ISLANDERS at OTTAWA, 7:00 pm
Plus: The Top Ten Islanders of the Decade
FanHouse: First Impressions of Fenway Park
Notes, anecdotes, a list and useful and useless information in my final post of the decade and maybe my last post for at least two days…
Weight returns: Scott Gordon told reporters at practice on Wednesday that Doug Weight is likely to make his return to the lineup in Ottawa. The Islanders captain has been out since Nov. 6 with a shoulder injury and, as we reported last week, kind of rolled the dice by rehabbing instead of having surgery and now playing games. Another setback and Weight could be done for the season.
To the cynics who actually spun this as Weight being selfish because he wants to earn another one-year contract, you’ve gotta be kidding me. You do realize what Weight has accomplished, won and earned before his 39th birthday next month, right? You really think he needs to prove anything else or earn any more?
Islanders Watch Senators: In a rare treat for a visiting team, the Islanders landed in Ottawa on Wednesday around 4:00 pm in plenty of time for them to watch the Senators host Colorado. (The Avalanche won 4-3). No doubt most if not all of the Islanders coaching staff showed up.
This maybe happens once a year. A long time ago, I recall the Islanders playing in Edmonton the day after the Oilers hosted Calgary. I sat in the same press box seat at Northlands for both games. Man, it was so much more enjoyable watching Edmonton and the Flames kill each other in a great rivalry game. So much better than what happened 24 hours later.
Big advantage for the Islanders tonight, although they didn’t exactly dominate playing tired teams their last two games. Even better for the Islanders is they’re facing a Senators lineup without Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza.
Bergenheim’s IndeFINNite Return: With Weight back, Sean Bergenheim’s rib injury takes over as the reigning nagging injury. The Finnish Freight Train has been out since Dec. 8 and was expected to miss 1-2 weeks. Now there’s talk he may not even be ready for the road trip that begins Jan. 6 in Colorado. Sean didn’t make the Finnish Olympic Team, but his loss has been a blow to the Islanders.
Thank you, Islanders Country: Point Blank ends 2009 with each of the first three months of the season establishing new highs in pageviews. Considering I’m unable to be all over the team 24/7 like last season, this feat is all about the dedication of Islanders fans. I cannot thank you enough for your support. I pledge to work at this and continue to try and get better for as long as you’re reading.
Press Note: How’s this for irony? Mike Martino, who reported in the Long Island Press in October that the Lighthouse offices had shut down, has been hired as press secretary for new Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.
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Islanders of the Decade: Let me be real clear here – a list of the top ten Islanders from 2000-09 is an impossible assignment. Believe me, I’ve looked at it from all angles since a few readers emailed to request one.
Without team success – like one playoff round victory – there cannot be heroes. With so many very good-not-great players stopping by for only 1-4 years, there’s no slam dunk No. 1 (or 2 or 3 or anything else). Poll 25 reporters or fans and you could easily have 25 distinct lists.
So this is how I finally came to accept the assignment. Simply put, this is my list. It is not about stats or “big” plays or wins anything else. It’s…it’s…well, it’s my friggin’ list. You’re welcome to submit yours in comments. Just don’t write a book about it. Like mine, it’s not that important. I’ve written plenty of articles that you didn’t think had any rationale. I’m telling you point-blank: there is no rationale to this list. Here ya go:
10. Radek Martinek: A late-round draft pick Gordie Clark kept in his back pocket.
9. Sean Bergenheim: May he have his moment as an Islander.
8. Adrian Aucoin: Wish he’d stayed.
7. Mariusz Czerkawski: Produced goals and smiles.
6. Chris Osgood: Ozzy, we hardly knew ya, but thanks for 2001-02.
5. Jason Blake: Most self-made over-achiever, maybe in franchise history.
4. Rick DiPietro: What could have been. What still could be.
3. Trent Hunter: Closest thing the franchise has to a mainstay.
2. Michael Peca: His impact on the sudden revival and return to respectability seems even larger now.
1. Kenny Jonsson: The few who didn’t grasp the Cult of Kenny and his greatness on defense got a better handle on it when he was gone.
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A Note to Point Blank Readers: I’ll be in Boston for FanHouse for the next 48 hours covering the Winter Classic, maybe longer if the game is postponed. Talk about the Islanders-Ottawa game only here. If all goes well, I should be back on Jan. 2. If there is no news, I’ll probably shut down the blog completely just for New Year’s Day.
I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year…CB
126 Responses to ISLANDERS at OTTAWA, 7:00 pm
Plus: The Top Ten Islanders of the Decade
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Justin Marques says:
Thanks for everything, CB. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year for you and your family. I hope IPB is as good in 2010 as it was in 2009! Enjoy the Winter Classic!
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JustinChi says:
Love the top 10 list. There really are no right and wrong answers but I would have to have Mark Parrish on my list. One of the few Islanders in recent memory that could score goals while taking all kinds of punishment in front. Also Arron Asham, could fight and play, such a rare combination today.
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Dan says:
Shawn Bates!
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born83 says:
good list though maybe Parrish deserves a place and definetely think chris osgood had the best single season performance of any islander this decade in 01-02. still good list
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JD (e_godard) says:
Have a good new years and enjoy the big game Chris. Good read and interesting choices for your list.
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Eric Cup says:
While I understand this isn’t very popular, Alexei Yashin would be on my list. He was a key member of that instant rebuild that got us into the playoffs for the 1st time in 7 years. Argue all you want that it was a bad trade, but he produced then and, while his choice as captain was mis-guided, he still was in my top 10 of the decade. Let’s not forget how many Yashin jerseys were seen all over NVMC.
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BJ says:
I had the pleasure of skating with McCabe and Aucion after the lockout and somehow the issue of Milbury screwing over Jonsson with Team Sweden came up, in the convo McCabe said he never saw somebody play defense as mistake free as Kenny Jonsson, he was flawless, thats probably the best complement a defenseman can ever get, even after all the bad trades and drafts, losing Jonsson in his prime was perhaps one of the greatest tragedies of the Milbury era…
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kevin27nyi says:
10: steve webb (how can we forget his thunderous hits to awaken a crowd to chant his name after a hit and to call him out onto the ice, not to mention his personal targets on the leafs during the playoffs and the ranger rivalry)
9:shawn bates ( has one of the most memorable goals in franchise history and the coliseum went bonkers! i dont think we will ever hear a place as loud as that moment. even in the new arena, wherever that may be…)
8:eric cairns (a fan favorite and personal favorite. his beatdown on corson was a very memorable one. his number one index finger is burned in our hearts and memories. not to mention, a personal thanks for scouting hamonic!)
7:adrian aucoin ( solid dman, and i too wish he stayed longer. him and hamrlik and johnson were a defensive force we miss and wish we had currently)
6:ozzy (was great for the playoffs and really gave us a chance. really reflects on the heart and soul of the team)
5: DP ( this guy brings the passion and fire and determination. bleeds blue and orange and wears the logo with pride. one of the few players in recent years who had a desire to be with this team and showed it by signing a 15 year deal like it or not. i just wish he could stay healthy)
4:hunter (as botta said, mainstay islander and very good veteran. very happy he is here and is a popular player.)
3:blake (hard worker and fan favorite. his 40 goals were a highlight and gave this team a chance in the playoffs. its too bad the way it turned out. really classy guy. wish he didnt leave for money and oppurtunity in leafland…)
2:KJ (norris worthy dman and a very honorable person. one of the best defenders in the franchise and an islander at heart)
1: mike peca (homer pick as he is my favorite player. one of the best captains this franchise has had and not a shot at weight, yashin and guerin but i miss having him as a captain and we havent had one like him since he left. had his heart on the logo and was a team first player. reflected on his game and was rewarded with two selke trophies. was a great leader and player and we miss you peca…) -
admin says:
(7) Yash produced on the ice and was personally and professionally very kind to me off it, so I’m glad you brought him up.
Of course, I considered him. But my thinking was that if the organization decided it would rather pay him a lot of money NOT to play instead of having him on the team still today, doesn’t that sort of disquality him from making any positive Top Ten Lists? CB
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Chris A says:
Happy New Year CB…would have loved to seen Parrish in there but can’t complain too much about it
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Patrick says:
Well said, Kenny was and is the man.
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JPinVA says:
Happy New Years all.
Your list works for me, but I’d have to find a place for the “Braveheart” version of Brendan Witt and the incredible season Mark Streit had on the worst team since Phil Goyette.
It’ll be great to have Weight back, especially on the PP. Maybe a rest for Park is in order…
See y’all in 2010! -
Priest says:
Great List Chris. I think my Top 5 probably matches yours exactly, and the next 5 would be similar. Did you have any temptation to slip Tavares in at #10, even tough he has been an Islander only 6 months (half of them off-season)? Just curious, because I would be tempted. Here’s hoping the team has some success with him in the 10s!
Happy New Year Chris & All.
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billy says:
happy new year CB and everyone!!!
loved the aucoin comment, i thought he was awesome for us.
rest of the list
Ricky D-
Okposo-
Hunter-
Tavares-
Bergenheim-
Park-
webb-
peca-
jonsson- -
Madchef says:
pretty spot on CB, with honorable mentions to Scatchard and Claude Lapointe.never understood not re-signing aucoin. major minutes on the blue line.
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Nick says:
No love for Oh-My-Leg Kvasha?
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Joe says:
Steve Webb should be number ten.
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Brad says:
Great list Chris…and here’s to a (hopefully) better decade of Islander hockey. My list…
10. Steve Webb – The Toronto series alone puts him on this list.
9. Chris Osgood – had a more brief stay here…but he was SOLID and was a helluva guy.
8. Dave Scatchard – I named my dog after him (Scatch). He was always a hard worker out there, even playing thru injuries.
7. Claude Lapointe – Lappy was always a hard worker out there and great on the faceoff. He makes my list not only for his play on ice, but his determination to get clean from drug abuse. I hope he sticks to it!
6. Adrian Aucoin – One of my favorite Islanders. This guy was so important to the blueline.
5. Peter Laviolette – See what I did there?
There were rumors of locker room issues with him and his players…but I gotta tell ya, he was the driving force of this team in 2002.
4. Michael Peca – Would he be the only Islander to win hardware this decade? I think so.
3. Trent Hunter – The guy loves the team, is a great hockey player that hits everything, and has a great goatee…what more could you possibly ask for?
2. Garth Snow – He served as a solid backup, and finished the decade in most of our good graces with his management decisions.
1. Kenny Jonsson – The absolute best Islander d-man post dynasty…no question. The guy had composure written all over him.
1. -
CB-
I’m on my way to Beantown in a few hours…have a good time…should be a fun one (please no rain)
mm
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Merrick says:
Love the Jonsson pick, but Yashin had to be on the list. To his last day here, he was still the best Islander forward. It’s not his fault Mad Mike gave away the store to get him and paid him more than the team could endure.
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rb says:
Agree with your list. I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. The only name I would add is Charles Wang. No, he never laced ‘em up, but he’s my Islander of the decade (even though it took him a little too long to dump Milbury). Without Wang, this list would be about a team already playing in another city.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Like you said it’s pretty tough due to an overall lack of success.
10. Steve Webb
9. Shawn Bates
8. Dave Scatchard
7. Adrian Aucoin
6. Mariusz Czerkawski
5. Michael Peca
4. Jason Blake
3. Trent Hunter
2. Rick DiPietro
1. Kenny JonssonHealthy and Happy New Year to all.
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Strummer's Army says:
Radek Martinek on the all-decade team? Kinda explains the decade doesn’t it?
No freakin’ way he should be ahead of Eric Cairns who was part of some of the biggest battles, (while Matinek sat there looking stupid)and Jagr credited with being the hardest d-man to play against.
I agree with Hunter, DiPietro, Blake. I’ll add Scatchard, Webb, Cairns. I’m sure I could think of many others more deserving then Radek “me or Geravis is the worst d-man in the NHL” Martinek. How many shots can he deflect in his own net? I only pray he has played his last game for the Isles.
Happy New Year everyone! May it be the best year of all of our lifes thus far!
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Slava says:
My list for the Decade:
10: Rick Dipietro
9: Chris Osgood
8: Shawn Bates
7: Mike Peca
6: Jason Blake
5: Steve Webb
4: Trent Hunter
3: Oleg Kvasha
2: Oleg Kvasha
1: Oleg Kvasha -
would have put Cairns on, as long as Yashin is not on the list I agree.
I am splitting hairs by requesting Cairns but he told other teams you are not going to push the Isles around!
Who does that now?
Happy new year everyone and especially to CB! -
Bring back Nyles says:
Happy New Year to CB and all the Islanders fans!
Top 10 in no particular order:
Trent Hunter – made it all decade
Arron Asham – loved the toughness/shot combination.
Eric Cairns – if for no other reason, clocking Shayne Corson.
Steve Webb – no need to explain
Adrian Aucoin – for all the reasons mentioned by everyone else.
Roman Hamrlik – wish we had that shot on the PP now.
Kyle Okposo – most fun Islanders forward to watch since Tim Connolly (and that was too short lived)
Mark Parrish – at least he made me focus my hatred on Kvasha.
Dubie – that was fun while it lasted.
Garth Snow – a little back-up goalie, some playoff starts, and improbable promotion. -
Rich says:
good list…but mark parrish needs to be on there
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db says:
kenny johnson was great. everyone talks about milburys bad trades but the johnson trade was by far the best. i believe it was kenny johnson and torontos 4th overall pick which became roberto luongo for wendel clark.
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my bad it was clark and mathieu schnieder for johnson and luongo still by far his best trade
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Smokey a.k.a. Botta is God says:
CB, we understand you have a job to do. Any further improvement in your reporting would be greatly appreciated, but is entirely unnecessary. You have already achieved deity status. A jade statue of your likeness resides prominently in my apartment, regaled with Islanders paraphernalia. You are the Savior of Isles Nation and can do no wrong.
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HilbertSnipe says:
I absolutely agree with the top ten. Kenny Jonsson is my favorite ISLANDER in my 19 year lifetime. Def in my top 5 players ever (that I got to witness and even those who I have only relived through video and pictures.)
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Palffy is not from the last decade. He was traded in ’99.
Nice list, CB. Here’s mine (in no particular order):
Aucoin-loved what he brought to the blueline, wished he never left
Cairns-loved watching him fight, that’s about all he was good at
Webb-true grit and determination despite lacking serious skill
Okposo-he’s been my favorite since he first joined the team
DP-despite the drama, I love watching him play
Peca-the best captain in the last decade (I also have a fondness for anyone on the 01-02 team)
Bergenheim-get better soon, train!
Czerkawski-for a while he was the closest thing the Isles had to a legit scorer… I don’t know what to make of that
Ozzy-he surprises me as a consistently good goaltender, another that I wished had remained
Parrish-he got in the dirty zones… something the Isles need againI was never a huge KJ fan, but I do recognize his talent and consistency as an Islander.
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Jerky says:
CB – thanks again for keeping us informed and making this blog fan interactive … always look forward to checking the site each and every day. Have fun at the classic.
I would include Webb and Cairns on the list – I feel that both of them played the game with heart and soul and were proud to wear the colors. The team over the past few years has lacked players like them to energize the team when needed and frankly stick up for teammates. The role they play is far underappreciated and Snow needs to put that element back into this team immediately.
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JD Kwon says:
Peca: helped get isles to playoffs
Osgood: same as peca
Hunter (toe drag in toronto series, islander since).
kvasha (I know not a popular choice)
webb: energized the coliseum with hits
bates: hustle
Dubielewicz: islander cult hero
yashin: brought isles back to playoffs (with help)
czerkawski: sniper
blake: 40 goal season and pk’er and hustle and more
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BrianAlbany says:
Hey, this is pretty fun, haha. Well Palffy wasn’t in this decade, so he’s out. Okay, he goes (sorry I had to cheat and go with 12!)…
1. Blake -Simply the hardest working player we’ve had, bled Orange and Blue
2. Webb -The “Steve-Webb” chants and his balls to the wall shifts are unforgettable
3. DiPietro -Despite the recent plague of injuries, DP was/is a captivating face of the franchise and someone we were all at least once drawn to and love(d)
4. Hunter -As you mentioned CB, true “franchise player”; hard worker, etc.
5. Peca – Captain;Leader; Hard worker; Wonderful Islander on and off the ice; Who knows if he doesnt get hurt what happens in that Toronto series…
6. Jonsson -I was one of those who didn’t appreciate him until he was gone…what would we do for a Jonsson type Dman today?!
7. Bates – Hard working gritty forward, penalty killer and oh yea…the Penalty Shot!
8. Osgood -2001-02 Season but I don’t think we ever really embraced him
9. Tavares – I know we just got JT but the draft as all we had to talk about last season; the hype; and the drafting of our newest Franchise Player, he has to be top 10
10. Cairns – For all the reasons mentioned above and that moment skating off the ice against Toronto will always be in Isles highlight clips
11/12. Aucoin/Hamrlik – Maybe wrongfully so but I always thought out these two and very similar players and appreciate them both for their time here and wish both could have stayed longer
Can we vote CB as a “7th Man”??
CB, Thanks for everything and have a Happy and Healthy New Year!
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Crap, I forgot Parrish…he belongs in my list somewhere!…
Sorry for the really long previous post…
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Anthony Y. says:
Well, I usually agree with you on what you post, but leaving Yashin out because he was booed out of town is lame. The guy was our best player of the decade with Blake and Czerkawski behind. Jonsson was underrated in the NHL, but that didn’t make him great. Yashin was our guy. He was better than Peca. Funny how Peca gets excused when he gets a knee injury from a cheapshot, while Yashin gets kicked off the team when struggling to make an impact after returning from his. I know Peca’s was more serious obviously, but still, Yashin was among league leaders before he got injured, and oh by the way he is the guy that sparked Blake’s 40 goal season that year.
If you put Blake (a guy that abandoned the team the first chance he got) on this list, then Yashin needs to be on it… he played his game, never whined about ice time like Blake. Your reasoning just doesn’t make sense (besides the fact that it is your opinion of course haha).
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Jason says:
With all due respect to the likes of Trent Hunter, 2000-09 is an abyss of Islander hockey that everyone must learn from.
It’s quite possible that Ryan Jankowski is the best Islander of the decade.
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John Crozier says:
Happy New Year CB!
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Billy-no-not-Jaffe says:
Yash has to be on the top 10 list somewhere, all personal opinion aside.
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german islesfan says:
Happy and healthy new year to everyone.
Yashin would also on my top ten list. Lapointe,Bates,Scatchard and Parrish deserve it to in a decade where we Islanders Fans has not much to celebrate.Hopefully the next decade is far way better with a new building and a succesfull team on the ice. -
Islander86 says:
How about Alexei Yashin ?
I think he was the MOST talented forward, Isles had in the past decade.
I’m an Islanders fan for more then 30 years. Yes, I was disappointed about Alexiy’s turn around events with the club, but CB, please be honest the hockey player that he was, Islanders could wait for a long time.
At the time of the trade with Ottava it looked like no-brainer.
Even now… what is Spezza ? How big of impact he has on the game after being in the league for 7-8 years ?Happy New Year !!!
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Staten Islander says:
Happy New Year CB, thanks for all the hard work and enjoy Fenway, wish i could be there. My new Years wish is that the team continues to improve and that it returns to glory. Along with that, I wish that the team gets into an outdoor game real soon.
My list, also in no order is:
DP
Yashin (for the reasons some stated above)
Aucoin
Asham
Peca
Hunter
Osgood
KO
Bergenheim
Blake
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Thanks for all the hard work. A Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your family CB.
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CB,
As always great reading!! Your list is very good, I would have to say that Peca and Aucoin would have to be one and two on my list.I want to wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy New Year. All the best to you and your family.
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ken says:
10 Best:
Webb
Okposo
Hunter
Yashin (sorry but he did have some good #s)
Parrish
Peca
Blake
Dipietro
Aucoin
Jonsson -
Isles Fan says:
Honorable mention to Claude Lapointe. Unsung player.
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JP39 says:
Thanks for all of your hard work throughout 2009, CB. It is much appreciated!
May you and your family have a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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Joey303 says:
10)Dick Tarnstrom
9)Tim Connaly
8)J.P. Dumont
7)Eric Brewer
6)Bryan McCabe
5)Oli Jokinen
4)Jason Spezza
3)Zdeno Chara
2)Todd Bertuzzi
1)Roberto Luongo -
Couldnt help myself…Coulda been a great decade
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Bryan says:
CB – Love the site so what I’m about to say comes with all due respect and not meant in anyway to be negative. I will have to disagree with you on Doug Weights reason for rehabbing over surgery. I agree he has nothing to prove or earn so to speak. That said neither did a guy like Mike Sillinger. If Doug Weight opted for shoulder surgery and missed the remainder of the season it would have been near impossible to land another contract next season. If in his heart he wants to be in the NHL next season he has to prove this year that he has something left.
Just one man’s opinion. Thanks for all your hard work and Happy New Year.
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10. Steve Webb
9. Roman Hamrlik
8. Eric Cairns
7. John Tavares
6. Kyle Okposo
5. Chris Osgood
4. Adrian Aucoin
3. Kenny Jonsson
2. Mike Peca
1. Jason Blake -
islesrok says:
List gets a B.
Bergenheim has no business being on that list. I would have moved Martinek up.
Bates, Parrish or Yashin should have been in there. And what about Roman Hamrlik?!?!? That guy was solid for us for years and scored some pretty big goals in the 02 playoff year.
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Healy says:
Rehabbing sometimes works very well. I know its a different injury but I tore the meniscus in my knee and was given the choice to rehab or surgery with the doctor pushing me toward surgery as he said without fully repairing it I wouldn’t be able to skate or ski anymore. I couldn’t afford the recoup time after the surgery so I opted for the rehab and my knee has never felt better, even 8 years after. Building up those surrounding muscles can really do the trick.
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Joe says:
CB, I hope you have a happy and healthy New Year!! Great job for all the work you do!
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Czerkawski says:
yea czerkawski!
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Irish Isle says:
What no honorable mention for John Tavares and the months of joy he brought to Islanders?
The only changes I would make are I would take Bergie off for Parrish, and Martinek for either Cairns, Bates or Yashin.
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Rich G says:
STEVE WEBB!!!! I really like Bergy but I cant put him as a top 10 of the decade. But this is your list. Im really surprised to not see Webb, Cairns or even Bates on your list.
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Jisles says:
10. Bates. When you have one of the most memorable moments not only of the decade but in the history of the team he makes the list. Was not a bad player mis cast as a top six forward. More like a 3rd liner and good PKer.
9.Cairns. Never took a night off. Fought all comers and I never saw him lose a fight. Excellent teamate. Did the colors proud.
8.Hunter. Another grit guy. Calder finalist. Good solid player want to see him play on good team one day
7.Jonsson. Remember him scoring a goal against the caps in 02 and slamming the glass. Fans going crazy and the islanders qualified for the playoffs. Great moment.
6. Aucoin. the iron man. played 20+ minutes a night in all situations. Great leader.
5. DP. What can you say. CB put it correctly what could have been.
4. Yashin. Calm down everyone. bottom line he produced pts. Way too much pressure on him but he was a good player. Would like to have those 65-70 pts per season on the team now. I remember him having a breakout year when they put blake on his line. The year blake hit 40 goals believe me Yashin had alot to do with that.
3. Tavares. No player in this decade has created the buzz and marketability as JT. In one full swoop has put this franchise at least on the radar. The whole drama of the draft and the buzz that created throughout the league puts him in the top three.
2. Blake. over achiever. willed himself. through personal hurdles too.
1. Peca. remember the feeling we had in our stomachs when tucker took him out. You only get that feeling when the best player and leader goes down. That is why he is #1. -
dose says:
1. jonsson
2. aucoin
3. hunter
4. blake
5. cairns
6. jonsson
7. aucoin
8. hunter
9. blake
10.cairns -
Blizzard says: …..lol @ Joey303. Well said. Agree, hard to make a list. Must just pick favorites. But cmon man wheres WEBB!!!
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Ryan says:
10. Steve Webb. Always brought the crowd out of their seats.
9. Czerkawski
8. Alexei Yashin. Like him or not, he lead our team in PTS 3 times.
7. Trent Hunter
6. Mark Parrish. 3rd in goals in the decade with 118 behind Blake (127) and Yashin (119)
5. Chris Osgood. Brought stability to the net during the resurrection.
4. Kenny Jonsson.
3. Adrian Aucoin.
2. Mike Peca. Selke Trophy
1. Jason Blake. Lead the Islanders in goals through the decade, and made the most of his opportunity with the team. Also our only 40 goal scorer of the 2000′s. -
peter puck says:
If only Mariusz had had the desire of an Ovechkin since he certainly had the talent.
And I always wondered how much the injury affected Yashin’s dedication.
Or for that matter Michael Peca.
Odd isn’t how many times our hopes have been dashed by some of the dirtiest players in the game -
Bill says:
id switch bergie for webb and parrish for martinek.
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Joyce says:
Do you think this team would have more offense if Yashin was around? I do. I think he belongs at #10 on the list.
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FourCupsin4yearsnot60 says:
If it’s the player with the most impact on the Islanders for the last decade:
1. Yashin – Clear #1, Still Having an Impact
2. Jonsson – Best Player of the Last Decade
3. Peca – Best Captain of the Last Decade (But Cost Laviolette the Job?)
4. Luongo – Most Damaging Trade of the Decade
5. Czerkawski – Best Scorer of the Decade
6. Bates – the Most Exciting Moment of the Decade
7. Kvasha – Worst Player of the Decade
8. Dipietro – Biggest Question Mark of the Decade
9. Chara – 2nd Most Damaging Trade of the Decade
10. Smyth – Finally Pushed the Islanders to Rebuild Through the Draft -
Jeff Kuntz says:
Regarding the top 10 list ..
HUGE Plus: Not having Mark “I may be an Islander right now, but wouldn’t it be great if I was on the Minnesota Wild next season?” Parrish.
Big Minus: Not having Yashin on the list. Bergenheim makes the list but Yashin does not? Really? I understand he was bought out, but, c’mon man..
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mrlbem says:
Definitely Cairns. Seeing the replay of his pummeling of Corson (essentially ending his carreer) and the raised index finger always brings a tear of joy to my eyes. I guess the Ricky-love doesn’t surprise me. But come on, no love for Dubie-Dubie-Doo? The poke check game has to be THE highlight of the latter part of the decade (other than drafting Tavares). For that game and finishing up (and winning) the Arbor game, Dubie would make my list over the Rick.
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Mark P says:
Yashin was cursed with being well overpaid-another overblown Wang Deal-In the last 12 years how many times have the Islanders made the playoffs with Yashin vs without. We should relook at his stats in the framework of the recent Islanders top scorers….He was not a 7 million player…..but we should have kept him and burned through his contract instead of having a Cap hit for 10 years.
In the end we had Yashins 2.5M hit +Guerin $ million Contract….
He was not great-but better than anything we have had until JT came along. -
2 good ones I missed, Cairns and Webb. Great inpact on the ice for last line players!!!
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Parrish should be on the list….Aucoin has not been the same player post lockout (rules changed) He was 1B to Jonsson when he was here…..but losing him would have been find if we sound a replacement.
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Islesfan in Vancouver says:
just for kicks…how about a list from the 90′s?
turgeon
thomas
king
palffy
kasparaitis
malakov
ferraro
healy
pilon
hogue
flatleyjust off the top of my head. I miss those guys.
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One more. Ryan Smyth. Seriously. Two reasons:
1. I truly believe that he demonstrated to Charles the kind of “leave it all on the ice” attitude a captain had to have and, as a result, Yashin was bought out.
2. When he decided not to re-up with us, it set into motion a total 180 degree change in how the organization conducted business and resulted in the “build from within’ philosophy we are now witnessing.
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StevieL says:
CB, The Islander of the decade is a no brainer and for all the wrong reasons!! The list begins and ends with Mike Milbury! A GM who along with weak ownership destroyed a franchise and produced a top 10 Islander of the decade list as weak as the one’s being listed here! 2000-10 will be the Islander dark ages for eternity! May we all be here in 2020 with lists that include a few Hall of Famers and Stanley Cup winners!! Happy New Year to all!
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Chris in DC says:
It’s interesting to read all the praises for Osgood. Not that I disagree with it — Osgood’s 32 victories in 2001-02 are tied for the highest single-season mark for an Islanders goalie (along with Billy Smith and DiPietro). It made me think why he was here for only a season and a half. I remember he was traded near the deadline in 2002-03 to the Blues for Justin Papineau, who was a flop.
CB, do you recall why Osgood was dealt then? Was his contract up at the end of the year and there were indications he wasn’t coming back, thus Milbury wanted to make sure he got something for him?
Or did Osgood want to stay longer and Milbury made yet another silly trade?
Snow stepped in and assumed #1 duties after Osgood was dealt. If I recall correctly, Snow played decent in the regular season, but the Isles were dispatched easily in the playoffs by the Senators that year. -
Chris, all that needs to be said today besides “let’s go Islanders” is, thank you for another great year with this informative blog. Wishing you and your family a Happy healthy new year as this fan looks forward to another great year with IPB. This has become one of my main stops for everything Isles related each and every day.
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Harold C says:
Kenny Jonsson was so under-rated. I remember him getting left off the Swedish Olympic team, what an absolute CROCK.
Rarely made a bad decision with the puck, always in the right spot – he is IMO, top 6 Isles D-man of all time. Potvin, Morrow, Aucoin – he’s right up there.
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Players from the early decade should rule this list.
10. Osgood-stablized goaltending
9. DP-just because
8. Webb-Steve Webb,clap clap,Steve Webb
7. Parrish-great hands around the net
6. Cairns-see current team to see why
5. Bates-hustle and the penalty shot
4. Czerwkaski-best skill player they had
3. Aucion-rock solid
2. Blake-go to guy
1. Jonsson-best all around player, solid, solid, solid -
mtrico says:
I understand the reasoning behind CB’s decision not to include Yashin on the list, but I would have included him. As ugly as it got late, he brought a lot to the table early on. Plus, without him, no Carol Alt at the Coliseum. That alone should earn him a spot.
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usnabatman says:
As so eloquently stated by CB “a list of the top ten Islanders from 2000-09 is an impossible assignment … Without team success – like one playoff round victory – there cannot be heroes.” So what about a list of the WORST ten Islanders from 2000-09. I hate to be so negative but this is what this decade has been all about mediocrity. Here is my top ten worst list:
10. Brad Isbister
(Size + Talent = Bust)9. Oleg Kvasha
(Lead the Isles in scoring one year … you know you’re in trouble when Oleg Kvasha is your leading scorer, his lack of effort was infamous around the league)8. Thomas Pock
(Lack of depth on d forced him up to the big leagues for way too long)7. Sean Hill
(Positive drug test disgraced Islanders)6. Andy Hilbert
(Need I say more)5. Brendon Witt
(One okay year does not make up for 3 years of -62. The post-lockout NHL was not made for guys like him)4. Mitch Fritz/Joel Rechlicz
(How these guys even played 40 games in the NHL is beyond me, what a waste of ice-time … oh wait, they barely got any)3. Chris Simon
(Put the Islanders in the news for all the wrong reasons)2. Mike Comrie
(I was one more toe drag move away from completely losing my mind)1. Bruno Gervais
(Represents all I hate about the Islanders, this false impression of a youth movement w/ real talent. News Flash – Gervais is 25 years old, has played 242 games in the NHL, has 6 goals, and is a -43. Goes to show how much longer we are going to have to wait for success around here) -
eric says:
HOW does Bergenheim make that list. For what his 30 goals he has scored as an Islander? Maybe he makes the list just based on being injury prone. Mark Parrish has to be on that list. To Cairns and Webb fans, sorry no room for bad dmen and enforcers.
In no particular order: peca, Dipiero, Jonnsson, Aucoin,Parrish, Bates(just because it was the islander moment of the decade), Blake(probably #1), Yashin, Hunter,Hamrilick.
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(77) Osgood was a stop gap as we waited for DP to start his hall of fame career….Can’t wait until it starts!
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Eastonhockey says:
#1 of course isles would be a better team had yashin been kept here. Wang w/ his penny pinching saved $$ by dumping yashin. Notice no other very expensive player was ever signed to replace yashin
#2 I’m no weight fan but if the guy had surgery he’s out for the season anyway. So isle fans should be happy he passed on surgery. If he doesn’t play this year they can spend that $ on a player who’s healthy next summer.
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81, thanks for the reply. I understand he was a stopgap, but it still seemed like a very odd time to trade your starting goalie — when you’re in the middle of a heated playoff race. And I don’t think DiPietro stepped right in for 03-04, did he?
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Mike from Oceanside says:
Since you feel that Yashin shouldn’t be on your list because he was paid to NOT play on the team any longer, then Jonnson shouldn’t be on the list either as he CHOOSE not to be on the team any longer, while he still had five good years left in him. He signed a FA contract to play back in Sweden, and the Islanders received nothing for his departure. Agreed…he was a fine player, however, he did abandon the club.
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Mario says:
Lets hope we finish the year on a good note and begin the next decade on a good one. Lets make the next decade ours.
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Viper says:
Great stuff. Happy New Year to you and yours, Chris! Have fun at the game!
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(81) Dp played 50 that year….Milbury had to justify his pick, So Ozzy had to go.
If I remember correctly Isles did not have there own farm team the year after DP was drafted….They had him playing part time for the Chicago Wolves that year. He should have played extra year at BU. From beginning to end (possibly) the DP move has been a comedy of errors. Guy can play (when Healthy) but geez if they just kept Luongo everything would have been easier. -
Dean McAmmond, Mattias Weinhandl, Sven Butchenson, Darren Van Impe, Cliff Ronning, Eric Godard, Justin Mapletoft, Sean Hill, Randy Robitalle, Kip Miller.
Before I get jumped on, yes this list is meant to be ironic. Just thought it would fun to list some of the more obscure Isles of the decade. Even though some contributed a bit more than others. Hill, for ex., had a really solid season for us on D. -
Lorne Myers says:
Happy and a healthy New Year CB, thanks again for all the work you do on this outstanding blog.
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IsleofNJ says:
Believe we should give an honorable mention to Ted Nolan (I know, not a player !)
Maybe I’m old school, but I thought his suggestion to let Al Arbour come back and coach his 1500th game was pretty damn special ! -
RobC says:
What’s wrong with some of us Isles fans who bash Weight. This is the guy who took Taveras into his house to spend with his family. From what I gather from his interviews and how he handles himself with the media and the way he’s praised by the players, he is one of the most positive minded players I’ve ever had the pleasure to witness. This guy is a leader and it prolly drives him crazy watching his young teammates floundering on the PP. He knows he can help settle them down with his veteran presence and he knows he can make things happen with his great playmaking ability.
The Isles and the fans are lucky to have a veteran leader like Dougie Weight, who’s willing to put his health at risk so he can help his, young, inexperinced, teammates.
If there was a hockey dictionary and you looked up “Character guy” you would see a picture of this man, Doug Weight. I feel lucky to have him here and fans who don’t see him for who he is just don’t get it and need to look in the mirror at themselves.
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BD Hendo says:
#76 has it right, Milbury for all the wrong reasons should top the list, I hate that he should be called an Islander, but it is what it is. (UGH, I hate that expression) His shoot from the hip management style set us back into an AHL-like franchise because of this, Wang will not spend a dime more on this team unless he gets his LH done.
Happy New Year, CB & thanks for all you do. -
I realize there’s no wrong answer but anyone who has Shawn Bates on their list is out of their mind! One goal and a decade of groin injuries doesn’t make him an icon. Rather see Parrish there instead. Yashin belongs there as well.
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Osgood: outstanding, loved him…I think Roli is better though!
Okposo: nothing to say, besides he couldn’t be more important.
Tavares: see above.
Czerkawski: I enjoyed when he played, inconsistent but an important player.
Yashin: I liked him a lot. Felt he was overhyped but then not given enough credit.
Blake: epitomized what I love about this sport and everything that is long island. Hated to see him go – all heart!
Webb: still has not been replaced. I mentioned a few days ago that I’d love for a player to win over the crowd the way he did, the hard way.
DiPietro: I just wish the best for him and pray it works out for him.
Jonsson: I remember being younger and not understanding his importance. Then learning to pay closer attention…another one who can’t be replaced.
Damn that’s only 9…if I picked another it’d probably be Bates, Aucoin, or Bailey.
I liked Peca, but wasn’t sad to see him go. Not sure why that went down and hated York. Thought Peca was overrated. I think we have a better captain in the making and his name is Kyle Okposo!
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Great list CB – I wouldn’t change much.
I think DP’s impact in this decade reflects the Isles’ fortunes to this date. He was a huge promise during a bad stretch … and even now we wait for him to reemerge this time with some talent to play infront of him. We are still woefully short in prosects at forward and defense … some promise now on defense … but a long way to go.
We also have to consider Yashin’s instant injection of offense and failed promise as a top 10 Islander of the decade. Although I was never a fan … he did give the Isles some offense, and was a positive impact till he didn’t show up for the playoffs.
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OH!!! Happy New Year Everyone!!!
CB – You’ve done an above and beyond job with Point Blank … I enjoy reading it 1st every day for my Isles fix. Hope you and your family enjoy the Classic in Boston.
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mmm22 says:
That list is kind of depressing, glad the decade is over.
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KP says:
I don’t think I can assign a list of players one through 10, but here they are in random order -
Mariusz Czerkawski – Guy was good for a few goals a year and when he was traded to Montreal actually requested to come back here. How many players in the last 20 years, REQUESTED to be traded to the Islanders?
Claude Lapointe – If the guy had a set of hands… Should’ve been named captain over Kenny Jonsson. Hope he has his off ice demons behind him now.
Kenny Jonsson – Smooth as silk, cool as the other side of the pillow. Probably one of the most underrated players in the league to play in the last decade. Watching him in the 2006 Olympics was sad because he was by far the best player on the ice for the Swedes.
Chris Osgood – The reason the 01-02 team was as good as it was. The original plan of Snow/DiPietro wouldn’t have gotten the team the 5th seed.
Alexei Yashin – The first true superstar since Turgeon. Restored credibility to the franchise and produced. Say what you will, but I will forever believe he got a raw deal here. He never once complained about his treatment here. His last year here was reminiscent of his first year, if only what could’ve been if he didn’t get hurt by a cheap shot. The biggest problem with Yashin was the contract. If you were him, would you have turned it down?
Adrian Aucoin – What a steal, another one who should’ve worn the “C”. Why he left, I don’t know. But I will tell you this – at the time of the lockout, I had my real estate license. Aucoin had his house on the market about the time the lockout ended. He fully intended to leave. Why? I don’t know.
Ryan Smyth – There probably hasn’t been a single acquisition that sparked as much excitement into the fanbase as the Smyth trade. It put Garth Snow on the map as an executive. His first game in the Coliseum was electric. His departure also signaled the time to blow up the franchise and start from scratch, which brought us John Tavares. Thanks, Ryan.
Dave Scatchard – Bled Islander blue. Great leader, great third line center. Definitely one of my favorites.
Trent Hunter – the modern day generation’s Mr. Islander.
Charles Wang – Saved the team
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Im sorry to some of you Eric Cairns fans, but he wasnt a good dmen. My lasting image of him will always be the 2 cough ups he had against tampa in game 1 of the 2004 playoffs. I just never liked him. He could fight though.
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joe fred va says:
Definitely Steve Webb, guy played with grit and passion. He spanked the leafs in that memorable playoff series. Bates penalty shot has to be considered as well. #51, Joey, that is painful point, who knows if had some patience with our young talent. Milbury singl handly set this organization back a decade!
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#87 (Mike from Oceanside) – you are correct about Jonsson leaving the team but I recall it was health related more than anything. If the guy had received one more blow to the head (concussion history), he never would’ve laced up the skates again. He chose his health above everything else and I think he made the right call. The league was a lot nastier before the lockout and d-men were not protected the way they are now with the penalty calls. The Swedish league is a finesse league that doesn’t have the same physical aspect as the NHL.
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John says:
10.Blake Comeau:Seen him play in two Memorial Cups.Will be an impact player,if not here then somewhere else.
9.Viktor Kozlov:Four goals in one game against the Rangers.Nuff said.
8.Miro Satan:Scored his 666th point with the Isles.
7.Steve Webb:Drove Toronto fans crazy.Good enough for me.
6.Eric Cairns:Underrated player,imposing fighter.
5.Mariusz Czerkawski:Dazzling skill.
4.Jason Blake:Isles last 40 goal scorer.
3.Wade Dubielewicz:Playoffs? Playoffs? There are no playoffs but for Dubies four game run in 07.
2.Alexei Yashin:Speaking of playoffs.The Isles made the playoffs in 4 out of the 5 years that Yash was on the Island,in the 7 years previous and the 2 years since.Not so much.
1.Marc-Andre Bergeron:Everybodys favourite whipping boy.After the trade with Edmonton ,all he did was score 23 points in 25 games and move the powerplay up from 25th spot to 12th.The following season he was unceremoniously run out of town by junior league coach Gerrard Gallant.Oh yeah ,at the time he was traded they where 3 points out of a playoff spot.
I think we know all know how that season ended. -
TimQ says:
Wow – We’ve really sucked for a long time when you can’t name 10 solid players in the last 10 years
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Cary says:
For fun here’s my top 10 of the last 2 decades:
1. Turgeon
2. Blake
3. KJ
4. Thomas
5. Hunter
6. Peca
7. Mariusz
8. Healy
9. Chicken Parm
10. OkposoHonorable Mentions: Vukota, Webb, Palffy
Highs: Bates penalty shot, ’93 playoffs, Dubie’s run
Lows: Mike Milbury, Fisherman jersey, Yashin and Dipietro contracts
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And wow #82 those are some incredibly telling and unbelievably awful stats on Gervais.
I agree – he stinks!
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kreatiiv says:
ok i am old. pallfy is a decade behind lol
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Bring back Nyles says:
Gordon finally broke up Tavares and Moulson! Happy new year!
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Its a fast paced game….Gervais is looking better than he has all season in the 1st few minutes! Great to see!
Suts lowers the BOOM!!!!!
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Sim can’t even name all the continents
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
i dont know how schremp continues to make this lineup and i cant believe the moved tavares to wing to accomodate him
Schremp is our new Andy Hilbert. Too much ice time and nothing to show for it.
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I am not worried but when JT’s not playing well he doesn’t seem to be doing anything else to help the team…He needs to improve his skating and needs to get bigger and maybe he can be more physical…
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Happy New Year everyone,be careful on the roads, it’s amateur night, PLEASE DON”T DRINK & DRIVE!! see you next year!!!! (I love saying that!)
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Is it me or does Frans Neilsen get thrown out of every faceoff?
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Which team played last night?
Wow the Isles look awful out there.
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At least Roloson knows they are actually playing a game right now. Without him this game is 5-1.
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F Ice-Time through 2 periods
Comeau 14:57
Okposo 13:30
Park 11:50
Weight 10:45
Nielsen 10:34
Hunter 10:01
Schremp 9:45
Tavares 9:41
Bailey 9:38
Moulson 7:26
Sim 6:19
Jackman 2:10 -
isles3113 says:
(116) i noticed that the other day when he got kicked out about 5 times lol… team looks terrible, cant get any forecheck going… surprisingly we scored on the powerplay, but other than that, terrible game so far
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dominla says:
love listening to jiggs on the internet/radio. he’s very descriptive.
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Danny says:
Mine:
10) Martinek
9) Hunter
Okposo
7) Streit
6) Osgood
5) Aucoin
4) Blake
3) DiPietro
2) Jonsson
1) Peca -
Tim F. says:
Can’t argue with your list, except I would have placed Aucoin higher. The guy played close to 30 minutes a night and rarely made mistakes.
Happy New Year CB, and thanks for all you do for all of us in The Country!
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Ted says:
Islander of the decade? My vote is for Jason Blake with no hesitation. He hits the mark in every category: Stats, longevity with the team & popularity. I don’t know how anybody else comes close. He probably would of stayed with the Isles if they weren’t so cheap.
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Ted said it in a nut shell…Who else can we call a true Islander???
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Brad says:
STEVE WEBB STEVE WEBB STEVE WEBB… the man who could ignite the barn even when the team really sucked
I was going to scream about you leaving off my favorite Islander, Pierre Turgeon, who got me back into following the Islanders. Then i realized that was last decade…AND THEN, i realized im old. Thanks alot, haha.