NYI at CAROLINA, 7:00 pm - Live Chat Tonight!
KO better; Pierre McG raises bar on Biron deal
Live Chat on Point Blank moderated by CB tonight
Reader Comment of the Week: Ken - “”Kyle is such a beast, I think it’s more like the swine flu had a case of Kyle Okposo.”
Live Chat: Huge reader and comment numbers on Wednesday for the shootout game in Washington. Let’s do it again tonight when the Islanders visit the Hurricanes. Comments logged slowly Wednesday, but I believe I have found some solutions. It’s from 7-9:45 pm tonight. See you then.
Lineup Update: Kyle Okposo has re-joined the Islanders, skating this morning with the also-returned Blake Comeau on an extra line at practice. The four main lines were the same from the shootout loss in Washington on Wednesday (Moulson-Tavares-Park, Bergenheim-Nielsen-Hunter, Tambellini-Bailey-Sim, Thompson-Schremp-Jackman).
I called Islanders spokesman Seth Sylvan at 1:45 pm and he is looking into Okposo’s status. If I have anything, I will update it in this space. Figure on Okposo being a game-night decision and Comeau sitting one out.
Martin Biron is in goal. Speaking of Biron…
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Big Haul for Biron?: Just as I was writing for FanHouse about all the Martin Biron trade rumors and how the goalie deals with them, Pierre McGuire drops a monster note in his column for this week’s Sports Illustrated.
(Sports Illustrated is owned by Time Warner, which is the parent company of AOL, which owns FanHouse, which owns Point Blank. Take that, Cablevision and Newsday!)
McGuire suggests that Rick DiPietro will return (in a day or 30) and if the Islanders acquire “the right top-six forward” for Biron, “they can make the playoffs.” I’m not here to debate the playoffs part; we’ll know in a few weeks how realistic that may be. But a present-day, top-six forward?
Pierre has been a dear friend to me for every day (except one, lol) this decade. He went above and beyond offering advice, references and suggestions during my Coyotes-like summer of 2009. But I have to disagree with him here. If Garth Snow can prod a 20-goal, 50-point second-line forward - I assume it would be a wing - for Biron, Michael Farber may have to name him SI’s GM of the Year for the second time in four years.
Biron was passed over by many teams in the summer and signed a one-year deal with the Islanders three weeks after the UFA market opened. The view here is that many teams will be interested, but none will offer or have the luxury of offering a significant roster player for Biron. A solid prospect or draft pick, maybe. Maybe even both. But take someone out of their lineup who could crack the Islanders’ top six and immediately contribute to a playoff run? Seems like a stretch.
Here’s hoping Pierre is right. Would love to see Marty get big minutes with a contender, and the Islanders add a legitimate top-six veteran wing. I just can’t put money down on that one.
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The Hurricanes have lost 13th straight. They are without Cam Ward, who keeps them in just about every game. Secondary scoring? The Canes do not much firstiary scoring. If the Islanders don’t want to sweat this out, they have to come at Carolina hard, fast and early and pound any spirit out of the Hurricanes and their home crowd. With or without Okposo, this is a game the Islanders should win.
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If you’re wondering what the delay for today’s pre-game was all about, I just came back from two hours at the AT&T store in Rockville Centre looking to resuscitate my crapped-out Blackberry. The phone from my Islanders era was done. The old SIM card was able to retain Alan Hahn’s number from his beat days, but the chances of saving hundreds of new numbers were bleak.
I know the phone company and personnel can be easy and deserving targets, but selfishly I have to thank Mitch and Maryanne at the AT&T store for giving me two hours of their day and working on my phone as if it was theirs. Thanks to them, I still have Anze Kopitar’s phone number.
Comments.
99 Responses to “NYI at CAROLINA, 7:00 pm - Live Chat Tonight!
KO better; Pierre McG raises bar on Biron deal”
Please Wait
Would love to see them get Van Riemsdyk from Philly for Biron.
I’d love to see Okposo and Comeau in this line-up over Sim and Thompson. I still like Jackman as our big 4th line grinder and Park as our 4th line center.
Patrick: That I would bet a million on not happening…CB
would love to see the Isles pick uo Conboy from waivers
Thompson is starting to grow on me. He is a solid 4th liner. I really like our 4th line right now with Thompson, Park and Jackman. All three give solid PK minutes which is HUGE for 4th line players.
CB,
Its a great feeling to be able to look forward to November hockey again. Thanks for the great work.
CB…take a team like Buffalo that is in a position to make some waves this year but has struggled in the past with consistency down the stretch. They have virtually the same exact player about five times over on their top two lines, and some guys knocking on the door on their AHL club. And Lalime simply cannot get it done giving Miller days off. Biron’s been there before. Would you consider it completely unreasonable that they would trade maybe a guy like Stafford for Biron and something extra (since Biron is a UFA, probably have to sweeten the pot a bit…and it would probably have to be one of our hit or miss young guys)? I’d say, after watching some games, Stafford, MacArthur, and Pomminville are essentially the same player, with Stafford being the weakest of the three (but still a good, young top 6 guy on the Isles).
That quote from Ken is classic.
+1
UIF: Buffalo is not going to trade a good player like the ones you mentioned just to have an upgrade from Lalime as a backup for Miller. I don’t even think they would trade one of those guys for Biron even if Miller was lost for the season…CB
CB, do you think the Isles could have signed Afinegenov? He has 12 points I believe and is playing fairly well for Atlanta. If they took a chance on Schremp, why not Maxim? I know there is a slight money difference but if all of a sudden they want a top 6 forward????
Maxim was very signable for the Islanders at a cheap price. They made the hockey decision not to add him, is all…CB
CB- I would have to disagree with you if not for the fact that I don’t think Garth will have much leverage with other GM’s due to the Islanders trifecta in goal. Other GM’s have to know the Isles don’t want to roll a three-man rotation, and because of that they know that Snow NEEDS to get rid of Biron. If Roloson wasn’t here, and Biron was the man I would 100% agree with McGuire because I don’t think Garth would make a trade for anything less than a 2nd line wing, but I don’t see it happening.
Do you agree that unless there is a team in desperate need of a goalie, no GM knowing Snow’s predicament is going to give him a 2nd line winger?
this team is not making the playoffs. with some moves next summer, next year could be a possibility.
#12 - I think the more pertinent information would be the other team’s need for a goaltender. If your team was on the bubble and either just lost its starting goalie or needs an effective player, wouldn’t you care more about getting the right player for your team? Obviously, you want the best deal, but if you know other teams are in the mix wouldn’t you do what you could for your team? I’m expecting a solid prospect and a pick myself (Biron to Detroit for a 2nd and Justin Abdelkader?)
(12) Uh…so I think what you are saying is that you agree with me.
Of course that’s part of it. If you’re the other GM and Gordon has to endure having 3 goalies at practice, the Islanders don’t have a ton of leverage.
That’s why I believe Garth will get some value, but not what Pierre McG, Nick (above) and many fans are expecting…CB
Did Comeau have the flu also? By the way, great picture selection for a Friday afternoon. It will get me through the rest of the day.
Thanks for all the love. sometimes im funny at 7am.
snows leverage is having 2 teams hot after biron. i think a late 1st round pick from 2007 or 2008 draft is reasonable.
hopefully a few #1 goalies go down near thanksgiving.
For the record, Biron should be kept all season. DP is a lost cause for me. All he has proven in the NHL is that he is injury prone. NO reason to trade Biron/Roloson.
Biron is a proven NHL goaltender, who you can count on to play. DP is not.
Even for a team desperate for goalie help, how does Biron get anything more than just secondary (non-top 6) talent or a depth pick? He was available for little during the off-season. Teams won’t overpay for him now.
There are a lot of teams that could use an upgrade in goal. If a team like Calgary or San Jose was smart, they could upgrade. It has cost them the last few seasons playing Nabakov and Kiprusoff upwards of 70 games and then being shot come playoff time.
#14 Nick - Biron to Detroit for a 2nd and Justin Abdelkader would be a dream come true. Well actually I would possibly just take Abdelkader. Kid would fit our system nicely.
I don’t see why they HAVE to wait until DiPietro is back. I understand why they want to wait, but if Garth feels he could get a better deal now and would lose that much leverage by waiting, it doesn’t seem smart to wait. If Roloson keeps playing well, then why not just have Munroe back him up until DP is ready. That was the plan anyway before the surprise Biron signing late in the offseason.
I don’t know if we are necessarily expecting a top 6 forward or good prospect, CB, but personally I would not be surprised if the return is better than you believe. Maybe they roll Doug Weight in for a better deal, or a cheap hit-or-miss forward like Comeau. Of course, Garth getting fleeced wouldn’t surprise me much either.
CB, how about Biron to LA for Oscar Moller or Colten Teubert? The Kings look like a legit contender but Jon Quick is young and has been inconsistant.
CB if you don’t mind me asking, why do you feature a picture of the Ice girl as a preview to the game? I am fairly new to this blog and I feel I may be on the outside of the loop here.
What happened to building through the draft with a couple of top picks? I would much rather have the prospect or draft pick than a veteran forward. Don’t get me wrong, fighting for the 8th seed this year would be nice, but I’d rather shoot for higher seeds in the future.
#17 - thank you - you took the words right off my computer. I wouldn’t take a bet with a wooden nickel for how long DP remains healthy. Ick! If we trade Biron what happens when DP goes down. And down again he will go. Unless he is a bionic man, everything that has been put together can break down again (and again, and again). Thanks, Chris, for keeping us in the loop - the current Isles website is useless.
Ummmm, let me answer for you CB. Why wouldn’t you?
I think you hold on to Biron for a bit longer even if DP returns. I would like to see DP play a solid 10 games before a decesion is made to trade Biron. Last thing this suprise team needs is to suddenly get DP back in and then lost him immediate and only have Roloson for rest of year.
Also, Just my observation. Sim on same like as Bailey hurts Bailey. Bailey really starting roll nicely. nothing i like more than watching SIM fan on a great pass by Bailey
Re: Bill (#21)
I understand, why wouldn’t you. I was just curious if there was another reason since it seems like every game is previewed with a picture of an ice girl/ cheerleader.
Ray/19 - I think the picture is the answer to the question, actually.
Nobody ever went broke using pretty young ladies to advertise his product.
Biron for Abdelkader? Hmmm… Assuming that the Wings are yet again ready to toss poor Ozzie under the team bus, I think it’s more likely they trade a pick. They have Franzen, Filppula, and Williams out, they probably don’t want to do without Abdelkader. They also have to consider Biron a significant upgrade over Osgood, which may not be a given.
The difficulty with McGuire’s prediction is that it almost requires a bidding war between suitors. If a surprise favorite emerges while another of the favorites loses a keeper… then perhaps one will be persuaded to outbid the other. In that manner the Isles may get more than expected.
CB - I agree with you 100% - Even though Biron is playing good..I don’t think they will get much for him - this is what they are probably looking at:
Chicago - RW - Skille & a pick
Detroit - D -Meech & a pick or prospect
Buffalo - RW - Kaleta & a pick
Getting a guy like Skille is more in line - he is a guy who cannot crack the NHL roster b/c Chicago has to much NHL depth - and the Islanders could afford to give him more of a chance…also Biron would be a perfect fit for Chicago & push Huet for games.
CB - DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS THEORY?
I’m hoping we can snag a 2nd liner. Recent history with anything other than slam dunk first overall picks is sketchy at best. If not a roster player, is there any way we could trade Biron to Carolina for that particular ice girl?
Firstiary?
Pierre McGuire might be right. The teams that need a goaltender the most, IMO, are Chicago, Detroit and LA, all NOW teams that want to do something this year. Chicago also has future salary cap problems. If you get those teams to bid against each other and maybe sweeten the pot - Biron and a 3rd or Biron and a prospect going back the other way - maybe Isles DO get a guy who will crack THEIR top six.
I agree with everyone saying that the team should not be so quick to rely on DP if/when he comes back. He’s got to prove himself for awhile for me to feel good about them getting rid of Biron.
Also, that comment about Okposo and the swine flu is totally cracking me up. Great stuff.
Chris! Youve got to back up the data on your phone! I did it using BitPim, so I have a file on my computer that has all my phone numbers… that way even if my phone craps out, I at least have a record of them all. Or just use Verizon and pay them to do a storage of your numbers. For a guy like you, that kind of thing is mandatory!
I think it foolish to trade Biron just yet. Even if DP comes back, they are rolling the dice. I like DP and when he plays and his on his game he is no doubt a top NHL goalie, but lets face it, the guy breaks really easy!
I am not saying it will happen but if this team even has a modest hint of playoff race(40%) come February with the team as it is, then don’t disturb the goalie situation, leave Rolo and Biron to man the fort and keep DP warming up in the Bridge, which they should do anyway!
CB in RVC….Dario’s is damn good, so is Da Ugo!
unless we put a good package together i dont see us getting a top 6 forward
The team has been playing better but it’s still a little too soon to think they have a legitimate shot at anything other than climbing out of the league basement. I doubt that Garth will deviate from plan and would opt for picks over anything else.
CB, if you could answer this question, I’d appreciate it.
What do you think would have to happen to a team in order for the Islanders to pluck a top 6 forward from them?
In other words, what kind of injury situation in your mind would have to happen to any of the other 29 teams for them to consider trading away more than just a pick/prospect?
You know I have a hard time not believing Pierre, but I don’t see it happening. The only scenario that I can think of is LA since they are so desperate to make the playoffs. Just look at what they gave up for Ryan Smyths horrible contract.I would love for them to swing a deal with Chicago though to get Dustin Byfuglien. I am setting my bar low though after being disappointed with the Guerin trade.
Biron & Witt & Comeau
for Patrick Sharp
Done lets go!
CB, according to THN, former Islander Johan Davidsson is tearing the Swedish Elite League up this season. Does the team still own his rights?
I’m not saying I want him, but the Leaf’s Lee Stempniak is a player with “upside”, a former 52 point producer, and I see him as one example of the best we could expect. Not sure about Toronto’s goalie contracts, etc.
if detroit wants him, i’d want Helm in return. i know detroit was looking at Biron for their issues. plus its out of conference.
Personally, I don’t think DP is going anywhere till closer to the deadline. This gives them time to decide if he’s REALLY back and at that point, buyers will be willing to give up more.
It is important to look at teams that while they are in a position to be a playoff team, could still work on goaltending
Basing it on that; Detroit, Washington and Chicago are the most likely bets
Los Angeles wont give us anything worthwhile because this is the 1st season they are really competing for the playoffs; why would they derail that by giving us a top 6 forward?
Detroit has so many injury issues they cannot afford to give up anyone.
Doubt Washington gives us anything worthwhile either since they are on the cusp of winning a Stanley Cup, not sure they would want to mess with anything there.
To me the most likely option to get the most in return is Chicago. They got to the conference finals last season and their goaltending may be the only thing that keeps them from being just as good this season. Also they will have some really bad cap issues next season and may need to get rid of some salary. Most importantly their goaltending situation isn’t exactly ideal. Huet is not a #1 guy and has never proven to be one and Niemi may not be ready. Chicago would be a perfect place for Biron.
So my vote is Chicago
Hope Pierre McGuire’s right. But I doubt it. I would take a second round pick or a prospect. But, maybe Snow can ask for more. I’d like to see them shop Sutton around after New Years also.
First of all, this has EVERYTHING to do with who needs a goalie as we get closer to the deadline. Second, I wouldn’t write off the possibility of VanRimsdyk so quickly… It would have to be a larger trade and would only happen if the flyers struggle. Third, there are young guys burrows on successful teams who would very much be 2nd liners here… No one says we’re talking about guys who are top 6 veterans.
Chris,
The picture at the top of this post is one of the most amazing pictures I have ever seen! Great work!
I think that the obvious fit is Chicago. They lack in goalie depth and they have top 6 fowards that they won’t be able to pay next year without sheding salary. I’m not saying Kane or Toews, but I am saying Sharp or Big Buf.
I would love to see them throw in Bergenhiem so they could get a draft pick and help fill the hole left by Sharp or Buf.
Why would Philly trade for Biron back when they could have just re-signed him?
I highly doubt that Biron ends up back in Philly; especially at the expense of one of their young players
CB, you doing any articles/coverage on the upcoming Subway Super Series?
Hamonic, De Haan, AND, yes, back in N.A. for a 2 week engagement, Kirill Petrov, will all be playing in the 6 game soiree
Is it possible to trade for an Ice Girl?
Wow I cannot wait to see #39 back on the ice!! I think Goaltending this year is as weak as it has been since the lockout. I am sure there are a lot of teams who would love to have Marty, not only for the fact he is a proven #1 goalie, but he comes dirt cheap and for 1 season. I think many teams could see this as a salary dump situation, and would be willing to part with a top 6 player who may be overpayed.
I believe the word is “primary”.
The Isles could definitely land a top-6 forward for Biron, if by top-6 forward Pierre meant an Isles-caliber top-6 forward. So, you know, not quite a Richard Park (1st line), but still pretty good.
#53 I was thinking that too with Chicago, there are several guys they will not be able to bring back due to salary cap; so they may look at the trade for Biron as a salary dump.
We get a good forward in return and they get a good goalie + a way to get rid of some salary.
It is why this summer we are in such good shape, provided Wang lets Snow spend. Many teams are looking to dump salary
CB, the picture makes me want to say nothing is finer in Carolina!! Nice to see some hockey people with a good knowledge of the game like Pierre commenting on the Isles in a positive manor. Have not seen that in awhile! I can tell you the CAPS announcers were giving the Isles kudos by saying they are a hard working team that gives the CAPS a tough game all the time. This young team is getting noticed.
CB - that’s how us RVC businesses do! Haha. Seriously, glad you got your BB fixed. If mine were to crap out I’d be in some serious….
Anyway I agree - no way we get that kind of top 6 talent for Biron. Roloson on the other hand….
For Biron I would be happy with a legit enforcer anywhere from a 4-6 d-man, and I guess a consistent 3rd liner with an element of grit, personality, and play making ability would be ideal and attainable.
I think they could max out with a late 1st round draft pick for Biron. Any team that would need his services would likely not want to give up a top six fwd unless he is defective on one way or another (overpaid counts as defective in my opinion). Come deadline time if there is an injury to a top goaltender on a decent team we could definitely land a nice pick and or a decent prospect. Anyway this is all assuming Rick gets back soon and can stay healthy through a few games. We’ll see.
according to Scotty Bowman he believes the 2010-11 salary cap will be down at least 2 mil - but the main question is will Wang allow Snow to spend any money
Isles would definitely be wise to hold onto Biron for a while, even after DP is healthy enough to play. I want DP to show that he’s playing well, and will hold up, before dealing Biron.
That said, I think a late 1st round pick is probably all we get for Biron. That would be fine with me.
Trade Biron for that Carolina Ice girl shown
awesome quote of the week!
i think mcguire did the isles a favor. Snow is going to do something really good with biron, i think some gms just wanted to see his level of play, and man the isles have let him down in a numbers of games where he’s been awesome. But they see that its not him and now mcguire justs pokes at an early price and i think this just gave us some leverage.
hope KO plays healthy, we should get these points tonight.
Isles 5, Hurricanes 1
Wacky schedule this season because of the Olympics…LOTS of teams with LOTS injuries already…who knows? It’s possible that the *right* Salary Cap/Injury/Play-off Push scenario might present the Isles with a decent trade for Biron. Season still seems pretty young to me and it isn’t as though DP is only coming back from a tweaked groin. Hip surgery for a goalie is equalivent to a baseball pitcher coming back from Tommy john surgery, IMO.
Anyway, lets hope the Hurricanes don’t end their *streak* at the Islanders expense!
Go Isles!
Keep Biron till the Olympics, a team will definitely overpay when their #1 goalie goes down.
@extrabutterrvc, You guys getting the Yanks NYC Air Trainer 1?
i’m sold on # 46
Biron to Calgary for some Flu shots?
Let’s get back in the win column with a good game against the Canes. LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
For a top 6 forward. The Isles should package Biron with Streit for something like Cam Barker and Patrick Sharp of the Blackhawks. The Isles are 3 years away from contending for a cup, by that time Streit will be past his prime. We really need another right wing to play along side Tavares.
Thompson and Park…sit Sim….Thompson and Park fly down that ice….
#62 - Yes. Do it. The Canes’ ice girls are pretty amazing looking.
Pierre McGuire may be a good guy, but his hockey writing/tv commentary make him seem, well, like a bit of a moron. When he talks on TV my ears bleed a little bit. Only Jack Edwards is worse. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I would take everything he says with a little grain of salt.
I’d like to see Biron end up with Detroit. I don’t know if Garth could pull off offered by Nick (#14), but their goaltending situation is a step removed from awesome and they always manage to compete.
biron to Detroit for granderson?
Okposo on ice for pregame skate
Bailey and Tambs sitting? Why would that be. Katie just tweeted it. When does Sim sit? I thought Bailey has been stronger on the puck, better on the boards and would have more pts if Sim was not on his line.
….If Sim is in the line up Im gonna throw a tantrum. ANd If Snow can get something decent for Biron that would be pretty sweet.
a game like this bailey could get a couple points and build his confidence.. sim is a waste and has no future with us, i have no idea why hes playing?? also i would like to see hunter play with tavares
Glad to see Bailey getting sent to the press box for a game. The kid seriously needs to realize that it’s a privilege to play in the NHL. He needs to step up his game if he wants to stick in this league.
As for Tambs, I’d prefer him to play over Sim or Parkman or Thompson any day!
I agree with the posters that stated:
1. Chicago is our best trade partner in a Biron deal because they need a #1 goalie, they are deep on young talent and have looming cap issues.
2. Don’t trade Biron until DP proves he is healthy (unless Chicago makes you an offer you can’t refuse).
3. Carolina ice girls. Oh mama. I will be checking out the Cane website during the game.
Whats with JT being so secretive?
Thanks Kyle, way to back up Biron’s A$$. We need a goalie so bad. This team should be 5 0r 6 games over. There is no need to let up 3 or 4 goals every game. No need to keep blowing leads. This teams plays well. we need a goalie..
Are you serious?
If not for Biron we would have LOST THE GAME.
The problem is the guys not skating and letting the Canes; the worst team in hockey; dominate them for 2 periods. Only so much the goalie can do, when you have absolutely no offensive pressure for the 2nd and 3rd periods.
We need a goalie? Um no we need to keep pressing when we are in the lead and not play defensive hockey. It was defensive hockey and the guys getting beat to the puck all the time in the last 2 periods that cost us to lose that lead; not Biron.
James they let up 3 to 4 goals every game… Most teams let up 2-3.. you wil not win that way.. yes biron played well. my gripe is , too many weak goals are allowed.. thats the goaltending. yes at times they stop skating, thats expected from a young team. but this team is in everygame. if we had a legit number goalie we would be in a better spot thats all i am saying, you cant say i am wrong with that statement..I am happy with this win.. I just want this team to be further along, biron and rolo are not the answer
the goal-tending is fine pj, sorry but this doesn’t make any sense. The team needs to do better to keep the other teams offensive attack to a minimum. If not for the goal-tending; we would be about where the Leafs are right now. I don’t think you realize how many games the Roloson and Biron have won for us already this season.
I agree pj. The goalies are letting in way too many softies. A healthy DP should be the answer. I know that’s a big question mark. I have to say 7-6 from this team is huge and Scott and Garth deserve some credit.
Not denying that, but how many games have they cost us with blowing leads late in the game.. Yes they are a hell of a lot better then what we had last year. But also not performing like they did last yr.. either get rid of one and call someone up. the reason i say that, is maybe they each need a chance to get in a rythym. not play every other game, let one of them play 5 0r 6 in a row and see what we have. then i will feel better. can you atleast agree there.. either way bro. we have more pts then games played. which is kickass
trust me dude i am with you , just want more consistency, i feel the best way is to let one of them play a bunch in a row
But what you aren’t realizing is that the goalies wouldn’t have to be the heroes each night if this team would stop letting all the other teams dominate in the 2nd and 3rd period. Carolina got to cycle the puck like crazy in the last 40 minutes, there is only so much that Biron, Roloson or any goalie for that matter can do. You cannot blame the goalie for the teams inability to clear the puck. Not being able to clear the puck turns into tired players trying to defend, turns into missed assignments on players, which turns into very good chances for the other team. You cannot blame the goaltender for not stopping a few of those when the team has numerous chances to get the puck out and fails.
i will agree but like i said before, give one of them a chance to play a few in a row, and see if they get hot..
We cant do that right now I dont think. While Roloson is probably the better goalie, if we are trying to peak interest in Biron by other teams, he needs to play enough games for those teams to see a body of work. If we play Roloson most of the time and Biron ends up sitting, there goes any sort of bargaining chip we may have with Biron.
That is why they cannot play one more than the other.
Forget about the trades..i just think the team needs a feel for one of these guys. ya know. no harm in one playing 3 out of 4 or something like that. 4 out of 5… it might get more consistency with the whole team. u figure when dp returns biron will be traded. not rolie, regardlessof how much he plays… so give rolie a few in a row. no harm.. either way the team is rocking rt now. lets get 2 more tommorrow …lata bro
A package of Biron Gervais and Simm would be nice…
The Islanders goaltending has given up 58 goals in 19 games, which is just a hair over 3 goals per game, but is very much comparable to many teams in the NHL
Columbus has given up 65 goals in 18 games
Dallas has given up 54 goals in 18 games
Detroit has given up 50 goals in 17 games
Edmonton has given up 60 goals in 19 games
Florida has given up 55 goals in 16 games
Los Angeles has given up 63 goals in 20 games
Minnesota has given up 58 goals in 19 games
Montreal has given up 57 goals in 19 games
NY Rangers have given up 53 goals in 19 games
Ottawa has given up 50 goals in 16 games
Pittsburgh has given up 51 goals in 19 games
Washington has given up 57 goals in 19 games
The point I am trying to make is that we are right in with a bulk of the teams in the NHL in terms of goals given up per game; so we are not having any issues that other teams are not having as well in terms of our goal-tending itself. Most of the teams in the NHL are giving up around 3 goals per game; which is what we are giving up right now.
I dont mind these exciting overtime games and stuff since we’re always getting at least one point,but eventually it’s going to take its toll on the team if they have to keep playing extra time,with extra effort.so i just hope they start playing better in the third period.
Fans saw guerin return a 5th round pick with clauses that turned it into a 3rd rounder. This is bill guerin probably as good as any current islander at all around hockey. Biron will not be worth more then a 2nd rounder on open market.
Garth should trade Biron + the ice girls for the storm squad…seriously
How about trading Biron for an impact Enforcer, lets face it Jackman, Sim, Thompson really add nothing as far as toughness anyone that things they do are not watching any other games around the NHL. These guys are a joke, Carolina had 2 guys play under 5min and a third under 10 min and all we could do was an ot win against a team that has lost 13 in a row? Atl/Los game was much more entertaining last night and shows that fighting and full line brawls should still be apart of this game, much better watch and much better entertainment value. Bring in some real toughness this team as well as they are playing is a major borefest.
Does anyone know why we I have to comment here on this post since the next posting is not allowing comments anymore?
Anyway, judging from the comments here, it seems like a lot of people are “expecting” the Islanders to make the playoffs. I think it would be nice if they did, and if the team is going to end up in position 9-12 in the conference, why not try for position #8? DP could come back and win 2 out of 3 games and get them there. Getting to the playoffs in JT’s first season would be interesting.
Also, what’s wrong with playing “Mr. Right Now” for the first half of the season? If guys like Sim and Thompson and Biron can get the Islanders through the first half of the season with a .500 record or better, then why not leave ‘em in? Bailey’s scratch was overdue, IMO. Besides, maybe Bailey and Tambs are experiencing flu-like symptoms and needed to sit and rest. We don’t know the criteria behind Gordon’s decision to sit them.
Sorry, this went long… had lots on my mind after the nailbiter last night.
CB,
How about Bergenheim and Biron to Chicago for Patrick Sharp?
….when you win, questioning who is sitting is moot. But I still cant wait for the day when Sim is scratched.