thompson make the NHL this guy is a minor leager at best he’s not the reson we lost but he contributes nothing to this team
People need to CHILL. It’s game 3. The lead blowing is concerning but that’s what losing teams do. The question is will they make strides as the season continues on.
I’m not going to get all crazy even though there’s no reason why an NHL team should lose that game tonight.
The one thing that stings a bit, and has been touched on this evening, is that you sit Tavares, the gentleman you selected #1, the gentleman who scored a goal tonight and added an assist to make it 5 points in 3 games, so that Richard Park can should makes me shake my head …
My thoughts:
Let me be the first to say Jon Sim played great tonight. I have been riding him but I have to give credit where credit is due. Nice goal, nice nose for the net
John Tavares has shown why the Islanders made the right choice with the number one pick.
Witt is proving a liability on defense.
Gervais has yet to show the level of play he displayed in the second half of last year.
Rolosson has been decent in regulation, his shoot out performance is seriously lacking.
Baily seems a little lost at times, Comeau played hard.
It is up to Gordon to get this team to play for 60 mins. Its not effort, its their approach with a lead going into the third. This is alarming and seems kind of familiar. I have always kinda liked Gordon. But now I am starting to have some doubts. The last two Boston goals where a little fluky but the play was consistently in the Islanders end.
I dunno..shame on me, but all I can see is the Bailey draft pick. Still time buuuuuuuut………………………………………..uh oh.
Odd that Jackman wasn’t out there more, IMO.
Sorry for the second post, CB. Shell-shocked…..
#223 Well said, I am glad someone has a good perspective
It is concerning they can’t hold the lead, but its not the end of the world, and this lone loss doesnt signify the end of the Isles on Long Island
Without leadership on the ice you need leadership behind the bench. Very rough game for Gordo! This team needs a momentum changer,someone to throw the big hit or take the puck and run with it! That player is not here!I think JT is making us all take a hard look at Bailey. Josh had a really rough game tonight. He really looks lost out there. Does he have any offensive scoring talent at all! Not to worried. Half this team will be gone when we become a contender. Does Gordon now how to adjust???
Anyway we are 0-0-3 not 0-3-0, it is not the end of the world
This team is still better than they were last season; you can see it in how they have outplayed other teams, something they did not do last season
Once we learn how to play with a lead, we take the next step, no point in going overboard because we didn’t win.
Anyway I am out
Go Go Gone! Does Garth thing he has the 2nd coming of Belichek or something?? Has anyone heard of a timeout?
That’s what is the most frusturating..the fact that this team does seem better then last year..yet we cant win..i understand its only 3 games..and the first 2 were not bad..this one just hits hard since we were winning by 3..and than we lose it.
My issue with the team tonight is why was there no effort to break the momentum after the B’s first goal. Reichliz should have been on ice to stir up something, Gordo should have called a timeout after the second goal.
Bailey IMO needs to go back down to the bridge and while he is down there maybe grow a few chest hairs and eat something. The boy is just to green right now.
Bailey is looking more of a bust every single day
we could have had nikita filatov or schenn
Amen, MAX!!
That’s why you dont trust a professional organization to a backup goaltender. I said, if Neil Smith was still here. we’d be way ahead of schedule. And remember it was him who drafted KO, not Snow
The good:
Schremp played well. Maybe we’ll have three lines that can attempt to score.
No more Andy Hilbert.
What a great goal by JT… maybe we have a 30 goal guy with 60-70 points if he doesn’t get killed.
Moulson, KO and Bergie gave everything they had, and they have some talent to add to their effort.
Great forecheck for 40 minutes.
The PK was able to stop the Bruins when they were in zombie mode.
The bad:
No legs in the last 10 minutes.
KO doesn’t even get a shot off in te shoot out. That’s about hte fourth time, but at least he didn’t make that ridiculous move. (and where was his helmet in the scrum… just saying).
Gordon leaves the TO in his pocket after they chased the puck for 90 seconds.
Can we get dubie in as a third goalie coach to teach an old dog a new trick (THE POKE CHECK)
And for all the crap you folks gave rolly for his SO failure, just remember that this is a regulation loss without his play.
Why can’t anybody admit that Bailey going to Bridgeport isn’t a bad thing for a 20-year old who needs ice time and some more focused coaching.
The ugly:
I can’t wait to hear why Park was taking a SO attempt instead of Tavares. Was JT tired or not ready, because he didn’t get a lot of ice time in OT either.
With ten minutes left I was almost about to give gordon credit for putting a nice game together… I’m glad I reserved my opinion… If Wang wanted to spend a dime he would be gone before the deadline… but who would take his place… Howie Rose?
Scott Gordon… tambellini… Thompson… I think you can hop off 95 and be in Bridgeport for their next game.
JT goal = young Shanahan..quick release
Sim and Bergy played well…tough to stomach this one.. 78 gms remaining they will learn how to win
gotta agree with #234. Tuff loss to swallow, hitting the booze again. Feel a little better after seeing how Philly lost tonight.
Going back to Rechlicz (212) not playing in the third I think Rechlicz not only brings toughness to the team but enthusiasm whenever he’s in the line-up the games more exciting without Rechlicz out there in the third the team just lost momentum and was pushed around
Oh yeah… something else I wanted to add. Jon Sim.. 582 man games lost to injury… sure glad gordon exiled him and his 9 goals. You know that’s how young coaches earn respect… demote a guy coming off a tough injury who says something about you in the locker room.
Anybody wanna wager who’s in the NHL longer?
I just think were stuck with Goo Goo because nobody else will take the job. Sad!
The isles will finish last again why not roll 4 lines and see if wrecker can turn into a decent player, play him a regular shift and let him learn wont be first player to do so