Comments on: TWELVE REASONS FOR THE RISINGThe Islanders didn’t get to 8-6-7 by accident

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:21:28 +0000

#65, about wanting Luke Schenn instead of Bailey. Have you seen Schenn’s #s so far this year? Has 2 points and is playing about 15 minutes a game. Granted, Toronto is terrible, but no one thought they would be this bad and Schenn was expected to be a big part of the team this year.
I think Garth Snow has done a terrific job as the GM, and it is way past the time for people to be making jokes about him and questioning his ability.
Snow is a legit NHL general manager.
I must admit, I do question the pick of Koskinen at #31, but that’s a wait and see. The Isles weren’t the only ones to pass on O’Reilly.
Snow has done a great job just picking up so many picks from the 08′ and ’09 drafts, and I think we’re going to see some good talent to come (especially Ness, Hamoic and DeHaan).
But to this point, Snow has been patient and has picked his spots well when making a move. Everyone wanted Tambellini gone (including myself), but the kid gets a hat trick a couple weeks ago and has shown promise.
Snow has shown that he is clearly not cut from the same cloth as Milbury — thank god!

By: nightfly

nightfly — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:01:32 +0000

TradeUp – to be more clear, I’m not discounting the OT losses… just considering them losses, not ties. Overtime is still hockey. OT wins are wins and need no discounting; nor shootout losses, since a tie would be the same point given either way. Then shootout wins become ties as well. The team is 7-9, with five games going to shootout; that’s basically the idea behind my version of the old-school standings. (7-9-5 instead of 8-6-7)

To date, the league’s record is 293-216-77 overall. That’s goofy. The league is actually 241-241 in games decided by actual hockey, with 104 shootout games.

By: TradeUp

TradeUp — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:00:11 +0000

If anyone is going to discount the OT losses then they should also discount the OT wins. The team is 5-6 in regulation. Feels good to be off the bottom of the league standings but we are no where near the top.

By: Irish Isle

Irish Isle — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:13:46 +0000

I have been reading alot of positive press about our boys, hopefully it doesnt go to their heads.

By: dose

dose — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:34:29 +0000

maybe the thing i like best about this team right now is how hard they’re playing. and winning a few games grows that even more. i’m no hockey tactician but you can see how the coach’s system forces the opponent into mistakes and turnvovers, especially opponents who don’t play as hard as they do. they are becoming a real pain in the neck to play against and that’s a big asset.

By: nightfly

nightfly — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:58:32 +0000

I’m as happy as the next guy, and have been on record as saying that this year has a 1975 vibe to it – but let’s not buy our playoff tickets yet. I’ve been tracking (and now posting) what the standings would be without pity points and shootouts… the Isles would be an improved but not world-beating 7-9-5, and they’d be tied for ninth in points with Ottawa, not in a playoff spot. And Ottawa would have more wins and three games in hand.

(I mean, it could be worse – Carolina is an old-school 1-14-5, which is horrying, “1973 Capitals” bad; Toronto would barely be better.)

Of course the NHL has turned into a Garrison Keillor, all teams are above-average fantasy world, and by that measure they would give the Isles that playoff spot – that’s all that counts in the end – I’m just saying that a truer measure of the team’s results would give a more accurate picture. They’re improved and competitive; they have more guys picking up goals in the high-traffic areas, better finishing, and goalies who stop pucks. They need a top-pair D guy with Streit and a forward with some size to really take another step forward.

By: Leviticus

Leviticus — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:11:40 +0000

CB, I have to disagree with your take (and that of a reader) with regard to Filatov. My understanding is that the reason he was draftet 6th and not earlier was because 1. The uncertainty about his commitment to play in NA, and 2. His slight size (just under 6′ and at most 170 lb, along with concerns about his ability/willingness to play in the corners (he is a wing) and play D. Now that all of those have been shown to be true, I think you overestimate his trade value. A skilled junior level player does not equal a successful NHL player. Putting this all on Hitchcock is silly. And, with regard to Bailey bs Filatov, while neither has played to their offensive potenntial Baileys defensive responsibility has kept him in the league as much as anything. No comparison.

By: steve

steve — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:09:59 +0000

its been a good 21 games, heady stuff. we are a 500 team. better then last season. but its a long season, and our depth is vey thin. if it all holds up, we are a borderline playoff team. i like our efffort and style of play. kudos to management. i think they are doing a solid job in signing players, and avoiding mistakes.

By: Sumo Goalie

Sumo Goalie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:53:06 +0000

Chris, please don’t jinx our team by mentioning Mangini’s name. LOL

I’m proud of the team and the heart and hustle they have shown. And I’ll say it again, Moulson is a breath of fresh air. Not only is he a damn fine hockey player, but he just seems to be enjoying the game like anyone who loves the sport should. Not to mention he seems to be completely down-to-earth. You can’t help but root hard for guys like that. He is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

And JT has been as advertised. I remember when they were touting him as a 14 year old and I hoped that someday the Isles would get a player like that. Well let’s just say I’m thrilled we landed him and I hope he’s an Islander for life. If he keeps it up, he’ll easily win the Calder Trophy.

And I think Okposo is our future captain and heart and soul player. Like another fan said, the kid is a beast, and us fans love him.

And a hats off to the rest of the team, old and young! Go Islanders!

By: Anthony

Anthony — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:50:31 +0000

Sutton has been unreal. He is becoming a monster out there. The way he has improved this year, it shocked me when I found out how old he actually is. But man, I hope he sticks around for at least 3 more years, and is delivering bone crushing hits at the blueline in the playoffs!

Let’s also not forget that even though not consistent yet, Tambellini has shown signs of life this year. Not much negative about this team so far this year. There has only been one game that was brutal to watch. The rest have been great hockey.

By: ExtraButterRVC

ExtraButterRVC — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:51:53 +0000

What a great positive post. Very accurate as well. Couldn’t have put it better. Especially about Roloson, tavares,Okposo, and Sutton. And Moulson!
I didn’t think we’d be able to even actually have that many stories worth mentioning at this point.

Amazing point about Garth’s signings…another shot or two to help the squad would be encouraged as I truly believe things will remain for the most part where the team fights to get in one of the last 2 spots.
Article on fanhouse is awesome too…so curious to see the fallout. I’m supposed to comment there but its late and still need to register on there.

This article was a great way to end my night.

By: JANE FONDAS ARMY

JANE FONDAS ARMY — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:50:06 +0000

Being a transplant of LI now living in Omaha, i have to rely on Center Ice these past 10 years…boy im glad i renewed this year…Our Isles are starting to remind me of the 79-80 era team, seriously…i see this team competing well past the first round. we have the core, we have bargianing chips to deal when DP comes back and all we have to do is shore up our game is winning SO’s…i dont know about you guys, but i very excited about this teams/organizations gameplan…Were Back.