TORONTO 3, ISLANDERS 2
Jason Blake sticks the dagger in; 2 for Tavares
Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out to SOCIAL tonight. Hope everyone had a nice time. More Islanders updates tomorrow. Always fascinated by the icetime: Okposo – 22:15 (he passed the audition), Tavares – 20:25, Park – 14:01, Thompson 12:47, Schremp – 9:30, Bailey – 8:15. Bergenheim (rib) out 1-2 weeks, Jackman (hip) is day-to-day.
153 Responses to TORONTO 3, ISLANDERS 2
Jason Blake sticks the dagger in; 2 for Tavares
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Brother Rat says:
Wish I could be at the social, rather than in Beantown. Have fun, folks….
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Staten Islander says:
lets see if we can get a win without our goalie making 58 saves again
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Irish Isle says:
Man I wish I didnt have to study for the test right now
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Blizzard says: ….lets hope for a nice rebound tonight.
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paul g says:
another game in blurry def..why i have to watch the Devils in hi def 1st just ticks me off
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JustinChi says:
Much like yesterday, down 1-0 on a power-play goal and Toronto has no regulation losses this season when scoring first. I have even less optimism about this game now.
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VinnyMoose says:
We started well, then wiffed on a clear in our end which ends up in our net 100% of the time.
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Strummer's Army says:
What amazes me is that last night the Flyers rough up and even break two Isles (Bergy and Jackman) and the team plays so intimidated. The next game is against a very hard hitting and dirty Tor team and the response is adding Comeau and Schremp to the line up. I’m happy to see them get ice they both deserve to play ahead of Sim, who I can’t figure out what Bailey must have done to insult Wang to be stuck with Sim.
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JJ says:
They look terrible tonight. Can’t get anything going, and Toronto is skating circles around us early on…
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2-0 this is getting tough to watch
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Jay says:
Well at least you guys are getting free food and cheap beers…..2-0 leafs…..puke
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the1gwiz says:
@Social and down 2-0… I could use a shot right about now.
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garik16 says:
LVPs so far: Matt Moulson (STOP TAKING DUMB PENALTIES DAMN IT), and Brandon Witt, who was standing in front of the goalie for both goals…the first time without a single Leaf anywhere near him. Just pathetic.
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Ethan K says:
This game looks long gone.
I’m sorry, on what planet are we a playoff team again?
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What was it Dennis Green said? They are who we thought they were. I hope nobody truly believed this was a playoff team.
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Rockland Islander Fan says:
Boy the Isles look tired. Any d-men available for Snow to pick up?
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These past three games seem to be the beginning of the collapse. Like I said before, it’s not that they are losing, it’s how they are losing. They just look bad.
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isles99 says:
i dont know why some of you are upset. the islanders are NOT a playoff team. they are a developing team. i wouldnt mind adding another elite prospect like fowler or seguin to our lineup. think of it this way……the islanders need 2 more offensive stars and 1 stud d-man and they are all set assuming dp is healthy. one of those 2 offensive stars can come via the draft. see there is a bright side to losing.
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@Isles99, they need a lot more than 1 d-man. IF you include Sutton, we have 3 NHL D men and then a lot of crud. We have Defensive prospects, but really…3 spots is a lot to fill.
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the way i see the islanders is thus in the next couple years:
moulson-tavares-okposo
ufa(kovalchuck)-player via draft(seguin)-bailey
hunter-nielsen-joensuu
martin-park-enforcerstreit-ufa (stud d-man)
de haan-hamonic
hillen-any depth d-mandipietro
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jimb says:
Isles99…I’m upset, not because we are losing, but because of our work ethic. We are lazy lately, in our end and in the offensive end. Look at how the leafs battled back last time we play them, all work, hard work. Gordon needs to chew these guys out (but he won’t because he’s a players coach). Lazy, lazy, lazy….
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Mikey Mitts says:
Its the way we lose. We lose like were 10 guys away from the playoffs. that’s why evruones p.O’D lack of effort.
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Um What says:
So the Islanders are going to sign Ilya Kovalchuk, and then NOT have him skate with Tavares? Wow.
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Lol, 99, you think we’ll sign a stud D-man, and you believe that much in our prospects. I think you’re a bit optimistic.
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its because they don’t look like a team when this happens. A rebuilding team can still show effort.
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Larry says:
Kovalchuk is resigning in Atlanta, they have agreed on the money, they are just going over the years
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Rickey T says:
Let’s not forget about David Ullstrom who is putting up respectable numbers as a 20 year old against men in the SEL. He’s 6’3″ and can skate as we saw at the prospect camp. Maybe he and Petrov can be future contributors who have size and speed. And we do need another top 3 or top 5 pick, so though the Isle’s seem to be in the starting stages of a slide, there can be a benefit to this down the road.
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i comepletely understand and agree what you guys are saying….im upset the isles arent working harder either….i’d rather lose while batting instead of getting outworked but it is what is……the lines i mentioned are just possibilities, of course you could mix and match them
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isles316 says:
The Isles need about 5 defensemen. I like Martinek, Sutton but they always are hurt. They just look awful lately. 3 out of the last 4 games they have been blown out. Toronto is nothing special, maybe we can come back.
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Ask yourself why any FA looking at how this team plays (intimidated and getting their star players run constantly) would want to come and not be protected and/or play with a bunch of guys who will not compete and fight for each other?
People say it’s the arena etc and that is part of it but despite getting to play with Tavares, Okposo, Dipietro you have to play with a bunch of AHL guys and a bunch of softies. That is what the NHL views the Isles as and it’s been that way for years.
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What are everyone’s thoughts on Gervais?
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Its not what it is. We know how they play when they come to play. This isn’t it.
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James says:
jimb: he went from encouraging performance in the 2nd half of last season to non-entity this season.
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Instead of being a comedian on these intermission bits he should work on being a dman. Weak on the boards and abused physicaly. Bruno is too soft.
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WM says:
Maybe they’ll still give out free shots at BARSOCIAL to numb the patrons’ pain of watching another brutal Islander performance.
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Jerry says:
Gervais is like a statue out there.
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Bruno is an absolute mess out there. Wish they could afford to sit him for a game or three. He’s been lost all season.
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Stumpy32 says:
What the hell is Schremp doing on a top PP line?
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Joe says:
Another terrible game.
The Jon Sim line should be entirely demoted. This team is just sad right now. If I was home, Id definitely be at Social and definitely be drinking heavily.
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Bruno is to focused on his cooking , and not enough on learning how to play defense.
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Alan says:
this looks like a beaten, worn out team. we are the 5th worst team in the league, so thinking about the future isnt so far fetched. i always next season was where we take the run for the playoffs
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ralph says:
Gervais sucks, just like the rest of the team.
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Seems like Carolina and the Isles are the league’s two worst teams. After that, it’s tough to say. Leafs could make the playoffs now and Anaheim figures to improve as the season goes on.
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Steve says:
Not sure I see the point in putting a guy who’s been scratched for so long on the power play in his first game back.
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If Gordon doesnt make the playoffs next season, he’s gone, bottom line
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Hey CB, give us an update from the bar. Things must really be hopping there, eh? (sarcasm)
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Wow. We may get shut out by Mike Smith and Toskala on the same road trip.
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I actually liked the fact that Gordo put Schremp out on the PP. He is a skill player and our PP has crapped out lately so why not? Its better than putting Sim or Park out there.
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i thought Gordon was supposed to make youngsters develop…Bailey-not much development, Comeau-regressed so much that he barely cracks the lineup, Tambellini-really just had two big games where he netted a lot of pucks, Okposo-not making the best decisions as of late, Gervais-a mess, Bergenheim-works hard but not producing like we all want him to…i dunno i’m just pissed that we are being outworked by the leafs
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UIF says:
I’m glad I’ve been out of town for the last three games and haven’t had to watch these abominations. Unfortunately, I find myself glued to the updates and here during the games anyway.
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Schremp and Comeau proving they’ve learned absolutely nothing in the weeks they’ve been scratched. All they do is hold the puck on the boards. Comeau doesn’t have the talent to pass the puck, and Schremp is too stupid to actually do it!
Witt is awful in every way. Poor positioning, HORRIBLY slow, little effort.
Nielsen is a wreck. Missing passes, fumbling the puck, falling down.
Andy Macdonald throws the puck all the way up ice every time. Doesn’t have the talent to complete those passes. At least he clears the puck. That would make him our best dman tonight.
Jon Sim is Jon Sim. Embarrassed the whole team by getting wrecked along the boards there.
I can’t even say good things about Moulson or Okposo, they haven’t been playing well tonight either.
Ditch the playoff dreams, I see us in the draft lottery once again. Spend money in the OFFSEASON.
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MJS says:
This power play is going to be swine flu sick when Snow finds a guy to play the point opposite from Streit.
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Great start, then the sim line gives up yet another great chance.
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big dog says:
wooohooo
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Joe NYC says:
how great is JT. last 5 isles goals.
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Haha…OK…someone not named John Tavares, please help the guy out!
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Sooo umm do we have other players than Okposo and Tavares? They’ve combined to set up 4 goals in a row.
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NickyL says:
Wow. JT. 15-11-26. NICE!!!
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Benvi says:
JT scores again before anyone can complain schremp is out on the PP.
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If you’re keeping score at home, JT’s finally taken over the team lead in both goals and points. Huzzah….
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john says:
Where is Bailey tonight
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Raucous here at Social! Thanks for everything, CB!
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Blizzard says:
….Great for JT in his hometown. Not for nothing but the 19 year old is leading the team in goals now. I really hope we are fortunate enough to sign him up long term when we can.
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OMG, what a terrible goal. What a terrible way to lose this game.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Time for Bruno to take a seat and see what Dustin Kohn can do. One good game for Bruno and then two HORRIBLE ones…
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MattyB says:
Worst Defense I’ve Ever Seen…Gervais can work hard all he wants. He has no talent so it doesn’t matter!
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Of course Bruno and the Sim line equal another give away…and probably a loss.
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Vas says:
Summary of the night! Defense sux without Sutton and nobody else can score except for Tavares!!!
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Much better job in the second half of this game but they need to create more pressure 5-on-5 and not rely so much on the PP. The Leafs got life from Tavares’ second goal and the Isles haven’t matched it.
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Of all people…that martian has to get a goal…boo.
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Is Streit color blind this season?
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game over. i agree about lack of effort – we don’t have the skill, we need to out work the other team.
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bums i tell ya…
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Remember when we thought this team was playoff bound….2 injuries later haha…..we’ll see you in LA for the Draft!
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dead on 58
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BrianAlbany says:
I’m disgusted. I honestly wouldn’t have been thrilled but would have been content with one point from this game. What a let down this whole road trip was.
Gervais, Shremp…thanks for your time, but its time to go.
Does anyone else miss when we used to get at least one point from the losses?
Plus-Tavares…again
So disappointed. Goodnight fellas.
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Priest says:
Disgusting job by the refs tonight, but really the Leafs were the better team, so its tough to complain too much…
However, falling on the puck like the Leafs did at the end of the game is a delay of game penalty, which (IIRC) is a penalty shot in your own end the last 2 minutes. That could be a difference maker.
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Streit gives it away and Gervais just sits there behind the net. What a joke. Being a fan of this team is so exhausting.
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at the rate this rebuild is going the isles should be a playoff team by 2020…besides tavares,okposo and Roli this team is just pathetic.
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Outshot again, too. And a healthy number of shots against once again. For a team that needs to rely on offensive pressure, they seem to be stuck in their own zone an awful lot, at least that’s my guess from the shot totals I’ve seen on the stat sheets the last few games.
Oh well…Next! Maybe the next game, someone other than Tavares can finally score a goal, but I won’t hold my breath.
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IslanderFAN says:
Whats wrong with Streit?? just cost his team the game…someone tell him to wake up…enough of this always blaming Bruno Gervais.
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Pd says:
john tavares doing all the scoring and no defense this is pathetic biron to a team who needs a netminder for some d because we dont have anything good. streit underachieving bruno is just pathetic macdonald doing what he can but hes an ahl’er for now until we get sutton back meyer is nothing special and hillens doing what he can but its pathetic
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matt says:
Atleast we have tavares. Also okposo made two nice passes tonite. this was a bad loss but i really like schremp he was better then bailey park and nielson tonite. The same lineup everynite worked for awhile but we need to shake things up and i hope schremp gets a shot. what does everyone else think of him tonite. Also i cant take watching sim play he is awful
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stu says:
I think Meyer is never recognized enough. He’s been solid most of the time.
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Brian B says:
Look…I know Streit made the bad turnover. I know he has been struggling more so this year.
But the fact remains he is still one of the better defensemen on the team. And while he is struggling it will help a lot if his d partner stepped up. Here is where Gervais comes in:
Bruno Gervais does NOTHING well. Watch this guy on a consistent basis and he loses every battle. When he has the chance he makes blind passes and hoes Streit saves his butt. The guy is AWFUL!
CB…please write a piece about Bruno Gervais and his play this year…we all talk about how the Isles defensmen are poor. This guy is one of the worst I have ever seen.
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ken says:
thanks chris, great time. Deb Kaufman is a 9 on tv and an 11 in person.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
As happy as I am that JT is scoring … and not a good thing for the team that no one else in the last 3 games has scored for the Islanders, other than JT … the last 5 goals for the team.
We can blame the offense … and they deserve a part of the blame … but offense starts at the blue line … and it’s just not happening … the opposing teams know they can pressure our blue line thusly reducing the effectiveness of the forwards … JT is scoring only because he’s a scoring freak of nature … not that that is a bad thing.
I’m going to upward revise my goal estimate for JT to 35 goals … and at this point I’m still being conservative … he may very well hit 40.
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JJT9090 says:
Bruno Gervais = Tomi Pettinen/Alex Karpotsev
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Seth says:
very frustrating loss. nice to see them battle back and tie the game in the third though. plenty of hockey to be played but this franchise can use a couple of more drafts of picking early. on to boston.
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Les Beaver says:
I thought Shremp looked pretty good considering he hasn’t played a game in a while. Comeau brings some grit out there, but makes some poor decisions. Both of these guys could help this team given a chance. The defence, aside from Hillen, really needs a shakedown. Streit is an elite DMan, but has looked totally out of it. I’m still not sold on Gordon, either.
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CJCB says:
Gervais mirrors a skeleton! This is why the new NHL blows!! I cant believe someone like him is even in pro sports. Get an Enforcer!!
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Brian B – I’ve been saying that all season. It goes unnoticed because his screw ups come well before the puck ends up in the net. It’s a lost battle on the boards, or letting a player blow right by him on the outside, or failure to clear a puck. Then they’re pinned in their zone longer than they should be, and a minute or so later, it’s a goal. I know a lot of guys on the D are guilty of this as of late, but none as consistently as Gervais.
On the upside though, it looks like Tavares will be the real deal. Consider all he’s done already, and then remember that he still has to get bigger and stronger. The sky’s the limit for 91.
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Jim Clark says: CB, it was great to meet you and your sons tonight. Great food. Bars are too noisy for me and I don’t drink/drive so I left after two periods. Absolutely great to meet and chat with Lady Islander, Deb Kauffman Placey, who is indeed as equally lovely in looks and personality. She needs to learn Roger Penske’s advice on handshakes though: make them firm and look the other person in the eye.
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what’s with baily’s ice time? i don’t get.
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NYI4Cups says:
52-Great point about Gordon and young players…I think Gordon is part of the problem. He comes in and tries to re-invent the wheel with a system that only works in the AHL. He is also doing this “over speed” system with a team full of grinders. You have to adapt your style based on the team you have and he has not done this. I know that if we had Peter Lav coaching still we would be ahead of where we are now. I don’t get the feeling that this team likes playing for him.
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Scott, East Meadow Long Island says:
Bruno-Witt-Streit-Meyer-MacDonald all looked slow and tired tonight.
Did anybody else notice that towards the end of the 2nd and all of the 3rd, that Bailey was on THE FOURTH LINE?!?!??!?!
Throw the kid a friggin bone – THE FOURTH LINE! He needs to play with somebody he can move the puck to. He shouldnt play w/ Sim/Thompson/Park/etc. Give him a chance already!
Tonight was really a terrible played game. It shows why we arent ready for the big time. In the last 1/3 of the season we have seen glimps of what can be..we need to sure up the D and add a couple of top 6 players..until that point we will still be a mid/bottom level team..
JT/KO good game!
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top shelf says:
Thank you Chris for putting this together. Thank you Social (must go back again) for hosting. Thank you hockey gods for delivering JT. And finally, may I say God Bless female Islander fans, who are the most beautiful in all the hockey world!
WWWWHHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
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Islesfan is Vancouver says:
It was a bad play but these happen. Still a long way to go in the season but year 2 of the rebuild is going well. We are on the right path and it’s going to take time to upgrade several positions. Jt is doing an amazing job in his rookie year on a team that isn’t much different than last year. Snow is on the right track. I have faith
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#100 — did you pick up a chick at the PointBlank party or something?!
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Isles have a lot of home games coming up. I still have hope for this team. I think they are on the verge a good run here…unfortunatley I think it will be the latter part of december rather than right now.
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There were indeed many many beautiful women…and they were into the Islanders!! I was in heaven. -
Ryan says:
This might sound like a minor quibble, but what was up with that pre-game show? Jaffe and Carlin had a “discussion” that was mainly Carlin asking questions that Jaffe refused to answer. Can they at least pretend to care about the pre- and post-game shows? I find Jaffe to be a great analyst and typically enjoy Howie’s call, but half of the post-game is spent complaining about how long they have to stick around for shootout games. I know there’s about 20 people watching each program, but there is such a thing as professionalism.
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Lorne Myers says:
CB, thank you for a great night. Good food and location, would have been nice if we won or at least was able to take it to OT, but what can you do.
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Islander says:
That was a tough loss after a good come back in the third. Unfortunately some players forget this is a team sport and try to handle too much on their own. This is when Gordon needs to bench those players to teach them a lesson. Two players are very guilty of doing this; always with bad results. Tonight was an example!
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I only noticed Bailey on the ice ONCE all game (at least it was for something good, not something bad). But even with that little of ice time I should be seeing more of him. I’m definitely in the pro-Bailey camp, but he deserved the (lack of) ice time tonight.
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ry212 says:
Gordon needs to implement a box on the penalty kill. The opposing d-men always have an open shot.
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Steve C says:
Crappy coach, crappy defense, crappy team, except JT and Okposo in a few places. They are the only youngsters actually showing development, but Kyle has been lacking lately. Whether it’s a slump or not, we’ll find out soon. Gordon was brought in to make these youngsters better. The majority aren’t getting better. Say what you want about “the lack of talent.” Josh Bailey and Sean Bergenheim were 1st round picks. They have shown bright spots. But as of now, they aren’t doing much. Almost everyone on this team has shown they have talent. But most of them are inconsistent. Jon Sim hustles one of the hardest on the team, so it’s terrible to see him not producing either. I know this rant hasn’t been put together very well, so here’s the bottom line- Gordon is failing to accomplish what he was brought in to do. If this keeps up, which it looks like it will, he needs to go. He’s not a brilliant man, he was an AHL coach. I don’t care if he won coach of the year, he is certainly not a good coach here.
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bcarroll25 says:
let’s be real.this team has one 1st line player.moulson,okposko,and bailey(if/when)he developes could be a good/very good SECOND line.hunter,bergy,nielson, 3rd liners.this team is at a crossroads…again.i say garth already screwed last years draft and his ego made him keep bailey,dont compound that again.give him 2nd line minutes.
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Willy P says:
Man about 20 secs before the blake goal i said to my friend. Has blake scored on the islanders since he signed with the leafs. well no need to look it up anymore cause now i could careless lol. I must say i still am going to say this team has a good shot at the playoffs. The isles just need to come home for a little. Not use it as an excuse but the road games took a lot out of the isles they have looked tired lately. So they had a couple stinkers, doesnt mean im gonna count them out. We are still in the thick of things and every but jt right now is going threw a scoring funk, just about every team goes threw it. a lot of players just need to break the slump cant keep counting on the top line. Maybe bailey should play with K.O and i think if weight ever comes back try something with K.O and weight anything to help him break his funk. All an all bad 43 mins isles played a good 17 mins which wont win games but they made it fun to watch and as a fan thats all u can ask for
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eric says:
#108 who isn’t in the thick of things? Standings mean very little this early especially after the top 5 teams in the conference. Carolina is the only team in the nhl substantially back. The only teams certain to not make it are the Islanders, minnesota, Edmonton, and maybe carolinda. Toronto wont make it but they will have there moments. I dont think atlanta or florida makes it either although I do like the florida offense. Ranger$ have to play better to make it. Them, ottawa, and probably montreal will all be fighting for a spot the last week.
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Jim M says:
I think we all know what this team is capable of so lets not panic like its World WarIII AGAIN. Weight will be back, Sutts will be back, Dp will be back(hopefully all sooner rather than later). This defense is still way too soft and Snow has some work to take care of there. The boys hit a little funk like all teams do. Lets see how they respond in Boston and especially going back to back with the blueshirts.
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Patience says:
They need some home games. Remember,a team is not as bad as it looks when It’s losing and not as good as It looks when It’s winning.
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Mad Pete says:
Can we get some talent to surround Bailey with!! The guy has the skills to be a good NHLer, but how can we ever see the real Josh Bailey if he is on a line with players that do not compliment his playmaking ability. Its pure frustration watching him move laterally or backwards in his “development” because of these reasons. Even though they lost, Okposo and Tavares have me smiling about their potentials, and the teams potential in the future.
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Lance79 says:
Here’s the most alarming thing I find for Bailey – for someone who’s supposed to be a great playmaker, after tonight he has a whopping 2 assists in the 29 games he’s played since opening night. Either Bailey needs to play with JT or they need to find him a steady scoring winger fast.
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Matt says:
next time you are at the bar play this drinking game… Every time Bruno Gervais makes a mistake, you do a shot. this game will get everyone WASTED!!
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Darren Ingersoll says:
Enoyed the game. I like the way the team is playing. I know they are not where we want them to be, but I like the direction and the coach. I hate that I will have to wait another year or two, but never a fan of trying to shortcut the process.
Agreed that Bailey should be up on the 2nd line or even with JT a bit. I do not think his use is in order, the kid is quick, works hard and is a playmaker, would work well with JT.
My expectations, but not my hopes are being met. -
davie says:
I know of a defenceman who is worse than Gervais, his name is Andrew McDonald. Can anyone name a worse defence pairing (I mean ever) than Witt-McDonald?
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Jason says:
How fickle the fan is. The reality is that this team is just not ready yet. The coach doesn’t suck, and the players dont suck, this is a young team that is still learning all around.
When I say this team “doesn’t suck”, it’s not to say that they’re “good”. There are a few guys on this roster that are “keepers”, they are Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, and this year’s #1 pick. Other than that, this roster is tradeable.
Don’t count on any free agents coming here, especially someone like Kovalchuk. It’s just not going to happen. As for this year’s draft, we need everything except for a center. The way things stand right now, we are nearly a top 3 pick, Toronto has almost caught us; Taylor Hall is a LW/C and Cam Fowler is a defenseman. I have my preferences, but the least of our needs is another center (Tyler Seguin). – And I still think Taylor Hall is a better player.
My fantasy is to dangle a prospect or two, next year’s (2011) #1 pick, and perhaps a roster player to another team in the top 3 and wind up with Hall and Fowler. Fat chance, that’s why it’s a fantasy. But it’s more realistic than getting Kovalchuk.
There is still a long way to go!
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german islesfan says:
31 games are in the books 20 from them on the road,so i would say 29 points are ok. but the last couple of games showed Isles and play-offs 2010 no way.
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Dan says:
What are peoples’ thoughts on Frans Nielsen? He seems to be a guy without a long-term role on this team. If long-term, Tavares and Bailey are the top 2 centers, aren’t we going to need a real big grinder faceoff specialist and not a in-betweener guy like Neilsen on our third line? No top team just doesn’t have a shut down center and I don’t see Neilsen ever becoming that. Where’s our K Primeau, Paul Gaustad?
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BC says:
The one question everyone should answer. If someone told you over the summer this team was 3 points out of a playoff spot 30 games into the season, would you even believe them, much less say they should be doing much better?
They are still in a rebuilding mode, and the team has a huge amount of holes to fill before we can be cup contenders. -
David says:
Where was Josh Bailey all night. The kid is not being used to his potential!
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Bailey’s no NHL player, he’s weak and unimaginative, Garth really messed up with that pick.
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The sooner the Isles go younger the better, youth movement should be just that. Theres some tough youth in the system ready for a chance to compete. Think Chicago, they will take their lumps but the movement will be that much closer to success. Management has done a good job drafting, now lets get the team of the future playing together now!.
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I thought Schremp played a good game and he obviously has a nice skill set. But you know he’ll be sitting soon because we can’t win if we take someone like Sim out of the lineup. Hey Gordo, make some decent lines already! It’s not all his fault though. Too many invisible players last night. I felt bad for the guys who did show up.
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
Josh Bailey is getting ruined playing with Sim. He should be moved to 2nd line and move Nielson who is more independent player to Sim line.
Tavares is just amazing. How noone can pick him up as he floats in to right side of net and scored his 4th goal the same way is mindboggling. that what amazing players do. they just find the open area and only need one chance to finish.
Sutton needs to get back fast, and Bergie is very important players. We draws more PP chances for us than anyone.
my final thought. WHERE IS DOUG WEIGHT?
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tavares2009 says:
so apparently charles has given garth the green light regarding spending some money…are we going to wait until toronto passes us in the eastern standings before this happens??? the effort from this team over the past two nights has been dismal at best. They need a fresh kick in the ass, and i don’t mean using rob schremp on the top pp line…They need a shake-up bc they’re embarrasing to watch…the past two games, for example: tavares gets his face planted into the glass, but nobody stands up to pronger? is this a joke??? we NEED an recognized enforcer so that JT doesnt get his head compressed or worse..i also think its time so say goodbye to bruno (never was a big fan to begin with) and we need to bring in a known veteran or two on the front lines. rob schremp is not the answer. I’m sick of losing but even worse, I’m disgusted by the recent half-hearted efforts by this team…
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Hogue fanclub says:
Streit hasn’t been playing that well. Coughed up that late goal. Seems like his concentration is hust not there this year. As for Gervais, we can’t afford to get rid of any d-men, we’re to banged up.
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jonsson3 says:
Streit looks frustrated.
Witt looks asleep.
Gervais looks horrible altogether!
McD gets a pass.
Meyer is an OK # 5,6 D-man.
Hillen is good, just needs some size.
JT is awesome! Give JB a chance on line #2.
4th line should be Sim-Park-Thompson
Just beat the RAGS!! -
Seth says:
we need some help on the blue line garth! make a move!
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peluso says:
it looks like lack of effort because we are small. Physicly we can’t compete, a playoff series would break what is left of the guys. Teams have figured out the fore-check we put on. we ARE 10 players and 2 years away. I am hard to please so I will be happy when JT makes a goalie look stupid and not just collect garbage goals.
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John says:
CB–Thanks for the party last night. It looked like everyone enjoyed themselves and will most definately go there again pre or post game again. Nice to see Webb talking about the island and the team as well as his enforcer comment.
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EAF says:
the team is going downhill fast. if Garth waits to make some moves it will be too late to catch the train.
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We need a d-man. Maybe Snow can move Biron to Montreal for O’Byrne? The Canadiens get a veteran backup/capable starter who can mentor Price or Halak; the Isles get a guy who’s already scored a goal for them.
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Islesfan99 says:
Dump players and plan for next yr. We need a top 5 pick this year. I am all for sucking this year and getting some toughness and skill this summer by signing some good UFA’S…. Sign an enforcer, sign Marleau sign a top dmen. Then Playoffs Baby!!
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Islesfan in Vancouver says:
CB, earlier in the week you mentioned the Isles having only their 6 defensemen that were NHL caliber with nothing ready on the farm and that one of the six was playing banged up. My hunch is that Streit is the one hurting. I haven’t seen him play as badly since he’s pulled on an Isles jersey. No speed on the rush on the powerplay, no confidence in his own end and frequent mistakes.
If Streit isn’t the one hurt, is it possible what he did last year was to play above his own level, and what we’re seeing now is the reason Montreal wouldn’t play him in their regular defensive rotation?
I’ve bashed Witt a lot, but he hasn’t made any glaring mistakes for a few games. He is slow, but he’s playing well positionally and doesn’t seem to be getting caught much. Gervais and Streit have been playing some terrible hockey in the defensive zone and I think both of them are to blame right now.
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geduffer says:
Guys, lets not jump to conclusions here. This team was just finishing up a brutal stretch of 14 out of 17 on the road. They’re not as bad as they’ve looked the last few games. They do need some reinforcements, so if Charles is willing to let Garth add something, let’s just hope he finds the right guys.
While I would have picked a D over Bailey last year, I don’t think the pick is a waste. What I think is that Josh should be developing with first line ice time in Bridgeport. I thought that’s why you had a farm team.
Chris, it was good seeing you last night, but that place was LOUD. It was hilarious hearing the Rock and Roll Part Two and hearing one guy at the bar yell “You Suck”. If you want that song back as the goal song, everyone will have to promise to stop shouting that. Chris Dey was at the Booster Club meeting and called it classless and an embarrassment. He said that he would restore the song in a minute if people stopped with the “You Suck.”
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miketee says:
There is no question that the biggest problem we have is on defense where the loss of Martinek stripped us of a steady and underrated player. Sutton may not be anything to write home about but the minutes he and Martinek played now fall to the likes of MacDonald, Gervais and Meyer – none of whom should be more than 3rd pairing/depth defensemen.
The blame here has to placed squarely on the shoulders of the GM since he did nothing to improve the quality or depth in the organization.
On the forward lines, I’m most disappointed in the fact that Fran Nielsen appears to have regressed in his development. Outside of his skill in shootouts, he’s performed poorly at both ends of the ice. I agree that Bailey has not met expectations but he was rushed into the league rather than being giving a chance to develop — like Nielsen so I’m less “down” on him.
Schremp is not ever going to be an NHL scorer. They should have waived him and picked up Randy Jones when they had the chance. I’d rather give Trevor Smith a chance at this point.
Unless Garth can import two NHL calibre defensemen, there will be no playoff chances this season so it is best to make the best possible deals although there are not many players on the roster (outside of Biron) that would be attractive to other teams that we would want to move. I’d like to keep both Hunter and Bergie recognizing they are who they are.
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JPinVA says:
It’s kind of funny to see the team getting blasted NOW. They just played what was essentially a fifth of the season on the road… straight. They lost what was basically their best defensive defenseman and are playing with at least 6 guys who would have a tough time making an impact at the AHL level.
What I see is a team and coach that is starting to adapt a strategy from a complete failure (overspeed) to a flexible forecheck that has been pretty good of late. It needs work, but more than that it needs TALENT.
They have been physically dominated, and that is why we scratch our heads with picks like deHaan and Nilsson last year, nevermind Ness, Katic and the like. This team needs some size and toughness. Hopefully Joensuu, Martin and Hamonic will change that soon.
I’m coming around to Gordon, but I’d like to see Snow do more to help. When Sutton comes back I think McDonald (a Nolan coached player in juniors) has earned a shot. Bruno needs to watch a few… maybe a lot.
There are some good things happening… JT has been awesome and Moulson has even shown some pelotas to go with his net agression.
Doug Weight’s return will be a blessing, and hopefully will give Bailey some time in BP (I know, that’s just not going to happen). This team need DW, Sutton and yes, Bergy to be successful… and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Schremp. -
Akeem says:
I had a chance to watch the TSN broadcast last night. Boy do those guys know their hockey. A great job by all 3 men, especially Pierre Mcguire down at Ice level.
One interesting thing – they were all SHOCKED that Robby Schremp hasn’t developed at the NHL level. They were all gushing over his skill set. Point is, these guys are so well informed, it makes Howie and the Jaff look like amateurs.
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Except for a few really solid games-this team looks disorganized. The other team is allowed out of their zone untouched. How are we going to score that way? Also our puck possession is lacking. We loose battles along the boards all the time. The other teams are learning to keep the isles on the perimeter they will win. We need strong d-men, a more cohesive system, and for Garth to go out and get some proven talent as well as drafting well. Why does it have to be one way or the other? Mr Wang, if you put a good team on the ice you will sell many more tix–and probably get that new arena a lot faster! i love my Isles, but management needs to step up and help.
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Tim F. says:
I just read that 51 year-old Slava Fetisov is making a comeback in the KHL later this week. Get on it, Garth – - your Fetisov-Chelios defense pair awaits!
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Coach Gordon is wrongly acting as though Josh, Smith, JJ are not NHL calibar players. This is a rebuild and not the time to be looking to the playoffs. Let the young players have a chance to prove whether they are truly NHL qualified to play. Park, Simm, Tambs, have failed and it’s time to move them aside. One of the Toronto announcers said it best last night about Blake Comeau “Comeau is the most underappreciated player in the Islanders organization”. He appeared to be one of the few forwards doing some decent bodychecks (dazed Komersaik???) and taking some shots on goal.
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Steve says:
CB, Thanks for the Tavares jersey!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome event. Good food, good beer, and good to see the fans get together.
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Steve Junker says:
It seems the Islanders are suffering from Marian Gaborik syndrome.
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Chris Mc says:
Well said MikeinRichmond. I honestly think Gordo just doesnt personally like Comeau bc, like you said, this is a rebuild. Its not so much about wins and losses as about giving the kids a full year and seeing what they can do. Some times its about putting the best team on the ice, but others, like with the Isles this year, its about building a team to be competitive in the future.
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Isles fan Ken says:
I still wear a Blake #55 jersey to games, I guess maybe its time for a new one.
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#149… great line!!!!!
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Im going to the game tomorrrow, anyone else want to join me in the “We Want Bailey” chant
Hey CB, any word on what happens with DP’s wearing 39 when he comes back to the lineup? Would 29 seem obvious?