PITTSBURGH 3 ISLANDERS 1
NYI 0-14-1 in Pitt, NJ and Philly under Snow/Gordon
The Islanders have yet to win a road game in New Jersey, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh in a season and three quarters under the tandem of GM Garth Snow and head coach Scott Gordon.
In 15 games, the Islanders have accrued just one of 30 available points. That was from an overtime loss in Philadelphia on Oct. 30, 2008.
In eight of the 15 games, the Islanders scored just one goal or were shut out.
The unhappy recap:
10-Oct-08 @ New Jersey 1 2 L
30-Oct-08 @ Philadelphia 2 3 L (ot)
21-Nov-08 @ New Jersey 2 5 L
9-Dec-08 @ Philadelphia 3 4 L
11-Dec-08 @ Pittsburgh 2 9 L
11-Feb-09 @ New Jersey 2 4 L
14-Feb-09 @ Philadelphia 1 5 L
25-Feb-09 @ Pittsburgh 0 1 L
9-Apr-09 @ Pittsburgh 1 6 L
6-Nov-09 @ New Jersey 1 2 L
28-Nov-09 @ New Jersey 1 6 L
8-Dec-09 @ Philadelphia 2 6 L
19-Jan-10 @ Pittsburgh 4 6 L
30-Jan-10 @ Philadelphia 1 2 L
10-Feb-10 @ Pittsburgh 1 3 L
Stat provided by statistics guru Eric Hornick, who should be followed on Twitter and at his website.
*
Matt Martin engages in the Islanders’ first fight since Dec. 26. Even Howie Rose could not hold back from saying about the drought, “That’s amazing.”
After the game, Scott Gordon says of having three goalies around, “It’s obviously not a situation that any one of those three guys wants to be in. But it’s what we have, they are all capable, and we got a good performance from Rollie tonight.”
Thank you to longtime Islanders beat reporter Peter Botte for joining us in Comments with thoughts on the team, his decade-plus around the franchise and his book “Fish Sticks.”
318 Responses to PITTSBURGH 3 ISLANDERS 1
NYI 0-14-1 in Pitt, NJ and Philly under Snow/Gordon
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kevin fitz says:
Let’s go Islanders!
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admin says:
Dwayne Roloson (showcase!) gets the start…CB
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Mike L says:
Lets Go Islanders
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Strummer's Army says:
Not having to watch Sim eases the pain of having to listen to the Pens announcers.
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mtrico says:
Ugh, on the low def overflow channel yet again.
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Themass says:
Online feeds?
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Does Park have video of Gordon doing the Beanpot Shuffle naked or something? Maybe someone else should decide on the line-ups and lines.
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Jim Clark says: What is the pin that Scott Gordon is wearing on his jacket lapel?
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LES says:
dang that malkin is one ugly son of a gun , lets get em tonight boys lets go isles
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Rob says:
Chris, honestly… come march 3rd. is roloson? or biron? a New York Islander
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channel 414 in cablevision system
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Doug says:
online feed – atdhe.net
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pattyb94 says:
CB, Do you really think the Isles will trade Roloson?
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Ed from Philly says:
So I pay $160 for the Gamecenter package sold by the NHL and for some reason they blackout games on the NHL Network. Very Frustrating.
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AJAX says:
why is it just “NOW” that this team (MGT) finally sees the team is small, needs an enforcer, and size, where we(the fans) have been saying it since Oct????!!!!
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Turgeuiton says:
Why is this game blacked out on directv? My normally MSG plus 2 channel lists the game but I just have music on the channel. This is crap.
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dose says:
that martin has a nasty look about him.
like guys don’t want to mess with him.
it’s awesome and unusual for this team. pilon was the last like that. he was great. -
Now that we have all the rants out about directTV, Cablevision and everything else, feel free to talk about the Islanders and the game. Thank you…CB
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Why does Rupp not get anything for trying to go after Sutton?
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Islesphan25 says:
Thanks for the chat at fanhouse today…You even answered my question about Peter Mueller
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Irish Isle says:
Hay Pete – If you were Garth, how would you spend the Olympic Break? What would your plan be for the trade deadline(s)?
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Examiner says:
I smell a fighting major tonight.
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isles316 says:
missed chances are no good agaisnt this team
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Finally, we have people playing in front of the net…
Nice job Joenseu
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Weight is in, Sim is out. That’s the only lineup change? Peter Botte joins in at 8:00…CB
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NYICHAMP39 says:
Mike L – there is nothing that says you cant try to get another player to fight you with talking. The fact that his gloves stayed on means nothing should be called. If he throws the gloves off then i think the ref can call him for unsportsmanlike conduct.
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is tambelini ever comming back from boogie boogie land
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Jeff says:
love.martin.
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Jim Clark says:
Old Time Hockey! Eddie Shore! Dit Clapper! Toe Blake! Matt Martin!
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How many Matt Martin jerseys will there be at the coliseum on saturday?
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Nice scrap for Martin, but hes gotta take that visor off
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YAY a FIGHT! You mean someone else besides Bruno Gervais can drop the gloves??!?!?!?!
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mLem says:
Kennedy ejected for not being tied down?
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Jim Clark says:
Look at that hair (and Golden Moulson’s). They 70s are coming back, man.
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Gotta like Matt Martin. Sutton and Rupp yet to come.
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the kid did good.
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why?? nobody takes off a visor anymore when fighting….Kennedy had his on..
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DeHaamonic says:
Islanders, please add Martin to list available for the charity dinner.
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#27- He did drop his stick and started to shove, but I guess your right he really didnt drop the gloves
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iaminclassandcantwatchthegame says:
did martin win the fight?
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IslesNation says:
Not a smart play by JT. But I love it
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Orpik…..Hey Martin..He is up next…Line him up now…
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This is how you can beat skilled teams in my opinion. Play physical and get them off their game. We never do it.
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fight mostly a draw. Slight edge to Martin.
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I hope sutton doesnt fight. Doesnt he already have wrist or hand injury problems? he is our best defender and if we choose to trade him he is worthless with a broken hand. No fights for him hopefully.
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Amazing. Islanders get tough. The Country and the team get excited. Took the Islanders a while to figure that out, eh? CB
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Neil says:
In the words of Rex Ryan…KIIIILLLLLL!!
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Kuniz??? No penalty??
I guess you can punch anyone now…
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#48… GREAT HUSTLE!!
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Martin won the fight and it was very nice to see an Islander fighting and winning. He and JJ are very nice additions but the Isles still need tons of more toughness.
Question for Botte: What do you expect the Isles to do trade/FA/Buyout wise in the coming months?
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Please welcome Peter Botte of the Daily News and also the co-author of Fish Sticks. Pete is around if you have any questions about the team or his many years covering the franchise…CB
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I just hope that those D-bags Kunitz or Cooke dont take a run at Tavares now for that little shot he put on Letang.
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JT says:
Peter: Should the Isles make any deals or pack it in and hope for a top-5 pick? Thanks.
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Fred says:
The isles look like traffic cones in their defensive zone
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Pete my uncle gave me your book for Christmas a couple of years ago. We are both huge Isles fans. Great story about a real transitional period for our franchise. Welcome to IPB.
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Peter, great job with Fish Sticks. Some very interesting stories in there. Did MM really have that much of a “love” for Justin Papineau? Or was it just after that great pre-season game that he took notice?
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Peter Botte says:
Hey everyone, thanks for having me. I’m a first-timer here at IPB, but no need for you guys to be gentle..
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What is your most memorable moment as an Islanders beat writer?
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Jim Clark says:
Hello Peter, loved your book. Is John Spano out of jail yet?
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islanders1983 says:
Pete can you please follow up fishsticks with another isles book. I literally could not put it down when I read it. awesome job
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Joe says:
Where can I get a Martin jersey? Love em.
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Peter, do you see Matt Moulson getting an extension?
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Hey Peter,
Have any wild MM stories?
Thanks,
Doug -
JT, I’m not big on teams packing it in when they still are alive. I think these next 3 games will indicate to Garth which way to go on March 3…
And thanks for the kind words on Fish Sticks. Alan and I had a lot of fun living through it, even if a lot of fans didn’t. -
Bryan says:
Hey Bott(e) did Gary Galley really treat Bott(a) as bad as you describe in fish sticks?
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Bryan: Not me, but my PR assistant at the time…CB
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Jason: Clearly, either Biron or Roloson will not be here next year, or next month, more aptly. I’d hold on to Sutton, personally. Clearly, there doesn’t appear to be much reason to bring back Weight.
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I love this kid but he needs to take visor off. Good scrap and overall play Martin!!
Why does Rupp want Sutton…for the Dupuis hit? Didn’t Rupp knock out Sutton 2 years ago…I’d love to see Sutton return the favor.
Welcome Mr. Botte – I shamefully haven’t read your book. With the short success of Matt Martin do you see any other kids from Bridgeport being called up to keep the much needed energy in this lineup?
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peter the 90′s unoform change debacle, was that to destract from a inferior product on the ice or a failed marketing gimmick?
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bionicman99 says:
The “Botta & Botte Show.” I like it!
I really enjoyed “Fish Sticks” and the Islanders “Pride and Passion” books. Any chance of either of you participating in a book regarding the Isles in the future? I realize that there is not a high demand, but I always want to know more about the Stanley Cup years and my idol, Bobby Nystrom.
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SS says:
How useless does Trent Hunter have to be on the powerplay before someone else gets a chance?
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JT, so many memorable moments, especially when MM (I know, he who shall not be named) was around. Best one for me was when The Mad One brought a handful of reporters into the locker room and broke down video during the Toronto series with a beyond PG-13 rant.
Including my 3-year-old son…CB
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Botte, I’m just full of questions today. Did you get any grief from Milbury when he found out your intentions for the book? I must say for all the harm he did you took it fairly easy on him.
Loved the book by the way. Thanks
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Jim Clark says:
Thinking about last night’s game in overtime..would hockey be more exciting is it was always 4 on 4? Probably too drastic a change in the game’s structure.
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P$ says:
“A mass of humanity in front of Dwayne Roloson!” I will be very sad if Billy Jaffe doesn’t stay with the Islanders.
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Jim Clark, not sure about Spano’s current jumpsuit status. I know he was released and then went back to jail a few years later for another fraudulent episode not related to the Isles. But I will say, and I’m sure Chris can back me up on this, but his year at the helm was a wild season to be covering the team…
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MattyB says:
Ugh JT is so snakebitten….That’s got to be 6 posts in his last 10 games
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AM says:
Peter, What was your reaction the night Turgeon got hit in 93′? Is he a HOF’er in your mind as well?
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John Spano is still in jail. He sent me an email around Christmas to say hi. Not kidding…CB
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Thanks Islanders1983. (Check’s in the mail). Alan and I actually talked recently about doing another one, since the last book preceded Nolan, Neil Smith, Garth’s ascension, DP’s contract and injuries, Lighthouse, Tavares, etc, etc, etc. But Alan’s off being a lame basketball writer now and I spend most of work days on baseball. If we can find the time, I think we’d definitely consider taking another crack at it…
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Peter, what’s your take on the Lighthouse project? Thanks.
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Tony F. says:
It pains me to see Guerin play with such intensity and jump in his step. I wish he played like that when he was captain of the Islanders.
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Wooooo says:
My sports law professor used to be general counsel for the Islanders and he’s told us that Spano is still in jail.
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Brian, the Galley episode wasn’t directed at Botta, but at one of his co-workers. Either way, was not a good scene. That was the disastrous year Butch got fired, not a fun team to be around.
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islesfan999 says:
I just hope snow makes some smart trades.
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LES, The dreaded Fisherman jersey was a fiasco from the first day. I remember Darius Kasparaitis, one of favorite players to cover my early years on the beat, pulling aside a couple of reporters and asking us if they were serious. Clearly, all involved admitted the mistake and pulled the plug as quickly as possible. But to answer your question, it probably wouldn’t have sparked as much outrage if that 95-96 team was any good outside of Ziggy.
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Peter,
You mention the disastrous year that Butch got fired. I often thought he caught the shaft. He was a great coach in the IHL winning 2 championships.
He then took over an awful Islanders team was fired right before Wang decided to make the team competitive yet we never saw Butch pop up anywhere else after that.
Is there a reason for that?
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Cinematic, I’d say with Martin and Joensuu here, joining MacDonald and Kohn, this is it for now, especially with Katic going down with a shoulder, too.
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Bryan, let’s just say we were in Lake Placid in training camp when Mike heard about the book and some of its contents. Was quite a “debate” that night at the hotel bar.
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Chris A says:
Any more Islander books on the way?
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ken says:
i read fishsticks a few years ago and was actually just re-reading it again. amazing how the original politics of NVMC are still going on today. my question is about the part where an islander players wife and girlfriend were fighting in the stands and the player was banging his stick on the glass for them to stop… Who was it?!
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AM, I believe the Hunter hit on Turgeon changed Pete’s career forever. Still had some solid years, but never was a dominant player again. That said, he’s still a borderline Hall of Famer, IMO. He got to 500 goals, but that doesn’t make him automatic. (One of the genuinely nicest players I’ve ever dealt with, I might add).
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Peter, What do you think are the realistic chances of the Islanders leaving the Long Island area before this lighthouse thing is figured out
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JT, Re: The Lighthouse.
I’ve covered all the ownership groups. Pickett, Gang of 4, Spano, Milsteins, Charles. They’ve all angled for a new/fixed-up building, as far back as I can remember. If Charles can’t get this done, no one will. Charles drew his line in the sand, and the TOH finally looks like it’s responding with an answer he doesnt want to hear. Obviously, there remains no certainty with any of this moving fwd. -
PB, should we be worried about Tavares’ lack of production recently, or do you attribute a lot of his struggles to the fact that he is just a kid? By the way, loved the book.
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Hey Peter! What is your take on Gordon sitting Tambellini all the time and never sitting a struggling vet like Park? For some reason he is on the shortest leash by far.
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Jim Clark says:
How many NHL arenas have the same atmosphere as NCVMC coliseum during breaks: loud music, cameras on the crowd, inane contests?
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Bryan: Scotty Bowman or Al wouldn’t have won with the talent Butch had on his teams. That said, he made some mistakes along the way, too. He seems to have found a niche on TV, though, think he’s done a good job getting himself back in the game, so to speak.
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Ken, was actually waiting for a question about the player/wife/girlfriend tale and/or the Trish the Dish episode. Can’t do it, sorry. But both TOTALLY happened.
with the wife/girlfriend thing, it was so crazy that the opposing coach – Mike Keenan – came down the hallway after the game to ask what the hell was going on…CB
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Matty, I have to believe one of the boroughs would step up and at least keep the Isles in the area if it ultimately comes to that. If Charles finally decides he has had enough and decides to sell, though, don’t forget what previous ownership groups here were like.
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Peter,
Milbury made a ridiculous amount of player personal moves over his career with the Islanders and I’m sure there were twice as many that almost came to light that you know about and we dont.
Any of those you can tell us about and I have 25 dollar burning a hole in my pocket to buy that book.
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Peter: Which Isles teams underachieved/overachieved the most?
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a REAL hockey fan says:
.. Did Howie Rose really say ‘amazing’ about the fight? Darn i missed the fight o well
.. Glad to see everyone pumped up about Martin and what he “brings’ to the team. I have BEEN SCREAMING for MONTHS ABOUT THIS! The team obviously needs alot of skill but it also needed some grit! HOOORAAAY MATT MARTIN!!!
.. Hey CB and Peter—–Is it me or does it seem like the Isles take some ‘looong shifts’ at times?
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Mtrico, Tavares’ skid is barely a minor concern to me. He’s 19 and will get stronger the next couple of years. I think he raised the bar too soon for himself with 15 in 31. If he started slowly and was standing at 17 goals right now, I don’t think anyone would be too worried.
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REAL: No, Howie said it was amazing the Islanders went since Dec. 26 without a fight…CB
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Jersey Steve, if he can’t hold on to a regular spot in the lineup, the time to cut the cord with Tambellini has to be coming, no? But I don’t disagree with you on the Park part of that equation.
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Peter: What is your take on the play/potential of Bergy and Tambs?
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Bryan, why would you want to torture yourself further with the trades Mike DIDN’t make?
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The Girl says:
Peter,
Just wondering if you will be giving us another Fishsticks? Wonderful book! A must read for all Islanders fans and hockey fans.
TG -
Let’s take it to the end of this period for questions for Peter Botte, and then we’ll go with the game the rest of the way.
BTW, it’s still 0-0 with 12:49 left. High sticking minor on Brooks Orpik…CB
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Peter,
I need to torture myself with the trades he didnt make to finally have closure.
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Hay Pete, what are your thoughts on Point Blank?
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Islanders to have a 5-on-3 for 47 seconds…CB
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JT, I know Peca was hurt much of the year and never the same, but the bigggest underachieving season for me was the one after the Toronto bloodbath series, when the Isles barely finished 8th and lost to Ottawa in the first round and got Laviolette fired. For whatever reason, it wasn’t the same team as the year before despite basically the same personnel.
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peter… genuinely enjoyed fishsticks as much as any book i have ever read. have read it three or four times now. although it is a little depressing to read now… because at the time it was written it seemed like we were on the verge of doing some great things.
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The Girl, Thanks for the props. Asked and answered…:)
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Chris / Peter,
Here is my final question, I promise!
Was there any tension between you two when word of the upcoming book was announced or when it finally came out.
I imagine it had to cause some headaches for Chris Botta the human band-aide
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Worst Power play in the league. Wow
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and I realize they scored 2 pp goals last night
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JGE says:
Why no calls …Reach their limit ?
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JKP on LI says:
How in the world did Milbury think that the Luongo trade and DiPietro selection made the team better immediately. Did anyone around the team take that notion seriously?
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Irish Isle: I’m not going to make Botta’s head any bigger than it already is.
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I have never seen an NHL player get knocked down as much as Taveras.
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Wow, what a terrible goal to give up.
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Another awful goal… I can’t take that anymore.
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Have to make those saves rollie
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bryan says:
5 on 3 to 1-0 Pens… unbelievable.
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Jim Clark says:
Well…it took the Penguins a whole 31 minutes to score on our defense.
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Rollie trade value, really flying high
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MAybe its just the resolution but it just looks like we have guys falling all over the ice. Are we really that bad on our feet or are we getting taken down all over the place???
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pj says:
Maybe Gordon should be like an NFL coach and start declining penalties, they are awful, and it always leads to an opposing goal..
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.. How come i saw that Penguins goal coming after that DREADED POWER PLAY??
.. Im not trolling or being a wiseguy but i saw that coming a mile away, man the Isles PP really needs some “work”, it reallu does
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The islanders are better off not trying to pretend to have any toughness…all it does it makes the other teams angry and they start tossing them all around…
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Who leads the islanders in hits ?? Sparky?
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Jason: Favorite post-Cup players, on-ice: Ziggy and Kenny.
Off-ice: Kasparaitis, Lapointe, Parrishyeah, especially Lappy off ice, Pete? CB
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Islanders fail on the 5-on-3 and then Pittsburgh scores on a stoppable shot past Roloson…CB
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Frank says:
Rolo just cant make the simple stop huh?
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We went from 1 good goalie to three worthless goalies.
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Bryan, zero bad blood between Chris with Alan and I. Not about the book, as far as I know, anyway.
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Brian G says:
Gordon should called a timeout for the 5 on 3…especially for a struggling PP
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Mike from Philly says:
Watching NHL talent play against AHL talent sure is boring
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peter and/or chris…
what was a more exciting time to be around the team… ’93 playoffs or during the ’02 series against toronto?
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TuxTax says:
Stoppable CB? Grrrrr! At least the boys are playing hard tonight!
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I got one for you, Pete: favorite fellow beat writers during your years covering the team…CB
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JKP, Like everyone not named MM, the Luongo trade never will make sense to me. But it was 10 years ago. It’s time to let it go.
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Just Sayin says:
How does Roloson not stop that? This has 3-0 written all over it.
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How does the “captain” not put that in.
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Instead of the same 3 healthy scratches all the time, it is time for everyone to take a seat on the occassion, maybe that will light a fire under the behinds
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Mike, I don’t think this game is boring, there have been scoring chances everywhere, just no body finishing them off
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Mike Manzo says:
Dwayne Roloson is terrible. I can’t believe how bad our goaltending has been. Three NHL starting goaltenders and all three of them couldn’t stop a beachball. Jesus.
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What was the scouting report on Kvasha and Parrish at the time of the infamous trade? I’d have to think Kvasha didn’t live up to expectations…
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PB- What college did you attend and what was your major? Did you go the traditional journalism rout?
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Favorite beat writers? Don’t want to diss any of them. So I will say…Jeff Williams, Colin Stephenson, Jason Diamos, Jim Smith, John Valenti, Alan, Tarik El-Bashir, Barry Baum, Evan Grossman, Dave Caldwell, Logie, Dan Martin and Katie.
(Also, I know Chris had a man-crush on Berman, my replacement at the Post when I was doing the Yankees). -
Oh Sutton
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James says:
Oh come on Mike, the goaltending is absolutely not the reason for the struggling. How about the team do like they did last night and score some goals for once?
The goaltending has been fine, its the lack of offense that is the huge problem.
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What a terrible play by Sutton…
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Sutton nice shot?, and Rollie thats a make up save lol
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Well, that save sort of makes up for the first goal by Rolo. Maybe.
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Botte. what do you expect Snow to do in trades and FA/buyouts in the coming months?
Has Snow finally realized he can’t win with small & timid players?
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What the crap was that? How the? What the? Do the Refs have eyes during Penguin Games?
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Roloson was our MVP back when he was the starter…I dont blame him…this 3 goalie thing has left us with 3 bad goalies.
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Bill says:
is it me or does this team seem like really weak skaters? they all fall down, and dont seem like strong on their feet. CB,PB readers, do you agree?
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IslesNation: I am from LI, went to North Babylon HS, then to a big-time “hockey school,” BU. Was actually a finance/marketing major, but my first job out of school was at The Post, and I got lucky from there.
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I cant really explain why…I really like Ovechkin…and I think I hate Crosby more than any player in the league other then Sean Avery.
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Giaco says:
Did Meyer get 2 penalties on 1 play so Moulson served???
PS Sutton got pick-pocketed… he didnt fan on that but good agressivness
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Peter and Chris,
Any memories or stories about John Tonelli? I wish the Isles would honor him someday. -
Thanks for the quick answer. Follow up question: Did you play for BU, or any in high school? Do you have any hockey contacts from your days at BU to this day that made it to the big show?
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As a fellow goalie… I commend Rolli for standing up for himself… good job rolli… take care of yourself!
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Brian, the ’93 run was amazing all around, especially the Volek game. But the Toronto series in ’02 was among the best and nastiest NHL playoff series in recent memory. There wouldn’t have been Fish Sticks without that series, of that I am certain.
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can we stop blaming this three goalie thing, up until last nights game it was really a two goalie thing. Isles are just playing bad hockey. They go on a stretch like this every year. Its usually always a 7 game loss and usally happens in december instead of late january. Bottom 5 pick is best for this team
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Malkin makes it 2-0…CB
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Jim Clark says:
And the floodgates open…..
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IslesNation, I was a baseball/soccer guy growing up. Among the guys who were at BU when I was there who made it to the NHL were John Cullen, Scott Young, Tony Amonte, Shawn McEachern, the Sacco brothers, etc.
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Le Dude says:
Ugh. Well, now it’s time to go shovel.
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Two goal deficit.. game over.
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Game over, Peter and Chris, thanks for the chat tonight, Great as always CB. Time to do some homework I guess
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bergenheim has not been impressive since getting back in the line up
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Chris,
What is your guess in regards to the reason for the Islanders not putting Witt through re-entry waivers?
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Good night…be back around draft time.
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probably the wrong guy to piss off…
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rob76 says:
we did come back to tie from 2 down in the third period last time we were in Pittsburgh…before losing late…
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Andre says:
Hi Peter, I think the Isles will move Roloson rather than Biron by the deadline. Simply a situation of selling high. What do you think?
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This olympic break cannot get here any sooner. this team needs it. all these kids need a break, they seem lost. i bet JT comes back on fire after the break.. I do think another lottery pick would help. I just hope they dont trade all the vets away to make it happen. You dont want these kids to think the team wants to lose…
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Bionicman, Tonelli was one of my faves growing up, and I know he was Botta’s main guy, too. But I never covered him. They had to draw the line somewhere with the jersey retirements.
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Tavares needs a good woman, he is too stressed
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Weight hass looked real good tonight
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I love how the Pens can get away with things other teams dream of….
I hate them more than the Rangers….Most bandwagon fans and Homer announcers ever!!!!!!!!!
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Don’t worry folks, Snow and company were embarassed by our lottery finish last year and our currently working on their 15 year plan to make us better. Charles says we are ahead of schedule….
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Andre, I’d have to think they can get more for Roloson than they can for Biron. But is anyone convinced yet that Rick is fully ready to resume the No.1 job going forward? I’m not.
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MJS says:
I’ve gotta say that Richard Park is getting way too much ice time for being down 2-0. He was getting too much time when they were down 1-0. I know we don’t want to rely on the kids to score too much, and Park is pretty good at the defense, but come on. If you’re putting the defensive forwards out down 2-0 you’re pretty much throwing in the towel. Also, Doug Weight should probably pack it in after this season. To quote the Pittsburgh broadcast, “where has his scoring touch gone” I’m also getting sick of hearing about how super awesome the Pens are… That’s what I get for watching online I guess…
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TimQ says:
Tavares needs to sit on a beach for a week and forget about hockey for awhile. He’s too wound up right now
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JP says:
Why haven’t I seen Martin with a steady shift since his Tyler Kennedy beating. Is Gordon angry because he defended himself by heaven forbid having a fight….
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And that ends the Peter Botte hour! Thanks so much, Pete. I really appreciate you giving us some time tonight. Great job.
The conversation continues about the hockey game. Thank you to everyone for participating…CB
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Thanks everyone. Was fun, but exhausting. Count me in for the next IPB night at a local tavern… PB
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Thanks Peter, please come back
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Matt S. says:
is #14 getting retired? he is in the hall of fame and was a huge part of the Islanders cups.
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LJM says:
Hey CB, any plans on another Point Blank night sometime in March?
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Peter says:
I don’t like how the book was subtitled “the rise and fall and rise again of the NYI” or something to that effect. You guys should have waited until the Islanders actually “rose” again or at the very least not made such a claim on the hardcover. But it was an awesome book though. Next one should come after we win a playoff series or two.
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Thanks for your insight Petter
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Dan C says:
CB- Islanders had a great PP they were in Pittsburgh’s zone for over a min, and Pittsburgh took another penlty. Why didnt Scott take a timeout to keep the first PP unit on the ice for the 5on3. Especially Mark Streit!!!I feel that was the Turning point in this game. Please tell me what Garth sees in this Coach? I’m an Islander season ticket holder and watch every game and although I see light at the end of the tunel the Islanders still have a bunch of dead wood, and Scott Gordan is part of that dead wood!!!!HE HAS TO GO!!!!
CB- Great Blog thank you
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Rupp punched our goalie, that stuff cannot be allowed to go unpunished. U see how fast Rolo gave up a bad goal after that.
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we are going to be the biggest leafs and canes fans during the stretch.
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We need to be smart and sell sell sell. Hope for a top 3 pick and grab another star. Then this summer sign 2 or 3 players and were a playoff team next year.
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peter is a great guy lots of cool stories and experiences that was great having him
( dont tell him i still have a “fisherman jersey” -
rpchief says:
Botte..Fellow North Babylon grad, actually teach in NB now…Great stuff tonight..
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Agree with Dan C regarding a TO not being called b4 the 5 on 3. Seemed like a pivotal time in the game and Streit was on the bench.
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Where is Matt Martin
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Did Matt Martin get sent back to bridgeport during the game?
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Strummer – that “bad goal” was a deflection from 4 feet out. That type of play with a change in direction is never a “bad goal.” There is very little the goalie can do in that situation besides hope he is playing big enough positionally to have it just hit him.
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With the Flyers just winning in OT and Montreal up by three in the third, Islanders could lose more ground in the East. NYI would be seven points behind the Flyers and Philly has two games in hand. Not that any of this changes the buyer/seller issue, of course…CB
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jeff says:
maybe matt martin said something nice about Tambellini
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Penguins announcers adding salt to the wounds of Islanders fans saying, Penguins leading scorer (Crosby) has more goals (39) than Isles leading scorer (Okposo) has total points (38).
When you put it like that it really makes you shake your head
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Philly and Montreal just have to much talent
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To continue that point IslesNation, the Penguins 3rd line center, Staal, would be the best player on the Isles.
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Yeah, where is Matty Martin?? Bench? Gordon’s an idiot
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it;s just math. when you don’t score goals, there are no assists to give out.
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has freddy meyer been the best islander the past 3 games or so?
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Can someone hit kunitz please? Im sick of him taking runs..
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The Franz!!!
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Blizzard says: …score!!!!! Neilson!!!
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Some life left in this game, Nice work Frans
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rob says:
whooooooooooo franzy!!!
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Brian from Massapequa says:
Franzie baby
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Frans Nielsen makes it 2-1…CB
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some good shifts after that goal, let’s keep pressing!
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Has Martin played since his fight? If he’s benched for that, that’s just ridiculous.
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Looking at the big picture, the Isles have played Pittsburgh very tough this season. I won’t bang my head agaisnt a wall tonight if they fall short. The effort and grit has been there.
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Nevermind, Martin’s out there.
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nielsen in the dirty areas, keep it up
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Staten Islander says:
GAME!
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goodnight
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Comeau blew that one….. Streit was wide open in the slot so instead of passing it to him, he skated right at him.
Brutal play -
And game over
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and there’s the game.
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nhl fan says:
Comeau is the next one to sit….then hopefully Park
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King says:
Gervais. His name should be replaced with Fail. He was the reason for the first goal to
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Thats is the reason why we wont trade Sutton….
Bruno…What were you doing??
Comeau??? What were you doing??
Streit??? What were you doing???
And Tambs cant play bec?????
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Shremp Co 13 says:
sellers
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Dear Dwayne, You are wearing hockey pads. It’s OK to stick out your leg when the puck is coming, rather than close your eyes, turn your head and fall on your back.
Then again, it’s all Ricky’s fault.
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Great we can sit everyone once till we realize that everyone on the team should sit except for like 6 players
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Don’t give up hope! Edmonton is playing tonight! By the end of the night we could be a measly 10 points from our goal. Lets go Ducks!
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Brian in VA says:
I am getting to watch the Isles on NHL Network down here in DC and here is my take:
– Nielsen is good.
– Gervais is a joke.
– Hunter is a waste.
– Kohn turns his back into checks.
– Bergie is not really good. -
247 woooo—- Lets go Ducks against Edmonton? how does that get us to our goal – i think u mean lets go Oil
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Chris Kunitz makes it 3-1 off an error by Blake Comeau.
Matt Martin has played a little. Struggling 5-on-5. Not the fleetest skater, as advertised…CB
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I forgot, Meyer stinks too…
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done…stick a fork in this team…please stop talking playoffs
Make some moves Snow before Friday:
Roloson
Weight
Sutton
Park
Biron
Sim -
Chris Mc says:
I don’t blame that on Comeau one bit. Why is Streit floating down the wing, not even skating, floating, with seemingly no purpose. He obviously can’t have his post covered if the wing on his side is the one carrying the puck into the offensive zone. i dont understand.
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comeau / gervais = EPIC FAIL
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You never go backwards with a pass and thats what he did….
All his fault…
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Pull the Goalie you joke coach?
Weight and Comeau WASTE!
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Should have decked Malkin there
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comeau made streit look bad on that play. comeau should have passed him the puck 3 seconds earlier and then covered streits spot. Streit was in a prime scoring area in the slot and comeau just skated right into him.
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they aren’t the defending stanley cup champs for nothing folks…not exactly the nashville predators…year 2 of the rebuild plenty of time to work things out
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Eric says:
sad but true– no road wins under Gordon in Philly, Pitt or NJ.
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can we beat pit or philly
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Classy of Malkin to take that slapper with no seconds left, there was a time when something like that would be dealt with by someone from the Islanders.
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Hollywood says:
Gordon u moron! Comeau is a 4th line player. I’m growing sick of the hard on he has for Tamby but a guy like Comeau who has NO skill and makes bone head plays without sitting back in the press box where he belongs! I’m sick of it!
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That was Streits fail, what the hell is he doing halfway into the penguins zone without the puck?
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It was called he was pinching to try and score….We were down there right???
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Gordon sucks. Hunter sucks. Park sucks. Weight is ‘eh. The list of wastes on the ice is growing. I see no reason for the Isles to fight for a playoff spot because a) they aren’t fighting b) there is no physicality to their game c) they’re going to lose in the first round in 4 or 5 games (5 if they’re lucky to win 1). I’m on my own Cam Fowler watch.
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both players were at fault on that play. it was poor communication, streit shouldnt have moved down that low, and comeau shouldnt have made that pass. you can’t blame the kid for trying to make something happen. a lot of bigger issues to worry about than that one play.
overall they had some better looks. they just need to start burying them.2 more to go till the olympics. the break will be good for this team.
again this is a team that finished in last place last year, we already have leaps and bounds of improvements so let’s not get ahead of ourselves. keep the faith. let’s go islanders!
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Post game coverage should be stop sugar coating this team…the are done…no need to show updated standing, we know they stink…and no playoffs again…hopefully they get some attendence this weekend but doubt it….what does MSG expect Gordon to say after another loss
CB – let’s start the trade deadline fire sale & draft coverage
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bcarroll25 says:
cb, after speaking with several isle fans we came up wih a question
is gordon’s “system” a winning system?
seems whether he rolls 4 lines or not the team is always gassed in the 3rd period.if/when? they make the playoffs how will his style of play translate in a compressed schedule?it seems when they’re on(det/devils) they look great,when the’re off, even a little,they have no chance. and organizationally, make a decision, if the playoffs are the goal, play roloson every night,if the “rebuild” and the future is paramount then let ricky”goaltender for life” get his game on. quit the 3 headed, half- assed measures. -
Malkin got slashed on that play by the way and slashed hard. Malkin himself stopped a team mate from going after Sutton I believe.
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Anthony O. says:
Relax guys, this is the second year of a rebuild, it’s going to get better. We have a line and a half of solid forwards (Okie, Bails, JT, Moulson, Neilsen) and four real good dmen (Streit, Sutts, Hillen, MacDonald). The rest of our forwards are spare parts and junk, and I agree we do need some change, but we also need to find a young guy or two who is going to score.
Certainly, guys like Hunter, Comeau, Sim, Park, Weight, and Bergenheim have no place anymore on the team. But right now, we’re in the middle of a season – can’t do anything now. These rebuilds take some time. I would like to see Joensuu stay. Let’s hope that Snow continues to add prospects (quality, not quantity now) to Bridgeport this upcoming year so that way we have some scoring to look forward too (after all, our best three forwards are under 21 years old!).
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Jim M says:
I keep reminding myself that the Chicago Blackhawks had a top 3 pick in three out of four seasons starting back from the 04′ draft, and that we are following exactly in their footsteps……I pray
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And the Fall for Fowler continues
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Eastonhockey says:
So did Atlanta
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Mike R. says:
For the posters who are depressed over the team’s state, at least know that we have much better depth in the minors than we’ve had in the previous years (Hamonic’s almost back). It always cheers me up.
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The good news is people don’t get wide range of Internet in china. Maybe the Chinese folks won’t realize isles are worst run team on hockey since Wang bought team.
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IslesRock says:
We are just too small of a team, get pushed around. We have been for years. It’s getting hard to watch, especially when your 40 year old goalie is one of the few players that has some fight. Things could get really ugly if Sutton is traded, even though he would not drop them with Rupp.
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It stinks that they are out of it for the playoffs, however the team has improved from last year. They are on the right track.
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Post update with incredible team stat…CB
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JP says:
It’s so ironic that Gordon uses a aggressive system but it so conservative in pulling the goaltender. He won’t when they are down 2, and waits for less than a minute when down 1. Maybe he’s trying to protect the goal differential for a playoff tiebreaker.
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Apart from watching poor Richard Park try to make plays, my only real complaint of the night is that you get a 5 on a 3, win the draw–and immediately take a 40 footer with Andy MacDonald. That’s the third game in a row they’ve had a 5 on 3 and within seconds, the first shot they take comes from above the face-off circle with no one in front by someone not named Ovechkin or Kovulchuk.
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Amazing Stat! We just lack any viable talent to play with the big boys. I really hope that the Isles can become viable again in Quuens/Brooklyn… It takes more than AHL Talent +Okposo/Tavares. It takes viable Free Agents or tradable commodities… Not sure what I make of Snowjankdon, a little inexperienced and or semi-clueless…
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Look, lets all be real here for a minute. The Isles, cannot have Scott Gordan as coach because the Isles do not have the money to have a offensive system because they cant afford a single 1st line foward. THe Isles could of signed HOSSA Kovalev, etc..built a 1st line…maybe they could win some games with a offensive coach. But with Wang as owner, due to failure to run Isles succesfully, the Isles are forced to have lowest payroll for another 4 years minium. SO they need a defensive coach. Its that simple.
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tony says:
he’ll turn it around I am sure, and yes he did get off to a good start, but here is an incredble team stat:
Since JT slumped, here are his points and teamates points in last 27 games
Taveras = 6 points
Okposo – 16 points
Moulson = 10 points
Streit – 14 points
Bailey = 17 points (23 games played)
Franz = 15 points
Hunter = 9 points
Schremp = 16 points
Blake C = 9 points
Weight – 6 points (17 games played)
Park = 6 points
Sim = 6 points
Gervais = 6 points
Sutton = 6 pointsBasically, JT is tied for dead last in points over these 27 games, and when you see scrubby defenseman tied with him, and then add power play time he has played next to others, well, yeah, he is in a slump
It’s a long season, and most players go through streaks. Think Olympic break will be good for him, but he is definately struggling big-time now
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RD says:
Hello, we are in the division with the Stanley cup champs Penguins, big and tough Flyers, Marty and the always great Devils, and Lundvquist. We have 3 of the best goalies in the league 6x a year. Not to mention, we are rebuilding. The very very early stages of rebuilding. I know the Caps are great but there division is a joke. I think it is safe to say we have the best division in the East. Rangers are underachievers. They have talent. We are easily the weakest link. That has to count for something. We are taking our beatings/losses but we are hanging with these better teams and gaining experience.
This team has lost a lof of close games. People talk about how we losr 14 in a row to Philly. 8 of those 14 losses were by a single goal. This part of rebuilding, folks. Best way to succeed is to fail first.
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TM says:
That stat says it all – NYI can’t compete with the legit teams.
No money spent means no goals and no wins. The only solution is a new owner in QUEENS OR BROOKLYN.
(What’s happened to Hunter? MIA for months. I’m sick of seing him, Bergie, Park and other drek pretend to be players. Enough with the fluff.)
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mht says:
Have we won a game in the Igloo since David Volek’s game 7 slapper in 1993? Well at least the Isles will only play there one more time before the Consol Energy Center opens in the fall.
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IslanderFAN says:
2 games straight and no Dipietro…hard to understand the decision of the coaching staff.
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btw before tonight games DiPietro had a G.A.A of 2.60 and Rolo had 2.82.
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jb says:
When will Gordon’s job be on the line?
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Marc says:
Why was Gordon shaking Blysma’s hand on the ice after the game? The Isles’ have one more game left in Pittsburgh this season.
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Marc says:
The Isles do have some good young players, but there is no big scorer on this team. JT and KO are good young players. BUt, I don’t think they will ever be 40 goal plus scorers. Even JT. They need a scorer or two.
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Mad Pete says:
I hope everyone came back down to earth tonight, considering how after last night the comments made it seem like all was right and the Isles acquired two all-stars from the AHL. If you can’t beat good teams, your not going anywhere; if you can’t beat bad teams your not going anywhere. They haven’t been beating much of any lately.
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Jim Clark says:
Since Wang hired Snow as GM, how many other NHL teams have made a player a GM without any front office experience?
Maybe if the Lifesaver Project falls through, Wang can sell the team to Bruce Ratner and have him move it to Brooklyn. He’s done such a great job with the Nets (moral of story: be careful what you wish for when you urge an owner to sell. You could get someone worse as those sweet kind gentle well mannered Rangers fans have found out).
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(293) Bylsma approached Gordon and wished him well at the Olympics…CB
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LNOF says:
IslanderFAN – thanks for the stats – remember that Roli has that GAA after 36 games and DP after only 7. Take a look at the win percentage maybe? The way Roli was playing until he started sitting 4-6 days in between? Or maybe how he went 7-0-1 and then sat for 2 straight starts? You are right on trying to understand the coaching decisions…
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Steve M says: I like Martin. He’s a good 3rd-4th liner, who can rack up some points, and get into scraps. Just what the team needs now. LET HIM STAY!!! Send down a nobody like Park.
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Hey Jim 296, you mean all those playoff rounds Ratner’s Nets won with Kidd and the finals appearances? All the national TV appearances? All the kids wearing Nets jerseys a few years ago? As opposed to 10 years with Wang and no playoff rounds won and anonymity. And the worst team last season and not much better this?
Forgive me if I wish for better for NYI. (Better meaning relevant and competitive for a change).
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davy says:
How pathetic is it that Gervais is more productive than Tavares. What is more depressing than being an Islanders fan.
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Unless one believes that KO, JT and Matt Moulson (can’t believe that we now have 2 MMs, at least none is Mike Milbury) lack the ability to be big time NHLers, then the fault MUST lie with Gordo. His use players in the wrong combos and in teh wrong situations is uncanny. I think this guy would have made Bossy, Trots and Gilles look like ordinary players.
PLEASE, if nothing else, get us an NHL coach!
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The Gordon, Snow and Wang bashing is ridiculous. Everyone realizes that Milbury destroyed this team at the NHL,AHL and ECHL level right? Snow came on board with zero talent and someone mananged to get the 06-07 team into the playoffs with Ted Nolan with a host of never were or never will be’s. The next season acquiring more of the same type of players, the Isles were 3 points out at the deadline until the entire team got injured and they missed the playoffs.
Now Snow want’s to completely rebuild not only the NHL team, but the minor leagues as well. This year the team has improved over last year. Where would everyone like the Isles to be right now in the standings? Seriously, get a grip. -
Schnip says:
Can I ask why Hunter held back Rupp when him and Rollie were going after eachother… Why didnt Hunter go after Rupp. Seems like only the isles dont stick up for their goalie.
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Vealchop says:
In advance sorry for the negative post.
Brutal officiating last night. The Stanley Cup Champs got all the calls.
Kennedys jersey during the fight, ejection? See rule 47.13 Jerseys below.Trent Hunter, come on guy. Stand up for your goalie and teammate. I know Rupp is a tough guy, but please dont gentley caress him after he goes after your goalie. Nice sweetheart hug Trent.
Penguins announcers are terrible homers. Gross.
RULE 47.13 Jerseys
A player or goalkeeper who engages in a fightand whose jersey is not properly “tied-down” (jersey properly fastened to pants), and who loses his jersey (completely off his torso) in that altercation, shall receive a game misconduct penalty. -
terry b says:
last fighiting major dec 26? that says a lot,,rupp hitting the goalie/trying to get our best d man in a fight,,,when we had a real enforcer (simon) that big sissy was scared to go anywhere near him,,bring back simon…
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felix says:
I thought last night it was a feisty chippy game which the islanders meet with equal intensity. Obviously with crosby malkin et al the islanders are severly overmatched talent wise so the loss was inevtiable. I think Tavares has been looking good out there, a post a great save by fleury. he has looked faster and liked the fact that he took a swipe with his tick at the penguin player when he was on top of the puck. I think he is going to just click one day soon just like okposo.
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doug says:
This is the guy I would go after if I was Snow…I got this off one of the boards…
“Reports out of Vancouver suggest F Cody Hodgson, a top prospect, is at odds with management, making him a candidate to be traded for immediate help.”
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goislesgo105 says:
Frustrating game. We just don’t have the superstars like the Pen’s do. Malkin was the difference last night. When/if Tavares joins Crosby, Ovechkin,Malkin,Stamkos,Parise, etc. in the superstar category, games like last night will end differently. Until then…
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brendan says:
it’s obvious when the isles lose to the flyers, and any other team that has size,
that the islanders have absolutely no size. -
the only thing that keeps the flyers in games is their strength.
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NYI Hockey retsore the Pride-N-Passion says:
Interesting stat Botta.
Was not aware of this , things that make ya go ??
Coach Gordon next season all eyes on you.
Things that make ya go Hmm?
Lets Go Isles..Lets Goislanders!! -
GE of GN says:
Did you guys see Malkin dribbling the puck on the end of his stick before SHOOTING ON GOAL?! That guy is awesome, what a beast of a player.
Did you see Trent Hunter get left in the dust on every single shift? He goes to make a hit and whiffs as the Penguin player blows by him like he’s in quicksand.
And Frans Nielson has looked better than KO these last few games.
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Had to listen to the 2nd and 3rd period on the road and had on the XMRADIO Pitt feed and the 2nd period was broadcast by Steve Mears!! Do you remember him? Much better than Howie Rose!!More hockey talk and less personal discussion…Mike Lang did the 3rd and he is prbably the 2nd best in BIZ after Gary Thorne.
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honestly when jiggs did a few games for the islanders i had a flash back of the 4 stanley cups the isles won in a row!!! lets go islanders
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Gordon is just getting warmed up to the spot as head coach. He has had no prior nhl expierience.
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Gordon needs to reevaluate his lines, They suck. Give Schremp more PP time. He’s our best playmaking center.
Good evening, Islanders Country. Jon Sim pays the price for his mistake last night and rides the pine in Pittsburgh.
Around 8:00 pm, this thread wil be joined by longtime Islanders reporter Peter Botte, co-author of “Fish Sticks” and currently the beat writer for the Daily News. I encourage your Qs for Pete on his book and his many years on the beat, starting near the end of the first period. Thank you and enjoy the game…CB