ATLANTA 6 ISLANDERS 3
The one where you provided the commentary
Hockey Independent: NYI at the deadline
After the drama of the last 48 hours, what do you say we take this back to hockey and some good ol’ optimism? Yeah, I thought you’d agree.
As it should be, Scott Gordon has modest goals for John Tavares for the rest of the season.
“My expectations are only that John keep working on his game,” said the Islanders coach.
As it should be, Tavares is reaching higher.
“I want to get better as a player and help our team make a playoff push,” Tavares told Point Blank. “The responsibility is on me to contribute as much as I can.”
The trials and tribulations of the first overall pick in the 2009 draft during the last three months have been well-documented. (Short version: the prodigious scorer in junior has no goals in his last 15 games, two in his last 31). Tavares is so closely followed and well-regarded that even Alexander Ovechkin suggested the Olympic break was badly needed and advised his fellow No. 1 draft selection to get away from the game for a while.
That’s exactly what Tavares did.
“Just spent time with my family and friends – the people back home who mean a lot to me,” said Tavares. “It was definitely good to get away from the game for a week. I think more than physically, it was good to have the rest mentally.”
Whenever his season ends, Tavares will immediately begin preparations for his important sophomore year. The Islanders will work with Tavares on and off the ice to help him get bigger, stronger and faster.
There is a precedent for this sort of thing.
“I know what John has been going through with the rigors of the NHL season and I have no doubt he’s going to be an even better player because of it,” said Josh Bailey, who made the Islanders after his selection ninth overall in the 2008 draft. “Like I did, John is going to have the benefit of a complete offseason working with the coaches and the training staff to prepare like an NHL player. I can’t tell you what a difference that made for me last spring and summer.”
After a quiet first month, the 20-year-old Bailey has looked and performed like a completely different player this season – especially during a blistering stretch from the holidays through January.
For all of Tavares’ travails, the teenager is second on the Islanders in goals, fourth in assists and third in scoring. Most observers believed a 20-25 goal, 40-50 point season would have been a home run for the rookie on a rebuilding team, especially without a top-skilled veteran on his line to work with. With 19 games remaining entering the tilt tonight in Atlanta, Tavares has 17 goals and 34 points.
“John has the same disadvantage Josh had,” said Gordon, referring to the brief NHL initiation before being thrown against the wolves.
Said Tavares: ”My focus is on looking forward, not back. I want to head into the summer knowing I improved and played a part in us finishing the season strong.”
Tavares may be the first overall pick with a legendary junior career behind him, but he is still a 19-year-old prospect that needs to be developed like the rest of the franchise’s young players. The ultimate responsibility falls on the young man, but it’s also on the organization to see that his world-class skills are developed to their maximum level.
The process really begins this offseason.
*
The newly-acquired Dylan Reese will make his NHL debut tonight for the Islanders against the Thrashers. The 25-year-old defenseman, a seventh round pick of the Rangers in 2004, had a goal and an assist in his only game with the Sound Tigers after his acquisition from Columbus. Andrew MacDonald is out 4-6 weeks with a broken foot suffered Tuesday in the win over Chicago.
Since Reese played 51 games with AHL Syracuse this season, I checked in with Crunch owner Howard Dolgon for his snapshot look at the new Islander.
“Dylan is an extremely smart player who gives 100% effort every shift,” wrote Dolgon, a Long Island resident. “He will not be out-worked. Our coaches really liked his strong passes out of our own end. He is also a real quality person.”
*
SOCIAL Dinner with Bossy, Nystrom on March 15
For reservations call Social at 516.489.8080 and ask for Max. Or email max.feinberg@socialsportskitchen.com Mention Point Blank
This is not a Point Blank event, but merely a second and final plug for the crew at SOCIAL in Uniondale who treated all of us so nicely when we had our night in early December. The restaurant is also offering a significant discount exclusively to Point Blank readers.
On March 15, SOCIAL (across the street from the Coliseum) is hosting two dinner seatings for Islanders fans at 7:00 and 8:30 pm. Included is a three-course meal from Danny Gagnon of “Top Chef” and personal visits to your table by Hall of Famer Mike Bossy, “Mr. Islander” Bob Nystrom and, for any kids in attendance, Sparky the team’s mascot.
Autograph requests and the taking of photographs are highly encouraged.
Each fan will also receive from Bossy or Nystrom a voucher for one complimentary ticket to an Islanders 2009-10 home game.
The inclusion of the free ticket makes the price for the dinner and Bossy-Nystrom meet-and-greet a darn good deal. But for Point Blank readers, it’s even better. SOCIAL is offering the event for just $50 each.
So for 50 bucks, you get a ticket to a game, meet a pair of legends and enjoy an appetizer, entree and dessert. Not a bad way to spend an hour.
For reservations call Social at 516.489.8080 and ask for Max. Or email max.feinberg@socialsportskitchen.com Mention Point Blank
*
How about this observation from the incomparable Mike Fornabaio of the Connecticut Post, via Twitter. Of the remaining healthy defensemen on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, only teenager Anton Klementyev does not require re-entry waivers to be recalled.
Brendan Witt: what did he, what did he, what did he do to deserve this? (Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield). Why not put him through re-entry waivers? I guess they will buy out the final year of his contract.
TSN had a great shot of Andy Sutton taking the ice for the first time as an Ottawa Senator yesterday. Sutton looked down at his jersey, saw the logo and had a priceless, this-is-neat reaction. Easy guy to root for.
The Islanders have won their last four games against the Thrashers, who acquired Clarke MacArthur yesterday from the Sabres for a third and fourth round pick. Atlanta is in the Eastern playoff hunt and play 13 of their 21 final games of the regular season at home. The Islanders have lost their last six games on the road – all of them in regulation.
Comments on this post and tonight’s game. Since it is not a PB event, please contact SOCIAL directly for details on their dinner with Bossy and Nystrom. As I mentioned yesterday, I’m away on assignment for a few days but will post when I can. Enjoy the games.
281 Responses to ATLANTA 6 ISLANDERS 3
The one where you provided the commentary
-
rb says:
“John has the same disadvantage Josh had,” said Gordon.
Yes, both have a coach whose system doesn’t fit them and who can’t seem to coach young players on how to play defense in their own zone.
Really, the learning curve for young players under Gordon seems to be like Mount Everest.
-
Hey, rb, hasn’t seemed to stop Kyle Okposo. Besides, what system is better for a young “circles-down” forward with incredible hands than one putting constant pressure on the opposition deep in their own zone?
-
boss15 says:
“disadvantages”
-Roster…
-Building…
-GM…
-Owner…
and like rb mentioned the system is geared towards speed which as we all know is not Tavares’ strong suit. It would have been ok if the team had some real fast puck moving forwards but not only do they not have any but there are none in the entire system. Go-go system with no go-go players, doesn’t make a heck of a lot of sense to me. -
Matt S. says:
who do you think hates Witt so much? Gordon or Snow?
-
Ethan K says:
Wow, a lot of negativity lately.
I’m still positive about the future. I still think Tavares can become a perennial 45 goal scorer, and he’ll be awesome after this offseason. I’m certain they’ll get a speed training coach to work with him privately. It always looks like he needs to make longer, more fluent strides.
I don’t think anyone “hates” Brendan Witt, but he’s the polar opposite of what Gordon’s system called for. He’s waaay past his prime, and has really slowed down. Maybe he could fit with another team. He should be put on re-entry waivers just for the sake of it.
As per Gordon’s system – it requires athleticism in barrels – both size and speed. I think that’s why Sutton and Okposo are so effective in their positions. I also think that Bailey and Schremp will be great players in that system once they develop. And for those completely opposed to Scott Gordon’s aggressive offensive system – he was the offensive coach for Team USA in the olympics, and they ran the go-go system. It works as well as the players do.
-
brian says:
steven stamkos stats year 1-
23 goals, 23 assists, 46 pointssteven stamkos stats year 2-
37 goals, 35 assists, 72 pointsjohn tavares projected stats year 1-
22 goals, 22 assists, 44 points -
Bigboo317 says:
Really excited for tonights game… This unlike the Chicaco game will have a real playoff atmosphere and potential for a 4 pt. Swing. Not to worried about This kid Reese becuse all the d-men we have called up this year gbe held their own because they can all skate and move the puck out of the zone. I also feel a big game from Tavares. Great story on him CB and the post comparing him to Stamkos is great. While he was mishandled in the begining of last season his play after the all-star break and on has been arguably the best in the league, and he plays with guys like St. Louis and Lecavlier. If John can find the net gain and Rolosson plays anything like the begining of the year we are going to make a nice push.
-
CJCB says:
WOW! The Softees if you can imagine are Softer today than they were yesterday?? Can this team of skeletons compete in the NHL? Has the NHL become that soft that a team put together like the Isles can play at this level? Tune ine for what looks like a BORING finale to this already LONG season.
-
bossy22 says:
Keep in mind, Stamkos also has St. Louis and Malone on his line….not bad for helping development. CB, I think Snow was very disrespectful to you yesterday. Let Garth know that I check your site everyday and haven’t checked the Isles website in over 6 months. What’s that tell a person. Also, why would spend money to read Katie when the best stuff is right here…….for free. Thanks CB.
-
pj1212 says:
I feel the main reason that has effected JT this year, is the fact that he is not surrounded by a skilled player to help his development. A 19 yr old cannot be expected to come to a real bad team and develop on his own reagardless of his potential. Snow has to fix that during the offseason. I love doug weight, but this team needs productinve veteran leadership as well.. Remember joel thornton was not good til yr 3 or 4 if i remember. Lets not panic about jt yet, he will be fine. weather this team makes the playoffs or not this yr, i hope they go out playing well…there have some strides forward this year….lets keep it up..go isles
-
why does Snow seem to get rid of any player who has a physical presence? The team is very soft, if they are hit hard and often they crumble which is why the Flyers beat us so easily every time we play them. Oh yeah and we STILL have Gervais who loses every single battle for the puck he is involved in
-
a REAL hockey fan says:
.. John Tavares is all of 20 and going through his 1st NHL season. He was hot as a firecracker in december/jan and has hit the rookie brick wall – I think he will continue to develop and work and also get bigger/stronger. Yes he needs ‘to work’ on his game/body a lil and then we can put some real/legit talent around him. He will be a fine NHL player!!
.. Ya know whats REAL SAD??? Garth Snow as a player (BTW he was a goalie 4 those who dont know) is *tougher-meaner* than the roster he developed! Im NOT trolling or being a wiseguy, Garth as a player took no nonsense/crap from anyone! Anyone who stood in front of him got chopped/wacked and hit. He even got in some scraps a goalie – he was a mean/nasty player (as a goalie) YETTTT he puts out a marshmallow team – Arrrghh its tough to watch this soft team get pushed around!
.. Priorities in the offseason – keep aquiring and drafting young talent and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE add some size and sandpaper on this team!! Now with Andy Sutton gone they have NO physical presence!…..
-
JT gets alot of criticism especially since Duchene keeps scoring and doing well. However, I still think he will come back a better player next year regardless of how he finishes this season. He is young, driven, and extremely talented. He should be given the benefit of the doubt. However, the team has to start surrounding him with quality players this offseason. Enough of building from within; that only takes you so far.
-
ISLES71 says:
will be at the game tonight, rooting for JT and all the Boys to try thier best!!!! just win baby!!!! 1940…..1994…go Isles!
-
piles-O-isles says:
I agree with comment 14.
hopefully he learns a lesson…
-
Trial-My-Isles! says:
I second comment #14
-
Brian in VA says:
You do realize that once JTs rookie contract is up in 2.25 years he s bolting out the door to an orgainzation that cares about winning… Look I love JT and KO but I know they are as good as gone when their contracts are up. Yes I know they will be RFA’s but c’mon. This organization is DREADFUL!
-
dose says:
i’d like to know how the conversations between JT and his family/friends went when they talked about his future on LI, his concerns, regrets etc. he seems like he’d not let all the uncertainty affect his play or development, but it has to be in his head.
-
KO and JT really need to step up tonight. Confidence is key and the Thrashers are a team that can help them build that.
-
islesfan999 says:
How about we just help the kids out and sign 2 forward 6 ft 2 220 lbs or bigger. It would sure help our forwards to have some tough players on the team. And also we better sign 2 tough skilled dmen this summer. I want James Wiesneski give him 6 yrs 24 million or more if need be….
-
In light of our thin blueline, the recent injuries and dealing away of Sutton, and a hockey understanding that we’re closer to a lottery pick than a playoff spot (mathematical likelihood be damned), I’d like to see Gordon finally, finally, finally try Tavares as a winger with our best passer. I
f Pitt could do it with Crosby in a 100 point rookie debut, WHY can’t we do it with the “2 goals in 31 games” Tavares?
I’d love to see these lines (in light of injuries) as of tonight:
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Moulson-Weight-Tavares
Comeau-Schremp-Sim/Bergenheim/Tambellini
Sim/Bergenheim/Tambellini-Park-Jackman -
Why not put JT back with MM and KO since that is when he had the most success (same for MM)?
-
Brian G says:
The Islanders Organization needs to get a clue…there is no direction…they like getting draft picks, not spending money, and having draft parties to smoke screen the fans…
-
Ralph A. says:
Problem with Tavares is he can’t skate and it’s killing him. Duchene would have been the better choice, and the Avs don’t exactly have world class talent around him. The comparisons to Stamkos are silly, he started off slow and once he hit his stride, he hasn’t looked back. Yes he has some other guys to take the load off, but seriously, Tavares isn’t adjusting well. I hate to think he could be a bust, or that Hedman and Duschene are better players. But this is prototype Islanders nonsense, we get the #1 overall and we can’t even get the best player/prospect available. We draft the consensus #1 and he’s been an absolute stiff since December.
Alexandre Daigle
Dave Chyzowski
John TavaresI shudder to think he is heading down that same path, but lately there is little proof to suggest otherwise.
-
4theisles says:
Is JT an elite player to be? Possibly not likely. Is he a first line star 30+ goals maybe. Is it a first year late season slump obviously. Everyone has made valid points above and now for the last 19 games and next season will go far in answering these questions. Have I written anything original? NO – but I’ve had fun.
-
JT and KO yes they will be RFAs but some team will throw boatloads of cash at them (see Dustin Penner) and BOOM! They will not match and take the 1st round picks! The Isles do not spend any money they just patch with store brand generic bandaids… I will only have confidence in this Organization if Wang sells and they move to Brooklyn/Queens… If he sells and they move to KC or Timbuktu, I will not care about the team anymore and quit with the NHL.
-
Witt brings toughness a step too late. He gets beat far too often and has ceased to be that shutdown d-man we knew and loved.
-
Hock says:
I’ve been thinking the same thing as Jersey Steve….reunite Tavares with Okposo and Moulson. They had some good chemistry for awhile.
-
stephen says:
Good read CB…
More so than anything else, this organization NEEDS its good young players to grow and mature into real players.
Tavares, Bailey and Okposo and the rest of our youngsters need to take the next step over the summer.
-
Judging by how much improvement Josh has made since he started last year, I think JT will do just fine.
CB: In your opinion what is it (besides the LHP)that this organization is lacking to become a truly top notch competitive organization??
-
MorDraftPicks says:
We are all kidding ourselves if we think the Islanders will sign big name free agents…..IMHO, that is the ONLY reason Witt is in the Bridge, guys get shuffled on off days, and NO TRADES made!!! Wang is done spending. Keep on the lookout for more “Moulson type” FA’s, because if anyone thinks the Isles will spend this off season – FORGET IT….Not a chance!!
-
schnip says:
I like when people bring up Witts toughness, like getting hit by a truck and playing Phili that night. Please look at the stats that night, Witt no hits.
-
Chris, I want to thank you for all the work you do for us isles fans. I check this website every chance I get. The islander website is pathetic. I would love to tell Garth that I have loved this team so much over the years. However, I often feel so disrespected, and and just plain dissed by islander management. Why do they alienate everyone who bleeds orange and blue? I spend about $4,000 a yr. on this team. I am not alone. Garth, you should treat anyone who promotes this team and is obviously keeping the fan base happy, like gold.I can tell you that without this website I would not have as much interest as I do, or spend the money that I do. Management needs to get a clue. Also, I am sure Chris dey is a nice guy, but I’m really sorry, his marketing decisions are juvenile. Maybe Wang could find a position he would be good at within the organization. Every time he speaks to the fans, it sounds like he is talking to 5yr old kids. I believe Garth is trying to do his best and that is all I can ask of our G.M. Do Garth or Wang ever read this post? Do they have a take on the amount of readers for their silly website compared to this one? Are they jealous, because this one is so much better? Please Islander management, understand that hockey fans are a special breed, and islander fans especially are among the most loyal of all,as was proven by all the support for the lighthouse project. Treat your fan base with respect, and they will always be there. Treat them like they don’t exist, and someday…soon they may not be!
-
HeyNow!!! says:
Im glad you brought this up today, Chris…I’ve been a bit concerned about our 1st overall pick…Its hard to deny the fact that Duchene looks allot better when it comes to his skating and speed…I still believe in the kid, to…I believe he will work hard and find a way to be great like he was through his young life…Im mean, he did score 15 goals in his 1st 30 games and that wasn’t by accident…I doubt it was luck either…I also noticed he doesn’t always show he has a hard shot like Stamkos…
-
Blizzard says: ….for all the money our rivals throw around they certainly do not have any marked success over the Islanders. However its more interesting and exciting and at least they appear to try to improve their club. I understand the rebuilding process. Its just all getting really old now…the LHP, Wang, Snow…I cant believe I am saying this but after all this even with JT on board I am losing interest…….
-
cgs878 says:
Playoff push? What the heck is Tavares smoking? Hahahahaha.
-
dylan reese could quite possibly be another surprise. his numbers have improved every year in the AHL and maybe he fits in well here. good luck sir!
that being said, seanc i agree with you 100%. when i go to games i definitely don’t see anyone aside from the occasional loudmouthed cafone who verbalizes such feelings publicly, so i wonder how much stock these scathing opinions based on fantasy in the brain scenarios truly do carry. ya know what, people just like to whine and be jerks on the internet i think, and isles fans are just a little more angry than most. but it’s still a disgrace……
-
Spartiarti-RVC says:
Im not even going to discuss this. All you sudden JT bashers are going to be swallowing you words. Stop being so shortsighted. Tavares is going to be a superstar no question.
Why would you question Gordon’s development when guys like KO, Versteeg, and Krejci all say they have Gordon to thank for their development.
Isles will definately make signing in off season and pick up some size.
As far as KO, JT will leave after contract up. Same was said when Crosby joined Pitt. Im sure feeling the game with Ovchekin went to Wash and when Sedins were in Vancouver. None of them left. As far as getting offer sheets. Do you realize that when Penner was signed away to edmonton, Edm lost there first round pick in which Anaheim drafted Bobby Ryan. as well as 2nd and 3rd round pick. please tell me who you would rather have on your team now.
Same happens to Toronto fo signing Kessel.If toronto finishes last and Toronto gets #1 pick. That pick now belongs to Boston.
-
2277 says:
Please stop the JT bashing! Everyone is aware that Duchene is on a MUCH MUCH better team, right?!
-
dsb says:
duchene is also on the second line in colorado if he was on the isles as the #1 center he would have 22 to 28 points playing against the top defensive unit every night. he will be a very good player and so will tavares.
-
IslesFanInTN says:
CB-The Pet Shop Boys reference cracked me up.
-
Jim Clark says: JT is still a young’un. A few years ago a 19 year old would not even be allowed in the NHL. Hopefully the Olympic break gave him a chance to recharge his batteries.
Tonight the 12th place Islanders, a mere 5 points out of a playoff spot, will take on the 10th place Atlanta Thrashers before a crowd of hundreds.
Looking at the number of trades made yesterday where teams got 5th and 7th rounders, maybe Snow did pretty good getting a second for Andy Sutton Hoo.
-
Numbers65 says:
Thanks for the awsome read CB!
JT had a great year considering that the closest thing he has had to elite players to work with are Baily, KO, Streit, Weight. Also, no enforcer. The Isles sure didn’t do much to help his development yet. Not to backtrack but good point a poster made that the last time they went to the Isles website was 6 months ago. Same here, and I quit Newsday since they started charging. The only other places I frequent is Dee Karl (Hockey Buzz – 7th Woman), and THN, who surprisingly has had more Isles coverage this year, and of course FANHOUSE! Fanhouse is now my friend for life for keeping IPB going! -
Joe says:
I cant understand why Martin isnt up, he will end up replacing Hunter at some point anyway, Id see this as an opportunity for him to play.
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
JT will be fine … he has what you can’t teach … the raw skills.
Josh is right … JT will have the advantage of a full offseason to relax, reflect and train as an NHL player in preparation for the next season.
I went into this season really not expecting much … but I’ve already been impressed with JT and the progress of the other younger players … Sure it’s still a ways to go … but they’re moving in the right direction.
-
Alex says:
Wow, everyone here is so negative. I understand as Isles fans we have been through a lot, but we have a lot of things to be happy about this season. Okposo, Tavares, Bailey, Martin, Hillen, Roloson, MacDonald, Kohn, Moulson, Schremp, and Comeau has even started to pick it up.
With the exception of Roloson, all of these guys are YOUUUNNGG! Young players will show flashes of what’s to come. It is very rare for a young player to just show up and explode into a superstar.
This team has far exceeded my expectations for this season. I like a lot of things Snow is doing, and I like Gordon and his system. Once all of the youngsters turn the corner on their development, all of you Gordon-haters will quickly fall in love with the aggressive system.
People are too quick to point fingers at the GM and the Coach. The Isles are just fine and have a bright future.
-
pocketski says:
God yes, sit this guy. How many times have you heard hunter shoots and misses the net . So slow on his forecheck. Another over payed under performer
-
When will Sim be on waivers? he is really helping the rebuild…he is taking up a roster spot for Martin or Joensuu
-
ed says:
For all the crap/benchings that Comeau gets, he has 12 goals and KO has 13. If he ends up with more than KO does that finally get him a regular shift? I definitely expected better numbers from KO this season
-
#10, Stamkos had St.Louis and Malone for sure, but he had Martin in juniors. Tavaras will have Martin. It was a thing of beauty to watch in juniors as Stamkos/Martin did their thing.
-
Eastonhockey says:
I think next season isles will have lowest payroll again.. Okiposo won’t hit 20 goals again so next season will also be a non playoff season. I don’t see the great youth others see. I see players who put up points that make rookies like David volek n mikko makela look like superstars
-
Richie66 says:
Cant we just start the draft talk already. I would rather have a top 5 pick then a 1st round playoff loss. 2011 is the year it all comes together
-
Joe says:
I would rather have Martin stay down in the Bridge so a year of his contract doesn’t count this year. Have him ready to start next year!
-
1972 means I'm Old says:
Prodigies (Tavares) tend not to do well in chains (Gordon).
This team always comes out tentative, slow, tight. We should be seeing free-flowing enthusiasm.
I admire Tavares’s calm cooperation and maturity while he is in prison. Crosby would have had his coach fired by now.
Aside from the DiPietro Saga, the organization has to decide whether Tavares is a franchise player or not.I have a very strong feeling Tavares will be in a Toronto jersey and hitting the back of the net 45 times a year at the first chance he can escape from this mess.
-
look at the self-fulfilling prophecies some of you guys are setting up for yourselves. why not show up at the coliseum with pitchforks and torches and chase the isles outta town in person? come on. either be a fan or dont. quit riding the line, because when the team actually succeeds and not here, i know the told ya so’s aren’t gonna be too well received.
-
JoeRiverside says:
Eastonhockey: keep in mind that Isles have young players skating with weak veterans. Put these kids on stronger teams and their points would be higher. JT, JB & KO will be top tier NHL’ers, no doubt in my mind. Fast forward 3 years and we have the young defensemen up, plus a 2-3 key FA signings….now we’re talking playoffs
-
Islesrock says:
JT will only get bigger and stronger. Poster #13 makes a great point about the size we need. I had the same complaints when Mad Mike was GM. He was a big nasty player, yet even in those days we were a soft team.
-
From what Ive seen from Tavares’ goals, a good majority have been bang in’s in front of the net. I clearly remember 2 in Toronto and 2 in Phili, on back to back nights. Also his first goal ever and a few against Atlanta also bang ins. I would like to see him skate down the side, beat a defender one on one and give a wicked wrister to the back of the net. Bang in goals dont make you a star scorer, makes you more like a baby Bertuzzi in his prime. Stamkos and Duchene can beat defences with speed. So stop saying his 15 or so goals are glimpses of a star, more like a power forward in training.
-
Surrounding the youth with fringe veterans does not help them. We need solid vets who aren’t collecting social security checks yet. We also need impact players which we will only get if Wang opens up the wallet this summer.
-
Arbour Day says:
#51 I could not agree more. Everyone seems thrilled with KO’s production. Why is that? 13 goals so far is good for him? To me he is a goo dplayer but is he a stud? No way! The Isles young players are not stars or close to being stars. This team is far from being good. Taveras will be fine. I blame Snow for not giving him the proper veteran linemates he needs.
-
I think another thing that is blatantly missing is size and toughness. No surprise there, but I do not think it is a coincidence that JT has been in a slump since that Philly game where they were knocking him all over the place or when Jovonaski took his head off. No one can or will retaliate for this kid. No one with size on his wings to get him any room. It is criminal and one of the worst GM mistakes in not having size on a young team if they are skilled and undersized. Even Melrose makes fun of the Islanders because of this and he is an idiot. I will never support Snow because of this stupid move. There is no enthusiasm because these are JV sized athletes playing the varsity. Snow gets rid of Witt, Sutton and Thompson. What has he replaced it with? Martin?? A 205 lb fighter with a visor. Love the kid, but I don’t want him to be responsible for our toughness. Until he fixes this, I will bash him as much as I can. This is so easy to fix and would actually make the games entertaining
-
jeff says:
The difference between JT and KO is that while both are failing to score, KO looks good when not scoring and JT looks lost. I for one am quite worried about JT and the comparisons to Steve Stamkos are just plain silly. Stamkos started slow and has been on fire since the middle of his rookie year. JT started on fire and has disappeared. And Stamkos is the same age as JT.
-
I love reading everyones thoughts, they are so different. Thats what makes the world go round. However, can we stop kissing ass every time an interview comes out, with “Great Read CB”, “CB- Awesome read”. Give your views without the ass kissing – gives it more cred
-
post #56 could agree more… Add KO to that list he will be scoring 30+ in Minny with the Wild… Look at the bright side Moulson and Schremp will score 12 for the Isles and lead them to 14th in the East in a few years…
-
AJAX says:
(64) – Good read MDP. I agree.
-
Chris in DC says:
Looking forward to tonight’s game. Watched the clips again of the game against the ‘Hawks and Robbie Schremp and Comeau continue to impress. Glad we still have Roloson. If the D can hold up and the Isles play like they did in early Jan., I really think they can make things interesting. Btw, how in the world the ‘Hawks didn’t make a strong play for Roloson after watching Cristobal P.U.-ay in net is beyond me, but I’m sure glad we still have Rollie.
-
dan says:
Lets start a 13-4-2 run to make the playoffs!
LETS GO ISLANDERS
-
Brian in VA, GM’s aside from Kevin Lowe do not go around signing RFA’s to offer sheets, it just doesn’t happen anymore. No need to worry about that with KO, JT, JB. You only have to worry about those guys getting traded for more picks.
-
given that his hands are so clearly tied and his resources so limited, i don’t see how a fair assesment of the g.m.’s whole performance is possible. yeah, maybe he’s acted like a putz sometimes in dealing with criticism, and misstepped on a couple of individual moves/non-moves, none of which have been THAT vital to the overall. but if you want to assign a grade to how he’s done, i think it can only be an “incomplete.” if you want to point to guy who’s had unlimited resources for years and still can’t put a real contender together, there’s mr. absent himself glen sather. snow isn’t the most visible or outwardly jovial guy in the world, but if you have a real big prob with where this team is right now, which i don’t for the most part, i say pin it where it belongs more – on the owner.
-
JSExpress says:
Wow… The wheel turns ever so slowly. 10 months ago, the overwhelming sentiment here was that people would abandon the Isles outright if Tavares was not taken as the first pick. Now people are labeling him a bust?
He’s 19. 19! What were any of doing at 19? He had 15 goals through his first 31 games… He won’t be a bust. However, I strongly believe that in order for him to reach his full potential, this organization will have to finally commit to being a winner again, and Uncle Chuck will have to dust off the check book and figure out a way to bring in a couple more guys that can actually play.
-
The Mick says:
While I understand Tavares is a young kid in his first NHL season, he just is a complete non-factor in these games now. He’s not even getting good scoring chances. The skating has definitely hurt him as he gets knocked off the puck a lot and just isn’t able to handle it in traffic. Patrick Kane is a prime example of the type of offensive player I’d love to see Tavares aspire to. Hopefully this skating issue can be fixed.
-
Eastonhockey – you have to remember that Mikko Makela (all-time great hockey name!) and David Volek played in the go-go 80′s where everyone seemed to have four 20-goal scorers. If your team didn’t break 250 goals they were pathetic. Last year, only nine teams did that, and two others were exactly at 250.
The year Mikko scored 36 goals, the Isles scored 308 times; the league average was 297 per team. The year Volek debuted with 25 goals for a team that scored 265 (the league averaged 299 per team), and who still had LaFontaine, Brent Sutter, and Trottier.
Last year’s highest-scoring team was Detroit at 295, a mark that would have put them in the lower half of teams in the latter 80′s. The Red Wings averaged 317 goals in the two years I just mentioned (87-88 and 88-89), and they were nobody’s idea of excellent. The ’88 Calgary Flames scored 397 times, a full 100 more than league average that season, 102 more than the most prolific offense last year, and 158 more than last year’s average: that’s about TWO extra goals per game.
I don’t think that having NO 20-goal guys is good at any time, but there was just more scoring then, and concentrated among fewer players. Nearly 200 more guys got into an NHL game last year than 21 years ago. There were a bit more 20-goal guys last year (120-107) but move up to 25 goals, and 1988 wins 79-69. Go to thirty goals, and 1988 wins 54-39. Forty goals? In 1988, 29 guys: better than one per team. Last year? Eight. That’s the number of guys with FIFTY goals in 1988. (And seven of them were 22 or younger – guys like Lemieux, Yzerman, Neiuwendyk, Robitaille… a great influx of goal-scoring ability.)
In that context, KO’s 18 for last year’s team, devoid of mature talent and playing tons of their games in a tough division (Lundqvist, Brodeur, the Pens), isn’t quite so bad. Five different Islanders have a good shot to equal or better that this season (Moulson’s already at 22). The Lighthouse wasn’t built in a day, you know.
-
Cuillzy says:
I just got done reading all of these comments and I have to say that I share the concerns about JT and KO and not because I doubt their ability. KO looks great in most games and JT has world class, finisher, skills, he’s proven it What concerns me, very much, is the lack of any one skilled veterans to help them develope and to take pressure off of them. They are kids for God sakes, this will do more harm than good by hanging them out to dry. Here’s an analogy. I’m in sales and if I started in a sales job but there were no good sales guys for me to listen too so I can see how its done I wouldn’t have anyone to learn from. I have had that problem before. I couldn’t be great because I had to make it up as I went along and my confidence wasn’t high so that made it really hard, I would just spin my wheels.
Bottom line, you need skilled vets and big enforcers. Garth, wtf are you gonna do??
-
Eric says:
Eastonhockey: Okposo wont score 20 goals next season? Are you kidding me? He was snake bitten for a long stretch this season. He might not be the greatest GOAL scorer but he will be a solid point producer. I see a player that will get 22-30 goals a season but will add 42-50 assists a year. I think Okposo will be a 65-75 point player, which is real good in todays nhl. Also the guy plays great defensively so dont underestimate that part of his game.
-
Gary9-19-22 says:
I think your wrong #56…
I beleive that JT wants to do for this organization what Ovechkin has done for the Caps and Crosby did for Pitt and Kane/Toewes has done for Chi. You can even add Mike Modano to the list to go back a little in history. LeBron James, Peyton Manning, Tim Duncan. All these organizations were in BIG trouble and now they are NHL elite.
Look at Heatley, Thorton, Mats Sundin and countless others.. As great as they are they are not viewed the same as those listed above because they didnt lift the team they was drafted by.
A #1 draft choice in any pro sport cannot be viewed as “really special” unless they take a pile of sh!t and turn it into gold. I will start from a few years ago…
NHL,NFL, NBA:
Going back to 1980 not one #1 draft pick went onto to elite superstardom with another team except John Elway, and he was traded befor he ever put on a Colt uniform, Shaquille O’Neal and go all the way back to 1969 and Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabaar).The point: If he doesn’t become an elite superstar with us then he will never be one and the pick was the wrong pick. We wont know that for at least 2-3-4 more years.
-
jnew66 says:
agree w/ JSExpress. Majority of fans at draft party wanted JT badly. Picking one of the other two dudes would have caused a riot. And now at age 19, JT is being labled “bust”, “lost”, “ineffective”. The negativity on this blog is UNREAL. Bottom line is the kid gives this franchise an identity. His presence along w/ the play of Roloson, Moulson, KO, Neilsen, Hillen and McD put fans in the seats. Not every 19yr old is a Gretzky or Crosby. Everyone ought to try and cheer up a little. Team is vastly improved from last year.
-
Eric Nystrom says:
Bertuzzi, Luongo, Mcabe, Connolly all labeled busts at a young age and all turned out to be pretty good players.. give JT a chance..
-
Lafontaine16 says:
I guarantee if the isles passed on tavares and TB or Colorado took him, with their supporting casts he would have 35-40 goals and we would all be saying I can’t believe we passed up on Tavares. Remember his numbers are actually impressive compared to Stamkos from last year considering he doesn’t have St. Louis or Lecavailer to play with.
-
50 in 50 says:
JT like all #1 picks is going through the growing pains of a young man playing in a BIG boys league. He is squeezing the carbon fibers outta his stick, but he will mature in time. If we can keep him around after his contract expires and we will still be rebuilding then he will be a HUGE part of our success.
-
Pieces of a puzzle to form a winner is not easy. Chemistry is a fine art. It would be a little too harsh to say the Islanders are talentless, all players do good things. The trick is to weed out guys that will not do whats required to win. Too many finishers make for no finish etc. No doubt good things are on the horizonon on the island. The youth will flourish as more key pieces are added full time in the bigs. As the JT’s, Baileys, KO’s, Moulsons, Martins etc are mixed you will see the chemistry the Isles are trying to develop. Yes it wouldn’t hurt to have a 4 min a game goon to watch their backs, but I don’t think they are going to require such once the chemistry starts, cause they will be watching each others backs. I feel that may be missing todate. Hey! We all want to be part of a winner and are all looking for the same common goal. The AHL team is also on the tight rope to make the playoffs so key components that could play in the bigs must be left till that irons itself out. Bottom line we may be looking at a exciting group next season. I also believe the sooner the youth play togeather this yr, the closer we are to seeing this chemistry. So lets give management the benefit of the doubt. A 1 rd. playoff birth would be monumental towards this rebuild. More confidence for next yr.
-
Enzo says:
Let’s be honest. Anyone who has been a fan of this team that is younger than 30 just expects JT to be a bust. I hope not but what else can you expect. This organization is a joke.
-
Strummer's Army says:
I cannot believe the defense is so small and the cupboard is so bare. Snow has been neglegent on this issue for his entire tenure. He failed to even add a stop gap measure at the deadline. I’ll give him good drafts, the Campolli trade, & even trading Sutton (because he had to get something).
If as reports from several outlets are correct that teams were interested in Roloson but Snow insisted they take on some Isles bad assets (Witt, Sim, Bruno etc)and that killed potential deals. I don’t understand it. It isn’t like they are not easy buy outs or UFA’s this summer most of them.
Isles will get better. The forwards I think will all continue to be young and that is fine. I see only Streit and Hillen as locks for next year. Will MacDonald remain consistent? Bruno, Martinek and Meyer have to go. The two or three keepers are small. Hamonic has size but CB says he needs a year in Bridge. Defense is where the Isles can and should add veterans with size, skill, and toughness. Snow has to make it happen.
-
More then a little surprised fans are dumping all over youngsters Tavares and Okposo. No worries with either of them. I wonder if fans are just frustrated at the organization and used to the organization building stuff up and always managing to find ways to upset the fans?
Garth has to understand his management style of ignoring the fans and not accepting any criticism does not create trust with the fan base. He for too long has ignored glaring weak spots in the roster while fans & media were screaming for a fix. Between all the bad owners, the TOH, the horrible Maloney and Milbury trades & drafts I think Isles fans tend to be very negative and don’t trust the organization because it always finds a way to snatch failure from the mouth of victory. The organization has to change that.
-
Smokey a.k.a. Botta is God says:
Which of these is funnier?
–The same people saying they were done with the Islanders if they didn’t take Tavares now clamor for Duchene or Hedman after 2/3 of a season
–The same people who hailed Tavares as a possible generational talent now think Tavares has no chance of ever being an elite hockey player
-
Jimbones says:
I totally agree with some of the previous posts that anyone decent will bolt as soon as their contracts are up. There is absolutely no reason to play here. Look at Ryan Smith (and a long time ago was it Kirk Muller?) Why do YOU think Snow traded Sutts, because he could get something for him while he can!! The Isles are a good AHL team. Thats it, and they could be beaten on any night by an AHL team that is playing well.
-
rpchief says:
How can people say the rebuild is too slow and taking two long, It’s only a year and a half. It takes time for these things to develop. Plus we had no real assets to trade to speed it up. We all over value the players and think we can get anything we want back. Look at what we all said chicago would give us for rollie. And what was the best offer a third round pick. It will take the rest of this year and possibly next to get this going. We all felt the rebuild was the way to go, so why complain so early into it…Let’s Go Islanders
-
UIF says:
I have plenty of problems with some decisions made by management, and the sense of pending doom that seems to be part of being an Islanders fan…but even I can’t see how Tavares is a target here. He needs to get stronger. That’s obvious…and completely correctable! He’s a smart player who knows where to go to score, he’s just getting out-muscled in those areas right now…because the opposition has no one else to focus on! This was why a lot of us wanted a recognized name signed last offseason. Even if that player didn’t light the lamp every game, he’d at least draw attention away from Tavares. Give the kid a chance, he won’t disappoint us. I can’t wait to see what he does when he adds some pounds like Bailey did.
-
Flal says:
You can’t comepletely, judge JT on season one. Thornton (stud) had way worse numbers than JT, while Daigle (bust) will probably have had better #’s.
I think you can judge more how he looks when you watch him than just by the stats.
My main issue against JT is that, personally for me speaking, I always want my top guy to be also be a guy that one day can be on ice of penalty kills. See Trottier, Crosby, Messier ….
Can anyone see JT slothing around the ice killing penalties? Cause I just can never see that. He seems to specialist from like 10 feet to the net and in, and that is it
Stop blaming lack of talent cause arguably every guy he has played with has been better this year than he has(Bailey, Okposo and Molson). Alsmot every goal he scored was an empty net tap in from a pass. So in other words, are we saying that unless someone can feed him by the side of the net all day, he will stink. Can he do anuthing to score on his own. Cause he certainly cannot stick handle by anyone, yet
JT is also worst plus minus on team. He does zero back checking, and guys walk right by him. He gobbles up loads of PP time (as he should) and guys with no PP time have way out produced him over the past 30 plus games.
To me since he got clocked in the head two months ago, he no longer goes to the net like he did early on, unless it is PP or no one is there.
I still think he can be good, but his all around game is pretty poor. Seems very one dimesnional to me
-
Hollywood says:
If they want to jump start Tavares then put him on the wing with Schremp. Schremp is by far the best playmaking center on this team. Let Robbie feed Tavares the puck! They can make the playoffs if they can get Baily, Okposo, and Tavares scoring. It would also help if they can convert on the PP.
-
its going to be funny to see tomorrow post if JT score 2 or 3 goalst night.
-
#77: Thanks for the enjoyable read and your priceless insight. However, I have no idea what you’re writing about, but please punctuate “you are” as “you’re,” and last I heard James, Peyton Manning, et al., do not play for NHL teams.
-
joe says:
JOHN TAVARES
-
I really don’t get why everyone is protecting Tavares. I didn’t see too many posts bashing him. I saw a lot of posts bashing Snow for not giving these young guys any veteran presence/leadership. This 19 yo has the whole franchise on his back. And for saying that Snow has drafted well, that is definitely up for debate. He picked two goalies back to back including the first in the second round which was idiotic. There has been no size in his drafts and he loves to pick undersized defenseman. We have De Haan who is projected to be a strong prospect, but we gave up 3? picks to get him. I can’t remember. But Hamonic and De Haan withstanding, who is the big stud from his draft? Petrov? Let’s not blow sunshine up Snow’s rear just yet. KO was Smith’s pick also
-
anthony says:
#72 said it best… there’d have been a riot at NVMC if JT wasn’t picked; he’ll be fine, he’s a pup still… a 30-40 goal winger on his side would do wonders for him… I’m 100% behind the rebuild, but at some point, you gotta bring in a “productive” veteran – not Doug Weight to lead the way. (J.P. Parise would be a better example!)
-
Madchef says:
That is something a few people touched on that I dont understand. If Tavares if considered a great finisher why is he not playing with our playmaking center like said above bailey or schremp.I mean seems obvious but what do I know.
-
jimfromstjames says:
IT seems many here are forgetting one thing. In the beginning of the season, teams didn’t know who to focus on, by the 25th game of the season the secret was out to focus on the MM-JT-KO line, hence the numbers drying up.
JT will be fine, if Garth can put together another top line.
-
Davy says:
The reason everyone wanted Tavares was because we were told that he was a phenom and good. Turns out he is neither. We didn’t know this at the time. He may be good next year or the one after that, or never, but he is pretty crappy this year.
-
the only thing holding JT back is His lack of speed and lack of balance his but is always on the ice. However if you watch every game like i do you would now he has great puck handleing and a sense of where to be. Also he beat just abaout every nhl golie he faced, he hit more post this hyear than i ever seen anyone hit. We gotta get a veteran left wing next year to play on the top line with JT an KO……DRAFT FOWLER
-
steve says:
found an interesting line from the hockey independant link.
“One team cited that they were unhappy with the dead-weight they were throwing in with Roloson, and that was hurting any negotiations.”
in case the quote isnt posted.. one team was unhappy with the dead weight being added to rollie discussions. witt?i dont lose sleep over my GM not trading the team MVP, who has played fantastic for us this season. i dont lose sleep over JT having a tough time playing his rookie season. look at JB’s numbers from last season to this season. 10 less games, more points, beter overall play.
last season, JT was the best among the good. now hes holding his ground among the best. an off season of NHL style training will provide a huge lift. he will be bigger, faster, and stronger next season. just like JB after a single offseason. the best suprises, so far, from this season are schremp, moulson, mcdonald and the fact we have 3( rather banged up) top shelf prospect defenders in the minors who excelled at world juniors.
nobody is spanking the GM for tagging 2 goalies in the draft now, with our franchise netminder on the IR, again. if Garth tied moving rollie the goalie to witts 3 million in 10/11, wheres the issue? if he had done it, he’d be hailed as a genius. if philly or the b’hawks fail to advance because of goalie issues,
the failure was on their end. again, its not always the brilliant moves, it avoiding poor moves. should we wind up with a top 5 pick, another high skilled foward to play with jb, jt ,and ko.
our level of skill is rising. and the age of the team remains very young. -
West Coast Fan says:
Objectively, I don’t see how it makes sense to say that JT doesn’t have an adequate “supporting” cast, when it’s pretty clear that most members of the current supporting cast are outperforming him by a pretty significant margin.
On the other side of the coin… keep it up, Comeau. I’ve always said you were a keeper.
-
The jury is still out, but what is most troubling to me about Tavares is that while scouts had reservations about his skating and play in other zones compared to Duchene, they were more than outweighed by his alleged overwhelming scoring superiority from the face-off dots in. Although he showed an ability to be in the right place, he has been less than deadly from close range when given the chance.
Perhaps it’s too much thinking on his part, but he definitely does not bring the same level of anticpation for a goal being scored as other pure goal scorers in the legaue.
Also, as observed here so many times, he needs to get stronger. I think it’s clear a lot of his driving ability to the net has been neutralized by bigger and stronger defenders–and overcoming that obstacle may be his biggest challenge next year.
-
Park should have been traded for anything. Snow is not a good gm! He really pissed me off yesterday.
-
battfist says:
JT we love you as an Islander!!!
He’s only going to get better folks…
-
I’ve said it before, the potential is there. They need a game breaker to help JT, KO, JB, RS and Frans. If they don’t bring this type of player here next year then we know this process might be never ending.
-
My problem isn’t with the young guns, it’s with management for not putting them in a better position to succeed.
-
Gordon system is fine. Did the USA team play his type of system? How did they do with the players they had? I can tell alot of people here are not parents. When you have kids learning a new system it takes time. Compare this year to last year and tell me if we are not better. It is painful to watch at times, but they are improving.
-
JD says:
JT really needs a legit playmaking center to get him the puck and even a very physical winger (eventually Martin) to create some space on the ice. I really wonder how he scored all those goals in Junior with his size and lack of skating skills. Did he just goal hang all game long or did every pass from his teammates go his way? I know his stats are similar to Stamkos’ but Stamkos was a healthy scratch a bunch of times and watched and learned that way. I wish Gordo would have done this a while back with JT and having St. Louis pass u the puck all game long while Steve Downie hits everything in sight goes a long way to Stamkos’s success this year.
-
max says:
what we need is speed to play with tavares. Can u imagine a guy like phil kessel skating by 2 or 3 defenders and pass it to jt in the slot. Thats where all of JTs goals should be from. Garth, please acquire speed in the offseasopn or at least draft a speedster. And for everyone that loves KO, he is a future role player on a good team. Tavares with help can be a superstar
-
Danbury Islanders Fan says:
I am perdicting an Islanders 5-4 win tonight and a hat-trick by JT tonight. I would love to see Tavares on a line with Schremp. Even if JT played left wing instead of center, since Schremp is the best passer on the team and could feed him the puck.
-
Billy-no-not-Jaffe says:
What is most shocking about JT is he showed up so out of shape. It was said he had a great work ethic and burning desire to improve, to be the best. How do you show up for your first NHL season out of condition and having to suck wind after a 15 second shift????
-
dominla says:
Billy-no-not-Jaffe: when was he out of shape? i don’t remember reading this. who wrote about that?
-
JerseyIslander says:
I agree 113… everytime I anticipate JT coming out of his slump and putting up big numbers. Tonights the night!!! Or not… so long as it’s a win, and the right guys get the right ice time, I’ll be happy. OH yeah… win in REGULATION.
-
Coach David says:
anyone know where to view the live stream
-
terry b says:
ED#63 Your right on the mark,were fighting for the bottom again,im all for the rebuild,but put some toughness on the ice already,snow said last year this would be addressed,,i dont see it,its outright embarising to be an islander fan sometimes,not one willing or able tough guy in this whole organization..i wouldnt waist any $$ going to watch this team of softies…
-
AngryPete says:
Check out this MUST SEE EVENT in Atlanta …. its looks like a NETS game with that attendance.
-
Sim-Weight-Tamby has to be the worst line ever formed in the NHL.
-
1 – 0 … ATL … here we go
-
Staten Islander says:
Everytime I see a crowd like this in Atlanta I think “They should tell people its a Nascar event”. OH Cr@P they scored, shoot me
-
How doesnt Tamby not get his stick on that one? He had an empty net.
Im using my center ice and watching Boston…
-
Sim – Weight – Tamby will more than likely see most of the ice time. Its just what Gordon does.
-
Jim Clark says:
Even NA$CAR doesn’t draw very well yet they keep getting major sports teams and events. Must be because Coca-Cola is there and they advertise heavily to get people to drink caramel flavored sugar-water
-
Why is Tavares on a line with Park? Do they never want him to score again?
-
Thats 2 now … but who is counting?
-
Theres 3 … ive seen enough
-
Atlanta gets Chillie
-
Mike from Sarasota says:
I just hope the Canes and Panthers finish the season strong.
-
Jim Clark says:
Any chance of building a time machine, going back 36 hours, and accepting that 3rd round draft choice that was offered for 40 year old Roloson?
-
Just terrible. 3-0 to an awful team.
-
mht says:
The fall for Fowler is in Full motion!
-
For a 3rd rounder, they can take both goalies and lines 3 and 4. Thats fair.
-
BrianAlbany says:
Wouldnt it be nice to have an enforcer to spark the team right now…oh, wait…
-
Andre says:
The Isles will finish with 3rd worst record in the league.
-
Amen 132, Amen…
-
Every goal against is a testimony to Garth Snow ignoring the defense for his entire tenure as GM. All he wanted to do is put in has been and AHL d-men and he got away with it because DiPietro is so good but when Ricky got injured you saw it. Worse Snow and the Isles broadcasters are still lying to us talking about the playoffs. This team needs fixing!
What the hell did Bergy do to be a healthy scratch two games in a row. 23 man limit on roster doesn’t apply anymore that means they could call up Martin and JJ and sit whoever. Sim’s not coming back next year and neither are several others, sit them. Why play them over the development of your young players?
Garth you don’t trade one of your top d-men if you have any intention of the playoffs.
-
I think Gordon makes his lines by throwing darts at a dartboard. Anyway, I don’t like his combinations.
-
Snow is the worst GM in the league hands down. He tells everyone that we are in a playoff push and he recalls Dustin Kohn and Dylan Reese and trades Sutton and won’t recall Witt. We had a back up goalie named GM with no experience. Remember when we had Nolan and Neil Smith together for a week lol. Sim was banished last year and now is a regular. Either he was wrong last year or wrong this year. Wonder how Ken Morrow felt getting passed over for Snow the idiot
-
ziggymeup says:
Garth says we’re not giving up on the playoffs, we’re just going to play with a bunch of AHL players, no size, no experience, no muscle, no talent, no trades to improve.. Great team Garth, and please don’t think that free agency will make us better.. Wingo Wang is not spending money…
-
4-0, Say goodnight gracie
-
Snow loved having Cairns, Webb, Goddy, Asham etc to keep him safe on the ice, that is why he always felt fine being chippy yet he won’t given his players the same level of protection.
4-0 ATl this is what we have to look forward to the remainder of the year.
FL scored 7 on Phily last night. Oh well, too late for the Flyers to get a goalie now.
How is Tambs, Park, Weight, Sim playing ahead of former first round pick Bergy? Did he do something to piss Snow off?
-
Czerkawski says:
ouchtown
-
THIS SUCKS, GUESS I’ll watch the Rag$
-
Jim Clark says:
In 2015 this will be the Kansas City Islanders vs the Winnipeg Thrashers. 4-0. Just horrible.
I don’t remember too many games of getting smashed when Ted Nolan was the head coach. But he commits the worse sin: he’s not a GM’s yes man. -
I absolutely hate Garth Snow. CB for GM!
-
I guess we’re tanking the season? Who are the top 3 in the draft again?
-
Ugh, 4-0 already. Forget my earlier enthusiasm. I was just looking at the standings; I’m thinking the only teams likely to finish worse than us is Edmonton, Toronto, and maybe Carolina. Florida has a more talented than squad than us, and I even think the Hurricanes do, too. That would put us as picking 3rd overall at the end of the year, with a chance to move up in the lottery.
-
Two of Atlanta’s three goal scorers we could have signed in last years FA pool.. Just a little insight on why this team will continue to stink.. We signed goalies but no goal scorers.. Can’t win if you can’t score…
-
Ric S. says:
This is why I probably won’t be getting season tickets next season.
-
Les Beaver says:
Is this Rollie’s Revenge?
-
Why is Jackman playing if he can’t fight?? Martin tick someone off when he was up here or something??
-
admin says:
I’m in Chicago and listening to the Howie simulcast. Um, 4-0…what the hell is going on? And the Islanders have 18 shots? CB
-
And if you think the Islanders care about there fans, think again… Training camp in China, nice one Wang, maybe you should build the Lighthouse there while your at it.. Don’t forget season ticket holders, we need your 2010-2011 deposits by the end of March..
-
Jim Clark says:
A power play Islander goal! The comeback commences. Next period the Islanders come out and march thru Atlanta like Billy Sherman.
-
At least it’s not a shutout anymore… still… plenty of hockey to play. I’m doubtful though.
-
admin says:
All right, they got one back. Catch you later. If you’re up for it, planning a live chat on Friday…CB
-
CB – You are better off sitting this one out. Hows the windy city?
-
The Islanders would lose to the Canadian Womens Olympic team tonight.
-
Lou Z says:
Botta just telling it like it is. There needs to be more honesty in journalism. I am completely disgusted in my franchise that i have chose to bleed for.
-
Is Chef Bruno Gervais really a chef?
-
word to the general sherman reference. schremp, comeau, and jackman must never be on the ice together again lol
-
IslesNation says:
Why has Doug Weight continued to be put on the point for our abysmal power play? Please, put someone out there that can contribute and isn’t a liability to play defense.
-
Marc Mull says:
Long day at work and I have to see this!! Isles would lose to a good AHL tonight! Have NO idea why I remain a fan. Most irrevelant team in all of pro sports! Will remain a fan but this “rebuilding” gets old! Rebuilding is for losers! Who cares about 3 years from now. I want to see them win NOW! I spend good money on tickets to see them play and the Center Iee Package. This is a joke!
-
I figured he was a chef or a star of that ‘Bruno’ movie
-
This is sad.
-
gino says:
garth n wang are just pissing down our backs n telling us its raining outside
-
big simone says:
Where is Matt Martin-this kid needs to play now!
-
Biron never saw that one
-
I cant believe Garth Snow is content with himself while watching this trash.
-
Shremp Co 13 says:
jesus i’m switching to the rangers. at least that team knows how to play. run this team off the island. no hope here… good job snow
-
Giaco says:
I love how Weight is on our number one PP unite while our number 1 pick is on the bench in a 5-1 game..
-
Jim Clark says:
Does Mr Wang travel with the team to watch them on the road?
-
JKP on LI says:
Obviously this game is a disaster.
To the pregame Tavares discussion: the guy gets punched in the face about five times per shift. Until someone is out there creating space for him, he’s going to have trouble putting up numbers.
-
Wow, Arty skated past the entire team, nice play guys.
-
NYICHAMP39 says:
Did anyone know that Evgeny Artyukins name was really Alexander Ovechkin?? Only the Islanders could make this guy look like Jagr in ’93. Pathetic.
-
hmmm islanders are in white right?
-
Someone want to explain to me why I watch this team?
-
Party on Wang… Party on Garth… No we didn’t need more then a draft pick for Sutton.
-
Jim Clark says:
Our goal is to hold the Thrashers in single digits.
-
laraque says:
I am so sick of these tiny little islanders. They are small and can’t hit. They are a bunch of pussys.
-
Gino-
We are getting the yellow discipline. -
OK, descend rapidly as Burke would say. Get another top four pick and just keep building. Very frustrating.
-
I am so sick of these tiny little islanders. They are small and can’t hit. They are a bunch of pussies.
-
I’m listening to the game because I’m at work… all I keep hearing is “and he gets knocked down to the ice”…
-
embarrassing…
-
Jim Clark says:
Are any of these top juniors going to pull a Lindros and refuse to play in Uniondale if selected?
-
rob76 says:
I’m getting really down on JT. He is non existant out there. If he wasnt the top overall pick everyone would be on him big time. I want him to succeed more than anyone and was as big a supporter of drafting him as anyone but his play has not improved and he cant skate. I am torn – Taylor or Tyler in June????
-
On the bright side, only 1 period left in this one and less than 20 games left in the season
-
nhl fan says:
Even the players feel that Wang and Snow are not doing anything to help the team. The is no energy to this team. No urgency, and they are supposed to be in a playoff hunt?
-
Blizzard says:
….tank job part deux
-
nystrom23 says:
Heres to hoping Cam Fowler likes Long Island…
-
Darren says:
I agree w/ post suggesting system not for players we have now or in system.What the heck are they(management) doing?If they would just ditch all these goalie contracts we might actually be able to sign some guys to stabilize a horrific situation.Anyone who thinks for a minute that they can solely rebuild thru draft is a complete idiot.For Gods sake sign some friggn’ olympians if anything.Try that “FAN TRYOUT” thing that Dick Vermeil had when he became coach of the Eagles!!Something,anything has got to be done!I also have to finally admit Gordon may not be the right coach for this team.I’m ready for Hartley!!
-
Well said blizzard…..
-
jimmy says:
gervais is horrbile!!!!!! he was the cause of atleast 3 goals!! if our terrible gm snow is building why is park sim weight still playing?? they should have just dumped those guys.. im so sick of this team!!! we dont even have that many good young players!! wake up people from wang to snow we are a joke!! wouldnt it be nice to be run by real hockey minds and real hockey people!! we should boycott them!! NO ONE GO TO ANYMORE HOME GAMES
-
Taylor Hall PLEASE HELP US!!!!!!!!!!!
-
I guess Garth will go out and sign some AHL Defenseman or two, who just waived, to help this situtation.
-
Hmmm .. just thinking outloud, but in the past, what seems to be the GMs last attempt to keep his job before feeling he may lose his?
Fire the coach???
-
Anyone else remember the old “MIKE MUST GO” chants…. Im feeling a new one brewing.
-
Get some toughness. Bring up an enforcer or 2.
-
Glen S says:
CB, What we have here is a team that has no D,odd man rush’s don’t look bad in the offensive end of the ice just not finishing. i think it’s truly time to sick a FORK in them there DONE. Our DEF was suspect prior to this week, now forget it to young and not enough experience. But as garth said we’ll be fine we’re just younger but we’ll be OKAY the playoff push is on (NOT). As we all take a look back to September and if you said that we’d have 61 pt’s after the olympic’s and still in the hunt (????) for the playoff’s I’d say your nut’s. Have there been positive’s so far this season yes, Moulson,Taveras,A/MAC,Hillen, Schremp, K/O, just name a few, but there have some negative’s as well,Park,gervais,Martinek (I/O) again.There need’s to be at least five or six new (estalished) NHL face’s in this line up next OPENING night plain and simple. We the FAN’s have no problem with the rebuild but we don’t like being stuck in nuetral, Garth we need to move this rebuild forward and start bringing in body as weel as pick’s..
-
Jay says:
How in the world is Bruno still on this roster? Is it just the fanbase that sees how positionally unsound and soft this clown is?
In regards to the JT bashing, im cautiously optomistic that he will make big strides next year and into the future but has shown me this so far:
The Good- His sense and vision especially his passing ( the behind the net beauty to streit for the ot winner against washington i believe…seems ages ago ) that quick wrister, his maturity for a 19 year old, and shades of his stickwork with the puck in traffic, which unfortunately needs for the ugly to be solved before ever being effective.
The Bad- His speed is something awful. Want to see him actually face a d-man one on one, make a deke, and drive to the net but that aint happening when hunter is even with you stride for stride. His lack or inability to lay into a slapshot. Can’t pick your corners all the time JT, not in this league.
The Ugly- His strength on his skates, w or w/o the puck. This kid falls down at least five times a game, many times with no one even near him. Hit the gym and by all means do some squats dude.
By all means not a bad year for a rookie but I hope he heads into the offseason with a purpose and surprises us all.
Why is Matt Martin not in this heated contest?
-
Versus Boston we better have an enforcer
-
Mike from Philly says:
IT’S ALL PART OF THE PLAN. DONT DEVIATE FROM THE PLAN. THE PLAN IS ALL HOLY, THE PLAN NEVER GOES WRONG, THE PLAN OWNS AND CONSUMES YOUR LIFE.
-
#197 ya and against Philly and Tor too!
-
Snow has failed to compile a team that is capable of competiting the rest of the season. Sadly I think we’ll see plenty of blow outs like tonight where the team is dominated in every sense of the word and shows no passion.
The defense was really bad before Sutton was traded and MacDonald was injured. Snow chose to finish the year like this. The most puzzling thing is he knew MacDonalad was injured and did nothing, just like fixing the defense during his tenure and just like finding size and toughness.
-
Watching St.Louis/Dallas, what a fight with King and Barch. Too bad the Islanders cant have anything remotely that cool.
-
Ed says:
Lets sign the scrap metal sisters to play D for the next 4 years. Can’t be any worse than what we see now
Let’s go Scrap Metal!
-
Jim Clark says:
So when will the inevitable “Rick DiPietro will not play again this year. We fully expect him to be ready in October” announcement happen?
-
Why do we continue to be punished! How do you beat Chicago and get smoked by Atlanta. Bring up Martin and lets say goodbye to Park, Weight and Sim. Why the hell is Bergy not playing?
-
Nick says:
where the hell is bergenheim? whats gordons deal with hating this guy and tambellini? FIRE GORDON
-
matt says:
i want gordon fired so bad he is terrible at putting lines together and runing his bench
-
Isles 420 says:
fire Scott Gorden NOW!!
-
Mario says:
Why did we not pick up Lisin from the rags. He could play over sim, park. I dont get it.
-
Comeau followed up his hat trick with a -4 in the 1st period. Quite the roller coaster ride.
-
Schrempy! The comeback BEGINS!
-
Rags vs Penguins-way more exciting right now-this is sad and depressing
-
dedshark says:
I’ve really enjoyed schremp on the team. i hope they resign him
-
oh baby this is getting fun
-
we will lose 6-5
-
JACKMAN BABY! here we GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
-
Hey Teddy, we’re just upset to see us play like sissies.
-
does anyone else want schremp signed onto this team considering hes pretty young and good for the rebuild or do i stand alone?
-
I can’t believe Park wasn’t traded. Garth had offers. Anything would have been fine. I guess Park is part of the ‘youth rebuild’ which is really just a way to say ‘we don’t want to pay for top-end talent’.
-
damn should of traded comeau yesterday while his stock was high
-
How about Schremp centering Tavares and Moulson during 5-on-5? Let’s get offensive guys playing together instead of spreading it out over four lines. Man, Gordon is stubborn.
-
Garth will sign this 27 year old enfrocer who was just released by the Norfolk Admirals! Gath loves these AHL guys!
-
The funny part is, if Comeu’s 2 posts had gone in, it’d be 6-5 and they’d be right in it
-
Chris Mc says:
Mike from Sarasota that -4 in the 1st period for the Schremp line was really deceiving bc the first goal they were hopping over the boards as the goal was being scored, and 2 of the other goals were scored on Kohn and Gervais giveaways.
-
can we sign strahan?
-
ars9x says:
we were told this was going to be a really hard next few yrs. wth do ppl call for gordon/garth’s head when we lose? who do you who do u think will make this yng, small inexperienced group so much better?
-
Who else hates that commercial for MSG that says “AND TAVARES’S EVERYTHING”. WTG? Take it off already, he’s 2 for 32.
-
The Isles as a “product” are not meant for fans who put any sort of priority on “winning”. Its been this way since wang bought the team. %70 of the seasons Wang owned the Isles they one of the 4 Lowest payrolls in the NHL.
-
Can’t wait to see Gordo’s presser after this one
-
….or maybe Bruno’s related to Ricky Gervais (?)
-
that commercial is the biggest lie
-
How is Tavares ever supposed to develop on this team? Even KO, he looks amazing but his numbers will never grow. Not to mention, this team has no value in entertainment, bring up some tough guys for the rest of the year.
This team is a serious disgrace. Fire the management and coaches, I’m ready to see something new.
-
snow,gordon,weight,dipietro,park,sim,gervais, sparky——-lineup for the unemployment line
-
Can any one believe that some lucky bidder will enjoy a sumptous dinner this Sunday with Richard Park ?
-
dinner with park cooked by gervais
-
eastonhockey on Mar 4th, 2010 22:21:41 said:
The Isles as a “product” are not meant for fans who put any sort of priority on “winning”. Its been this way since wang bought the team.true enough. but it started even before.
-
I’m sorry to say this but some Isles fans are very unreasonable. Garth is trying to rebuild with young talent. We are not supposed to make the playoffs but fortunatly we’re in the hunt so “ofcourse he’s gonna say we’re in a playoff chase”.
I just hope Garth addresses the lack of size and physical play. Nodody on this team body checks. He also needs to sign a guy who can score goals to show the young guys what it takes to score in this League on a consistant bases. Its detramental to have mentors they can emulate. Weights a great guy but unfortunatly he’s not scoring goals. These kids need to have players better than them to challenge them to be better.
-
the word abandonment is starting to creep into my mind.
i hope it’s the wine. -
BringBackNyles says:
Get that renewal money to Wang
-
Jim Clark says:
Looking at the stat sheet, which forward had the most ice time? 39 year old Doug Weight.
-
MJS says:
I didn’t even get to see the four goal first period, but from what I did see, I could tell it was a stinker even though I saw the two goals in the third. I have to say, though I can’t say I didn’t expect this season to be another suckfest. I’m not going to be disappointed with another brutal finish this season and I’m not going to lament every single bad game. I will not be content, though, if there isn’t a move towards improvement over the summer. There should be a pretty good turnover in personnel on the team over the summer, and hopefully we end up with some quality players. Until then I’m going to watch the team, root for them to win, and then watch the playoffs and hope to see Crosby and the Pens suffer a humiliating loss in the first round of the playoffs.
-
Big simone, if Chef Bruno Gervais is cooking, I want to be there, too!
-
The latest Newsday article on the team sums up what a disgrace the franchise is. I really think it is time for Wang to sell and get out.
-
Austin says:
I buy into the rebuild, but everyone compares this team to the Caps, Pens, and Hawks a few years back. We don’t have anyone (anyone) on this team or in the minors that comes close to the stars and depth on those teams. We are very far away from competing for a top seed or the cup. Let’s come to reality. KO looks great, but hasn’t scored and will probably be a 25 goal scorer. JT will be an annual 30 goal scorer, but he’s not Crosby or Ovie or Kane and never will be. There’s a long way to go…no hope lost, but a long way to go.
-
We have a 4th line that doesn’t grind, fight or hit. Its like a punishment line. The NHL says we have to dress 20 players so the default guys get the 4th line. Glad to see Tambs get his usual every third shift action after the games score was decided. Park and Simmer never miss a shift and Matt Marin is watching from across the Sound wondering why he isn’t in Atlanta.
-
Dan says:
Half glass full attitude. If Isles win they are at least still in the race. If they lose we can get a top 5 draft pick. As a season ticket holder I don’t want them to tank but it is what it is…
-
Hope we sign Rob Schremp. Id like to see what he does with a full year of knowing hes a main stay in the line up everynight.
DRAFT FOWLER!!! -
Steven says:
Isles need to show more heart than this. Maybe they would rather work 9-5 jobs in this economy?
-
Our UFAs’ are Weight, Biron, Sim, Park, Meyer, Reich, Jackman, Flood??, Gillies. Hopefully none will want to re-sign and we can free up some cap room. Ohh wait never mind, I meant to say we will bring up some talent… Ohhh ummm yeah
-
In three Years Burke is going to put TAVARES in a Maple Leafs uniform and JT will score 40-50 goals for them on a regular watch by 2013-14 Leafs will be in Cup contention with the islanders JT leading the core……….Its a shame.Also look for Okposo to join the wild n help them climb atop the west
-
Islanders99 says:
Anyone who’s happy with the development of the “kids” is fooling themselves. Okposo has 13 goals? How is that progress.
I can live with no trades at the deadline. Not much to deal away. But after this year’s draft, and a full cupboard of “young talent” if this team doesn’t fire Gordon and sign a few FA’s this summer I think that’s a clear indication that they’re out of here. -
TradeUp says:
Is it too soon to say I think the Isles should package a bunch of picks and trade up in the draft (unless they win the lottery and get the first overall pick). They need a top 3 draft pick, someone who can contribute in the next couple of years. Even the #1 draft pick from 2010 won’t change the outcome much without Wang opening up his wallet and overpaying a few good players to come here. Until then, Isles will be bottom 10 for a while.
-
I have been a fan of Garth Snow and I still think he is doing a good job. I also think Wang handcuffed him for bringing in more salary to help this team. That being said, there is no reason to stand pat basically at this deadline after you traded Sutton. Don’t tell the fans you are trying to make the playoffs when you unload one of your most important players. I don’t care what the asking price was, if you got offered something for a player that wasn’t going to be here 2 years down the line, you have to trade him. The Isles rebuild was set back a little longer yesterday. Im sure he tried hard to move players but since he didn’t, I have to give him (and Wang) an F on this years deadline. The team got no better for the future and worse for the present.
-
I was’nt blaming Comeau, Chris Mc. The defencemen were infact awful. Just thought it was funny how quick someone can go from high to low.
-
raul17 says:
–>#88 Jimbones: Ryan Smyth wanted to be out west for whatever reason. I think Kirk Muller has gotten a bum rap when he was here! At that point of his career, he didn’t want be on a rebuilding team & I believe that he has received assurances that he would by traded from Maloney. It made Muller look selfish, but I understood how he felt betrayed. (I didn’t feel this way originally until I read “Fishsticks”)
–>#131 Jim Clark: Can we go back & pick that son of an Islanders hero Parise instead of the “GM for Life” favorite Nilsson?!!
Is it me or has everyone has forgotten that our shut-down defensemen pairing last season was Radek Martinek and Brendan Witt and we were happy????
-
Anyone that knocks Okposo goals total, remember that Jarome Iginla had 13 goals in his 2nd year. He turned out all right.
-
The thing about ‘the plan’ is that the last time I checked all NHL teams are drafting and developing players. Unless you are drafting in the top three for a number of years in a row you are in the same boat as everyone else. The Isles have some good young players, but so does everyone else. Just look through each teams rosters/prospects. That is why we really need to finish in the bottom 3, or get lucky in the lottery.
-
valentino says:
I am shocked that anyone can be thinking about making the playoffs after a game like tonight..to make matters worse – katie strang is reporting that there is some locker room turmoil because a goalie wasnt traded at the deadline…none of this is indicative of a team that is ready to do some damage in the playoffs.
this situation is going to get worse before it gets any better.
-
Folks, the bottom line is that this season is over. Forget the fact that the Isles are 6 or 7 points out of the 8 spot and the playoff experience would be invaluable for the kids. The reason why the Isles are that close is well documented, the East has 4 superior teams and a cluster from 5-12 of mediocre teams, do not be fooled by the standings- this team is not a playoff team. I like the core, and I think this team can be good next year. Like I said last night, I don’t believe this team’s management has enabled the product on the ice to be as successful as they could and should be, but that’s another story.
-
Jason says:
Looks like I chose a good game to miss. Full-fledged draft talk is only 5 weeks away. I’m going to go out on a limb and say we win the lottery, pick first… then is it Taylor or Tyler?
Statistics indicate that the dead last team will not pick first this year. Natural hat tricks are a rarity…. hasn’t happened since the beginning of the lottery that started in 95.
-
zzzzzzzzzz Thats about it for me seaon over on to Baseball. Cya all next year, hopefully!! Bring in some real toughness already this team is way to tough to watch.
-
It looks like Carolina will leapfrog us so that would leave us with the third worst record which is probably where we’ll finish the season. The team could use a top three pick as consolation for being terrible again. We need a goal scorer like Hall.
-
MaCarthur scoring a goal last nite. Just the type of guy we could use, but nooooo we have Neilsen and Schremp and Sim and…..you get the picture. it cost a 3rd and 4th for Atlanta. Garth has no freakin clue how to trade away HIS picks for players, only players for picks, then picks for more picks. With a high 1st, and two 2nds, what wouldve trading a 3rd and 4th cost us? DUMP HIM
-
Can we get Don Maloney back
-
Nick says:
This is why you were supposted to trade, Snow!
-
Jim says:
Garth’s free pass is almost over. For the past two years he has been rebuilding from the ground up and the team did play well at times this year. Still in the end we will not make the playoffs again and there still is a lot of dead wood on this team like Park, Sim, Hunter, Weight, Gervais, Tambellini,Bergenheim. The goaltending also may be a problem as our two main goalies I believe are signed to 1 year contracts.
Next year needs to be an even better year we cannot afford a “back step”. Garth needs to stop getting draft picks and start adding players. Gordon needs to do a better coaching job as well. A strong radio station would be nice too.
-
I must be missing something. I have watched every single game this season in one way or another. How can people say we are improving from last years abortion. Yes we have more wins but if we eliminate the shootout we have 13 regulation wins. Are you kidding me ? I see no improvement except Schremp and Nillson winning a few shootouts for us. Wake up guys there is no improvement here and everyone including myself who believes the rebuilding hype is drinking way too much of the Snow/Wang Koolaide.
-
Frank nyc says:
Schremp is looking good and i believe this kid could potentially be a very good player. I think people may forget. This is his rookie year. He has got speed and awesome hands. Another season or 2 and he could be very dangerous.
Yes, this is stuff i want to read about..