NYI at BUFFALO, 7:30 pm: Live chat…Hillen in?…Rolo in goal…Rechlicz up…The future center corps
CB on the infamous Georges Laraque video spot
UPDATED at 1:45 pm - Latest I’m hearing is that Jack Hillen may make his regular season debut tonight and that slow-starting Bruno Gervais could be a healthy scratch.
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12:30 pm - Reminder: Live Islanders Hockey Chat tonight during the game in Buffalo - 7:30 pm to whenever overtime or the shootout ends.
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Although the Islanders have insisted they do not want one-dimensional players playing only a few minutes a game, Joel Rechlicz has been recalled. Perhaps he’ll get a regular shift tonight.
But here’s the bigger issue. If the team was going to have Rechlicz back for the weekend, why on earth would the Islanders not have him with the big club and practicing under Scott Gordon this week? The Sound Tigers also did not have any games.
You cannot - cannot - tell me it’s to save money and cap space while Joel gets AHL pay for three days. That doesn’t make any sense. That couldn’t possibly trump Rechlicz developing under the NHL coaching staff.
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Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron both played for the Sabres. Roloson gets the start tonight against his old team. Rotation will likely contine with Biron playing the Saturday night home match against San Jose.
Jeff Tambellini and Jack Hillen Bruno Gervais appear to be the healthy scratches. If Rechlicz plays, someone else will have to sit. No word yet, but Nate Thompson or Tim Jackman would appear to be candidates.
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In a story in today’s Newsday about Doug Weight shifting from center to left wing, Scott Gordon tells Katie Strang the following:
“If you look at the big picture, you make yourself more versatile and more attractive to our team and 29 other teams down the road. If we have four skilled centermen (next season) and Doug is just locked into center, it makes it harder to bring him back because he’s eventually going to take ice time away from those guys.”
Katie then reports:
“Those guys - Tavares, Bailey, Schremp and Nielsen - are players that Gordon wants to groom at the center position and form into a force up the middle.”
So that there can be no claims of second-guessing, I want to go on record. A center corps of John Tavares, Josh Bailey, Rob Schremp and Frans Nielsen is not going to get it done. That collection will not fulfill the Islanders’ plans to become a “consistent contender.” The franchise is going to need some size, some grit, someone to win a faceoff, someone who can defend other top centers.
Do you agree? In comments.
146 Responses to “NYI at BUFFALO, 7:30 pm: Live chat…Hillen in?…Rolo in goal…Rechlicz up…The future center corps”
Please Wait
Why is Rechlicz in the lineup???
I’ve been a supporter of Gordo but I’m starting to think that he may be ‘less than Stirling’ II. There are other players that should be given a shot. Anyone remember when Stirling dressed Pettinen over Marty?
I like Gordo’s style but his choice of players is making me wonder?
CB you have gotten exceedingly cynical and negative about this team. Its gotten to the point where your posts generally do more to frustrate than to focus a meaningful discussion.
Sorry for the 2 quickies but you are dead on with the evaluation at Center. The team needs a physical center. Those 4 may be part of the core, but it shouldn’t be all down the middle.
Weight should sit down and have a chat with Bergenheim. Weight is a class act. Bergenheim still has me scratching my head a bit.
I absolutely agree with your last question CB. Gordon has been making me wonder, but I am still behind him. We’ll see what happens this season, maybe they pick up some winning players,and if he still cannot get it done, I am no longer on the boat with him.
In other news, I will be attending the UMass vs. BU game tonight to see the LI Native Marcou Bros take on Isles prospect Corey Trivino and their #2 ranked team. Should be a great game, I’ll let you guys know how it went and how Trivino played. I’m like a scout up here haha. I love college hockey and Hockey East. Oh boy.
they really see Schremp as eventually being a center on this team? i know that’s where he has spent most of his career but at this point he seems better suited for playing the wing on this team. with Nielsen out now and Schremp still not playing center to start the season, i just don’t fully get it. he’ll never be a true 2nd line center in this league and certainly isn’t a 3rd line center, as they are usually more defensive. plus he’s always been know as a top 6 or nothing guy, so i just don’t see him being a center here.
I don’t think it’s necessary for a consistent contender to have a power-center. Strength on the wings can make up for that - we just lack that as well.
Dead on post #2
I agree Mapisles… however you need strength somewhere, and you need at least 1 center that can win faceoffs hahaha.
Wait… we have strength, size, and faceoff ability in Nate Thompson. Kidding.
I kind of agree. But the problem then is who do you get rid of? Jt looks like he will be our #1 center for yrs to come and he’s def. a good one. Bailey i believe will develop into a really good #2. So im guessing the you want to find a big, skilled center for the 3rd line? So you eventually put either Schremp or Frans on the fourth. Either one would be a good fourth line center.
Yeah. I kind of don’t get it. Schremp’s not a 4th liner. I’d think you’d want to see if he could be a winger on your 2nd line or buh-bye.
What happened to what Jaffe commented on in the first game of the season- “Gordon said he’s gonna give Tambs every opportunity to make it this year”. The kid got one game!!! I know we need some toughness but why not see what we got in Tambs on Schremp’s wing or the PP. Give him a few weeks then give up if he’s not producing. This can’t help his confidence at all. Bad move again dressing the wreckker over him for 3 minutes a game. And send Hillen down if you’re not using him. Again- not helping his confidence or gaining any experience by watching from the bleachers game after game!!
I think Schremp at centre is experiment and also limited Weights Skating since his groin might still be issue. Centers have to cover alot more ice.
I have no problem with Rechliez in lineup as long as its Thompson being sat out. I’m as puzzle as you are to why they would send him to bridgeport to practice.
People have to stop with the Negativity. Just an observation, If isles win next 2 games. that would put them 6th in East. thats just how fast things can change.
Islesfan16 (#2)
I believe CB is telling it like it is (good or bad) OK so he isn’t sugar coating things. I’d rather that he give us his honest opinion. Let’s face it, we suck, and CBW & Co are not going to make short term move for the team. We can only hope we get Taylor Hall nexty draft. Even then, getting a number 1 draft for a team that is moving to another city does nothing for us here on LI.
Who would’ve thought that after his long, hall of fame bound career at center, the guy to finally bounce Doug Weight out of his spot would be Rob Shremp! Try that as a trivia question in a few years. Glad we can shift the team around so that a guy like Shremp id most comfortable. I’m sure he was given a shot at center last year at the AHL level, and how many goals did he muster again? 6? I’m done with the Shremp experiment already…
Tambo has had too many chances to prove he belongs in the nhl. I think Isles need to move on without him.
The wrecking ball:
Chris with all due respect, the wrecker is going to be out there for one thing, his scorers touch (just kidding). Really, what change in his game comes out of beig up with the team Coaching wise. He is one dimensional, and knows what his job is. Coaching isn’t going to help how hard you can pummel someone. I think..
Cheers, heres to a first round draft pick next year…
The Recker doesn’t need to play against Buffalo. They don’t have a tough guy in the line up.
Hall is a centerman if I’m not mistaken. Could they already be looking ahead at to the draft?
Good thing the Wrecker is back. We need more skill in the lineup and his 2 minutes a game are invaluable.
“The franchise is going to need some size, some grit, someone to win a faceoff, someone who can defend other top centers.”
Agreed, however the islanders expect Tavares to be the #1 center, Bailey to be good enouhg to be a #2 center and even play on the 1st line if needed. Other than that with an often injured Nillson, hes at best a #3 center because he always hurt, otherwise he is a solid #3. Shremp I have to see more of.
Doug Weight: All class, all the time. Love that he’s playing on this team. Some “veterans” would whine and complain about changing position (ahem, Bergenheim, ahem), but Weight does whatever is best for the team.
As for Tavares, Bailey, Schremp and Neilsen, I think that combination can grow into a solid group of four centers, capable of anchoring an offense on a competitive team, but that’s only if they develop into what they’re projected to be.
Didn’t Gordon say that Weight would still take faceoffs even with the change
Nice to see Rechlitz back with the team. This team is going NOWHERE this year! They should just keep Rechlitz up here to play and grow with the players he is getting groomed to protect in the future. Also lets make no mistake the guy he going to replace whomever it may be is not the answer either, and probably wouldn’t have scored anyway!!!
i think that nielsen and schremp could transition to wing without a problem. agree that the isles need a center with grit. the isles will eventually have to make room at center for trivino too.
Oh and I agree Chris, lets throw 4 small centers down the middle. They may all have skill, but only Tavares has big upside. Bailey may develop into a serviceable number 2 someday, but the rebuilding plan seems to be cracking at the seams. I think Snow is relying a little too much on prospects and draft picks. You need solid free agent signings and trades as well and I’m not talking just depth players either.
ehhhh, I can’t believe anything any of them say these days. Its all crap I tell ya, CRAP!
I just wanna watch them play.
I’m ok with wecker being back, but LET HIM PLAY! Not 2,3,4 minutes a game, give him reasonable playing time. 2 minutes a game doesn’t do anyone any good
I dont want “the wrecker” in the lineup. I’d much rather that son of an Islander “Tambo”.
It would be nice to see Jacki Hillin on the ice!
Although Schremp has been good in faceoffs he should not be considered a full-time center. Schremp should only be used at center when we need him to fill in for an injury (currently Frans Nielsen), otherwise keep him on the 3rd or 2nd line wing.
Also, I have a feeling Roli will keep us in this game tonight, and we will put a few in the net for our first win!
LETS GO ISLANDERS ! ! !!!
those 4 centers obviously won’t get it done now. but by the time the team is close to contending 2 of those names will surely be gone. my hope is the g.m. worries about building a solid corps of backliners first, then about complimenting j.t. and k.o. up front. i think also that by then, bailey will be an established solid center-iceman.
Hey CB, What’s your theory on why Gordon would not bring Rechlicz up for practice with the Isles? If it’s not for $$, and it’s not for cap space, do you have a reason why, or do you think this is a sign that Gordon is not the smartest coach on ice?
I’m getting a little frustrated at the lack of cohesion with this team. I feel like EVERYONE is trying out for their positions. Outside of Bailey and Okposo, no forward is a lock at their position. On defense, no pairing shines out as a shutdown d-pair.
I will have patience for this team until they leave the island, but even this early in a season we should see signs of improvement, and we’re not. Let’s see what tonight brings (especially as I couldn’t understand why we weren’t having the chat yesterday, only to realize the game was tonight). LETS GO ISLES!
I have to say, at 1st when PB was dropped by the Isles, I noticed Chris was becoming more critical but its getting inversingly negitive and less supportive. I’m fine with it as long as its honest and not some axe to grind.
To answer the question “are these 3 centers big and tough enough up the middle and if they can get the job done”?
I don’t think these 3 are the answer but Gordo needs to see what he has in them to decide who should be dropped for a bigger center. I hope
this is what captains do, whatever it takes, that’s why u cannot have anything but respect and admiration for doug weight.
and cb, they most certainly sent joel down to save money, remember tavheduch? they spent money on 2 useless jerseys just to keep their pointless secret and now they have to find a way to pay for them… CBW is starting to resemble Rachel Phelps (”Major League”)
A center corps of John Tavares, Josh Bailey, Rob Schremp and Frans Nielsen is not going to get it done. That collection will not fulfill the Islanders’ plans to become a “consistent contender.” The franchise is going to need some size, some grit, someone to win a faceoff, someone who can defend other top centers.
Do you agree?
No..100% disagree with your premise. Your premise is flawed because it assumes the aformentioned four will not fill out..or will not develop the talent and skill to be center ice centerman.
I fail to see how you assume this about a 20 year old and 19 year old?
You telling me that having 4 young centers, dynamic players, 2 of which have yet to fill out is against the norm?
How the heck can you assume *anything* at this early a stage about 2 of the 4, and the 3rd we have only seen for 2 weeks. Frans is the only one who is the “Veteran” of the bunch at 25, and only one whose small frame is likely to minimize his “toughness” (although i still dont see it will take away from his playmaking abilities..of which he has plenty when he is on the ice)
my 2 cents
Sounds like they mishandled the Rechlicz situation. .
I agree with #2 regarding CB. . Feels like there is a “chip on the shoulder” approach to the posts these days.
Then again - who else is holding the club accountable for the myriad of questionable personnel decisions lately.
Expecting a much improved effort from the team tonight after Monday’s lazy showing.
I thought they would play Biron tonite v the sabres and keep Roloson for the Western Conference Sharks on saturday.
CB, even if Shrimp ( had too ), Neilson, or even Bailey don’t turn out to be a cup winning line-up, Wouldn’t it serve the team better to see just what they can do?
Maybe Shremp & Neilson could be traded for a bruising center you mentioned. or at least moved for other pcs, if the team actually tried to sign a FA?
I understand Weight’s mindset though, he had a career, has a cup & like the island.
Can’t wait for the No. 1 overall pick again this year fellas! Hall will be an Islander, and then whomever they will be called once they leave LI. It’s a constant farce around this team. And Milbury says this whole Lighthouse project is an embarassment for Nassau County. While that’s true, it’s sad that it comes from another embarassment, Mad Mike. Where is Spano when you need him?
as much as i want gordon and snow to be successful and i certainly support the team with cautious optimism….some decisons seem to boggle the mind.
Rechlicz is not an NHL player and it’s embarrassing they need to dress him at all.
Those 4 centers, EVEN IF they maximize their potential will never be able to line-up against Pitts, Philly and even Boston with even a chance at victory.
How long before Hunter is due back again? Anyone?
I can’t take Goron anymore. Why do we need both Park and Thompson? Why is Sim on the 2nd line? Why are we moving Schremp to center when we already Tavares and Bailey for our top 2? Why is Witt still out there over Hillen? Why has Tamby only gotten 1 game (and looked good) only to sit?
Im getting really feadup and frustrated with him.
CB,
I don’t think Snow plans on Tavares, Bailey, Schremp and Neilson being there top 4 centres in a couple years (when they are “contending” for a cup). Snow is not finished building this team (from the draft and smart free-agent acquisitions when the time is right). Only year-two of the building process.
….Well JT, and Baily for the future, and its hard to argue Neilson as a solid third line center…..but we certainly could use some face off help and grit. Hard to argue with CB on this one IMO. And yes I have noticed a little bit of an edge from CB. But it is well placed IMO. No need to sugar coat anything here this is professional hockey.
I have no comment…I barely remember what happened last game. I really can’t have an opinion yet on whats going on because the team has been on the practice rink. Hopefully the guys get some type of consistency soon once these long layoffs in between games is over. Its good to keep the team healthy early, but arent we all ready for some consistent hockey already?!?!
Schremp, Sim, Tambs, Thompson,…do we really need these guys? We should just bring up Smith and let him get some games….and eventually Martin….
Eh, Wrecker getting called up is not really a big deal. There are more important things to question than every little move made. Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees.
I just a thought, why can’t Comeau be a 3rd line center? He’s physical and can move the puck. He’s got good play making ability the way he can hold onto the puck and make a play.
Any thoughts?
Theres no way any of these 4 guys are going to center the 4th line so what happens when Neilsen comes back? I think then Weight needed to move over to wing to make room for Frans. Theres no ‘log jam’ on this roster but there are definitely too many bodies up the middle. Sometime soon one of these guys are going to have to go.
Looking forward to the game tonight and our first win. Im hoping Buffalo used up all their goals in that 6-2 whoopin they layed on Detroit Tuesday.
I do believe that some fans are finally getting the big pic on how CB has changed, and putting the “wrecker” in tonight is like putting a band aid on this leaking blog…
Gordo decides to call him up for tonight, why not call him up earlier in the week to get some practice in with the Isles, instead of bumming in Bridgeport…
CB - I totally agree with you about the centers. I’m all for getting a core of smart players that see the ice well and can make plays. But we need to balance that with people that can physically dominate other teams. Unfortunately, that’s not only limited to the center position.
I would like to see Snow get some size and grit at center and at D. Tavares has been good, but that’s where it ends at center. Doug Weight should have a team meeting and get across that they (read Bergenheim) need to do what’s needed and whats best for the team, not for themselves. Doug is a class act and the other players should follow his lead.
The lines for tonight’s game show promise. Hopefully they stay intact for a few.
Thompson out.
Moulson/Tavares/Okposo
Bergie/Bailey/Comeau
Weight/Schremp/Sim
Jack/Park/Wrecker
These could work. Why the top 9 weren’t situated that way since Boston, I don’t know.
Leash is definitely off, and bringing out further negativity in me.
But winning cures all…hopefully we can get a win or two these next few days.
As for the 4 centers, somethings doesn’t quite feel right about it, but until we have other options…why not?
I’d like to know who else would be available to us if we were to make a move.
We have 4 offensive centers, for whom you would need 8 talented wings. The Isles don’t have any scoring ability on their 4th line (and most of their 3rd line), so playing any of these guys with Jackman, Sim, etc. would be useless. That is what Richard Park is for. It’s a bonus that he is skilled, but his positioning and defensive responsibility make him such a valuable center. Had we drafted Hodgson last year, we would have had a better all-around 1-2 center punch with him and Tavares over Bailey. Maybe we can trade Bailey and Nielson for Duchene to get the punch we’re looking for. Either that or sign Michael Peca’s kids up for the Jr. Islanders to get them in the system.
I think the trio of tavares bailey and nielson can be pretty impressive one day. I still think we need to kidnap shane doan and make him an islander. in that respect I agree. we need a guy like that badly.
tavs,bailey,neilsen, and possibly shremp is a fantastic centre group.
why? because we are going to be an offensive attack team. the grit can stay on the wings
i still dont see other teams bullying us around, in fact we have controlled every team so far this year with the exception of the various short lapses. i cant wait for frans to come back!!!!
I don’t understand Gordon’s logic…this team has yet to win a game..yet he keeps playing the same people? if this was any other coach, he’d be trying all different players and different lines to see what works, cuz obviously this does not..the only line that works is the TOM line.
Couple of thoughts:
Wrecker - doesn’t really make sense. Maybe Gordo figured he has to watch the guy try to play in games so might as well force Capuano watch him practice.
Centers - agree with you here. I would hope the plan is to build up the current grew in hopes of getting a greater return down the road.
Wow, the blueprint has been laid with those four centerman of the future… Ouch we will be bad forever!! At least we will have our team, UHHHH…. Geez, I predict 0-2-4 by the end of the weekend. We will win out first game either 10/30 (Because I will be in the house!) or 11/7 vs. Atlanta. Not saying we will lose every game in regulation but our schedule is tough…
I’m a firm believer in having an enforcer on the team … but the Wrecker is getting 2 mins a game of ice time… think about that guys. He spends more time in the penalty box after a fighting penalty than he does on the ice. Not that anything he does on the ice is that special.
I think we have a significant problem with not having a servicable tough guy that can play 10 mins a game minimum. The Sabres aren’t one of the teams the Isles need to worry about getting kicked around by.
Playing the Go-Go system requires 4 full lines of effective NHL players. Special teams situations also errodes at an effective Go-Go system when you factor that in with 4th line minute limitations.
The problem is the logic of the blog on this topic. The fact that these 4 centers are being evaluated doesn’t mean that’s the future period. It means you evaluate these 4, then determine who will and won’t be part of the future. This is year 2 of the rebuild. Maybe it will be Trivino or Ullstrom that is a top 3 cemter. But you need to know what your current crew can do first. This is an overly negative narrow view post!
CB.
What are the odds that the isles trade for a veteran forward this season?
Any chance?
Story updated. Latest buzz out of Buffalo is that Jack Hillen could make season debut and slow-starting Bruno Gervais could be out…CB
I hope they sit Bruno. His play has been poor. With Weight’s switch, what does that say about Bergie not moving to the off wing? I guess its possible that wing to center is not a big deal compared to switching wings. Either way, it does not make Bergie, who I really like, look too good with management. Any thoughts?
Well thats good news to here, although id much rather see witt and his cement skates in street clothes. i love his passion but hes gotten too slow to keep up with anyone. Still glad to see Hillen might get a shot tonight.
And there is a .0001% chance the Islanders at anyone from outside the organization before the trade deadline
Thompson has played two games…is that enough to be so negative…”no” he has played hard for this team; has had his body beat up and yet after two games you naysayers say he is not a good player. He has not been given the opportunity and playing him with Rechliz was a joke as Rechliz did not even know what position he should be in. All teams have their roster finalized and here the NYI are still trying to decide what do to…maybe it is not the players just management??? Can you imagine the stress for these players…..
CB - While I (mostly) agree with your assessment of the centers on LI, I do not really see why it is an important or relevant point to make before the fifth game of this season. We all know that the Isles are going to be bad this season.
The center situation (along with the wings and D) is something that will have to develop and evolve over the next 2-3 years. The rebuild is still in its infancy and patience will be key to us as fans. I realize we have already suffered and showed patience, but come on…
Thompson played 40 or so games last year. Thats plenty to be negative on. I know im beating a dead horse here, but there is no reason Sim should be in this lineup. Sure he has looked a little better than he did last year, but he is not part of the future of this team. He doesnt bring a leadership role, he surely doesnt bring a scoring role, or a tough guy role. Bring up a guy from Bridge and let him play his way on or off the team. Sim is wasting space.
I concur - that quadro of centermen will NOT get it done. Schremp and Nielsen should exit and let Weight and (insert centerman acquisition or Bridgeport centerman name here) get some sealegs. Is Gordon related to Don Quixote or somethin’? So far this season, I’m mostly baffled by his statements.
thank god.
The center situation is something that will come to a head eventually. The thing is I have no idea where these players are in their development. Development is key or they’ll stagnate. We all have seen enough “busts” to know most may never emerge.
We need size down the middle and on wing. We have some in the system … but will they develop??
If the following players ever become good enough to compete in the NHL we’ll have both size and skill… that’s a BIG IF … but CB … can any one of them be a top 6 forward? Top 9?
Joensuu @ 6′4″ / 207# at LW
Lee @ 6′2″ / 209# at C
Marcinko @ 6′4″ / 187# at C
Martin @ 6′2″ / 195# at LW
Petrov* @ 6′3″ / 200# at RW (*area 51 draftpick)
Smith @ 6′1″ / 195# at C
Ulstrom @ 6′3″ / 198# at LW
Bruno sitting tonight is further proof that Gordo might not know what he’s doing. While I don’t mind seeing Hillen play, I’m totally confused as to why Gordo wouldn’t just play Bruno with Streit. When something works, why mess with that?? Bruno played the best hockey of his career with Streit. They fed off each other. Pairing Bruno with Witt killed 2 steady d-pairings. Put Streit with Gervais and Witt with Martinek. Alot of defensive problems fixed with just that slight change. Come on Gordo.
Great piece CB — I agree that Rech should be kept in Bridgeport — let him play 3 mins a game there.
Also, the Isles will need some big boys on the wings if they plan to compete with those 4 centers. Good thing they traded up twice in the first round to take Zack Kassian, errrr
Every playoff contender needs 6 skilled players to compete (regardless of what line they’re on). We have two with Tavares and Okposo. We may have a third with Bailey but it’s too early to tell. At this point, this team has one second line, two third lines, a fourth line. This rebuild will take another 2-3 years, minimum.
CB, w/regards to your last paragraph… Gordon is playing with the cards that he is dealt. I’m sure the so called Core at Center will change if we pick up someone like Taylor Hall or UFA come off season.
Moving Dougie over is the right thing to do.
This team as currently constructed, is again going to be competing for the # 1, 2, or 3 draft selection. This rebuild is in year two, and from what I see, Garth, has not addressed the size, and strenghth part of this hockey team. He continues to select and play smaller players. Honestly, I don’t get whats going on, in Islander Land. Mondays game was horrible. I’m well awhere of what the Lighthouse Project means, but aren’t they trying to build a Stanley Cup contender. By what I have been watching, it dosen’t seem that way. John Tavares has been all and more, that he was billed as. He is going to be a Super Star in the NHL very soon. He has been the best player on the ice for the Islander’s so far, where’s everyone else been. One other thing, The Islander’s should be playing the players they feel are going to be part of that Stanley Cup contender, they are suppose to be building. I’m sorry but to me the Organization owes NY Islander’s fans more than what they are giving now. I have always liked Charles Wang, but it’s time for him to get some real hockey people, and open his wallet, and spend some money, on some real talent. Chris can you do a complete evaluation of the entire NY Islander’s system, including height and weight. Thanks Chris, Mark N/J
We really need some size up front.We have so many of the same type of players up front.Would love to see Martin,Smith or Jonsuue(however you spell his name)I like Park but I feel like he as well as Sim is taking up roster spots for some guys we have that have size and are our future.
In the NHL Mr. Gordon, what makes a team attractive to other players is winning and spending money.
Nice to see he is going public about NEXT season 4 games into this one.
I like those centers…Tavares is a lock obviously. I like Nielsen a lot but he has to stay healthy. Bailey and Schremp are the guys that I look at as guys with potential who havent proved a thing yet. They could or could not. Who knows. I’m thinking Bailey will eventually turn out alright though.
Basically I would say they only need one big center for the future and then they would be set in that position.
To be honest, I think they should focus more on defense, power forwards, and scoring wingers more than centers.
I would think if Rechlicz plays, Thompson (or maybe Jackman) would sit…CB
I do agree with some that the criticism is unwarranted in this case. Lets be honest here, we are not a contender for even a playoff spot, so what is wrong with Gordon mixing around the lines and positions to see what works best? The Isles this year are a work in progress and as the year goes on they will get better. I also agree with 2 other things said here.
1. Some of these guys wont be with the team even next season, so why get in a tizzy about where they are playing
2. Many of the players making up the core and the 4 center spots aren’t even old enough to drink. It is completely unfair to them to automatically assume they cannot get it done when they haven’t finished developing as players. Its not like this team is filled with 28 year olds who are cast-offs of other teams. The young forward core has an average age of like 22 years old, give them some time.
We keep mentioning the Isles should be spending money. Nobody has mentioned which top free agent was dying to sign with the Isles. Regarding the size does Matt Martin and Jesse J not count? Regarding the center, I’m sure the Isles would love a skilled big center. For now, Gordon is right to want to develop JT, JB, FN, and RS. I doubt all 4 of these players will be the 1-4 centers for years. For now, this is what it is. Let’s just drop the fanatasy that top free agents wanted to sign with the Isles. Remember guys like Ryan Smyth, Drury, and Gomez wanted no part of the Isles money.
i agreed with post 71…streit and gervais were great together…why break it up…i know gervais has been bad but witt has been god awful and they look even worse together..
About CB - I have noticed more cynicism and negativity than in the past lately too. Do I wish it wasn’t all second guessing the team all the time? Yes, and hopefully he’s listening.
But I’m willing to put up with it for now because the blog is still so insightful and fun. Plus, I just want to give the guy some room to vent.
I’m OK with Tavares as 1st line center and Nielsen as 3rd line center. Bailey and Schremp should compete for second line duties. If one or both of them doesn’t work they should move to the wing or be traded down the road.
CB- there was a similar article in the Post this morning. Right after the Gordon quote, there was quote by Doug Weight, that at this point he doesn’t want to talk about the possibility of playing for another team. I know it’s no ’state secret’ that Weight is a goner–but isn’t it a little strange that in October the head coach is saying the team is “showcasing” the Captain? That’s what I got out of the Flash comment. He’s moving Weight to make him more marketable to the other 29 teams? On 10/16, isn’t that a little early to showcase your recently chosen captain? I dunno, seems like a dopey thing for a head coach to say, especially 2 weeks into the season.
Tavares, Baily, Schremp and Nielson look week down the middle, IMO. Schremp maybe an experiment and who knows where he will end up but should he be on this team if he isn’t going to be a top 6 player? I see Baily eventually playing the 3rd line center- Hes very good defensively but not good enough to be 2nd line. Which leaves Schremp and Nielson as 2nd or 4th line center.Niether of which seem to be tough enough for a 4th line and would seem like a waste. And one last question..How come the these lines were not figured out during training camp? I mean did we really have to get a look at Greg Moore and everyone else when we don’t know how this team plays together when they’re all healthy?
Unless there’s a secret plan to make sure we get Taylor Hall or Cam Fowler, I just don’t get some of these moves. And Gordo’s really beginning to lose me.
Wrecker? Stop with the yo-yo. Pencil him in on the 4th line and just let him go at it. He can skate. So he screws up occasionally? Will it cost us a high playoff seed? (Sarcasm intended.) Put him in for Jackman full time.
Put Gervais back with Streit.
And Schremp doesn’t look like a center to me. Can’t say I’ve seen him enough, but we sure could use a playmaker off the wing.
Maybe Doug Weight should contact Katie Strang and tell her that “if Scott Gordon could figure out who to put out in shootouts, maybe he’d win a game or two which would make him more attractive to his team and the other 29 teams down the road”. My point is 1. do not disrespect the captain and 2. just because you’re rebuilding, it doesn’t mean your job as coach is safe. Gordon talks of veterans as if he has Bill Parcells track record behind him. He’s a minor league coach who came at a minor league price and to date has done a minor league job. Sorry for the sour grapes on a Friday, but the article was demeaning to the captain.
“Those guys - Tavares, Bailey, Schremp and Nielsen - are players that Gordon wants to groom at the center position and form into a force up the middle.”
That is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. Tavares yes, Bailey OK, Schremp and Nielsen, two guys who have proven nothing and I would bet are not here by the time the Islanders make the playoffs. I mean I hope I am wrong but those guys have done nothing to show that they even belong in the NHL let alone center a line…plus the fact that they are all at or below average size for a NHL center.
Speaking of which the Islanders have not addressed size with their early draft selections but there are some guys in the system now that should provide that aspect of the game in the not so distant future. There is Joensuu of course but I would also look at Harmonic on D, who grew a few inches since being drafted and gained a good 15-20 lbs of muscle (and recently had good fight in which he pummeled a pretty big guy) and Anders Lee who is already a beast but is still probably 3 years away if things go well. That being said it is still an issue that needs to be addressed because most of the top talent in the minors is smallish. If they don’t get the first pick next year I hope they go for a little size.
rb, I think the plan IS to get Fowler or Hall. There’s a virtual lock-down on roster moves. It’s an embargo. Nothing comes in, nothing goes out– until the trade deadline. Then everything goes out, until June 2010. That’s when players will start coming in. That’s the plan & I think they’re stickin’ to it!
CB. With respect to your last comment about the 4 centers, you are dead accurate. Obviously Tavares is supposed to center a #1 line eventually (or. ok, he’s already doing it). Did they move down and pass up some very good players to draft Bailey as anything less than a #2? The whole point of picking up Shremp is his potential as a top 6 forward. The book on Neilsen is his skill and playmaking, certainly not traits you aim for in a #3 or certainly 4th line guy. So from these 4, unless at least one if not two of them find another place to skate on the top 2 lines, they are not fulfilling their intended roles. With the makeup of this team, size and grit need to fill in those last 2 lines (if not the first two). I just don’t see a place for small “skill” guys on every line.
I wonder if there really is any plan, or if we are back to the evolving Milburys.
Schremp hasn’t proven anything?
We have played 4 games, what did you want? A hat-trick already? maybe 10 assists? 95% face-off winning %?
It just baffles me that after 4 games there is so much negativity on this blog. We outplayed both PIT and BOS but couldn’t hold the lead. Nice comeback against OTT for a point as well. The game against LA was by far our worst, but 4 games into the season is absolutely not long enough to start criticizing this team to this extent.
I will say I am absolutely dumbfounded by Gordons’ comment about Weight changing positions to be more attractive to all 29 other teams. This will turn into Guerin part 2 likely, but Weight is taking it in stride. Even so, I would keep Weight around; he can still play and is a great mentor to these guys. Last year we could afford to lose Guerin because we still had Weight. It just doesn’t make much sense to me to make a statement like that this early in the season and if I were Weight I would be a bit hurt by it honestly.
These centers as it stands, will probably NOT all be here a few years down the line. (Here’s hoping WE will be here!)
Free agency and trades will alter this lineup. In three seasons you won’t have 50 percent of the players currently on the roster playing here. All that being said, it took Pittsburgh, what, at least THREE last place finishes before they became a contender, then champion?? Anyone complaining about the Isles not being competitive needs to really take a step back. I went through the mid-nineties, I can get through this and another couple of bad seasons if it means we become a contender. If they finish in last again, a distinct possibility, Taylor Hall is there. Another franchise player. Get him and the Lighthouse and this year is a success, no matter what place they finish.
looking forward to seeing hillen. thought he showed some potential last season. hope that he plays tonight. i can’t imagine that this horror show of a defense can’t make room for him.
Cablevision puts the Devils on the HD channel instead of the Isles for the next 2 nights….Thanks for nothing Cablevision, the worst company I have ever had to deal with
Go Isles!
I think Biron should be the #1 goalie.
Absolutely well said Vader
I was going to bring that up
It took the Pens 4-5 years to build a champion; it has taken Chicago, Los Angeles and St Louis 4-5 to become contenders. It takes time nowadays to build a contender from the ground up.
Forget about everything that occurred before the start of last season. That was not a rebuild, that was a bad idea of staying afloat to get an 8th seed, but not to be a cup contender; it failed in the end and wasted 3 years where we could have been rebuilding instead. Before that was just a hodge podge of bad deals and the such. That has nothing to do with this rebuild. You have to think positive; this is year 2 of a rebuild; don’t think of it has 15 years of frustration.
Isles dont need veterans. We need a full time enforcer. Isles should trade park for a #3 pick and enforcer.
Every team needs some sort of veteran presence. Pens won the cup last year and I am sure the focus was on Crosby, Malkin, Staal and Fleury; but in my mind having Guerin and Sykora sure helped their cause.
Chris I am sure if you asked Snow he’d tell you sending Wrecker down for a few days is important because “those savings will be important later.” It’s a total load of BS and you are right he would be better off developing under the NHL staff. I am happy he is back. Thankfully Riechlecz isn’t a one dimensonal player even if he gets treated as such by Gordo.
Glad Hillen is in and Geravis is out. That might lead to the first win alone.
I am interested to watch Tyler Myers for Buf and wonder if the Isles could snag him in a trade?
CB is right about the centers that is not your 4 going forward. Schremp had a nice game or two but I’m not sure why he’s becoming such a rockstar to the coaching staff. I’d think Ullstrom would be the best 4th line guy they have, then Marchinko and Lee but how close are any?
Corey Trevino is going to be a really good player (if he adds size)but he’s top 3 guy.
I know they have to ease Nielsen back into it (and he needs to prove he can stay healthy) but is schremp going to force Nielsen into 4th line mintues? Why?
I figured it was there plan to trade Weight at the deadline (like last year) captain or no captain and it’s smart.
CB how long until Snow makes his first trade?
“A center corps of John Tavares, Josh Bailey, Rob Schremp and Frans Nielsen is not going to get it done. That collection will not fulfill the Islanders’ plans to become a “consistent contender.” The franchise is going to need some size, some grit, someone to win a faceoff, someone who can defend other top centers.
Who ever said they were even a “Contender”
CB, u have realy changed your tune from last year. No loyality eh.
This team is a mirror image of last year outside of Tavares.
Just look at the roster, there are some AHL teams better then this club.
OMG THE ISLANDERS ARE SO BAD, THE WORST TEAM EVER. THEY DON’T HAVE ANYBODY GOOD ON THEIR TEAM. I CANT WAIT TO WATCH THE GAME TONIGHT SO I CAN WHINE ON THE INTERNET ABOUT IT
in order to properly assess the islanders 4 centerman, we need to take a look at other teams in similar positions and judge them on certermen alone. Look at Chicago for example. Their top three alone is toews, bolland, and john madden. the lineup of tavares, bailey, nielsem/schremp isnt too shabby when three of the four reach their potential.
how about the top three centermen in LA of kopitar/stoll/handzus? again, assuming tavares/bailey develop well along with one of the two, i am satisfied pinning our three versus the kings three.
now, granted returning cup champs have crosby/malking as their 1/2 punch, but they’re relying on MICHAEL RUPP as their number three center. imagine how many people would be up in arms if he was our number 3 center.
there’s countless of examples, but right now i like the guys we have and giving them a chance to show them what they can do. the big question marks with the islanders come on the wing. asides from okposo on line 1 and bergenheim on line 2/3, what wingers in our system really stand a chance of playing on the top 3 lines when the islanders plan on contending in 2 or 3 years?
patience. i think the guillotine should be rolled out a week before the 2010 trade deadline…not after four games this season.
I think I rather be watching a team coached by Ted Nolan full of vets that are scrapping to make the playoffs. This team seems to think finishing 2nd and finishing 30th are the same thing. There is such a thing as losing and losing with dignity.
Oh, so Schremp has now won a long term spot on the Isles after 3 games! Enough to make Gordon worry about where to play Weight. Again now he scored how many minor league goals last year? 7? I think we need to see alot more from him (and Bailey!) before you make them the coernerstone centers on this so-called rebuild!Also those who are claiming that we are in year 2 of a 5 year re-build, we must be going to add a helluva lot of minor league and junior talent in the next 3 years if we are going to be a contender. How many of our prospects are listed in the top 100 again? Without adding any UFA’s I don’t see it happenin!!
Why can’t Gordon ever deal with the present in a way that helps HIM and the TEAM function better in the future.
If Doug is healthy and ready, he needs to be the No. 2 CENTER. I don’t think anybody is worried about a guy on the cusp of retirement’s ability to diversify. We’re more concerned with somebody who’s on the cusp of UNEMPLOYMENT winning a game.
MOULSON-TAVARES-OKPOSO works… don’t screw with it.
SCHREMP-WEIGHT-COMEAU… is there something there that needs to change except the fact that Comeau isn’t Gordon’s favorite… TOO BAD AHL COACH… DEAL WITH IT.(This is the only way i could see Bergy getting more time as a RW) So you’d have a 20 year center playing LW, so a LW could play RW and a guy perfectly content with a job could be groomed as the second center, while the future second center is the third center when he should be in Conn. (ALL IN THE HOUSE THAT GARTH BUILT..on a foundation of 7 goaltenders)
BERGENHIEM-BAILEY-PARK… UNTIL NIelsen and Hunter are back and Bailey goes to BP and Park centers the fourth line.
Wrecker-Thompson-Jackman Wrecker can give way to some doubleshifting for Bergy, and Thompson and Jackman both get PK time…
What is so damn hard about this. We don’t have filet mignon, but sometimes you can get the job done with a few marinated strip steaks and some well seasoned sides. You may just need a better cook.
I agree with your assesment that JT,JB,RS, and FN cannot be the long term answer down the middle for this organization. That does not mean they can’t be moved to wing but we need a strong centerman for our 3rd line. I think back just a couple years when we had Dave Scatchard. He was not the most talented guy, but was strong enough to play against the big guys and he had a knack around the net. As the rebuild continues hopefuly we can add that type of player. It will make it easier to do if some of the small, talented “scorers” we have, start to produce, so that Garth can think about shopping them around and get legit talent in return.
Quite frankly I don’t think the Isles, or anyone else for that matter, are arguing that Tavares, Bailey, Shremp and Neilsen are the C-corps that will be counted on to “get it done” in the long-term. What we do know for certain is that Weight, who will be 39 in January, is not in the long-term plans. So we’ve got four young centres, none of whom is really suited to the fourth line. Time to find out what we really have in these guys. Wouldn’t suprise me if at least one, and perhaps two of them will not be back next year.
why can’t they be the centers of the future. JT has the potential to be a generational talent and true #1 center. Bailey looks like he could be an excellent #2 center. and then then nielson seems to have the hockey sense for a #3 center. and if he doesnt work out, i really like what ive seen from schremp. hes been the best player on the ice at times and is still adjusting to this new team.
“Those guys - Tavares, Bailey, Schremp and Nielsen - are players that Gordon wants to groom at the center position and form into a force up the middle.”
CB, what else is he going to say, two of my four centers stink and have no future. Who in Bridgeport are any better? The season just started, so there will be few, if no trades made in the NHL until the deadline. At that time I am sure we will be dumping vets for draft picks again. I am not a Gordon fan, but what else can he do or say with this roster?
P.S. There was an interesting article in todays Wall Street Journal regarding financing problems for the new arena in Brooklyn. It seems they may not be able to float the muni bonds needed for the deal. They were looking to raise 800 million, far less than the billions for the Lighthouse. By the time we get going on the Lighthouse, if ever, maybe the markets will be better.
Dead on post #8.
God I can’t wait untill we stop having so many days off between games. It is just 4 games into the season and already we are nitpicking at everything. Everybody is a genious GM & coach on this blog and is ready to tear apart this team. Chris you had a entry in the summer that what you see is what your gonna get as this years squad. Jeez let them play some games and get a feel for each other on the ice. It’s one thing to continually practice against your own team than it is to go out there when it matters.
CB, I totally agree with you on your assessment of the young centers. I personnaly think that the team needs to pick either Bailey or Nielsen, and while I don’t think I’ve seen enough of Schremp, he looks like a winger to me. The organziation really needs a Joel Otto type - Big, tough, checking center that can match against scoring centers and win faceoffs at will.
Maybe Gordo’s trying to setup a lil competition for the Center positions … maybe having another former recent 1st round draft pick like Shremp in the mix will light a fire under Bailey … could be psychological.
***
I think the worst thing for Wrecker’s development is the back n forth between the Bridge and LI without any cohesiveness. He’s obviously not practicing at Ice Works, and when he plays his total Ice Time is = to that of 2 or 3 total shifts. His presence on the bench can’t be a deterent … and it prevents Gordo from rolling out 4 lines which in the end makes the team gassed by the 3rd period under Go-Go’s 60 minute full court press.
Hillen should get some playing time. If we are all about youth, why aren’t some of our younger D-men getting playing time. Even though Sutton had a decent game, he can not keep up with opposition top 9 forwards and turns puck over too many times on the simplest of passes. Bruno was much improved playing with Streit after Campoli dismissal last year, have him keep at it with Mark as his D-mate. And why is everyone so caught up with having a “goon” on the roster? If anyone goes after Tavares, who doesn’t think Witt, Jackman, Weight, Okposo, Sutton,…won’t go after them? In the cup years we never had a player taking a roster spot to skate 4 minutes and get beat up by Ivanov of LA or laughed at by Larouque. I love a fight like anyone else, but give me a Gordie Lane with 100 PIMS to Vukota/Baumgartener tag-team 600++ PIMS any day. Should have paid the money for Orr if that is what they think we truely need…GO ISLES!!!!!
No need to over-analyze. they are experimenting with Schremp at Centre. he is not the new 3rd line centre on Isles. We are in the 5th game of season.
He is the one on short leash to see if he is able to stay on this team.
Only true future centers of isles as it stands today are Tavares, Bailey and Nielsen. I would love to see Schremp explode and be the Fourth.
Lets go Isles.
MSG Plus 2 on Cablevision- I don’t understand why Cablevision can’t add a HDTV channel for overflow games. They have plenty of channels to do this. Does anyone know the reason for this?
Will be interesting to watch the game tonight, (will probably be one of few viewers on LI) as most are captivated by Yankees. Hope the team has much more energy than they showed Monday, thinking about that game still gives me a headache.
As for the more critical point blank, We are winless, what’s not to be critical about???
Chris. Really appreciate your candor and opinions. Makes me enjoy the site even more. Your dead-on about the Wrecker stuff. Really doesn’t make sense. Your exactly correct: He NEEDS to be around the big club if he indeed has the potential for the team. If not, then bury him in Bridgeport and just forget it. I don’t consider that an option since Reich went down so I am as perplexed as you as to why they are playing it this way.
GO ISLES
John Tavares, Josh Bailey, Rob Schremp and Frans Nielsen
Correct me if I’m wrong, but Tavares is projected as a first line center, Bailey (supposedly) as a second line center, and Shremp and Nielsen are certainly not supposed to be fourth line centers, and one of them should emerge as a consistent third line center. As for fourth line duties, who cares right now, that’s a position some rookie or journeyman will be taking in a year or two. Whats the problem here? Why is this suddenly an unpromising group? Do we expect first line talent on all lines?
Dead on post #2
100% agree. Each line must serve a purpose in order for the Islanders to be successful. Four lines, centered by those four players, is extremely soft.
Ask yourself one question Islander fans, Out of those 4 players, who would you select to take the draw against a top notch power center (Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Eric Stall, Malkin, Crosby) when it counts the most. Keep in mind, these are only a few centers, all in our conference.
Like CB said, the four centers that Gordon wants to “groom” will simply not get us to the promise land.
Perhaps Canada is different but I was under the impression that active athletes couldn’t do beer commercials. You never saw a Miller Lite “Tastes Great Less Filling” commercial with an active player, just retired like Bubba Smith, Dick Butkus, Marv Throneberry, etc. Larraque doing it in violation of the NHL contract is a problem though. Another is the commercial itself. Too much camera work focusing on the women’s bodies. Use a little subtlety, guys. And hire a better hockey player. Larraque is a stiff.
Saw on NHL Live with Deb Kaufman Placey where John Taveras and Doug Weight will be doing some literacy thing by reading to some schoolchildren in Port Washington. Nice idea but is that necessary in a town where the average family income is $102,646?
On the question of the center corps, I’m not sure I think you’re looking at it the right way. There are four young centers being groomed to contribute to the team’s future lineup in that position, but I don’t think the implication is that they’ll be the entire group; it’s just that it’s not totally clear which of them will stick and which will not. If Tavares is a top line center and even one of Bailey, Schremp, and Nielsen becomes a solid third line center, it still probably makes sense to have all four of them playing at center for now until we know which one is going to get the job. I mean, think of it this way: if we don’t want any of them to be the left- or right-wing of the future Islanders, then why have them play there now?
I am amazed at gordon. He only has one reporter of note to speak with and everytime he opens his mouth something stupid comes out.
Gordon needs to stop setting up competetion between the players and focus on the season.
Leave Gordon alone. Try to consider that his statements could be slightly out text. Also CB is telling us like it is. If you don’t like it visit other sources who are even less informed.
I REALLY want to like Gordon and his system… but honestly… sometimes his choices of lines, his “doghouse” and choice of who sits and who plays is getting a little irritating.
The “Wrecker” should not be seeing any ice time.
Bergenheim, Comeau and Schremp should be getting a lot of ice time without the fear of having to take a period off for a missed defensive assignment. I understand the reason… but really??? is it productive or damaging???
Time to find a way to unload Witt, Sutton and Sim. I vote them off the Island. Bring up Macdonald, play Hillen and bring up Trevor Smith until Franz gets back. Find a way to joensuu, Martin and Dibenedetto on this team by mid season.
I’m tired of watching uninspired veterans.
DOC
I’d like to read this blog one day and see that the Isles made a common sense decision about something, anything. At this point I am surprised they could hold it together enough to draft Tavares.
BTW, Bailey will NOT go to bp…no chance, no way, will not, should not happen. Comeau is NOT a second line player, no way, not happening (on any team in NHL), Weight while he COULD be a second line center must be moved aside so the te can determine what their 4 current centers can and can’t do. Bergyy is likely NOT a top 6 forward… 3ed line maybe. Top 2 lines. No way it’s happening. This season is about developing the core, finding out more about the core, and having minor league players (joenssu, Martin, Katic, smith) develop and get some time up here to prepare for next year, while having guys like de haan, hamonic, trivino, ness, and 2010 draft pick (whomever that is) get closer to being ready…THEN, we add FA where needed. THAT is how this rebuild appears to be structured and how it should go…despite the hysteria in some parts of the fanbase.
i love that guys are making decisions on JT and JB, who arent old enough to buy a beer, nor has jb played a full 80+ games yet. shrimp has been around for 2 weeks, fellas( won 6-8 faceoffs vs kings). frans has talent, but cant not stay healthy. yes, we need more grit, and size. you can BUY grit and size. you can not buy skill, its too expensive. paraphrase the Joker, “a small firm, aggressive expansion, we are gonna have try outs.”
as painful as it may read. if at seasons end, you have discover that JT,JB,KO, and Bergy all rate as NHL first/second line players, thats a great season. discovering the potential of hunter, moulson,schremp or frans as responsible two way near 20 goal scores would be fantastic. all that salary cap cash can go to “buying” top pair defender and high scoring winger.
its four games into the season. we have been in every game, even the one where we played flat(it happens, ya know).
gordons a good coach, and if he spanked bergy, and sits bruno, that means hes holding these guys accountable. why is that bad? thats so much discussion is devoted to a fourth line player cracks me up. doug weight at center isnt winning us the cup. finding out IF 3 of our 4 centers are legit NHL players, moves in that direction( JT>>center or wing?). finding out of bruno is a player, or just rides the coattails of playing with streit, is important.
i hope we finish 5-7 wins better then last season. thats measureable improvement.2 years of that improvements means playoffs, as a dangerous team.
look out…. jack hillen “the difference maker”. sorry but this team sickens me.
4 games! Give the present team make up a chance Dump the vets and bring up the kids! if we do we will be below the cap floor! economics!
I could not agree more with CB on the centremen. If they can develop into a formidable offensive force down the middle with those four, we then have something attractive as trade bait.
But you need that guy (Jason Arnott type) who is big, strong, and can win a draw in the final minute. None of them fit that bill.
One final note. A pipe dream if you will…Eric Nystrom playing in an Islander uniform. He wouold be a top six forward here, and score 15-25 goals for us:(
just remember that we have 3 top quality NHL players on our roster…Tavares (potential) KO and Streit…no offense to Weight who is a first class person and has had a wonderful career but he is almost done. All of this talk about schremp, tambellini, hillen etc..blah blah these guys will be long gone if and when we actually get good. Dont get worked up over the JAGS. Just pray that JT KO and MS stay healthy
Ok for starters for everyone ’sickened’ by this team, stop watching until they become good. Id hate for you to become physically ill from watching a sports team.
Second why do you all want to bring up kids? The good teams dont bring kids up, they let them develop in the A and then bring them up when they are ready. Stop rushing guys who look like they could have a future.
Lastly, 4 games. 4 games! And some of the guys (Comeau, Schremp) its been 3 games. How about you just sit back and see what unfolds before you start bashing the organization, the players, the coaches, the management. If you want dont want to be terrible forever, then lets be patient and let the team do it the right way. It’s been 4 games, 3 in which they were very competitive, and you want to dump players, acquire players, fire coaches. Its not the team that sickens me…
what channel is the game on??
198 in manhattan
anyone know who’s reffing tonights game?
Guys CB is just calling it like it is.
The Isles brass are idiots. Wang is an idiot. This team sucks beyond belief, they have already tanked the season. Go ahead and move this worthless pile of crap franchise, no one will care. This is already a nightmare and there is no end in sight.
The Isles are being ruined like the expos were, and like the movie major league only they dont find a way to win with their lowest paid players
This a team sport, just the Star Boys: Tavares, Oposo, and Moulson cannot win a game. Fans and coaches need to realize this. Stop bashing the players. It is demoralizing for all players to read these blogs. Hopefully they do not read them. Yes, this is my last blog….too much negativity….
Sad, very sad.
No improvement at all. Gordon said we want to outwork others. So far, they outwork us, big time. We must win some games! Or motivation of “outwork” is going ba-bay!
Coach Gordon… If your system continues to produce zero wins, you will be officially on the Coaching Carousel Clock
Taveras Is too young & valuable to be coached by an AHL coach still trying to (unsuccessfully) transition to an NHL coach.
Patience goes only so far when discussing & debating the merrit of this
supposed revolutionary new system!
(Very minimal in net gains thus far)
Gordon, show something more tangible.
Or step down and make room for someone who can.
Oh & take most of the defence corps with you.
Other then Streit & Overachieving Freddy Meyer…. It is a Joke!
Gordon is starting to wear thin on the Island already!
Still, They are My team, not trying to be negative,Just realistic!!
Lets Go Isles… Lets Go Islanders!
I finally have had a chance to see the last 5 Islanders games on TV (Hockey channel on cable). My observations so far:
Taveras - fearless in the middle and always around the puck. It has been a long-long time since I have seen this. Maybe Palfy was the last one. Great future! Face-offs and skating needs work. But I did see him stop on a dime and blow past two Pens F a few games back.
Bailey - Developing into a good #2 center - smart on the ice and shooting more which is great.
Schremp - Interesting and so far he seems to have made a good impression. He has skills and seems to have a nose for offense, D looks OK. Looking at #3 center.
Neilsen - Last year seemed to make progress, looking at a #3 center.
Okposo - Fearless, great O sense! Dev into a top 6 forward, potential #1 RW.
Comeau - sorry no better than a #3 line RW, I like him but he seems a bit lost sometimes and needs to bulk up to keep #3 RW.
Weight - trade bait for a 4th rounder.
Park - worthless to this team at this point. Better to just part ways and bring kids up.
Moulsen - looks like a real NHLer, very impressed with him.
Tambellini - not gonna make it!
Bergenheim - exciting and points will come. Will be hard to move past #3 LW.
Def - Streit, only worthwile D. The rest can go! Meyer has OK. Gervis, Witt, Martinek, Sutton are just awful…
Goalies - Rol = awful so far. Can he actually stop a one-on-one or shoot out shot? Biron - Decent, a keeper.
Coach - learning. Very upset when he chose Park instead of Taveras for the shoot out. That was ridiculous. Can’t wait to see Joenssu, Smith, DeHann, Neimi, Martin & Fowler (well that is where we are heading…)
Can this team pleeeease shoot the puck. The difference so far is that they have missed just about every partial breakaway they had. Puck either totally misses the net or harmlessly to the goalie.IMO If you are an NHL player that is the one thing you need to do. They outskate a team, they outwork a team, only to be one one one with the goalie—Save. I love Bailey, great kid but he has the most pathetic shot I have ever seen. At the other end of the ice however, one shot—GOAL!!! Wit looks like he had a stroke or just is fed up with gordon. Sutton is useless, very uninspiring.Park looks tired. Also, why are we playing Wrecker? The only thing he has wrecked is our chance to win. Smyth, Joensu, Martin—come on down!!!!