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CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS WANTS BACK IN
Notebook: lines, injury updates, blizzard ticket follies

by admin on December 22nd, 2009 at 2:20 pm

Chris Botta on Twitter

FanHouse: Roloson’s saves last night

 

1:20 pm, Iceworks: Doug Weight suffered a shoulder injury in early November that the Islanders initially estimated would keep him out one week. Soon after, additional tests revealed more damage and he was listed as out 4-6 weeks.

 

In reality, the captain’s season is at a crossroads. Instead of having surgery that might have shelved him for the season, Weight opted for extensive rehabilitation of the shoulder. The 38-year-old captain is still not at 100%, but seems determined to test out his shoulder and start contributing on the ice to his slumping team.

 

“I want to give my best to the guys,” Weight said after practicing today on a fifth line with Jeff Tambellini and Tim Jackman. “This has gone on too long. I feel good enough that it was time to put on the pads and see how I can do.

 

“I want to contribute in any way possible. They can play me whenever and wherever. Maybe I can help the power play. It’s killing me to see the guys struggle and not be able to help other than some support in the room. It’s time to get back in the lineup.”

 

Weight would not provide specific details about the extent of the damage to his shoulder. He will not play Wednesday against Toronto and is doubtful for Saturday at the Garden. But after he gets in another practice or two, expect him in the Islanders’ lineup.

 

Make no mistake: what Weight is attempting to accomplish is admirable, maybe even foolish. If he’s successful, the captain may help his Islanders make this season different than last year’s collapse. If he’s not, Weight is likely facing season-ending surgery and the possible end to a terrific career.

 

*

 

Same line combinations and defense pairings for practice today. Rick DiPietro shared two nets with Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron. DiPietro will have no one to practice with on Christmas Day and with the Islanders playing in the city on Dec. 26. He needs to get to Bridgeport after Christmas.

 

Of the injured players, Tim Jackman is the closest to a return. Gordon said he would talk to trainer Garrett Timms before declaring Jackman an option for tomorrow’s game.

 

(Sidenote: on the bright side, the Islanders must be in top condition and getting the hang of the Go-Go skating style. Can’t remember the last time we heard about a groin injury).

 

For the second day, Sean Bergenheim (rib injury) skated before practice. His return is not imminent. The way the team has looked without him, Sean is achieving Most Valuable Player Status.

 

Gordon after practice on the urgency of winning a few games: “Every game is important for us. We’re fortunate we’re as close as we are (the playoff positioning) considering our results the last few weeks.” Asked about the difference between this season and 2008-09, the coach said, “At some point, we need to put together a winning streak. I don’t think last year you could say a four-game winning streak was right around the corner. Right now, we still have a lot more work to do, but we could get there.”

 

The latest illustration of the dangers of relying on kids: at one point in his conversation today with reporters, Gordon said, “We’re still waiting for Kyle (Okposo) to score. I don’t remember the last time John (Tavares) scored five-on-five.”

 

He was stating facts more than complaining, but the coach’s frustration is understandable. Still, everyone had to know at the start of the season that there would be weeks like this.

 

*

 

Regarding the latest in Islanders fans’ attempts to squeeze rainchecks from the organization after high wnds, ice and 27 inches of snow on Saturday, incredibly the franchise remains not interested in reaching professional standards. The Islanders still refuse to let everyone know its policy for Saturday’s game on the team website.

 

However, Point Blank continues to hear from readers who are getting exchange tickets for a game in January – only after they sent a complaint email to customer service.

 

And yes, right on official team message board Islandermania, you can find this wonderful exchange between a ticket-buyer and an Islanders employee:

 

Fan: “Do you really expect me or any of the 10,000 or so fans who stayed home in a blizzard of two feet and saw that you cancelled the next day’s Open skate to EVER buy another Islanders ticket in advance again”?

 

Employee: “Honestly? Yes. We’re all Islanders. This is our team. We’re going to let a little snow stand in the way of us showing our support? I say, no way.”

 

“A little snow”? “We’re all Islanders”? How condescending. My, has this organization lost its way.

 

Comments.

69 Responses to CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS WANTS BACK IN
Notebook: lines, injury updates, blizzard ticket follies

  1. avatar Sumo Goalie says:

    Lost it’s way? Gee that’s putting it mildly, Chris. LOL

  2. avatar beatlebailey says:

    so now Milbury is working in customer service eh? I say the Isles should go Kvasha themselves!!

  3. This is proof that the Isles need you back, CB. Honest question: do you see it likely that Gordon remains the coach if the Isles continue to play this way? They seem uninspired and if the coach can’t inspire them, what good is he? I was a big Gordon supporter for a while, but this season is making me question his effectiveness (and I understand the talent issue, but in some respects, Nolan got more out of a less talented team).

  4. avatar bergy20 says:

    i seen bergy at the game last night i was able to to have a quick chat with him and take a picture with him but my dad messed that up and it came out horrible.. he said hes been feeling pretty good and he said he should be back pretty soon but who knows what that means.. but i have to say ever since bergy went down with an injury the isles havent played as good.. bergy bring so much energy to this team hes always working hard, giving 110% every shift,he gets alot of scoring chances but doesnt always bury the puck.. im goin to say after the olmpic break bergy and KO have a great second half.. cant wait til hes back in the lineup

  5. avatar Keith says:

    I did not have tickets to the game on Saturday but the snow must caused big problems for “the goal in every driveway” plan!

  6. avatar UIF says:

    Yikes, how bad is it for Weight? While I commend his intentions, if it’s that bad maybe he should just have the surgery and call it a season. I love the commitment of players who play through injuries when they would be better off resting, but if Weight’s putting himself at greater personal risk just to play limited minutes with limited effectiveness, I don’t know how much that helps anyone. And the last thing we want to see is fans jumping on Weight with the “why isn’t he doing anything out there!” and such if he can’t shoot well or battle for pucks, etc. But I guess Weight and the team will have to make that determination themselves after the practice.

  7. avatar Stephen says:

    Poof, there goes Weight’s trade value at the deadline.

  8. chris, i find it funny how quick you are to jump on the isles organization..its easy to do when there not signing your checks anymore!!!so transparent it reeeeeeks!! i am however a loyal reader, you do good work most of the time ;)

  9. avatar Tom says:

    Gotta get Weight in there asap. The pressure is on him right now. The trade deadline is coming up. If he wants to go to a contender he’s got to produce. I wish him luck. He’s a class act.

    As far the customer service stuff? Yeah, condescending is the perfect adjective. The Isles imho, are winding down the operation. Just a somewhat educated guess, but sometime prior to April 1st, the Isles will have a different owner. Things are getting Milstein-esque & the employees know it. Most of these customer service people aren’t gonna move w/the team to Brooklyn. I’m not sure exactly what’s going on behind the scenes, but I’m pretty sure it’s like a ghost town. Massive layoffs have been the MO for a while know. Where’s Prokhorov? The Isles are in the market for another Savior.

  10. avatar Islesin2010 says:

    However much I love and die for the Islanders the way this team is run from the top down makes me shake my head and really question why I care so much. Time and time again this organization shows no appreciation for fans even as they put a losing product on the ice.

    If you are going to treat fans like they are expendable, at least have a leg to fall back on and put a good team out there, Islanders. Good work CB

  11. avatar Sumo Goalie says:

    Islesfan, Chris is just being brutally honest without sugar-coating anything. He has no ties so he doesn’t have to watch what he says or twist the truth. And he just happens to love sarcasm. LOL

  12. avatar TimQ says:

    Isles had a help wanted ad in Newsday the other day looking for sales professionals. [Insert joke here]

  13. avatar Eric Nelson says:

    We’re all Islanders? Does that mean that they would take up a collection for the devoted fan that attempts to drive to the NVMC and crashes? Are they still Islanders then? If we were all Islanders then perhaps the team would have chipped in to pay back all the fans that witnessed the shellacking that the Islanders took from the Panthers. I guess at that point we were just fans of the Islanders unfortunate enough to witness an off night which really translates to a night off.

    Freebies and promos only go as far as a teams respect for the public. With no respect for the fans those promos and freebies are made in for less and less people. An answer like that shows the opposite of respect and therefore should give the public an indication of the teams regard for their fans. I understand that you have to pay back Ricky’s contract somehow but at the expense of the fans…come on. That front office needs a wakeup call.

  14. avatar avolp55TURGEON says:

    The sales team is understaffed and overwhelmed IMO. While there isn’t a whole lot of ticket demand to be overwhelmed by, the employees always seem to be confused. I can’t remember a smooth ticket pick-up at the box office since the 90s.

    Doug Weight is certainly a warrior. While he may not play a lot of minutes, Weight’s presence on the PP is obviously critical. Ill be a happy Isles fan to see Doug back on our bench.

    You gotta give the kids another week before you get on them about scoring. As per CB, you had to expect some of this going in.

    However, the last 3 games I find KO is still hustling his butt off without getting good scoring chances, whereas earlier in the slump I felt like he was ripping a post each game.what gives? I hope both he and john are healthy right now….

  15. avatar rich says:

    I remember a game back in the winter of 95 or 96 we had 2+ feet of snow. During the Second period all fans were invited to move down to the lower level. Also the ticket stubb from the game could be traded in for a choice of 1 of 3 games. That is how die-hard fans should be treated.

    This team actually outplays most teams at 5 on 5. But this must be the worst stint of PK and PP performance i have seen in Isle history – both so horrible at the same time – for a few weeks now.

    I like Gordon but the fact that Comeau and Tambellini have sat so much on a rebuilding team makes me ill.

  16. avatar Brian in VA says:

    We are all Islanders! Does that mean we all stink! I am done with caring for this team until next season… Lets lose forty-eight straight I know we can do it! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

  17. avatar Bryan says:

    I am a huge Doug Weight fan but he is only doing this for personal reasons. 10 years ago at the peak of his career he would have opted for the surgery.

    Weight is afraid that if he has season ending shoulder surgery that he wont find a contract in the offseason and his NHL career will be over.

  18. avatar harold C says:

    We’re all Islanders huh… This organization is clueless – unprofessional – petty, I don’t know if I missed anything.

    You know I can take the losing – it happens.

    I can deal with bad trades or draft picks – every organization across all sports deal with this.

    But I CANNOT stomach when management treats their paying customers like second class citizens. That is exactly what the Islanders are doing with this refund issue. I mean, GET REAL – Post it on the web site saying “Hey, anyone who had tickets to the 12-19 game can bring their tickets and exchange them for a future game”. Simple. Classy. The right thing to do.

    Why this organization fails to realize this is beyond me. But sure, let’s give them the Lighthouse, right?

  19. avatar bob l says:

    (devil’s advocate asks) is it at all possible that smart#ss answer the isles employee gave came from frustration of fielding call after call about getting refunds/exchanges?

    and there’s nothing wrong with doug choosing rehab, for whatever reason, he’s earned the right to do what he wants…
    but…
    he sees a team struggling with leadership issues and as captain, it’s his job to get back as quick as possible

  20. avatar Dan says:

    CB forget about the fans that didn’t go to the game on Saturday. What about those who did!! I guess it was kind of like a mini vacation in Montreal. Snow and Canadians all over the place.

  21. avatar dominla says:

    i really hope dp comes back. he was fun.

    cb warned us last year that things would be tough for a while. so i’m taking that sage advice and not panicking, calling for new ownership or getting depressed.

    i’m shocked they won’t announce the game exchange policy. not right.

    and i also wouldn’t let one goofy guy on the phone rep’ing the islanders completely stand for the downfall of the organization. it was a dumb thing to say…

    finally… i wish some of you guys could do a time warp thing and relive the gluckstern, millstein, spano, picket stuff… then maybe you’d appreciate the wangster just a bit more. not that there aren’t things to complain about but to be honest he’s been screwed a lot since picking up this team. by d’amato, the town, smg and even ungrateful fans.

    i think he’s had good intentions… chris… a question… in spite of all the issues over the years… what do you think of wang’s intentions? sincere? or evil villain? or both?

  22. avatar JPinVA says:

    Doug Weight is becoming the 2009-10 Mike Sillinger. He has done nothing wrong, and we’d all love to see him get back on the ice… but it just might be over. He’s probably helping JT and Moulson more off the ice than he could on the ice.
    To be honest, I’d rather see Bergy back first… but both would be welcome for sure.(63)

  23. avatar JPinVA says:

    FAN: Hello, I wasn’t able to go to the Islander Montreal game and I heard you were giving refunds or exchanges.
    REP: Well… not exactly. give me your name, phone number and email address and the UPC code on the ticket. Charles Wang will make sure there is a brick with your name on it when the Lighthouse is built. Please make sure your anti-spam software is turned off.
    FAN: Click. (71)

  24. avatar Steve says:

    The lack of attendance against Montreal on last Saturday ( having Habs fans outdraw the Islanders) likely would not have happened if the Islanders were in Brooklyn or Queens. Unlike Uniondale, Brooklyn and Queens have a subway system that can get people from A to B despite the snow. I heard that last night’s attendance was bad as well. Time to move out of Nassau County. Sure there are some hardcore Islanders fans in Nassau and Suffolk county, but most people don’t give a damn. In Brooklyn or Queens, the Isles will struggle for a while to get fans, but in 20 years after moving into NYC, they will get plenty of fans to cheer on them. Hell, the Isles started with no fans in Uniondale in 1972.

  25. avatar ken says:

    The Islanders are ALWAYS good w/ fan relations. They have given exchanges for aslong as I can remember. Have there been any changes at the top that are contributing to this? Where is Chris Dey?

  26. avatar Chris Mc says:

    If we’re all Islanders than how about let me throw on an Isles sweater and skate out there for a couple shifts. Then I’ll gladly drive there in a blizzard.

  27. avatar Scott says:

    “Sidenote: on the bright side, the Islanders must be in top condition and getting the hang of the Go-Go skating style. Can’t remember the last time we heard about a groin injury).”

    for the love of god why would you tempt fate like that?????

  28. avatar Brian B says:

    Losing sucks……

  29. avatar Scott W says:

    Doug Weight Selfish? Amazing the comments that fly around when we lose. He wants to see if he can get back on the ice and help the team before opting for surgery. The guy is the captain of the team. If Messier did this fans would be applauding his leadership. Give Weight a break. Its not selfish to want to keep playing. This has ZERO to do with his contract.

  30. avatar TuxTax says:

    I purchased a 40 ticket plan this year and I have nothing but positive things to say about my sales rep. He calls us up to remind us of Isles Ranger games, he always spends at least 10 minutes talking hockey with me whenever I pick up tickets in person and he let’s us enjoy the game without trying to sell us more.

    You have to admit people, selling Islander Tickets is like selling a ketchup popsicle to a women with white gloves. The product doesnt exactly sell itself!

  31. avatar Ethan K says:

    Chris Mc – Not a doubt in my mind you could contribute more than Rob Schremp!

    I was at the game last night, and I was disappointed in so many ways.

    Islanders fans have been so loyal this whole time, and they give little respect back. On top of that, our team really stinks and will suck next year.

    Sorry, but I’m being realistic. Moving on:

    It’s time for Doug Weight to give up. He can’t stay healthy for more than a week. I like how dedicated he is, and he’s a decent veteran player, but not the type of player that can lead this team to the playoffs. We would need someone along the lines of Ovechkin to be able to do that.

    Let’s hope they fall down below Carolina on the standings and get Cam Fowler. Maybe he can teach Tavares to skate. He loses his edge way too often.

    And the reason that Tavares and Moulson have been doing nothing on offense is because A) Blake Comeau does not fit on the first line with them at all, and B) Neither of them can shoot the puck past an NHL goaltender. Not yet.
    It’s hard for me to consider them goal scorers yet. Vinny Lecavilier ripped a shot in a split second into the far top corner for a goal last night. Stamkos deflected a hard pass from St. Louis past Roloson. Those are true goal scorers on an NHL level. Until we have a few of those, we won’t get anywhere.

  32. avatar Ethan K says:

    *I meant to type “and get Taylor Hall”.

  33. avatar ny711ot says:

    Amen brian. Losing brings out the worst in us all.

  34. avatar Hollywood says:

    I hate the Wang bashing. It’s absurd, the guy has commited enough time energy and money into this team. We should be proud of him for taking this burden. I don’t have an issue with them spending money on leftover players that couldn’t get signed by another team. We all know that we can’t get a star free agent in here. My issue is just about letting the kids play. That’s what it was supposed to be about.They should’ve let Tambellini, Comeau and Schremp play the year, not in 10 games out 10 games. Cut the cord with these vets, what positives have they really brought!

  35. avatar Stumpy32 says:

    Hollywood – I hate the Wang bashing as well, but here’s the reason that I think its become, if not totally warranted, understood. Sure, Wang has been a g-dsend for this franchise, more than most of us realize. And that will be true no matter what happens over the next few weeks and months. However, Wang needs to draw a line in the sand here. By dragging the franchise through the mud while waiting for the Lighthouse (which I support), he’s killing the fanbase more and more each day. We’ve been in limbo for years, and with that comes a lower payroll and lower expectations. All we really want Wang to say is “I’m done, X will buy the Islanders,” or “ok, we have a deal with Nassau, or Brooklyn, or Queens,” or the dreaded somewhere else. That’s it. While Wang has saved the franchise, he’s also been the face of the franchise’s non-stop limbo going on for years now. Just end the ride already. Allow us to not have to worry about where and if the franchise will exist in a few years. Because right now, Wang is the receiver of the fanbase-wide frustration with the ups-and-downs and limbo status of the Islanders. It’s a shame, but its fact.

  36. avatar mmm22 says:

    I cant believe the customer service. They should be counting their blessings that any fan would be dedicated enough to pay those outrageous prices to see the mediocre team that they are putting on the ice…
    Ethan: If nothing else Tavares is most definitely a goal scorer but he is also a rookie with much less talent surrounding him than Lecaviller or Stamkos, cut him some slack.

  37. avatar Hollywood says:

    Stumpy, I hear ya but let’s be honest. If Wang comes out tomorrow and says that the lighhouse has been approvedn do u honestly think they will start selling out. I don’t think so. Reality is whatever Wang does or says is irrelevant. The reason he needs the project is due to the fact that he knows that old building or new fans won’t show unless they win. What should he do? It’s a crap shoot, his hopes for success is no different then ours!

  38. avatar shinkdew says:

    The reason Tavares has stuggled offensively is because the PP has struggled. He’s scored 53% of his goals and 56% of his points on the PP.

  39. avatar joe fred va says:

    We are averaging just two goals a game, not going to win sooring just two goals a game, it is just like last year. The Isles sales team botched the whole turkey with Taveres promotion. Also Wang should monitor some of their calls, they are not very friendly or posses a profesional tone. It is like you are bothering them when you call them. Could definitely be impacting ticket sales.

  40. avatar Mike for Philly says:

    Lost its way? This organization is an embarassment to all of NY, its fans, and the men who wore this jersey and won Cups with them. If the NHL folded the Islanders and promised a totally new expansion franchise that would be renamed the NY Islanders we would probably be better off in the long run.

  41. avatar Stumpy32 says:

    Btw, this talk of incompetence in the ticket department reminds me of emails I get periodically from different people working there, regarding the purchase of some ticket package. The emails are almost always poorly written, containing both grammatical and spelling errors. In addition, there is no Islander logo or professional heading anywhere – I could send the same email from my Gmail account. It’s incredible that this is the public face they choose to put on what is, in name, a professional franchise.

  42. avatar bob says:

    Tavares, up to his slump, thrived on the powerplay. His offense at even strength is not all the impressive. It could be argued that at even strength, he has been one of the least productive first line center ice man in the NHL this season.

    When you compare him with other rookies statistically, you have to remember none of them are getting the premium ice time (especially on the powerplay) that Tavares is getting. You get this type of ice time, you almost have to put up 50+ points a season accidentally.

  43. avatar Julie says:

    I’m almost afraid to say this here, but the ticket reps that I have dealt with have been absolutley fabulous. I deal with one rep for my season tickets and different one for group sales. I have also dealt with customer service and found them to be excellent as well. In addition, I have had ticket plans since ’93 so I have previously dealt with other reps as well. I have always found them to be professional and accomodating.

  44. avatar jeff says:

    If they would just get some quality players, I would forgive all of the other slights.

  45. avatar michael c. says:

    “A little snow” + “We’re all Islanders” = Total Bush League. Brutal.

  46. avatar RobC says:

    Im proud of the captain…He must feel helpess, watching these kids flounder, while he knows he has so much to contribute as a veteran leader with skills…

    Regarding the franchise and the rain checks, what else can ya say???Its a tough situation…This franchise is tighter than a frogs but strapped over a door knob, they are losing money left and right…They prolly want to avoid giving anything back or for free…

  47. avatar Railbait says:

    Gordon said, “We’re still waiting for Kyle (Okposo) to score. I don’t remember the last time John (Tavares) scored five-on-five.”

    Perhaps if he re-untied them for more than the last few shifts of a game, they might start scoring again. While there are many reasons the team has stumbled lately, they were playing well when they had a top line that didn’t include Park or Comeau.

    I hope Doug can get back in and contribute. He is a very talented guy, but as another said, he may be this year’s Sillinger.

    Great blog CB. I love coming here for the great insight and news you provide. Keep up the good work!

  48. avatar cgs878 says:

    I remember a game earlier this year (February or March 2009) when it was cold, snowy, and windy… and I got comp. tix to a future game by going to the box office with my ticket stubs. What has changed this season??
    Every time I consider buying tickets, I hear these horror stories or the team goes on a losing streak and I change my mind. I already pay for cable TV with sports package, so I’m content to stay home and listen to Howie & Billy (or Sam & Joe, or Doc & Chico) call the games. Heck, sometimes their witty banter is more interesting than the game.
    Good luck to Doug Weight on the playing-through-injury thing. It worked for A-Rod so why not him?

  49. avatar Derek says:

    Okposo and Tavares look like they were born to play together, it’s an absolute atrocity that they aren’t on the same line. Gordo is stunting the growth of both players and he must be removed if he can’t see this.

  50. avatar dose says:

    it’s getting to a familiar place. irrelevance. okposo is different since that hit, moulson and tavares are running into the proverbial wall, and the defense is gonna wear down.
    the bright spots are roloson, who’s what, 42? and hillen. that guy’s a keeper. maybe special.

  51. avatar Sumo Goalie says:

    Gordon saying that about KO and JT was wrong. No need to say those kind of statements to the media especially about two of your better players and cornerstones. Remember when he called out Witt about his plus/minus and getting beat to the outside a lot….oh yeah, neither do I. I’m really getting tired of Gordon and his act.

    On another note, I got a message on my answering machine from an Islanders rep. I guess they want me to get season tickets and drive from NJ during blizzard season.

  52. avatar miket239 says:

    WOw. How depressing was that?! Weights career is over and Isles employees are on hallucinogens. No wonder teams play their backup goalies against us all the time.

  53. avatar BringBackNyles says:

    I was the one who asked that question….I am done with this team.

  54. avatar Islanders99 says:

    I think upper management once again made an egregious error in overestimating the draw of Tavares. The tiered ticket pricing and expense of the game is almost completely out of budget range for most long islanders. It’s tough for me to spend the money to buy a ticket for myself and my five year old son and then have to witness some very poor play and constant losing.
    And then the sales team is run by a bunch of cold callers with no sales rap. I actually had one guy try to sell me a holiday pack for me and my son as the Flyers were manhandling the Isles 6-2. I said to him “Buddy, are you watching the game?” Why would I buy a package, when I know I can pick any game I want to buy tickets for, buy the cheap seats and then move down.”
    He didn’t really have an answer.

  55. avatar Joe says:

    This team not only sucks but its not only neglecting fans by icing a boring product but now trying to rip them off, wow.

  56. avatar Joe says:

    PS, I dont care if they lose, if they werent so boring Id still go to a game. Until they play physical with some heart, I refuse.

  57. avatar Original Rob says:

    This organization lost its way the day it traded Pierre Turgeon and it hasn’t found its way since.

  58. avatar Matthew Dillner says:

    A good veteran on the Power-play would be nice. Weight is smart with a one-man advantage. I’d say play him as a fourth-liner and use him sparingly, but play the heck out of him on the powerplay. This way it eases him back in.

    As far as what Rob just said about the organization losing it’s way after trading for Turgeon… IS THIS GUY CRAZY???? That trade set up a team that was a true contender for a Cup. Sorry, but that was a poor statement. The 92-93 team was a great team. The real downfall started with the Dale Hunter Cheapshot and continued with poor trades and poor GM’s dismantling a good solid-base of players.

    Our current regime is making this Islander fan proud to be an Islander.

    Oh btw… I live in NC. If I still lived up there and the team tried to pull that ticket-stuff on me, i’d be pissed too. If they want the support of the community (especially to prove the Islanders’ worth with the Lighthouse project) they need to lower ticket prices and have better customer service.

    Stepping off my soap-box. Thanks for your time.

    -MD

  59. avatar Matthew Dillner says:

    I get so excited when I feel compelled to comment on here but read some of the posts (like the guy that says Okposo isn’t the same after the hit) and I shake my head and say why? Dude, do you watch hockey? Better yet… the Islanders? KO has consistently been the best player and certainly one of the hardest working on the team. Sometimes great hitters slump… KO is in a statistical slump.

  60. avatar JustinChi says:

    No, he said the organization lost its way the day it traded Turgeon for Muller and Schneider, not the day is traded FOR Turgeon. Getting Turgeon was great, trading him away was not.

  61. avatar art says:

    The only way the team improves this season is new players. The only way we get new players is if Wang opens his check book. The only way wang opens his checkbook is if the Isles get a new place to play that is probably part of a real estate deal, I think that this decision will be reached by the end of the season. But what that will be is bigger than anything that is going on-on the ice now.

  62. avatar Sarge says:

    Regardless of the situation a company employee should not have spoken to a customer like that, especially when the customer had a completely legit issue. Taking it a step further, how boneheaded is it for said employee to post that on the team’s message board? Is there no accountability? With fans dropping off faster and faster you’d think the Isles staff would be bending over backwards to get people in the seats, not insulting one of the few customers/fans they have left.

  63. avatar dose says:

    KO is a tough SOB and can still be a great player.
    the irony of the weight piece is that now is the precise time they need a guy like him most, to help get out of this skid and right the way.

  64. avatar mschwarz8@yahoo.com says:

    KO is the best player on the Isles most nights, I wish he would drive to the net more because that would lead to more goals and penalties but the guy is a heck of a good player. A lot of frustration here but would you guys like to see more teams with Mike Comrie and Bill Guerin as 1st liners??? At least we are developing a core the right way now.

  65. avatar Jerky says:

    Joe (#56) – I agree 100% … well said!

  66. avatar Matthew Dillner says:

    Yes indeed Schwarz!

    My apologies if I got the Turgeon thing wrong. I have my theories on that management group that traded him away anyway.

    Thanks Chris for this site again. I have NO good source for Hockey news down here and check your site and Fanhouse constantly.

  67. avatar Spartiarti-RVC says:

    Getting Weight and Bergie back in lineup is catalyst they need.

    While everyone fixated on stats all the time. I always said that Bergie brings something more to lineup. Our record in his absence says it all.

  68. avatar Sarge says:

    As far as “when the organization lost it’s way”, I think it eerily enough coincides with when we decided to change our (STANLEY CUP WINNING) uniform for that stupid fisherman thing, and then screwing around with other variations for 15 years.

  69. avatar geduffer says:

    CB, I’m sorry to say that the Islanders and the Mets could be run by the same people. All of the same organizational problems permeate both organizations. As things stand now, I will be ignoring the next season ticket invoice the same way I did to the last try to get us to double up again.

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