NYI at PHILADELPHIA, 7:30 pm: They’re due
Kinger on the Radio…Game talk starts at 7:15
Point Blank live in-game commentary tonight begins at 7:15 pm
The Islanders are due to win. They are also due to win in Philadelphia. During this tumultuous, rollercoaster, almost-never-boring season, would it really be a surprise if they get the two points tonight?
The Orange and Blue have not beaten the Flyers on the road in the Garth Snow/Scott Gordon era. In fact, they have not won anywhere on the road within their division these last two years other than Madison Square Garden.
Beyond Gordon’s time, all together the Islanders have lost nine in a row in the city of Brotherly Chippiness. The last time they won in Philadelphia was when Ted Nolan was the coach, Wade Dubielewicz was the goaltender, Ryan Smyth was the de facto leader and the good guys won four in a row in that final week to make the playoffs.
The Islanders’ current 14-game losing streak against the Flyers is the longest active head-to-head slump in the NHL.
The Islanders’ last victory anywhere on the road was exactly two months ago today in Phoenix. Thanks to the Olympic break, that is only a slump of seven games.
They enter the game nine points back of Boston for the final playoff berth in the East. Five juggernauts – the Rangers, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Florida and Carolina – stand between them. This has become dire enough that some team broadcast insiders have begun tweeting more about what losses mean in the hunt for Tyler Seguin, Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler. Of course, we are above that and will wait to see how the Islanders perform up to Game 70.
(Columbus, 6-0 losers, did not show up in LA last night).
The Islanders have a few wins at home on the horizon. The boys are due.
Notes: Tonight’s game is at 7:30 and will be on VERSUS with Doc Emrick and Billy Jaffe on the call. On Islanders radio station WMJC (94.3 FM), Chris King – since there is no MSG show to simulcast – will do the play-by-play, color commentary, sideline reporting and mix drinks. If you get the station, you know Kinger will make tonight an entertaining three-hour information session about your favorite hockey club.
The choice of Trevor Gillies as a recall tonight is interesting because Peter Laviolette has not been playing heavyweights in his lineup. Gillies might be able to stare down Daniel Carcillo, but the Flyers’ middleweight agitator will most likely not fight him. Chris Pronger is not going to take himself off the ice for five minutes to fight anyone. Perhaps Gillies will keep the peace and will play more than the three minutes Gordon gave him in his debut.
More to come.
75 Responses to NYI at PHILADELPHIA, 7:30 pm: They’re due
Kinger on the Radio…Game talk starts at 7:15
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Irish Isle says:
Sorry CB, not above wondering about the draft right now.
The Islanders seemed to have lost a wheel somewhere and or careening out of control. -
Steve says:
Yes, I’d still be VERY surprised if we won. We have an ECHL defense.
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Michael says:
I held out until the Boston game but I too am officially on the draft pick bandwagon. Let’s go Maple Leafs!!
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The Isles are definitely due for a win against the Flyers. However, I am sure I have said that the last dozen frickin times we have played them.
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Jim Clark says: Yes, it would be a surprise if the Islanders win. Our 97 pound weaklings will get beaten up by the Broad Street Bullies. Not even the skills of the soon-to-be-legendary Franz Nielsen will prevent a 6-1 whuppin’.
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Staten Islander says:
I’d LOVE to see Gillies take down Carcillo, won’t happen, but a man can dream. Carcillo is at the top of my hate list
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
only chance we have is JT, KO and Bailey lead the way on offense> while our team defense is AHL calibre, So is Philly’s goaltending. They arent going aware in playoffs with that goaltending.
With all the negative chatter, streak breaks tonight and isles win on national tv. Tavares 2 G’s.
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Jzimm says:
Don’t rule out Brandon Gormley. Fowler’s WJC performance didn’t make me love him, it didn’t make me hate him, but I wasn’t blown away.
My preferences are in this order; Hall, Seguin, Gormley, Fowler.
Kind of reminds me of the 1991 draft where Hall is Lindros and Fowler is Scott LaChance; they get the ink, but may not be the best players.
This is not like last year, I don’t have my heart set on a particular player, but as of right now, we should get one of those four.
As for tonight, Islanders lose 5-2, Tavares scores.
I agree, Michael, SCREW BOSTON! Go Leafs go… but I’ve been saying that all year. I hate both teams, I’ll hate them more if one helps out the other… and so far they are!
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scottd says:
Edmonton and Toronto are out of range barring something unforseen (from them, not from us). And I doubt the Islanders can keep pace with the type of losing Columbus is likely to do down the stretch. We just have too many guys who are either due to break out of prolonged slumps and/or badly want to finish strong so they can feel good about themselves heading into the offseason. I don’t think you’ll see as much of that from Columbus. So I think we should draw inspiration CB’s earlier post on the top five draft prospects and set a top-five pick as a realistic hope. Top three would be nice, but I’d sign up for top five right now.
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Eric says:
Yes it would surprise me if the Islanders won tonight. I would be happy if they did to finally get this philly shnide behind us. Yes, the Islanders will win some games at home and I really really want them to beat the ranger$ and win the season series against them, but honestly I want a top 3 pick. 3rd overall would be just fine with me, where do I sign? I really want Fowler or Seguin. I havent seen either one play, but lately the first dmen taken have been good or will be good….Doughty, Hedman, Eric johnson and same goes for the 2nd forward taken…Staal(toes taken 3rd that year), Duchene, etc. I think we have 3 future 1st liner in okposo, bailey, and Tavares but I dont think they will be 80-90 point players. I think we need to strengthen our 1st and 2nd line for next season and the future. Our 3rd line is good with comeau, shremp, Neilsen, Moulson with one being a 2nd liner and able to shift. I would love Seguin on the top 2 lines with tavares, okposo, bailey, and then we can sign a top 6 forward this summer and I guess add Moulson onto that top 2 line mix because hes good around the net. Ok thats 5 out of 6, not bad at all especially with the way Comeau can play.
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IzzyFranchise says:
I’m sorry but I’m fine with them losing out if need be. Playoffs would be silly. Out in first round and a crappy pick? No thanks.
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JerseyIslander says:
Agree with #6… I hope JT gets two goals… even if we lose. I just want JT to break his slump and not get knocked down everytime someone near him exhales too hard…
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Luigi says:
Spartiarti, I’d settle for Tavares getting a POINT. You have him getting two goals? You have a better chance of hitting the Powerball than that stiff scoring.
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Pete L says:
Maybe if Garth tells the boys that they are trying out potential new homes, before each road game, they can steal another road win before the season is over.
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Brian G says:
They need another top 3 pick & some UFA’s this offseason to have any sort of relevance next year, at least 2 Defenseman & 2 Wingers…this team is pretty close to looking like an AHL team.
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battfist says:
CB/fellow Isles fans….
Is the time come for one of our young guns to get in a scrap? For instance KO?
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mht says:
Garth Snow just appeared on NHL Live on the NHL network with Deb Placey,EJ Radek and Jay Feaster.Same old same old company line.God,Garth please come on to this forum and answer some real questions regarding the future of this franchise.The NHL live crew just tossed softballs at him.
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eric says:
Don’t know anout any of you, but I think that Matt Duchesne would have been the better pick for us last draft over JT. Watching JT this whole year, he is a terrible skater, gets knocked to the ice with one hand and really only scores if he plants himself in front of the net. I do not see him as an impact player anymore. I am kind of giving up. Yes, its only his rookie season, but I am not seeing any of his skill shine through. he is in a huge slump, and thats because he has no more moves, everyone knows where he is dangerous already, and since game 30, he barely has any points. He is not the impact player that Duchesne is. I was thrilled when we drafted him, but I just dont see how he will be this messiah we were all looking for, I don’t see the talent anymore.
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hale78 says:
i want fowler..i know we need scoring but this kid is a franchise dman…look what he did to hall at the wjc
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Alex says:
Let’s be realistic, there’s no need to wait for the 70 game mark to begin the TAYTYCAM watch. In order to make the playoffs, the Isles would most likely need to win at least 15 of their last 17 games. With opponents such as Pitt, NJ, Van, LA, and Phi coming up, the odds of the Isles pulling that off are less than the odds of all of us winning the lottery. Unfortunately, the Isles aren’t “due” to beat the Flyers. This is one of the worse line-ups they have fielded against the Flyers during this last 14 game stretch. This is the NHL, where anyone can beat anyone o a given night, so it would be great if the Isles get a win tonight. Realistically, however, the Flyers are the much better team and should be, and are favored to win the game. Garth Snow gave the team less of a chance to win following the deadline, as you wrote about CB, so it is unfair for fans to expect them to make a run for the playoffs with 17 games left and 9 points out. It would be a much better if the team can lock up one of the top 3 picks this year, and then maybe they can bring up De Haan, Harmonic, Petrov, Martin, and Joensuu next year. That lineup, sprinkled with the “right” free agents, as Snow likes to term the ones who will sign here, should make for a real exciting team in year 3 of this rebuild;a team that will have a more realistic shot of making the postseason.
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EAF says:
#19, wjc doesn’t mean anything. the fresh example is JT
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Metalcoconut says:
Gillies the shell of a turtle in this game. The Isles get beat up by this team so often that the best can do now is put on a tough outer coating and hope that the beating doesn’t injure any of the core players especially after Comeau went down.
Lavi doesn’t have to play his tough guys because his lineup is tough enough the way it is. I am guessing that he saves the goons for the Pens.
I really hope the Isles find a way to beat Philly tonight but you would be foolish to bet on it. All the numbers are against the Isles including size. Who is in net for the Isles? Biron? Is it time to try Rollie against them for a change?
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barney stinson says:
I’m excited to hear Kinger tonight.
And yes, I would be surprised it we win tonight.
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felix says:
#21 that is a bit of a broad statement and the example of JT is a terrible one.
JT went from playing 17 year olds as 19 year old to men this year. Did you really expect him to scroe 50 goals? He is playing against men in a 19 year old body. give the guy a break.he will prove the wjc and junior accomplishments will be repeated at this level.
The best of the best make that tourney so significant wieght should be given to it.
How would snow be criticized if he took a CHLer in the first round who did not even make the team or was cut from it. And De Haan is a bad example because he was in his first OHL season last year.
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You can’t judge Tavares on this season. He is going to be fine. It turns out that his points are frontloaded. He’s a guy who needs someone to get him the puck. Taylor Hall is not necessarily that guy, because Hall is also a goal scorer. I still think that maybe Tavares is more effective on the wing, and perhaps Seguin could be a guy who sets him up in the future.
As for this year’s draft, there is no “perfect fit” for this team, per se. There are good players. Give me Hall, Seguin, Gormley, or Fowler and see me happy.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
I have a hard time seeing the Isles win tongight. After they went on that win streak the team has looked deflated. When their game is on they can play with anyone no matter the talent. The successful forecheck can generate so many turnovers in the offensive zone. That alone can help them steal a game or two. But a switch looks like it was turned off and I don’t know what happened.
As great as Cam Fowler may be for this team, why did we trade up in last years draft to choose Calvin de Haan in the 12 spot? Picking a D man that high should yeield at least a top 2 pair D man but hopefully a top pair guy. If we load up on D men this draft it will look the same way we loaded up on goalies in last year’s draft.
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I echo battfist #17′s statement. It’s time our future Captian show’s a little fight, literally.
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dominla says:
-now that i want them to lose i expect a heartbreaking 4-3 win in overtime… tying the game with less than thirty seconds left in regulation.
-i might just listen with kinger doing the pbp
-but they could save money by simulcasting the audio of some fans watching the game in their livingroom
-a win would launch them ahead of last years point total
-i need to see the hurt locker -
If we ended up with the 3rd pick in the draft, it would have to be Fowler…the Isles should be drafting best available player, not by position.
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Strummer's Army says:
It’s a great year to have a high pick. Isles cannot go wrong with any of Hall, Sequin, Fowler, or Gubrandson. Really nice draft. I hope Garth can find a way to get more picks in rounds 1 and 2 because there is a ton of talent here.
Not sure why PB is above forecasting the draft for the Isles or FA this team isn’t making the playoffs. Half of them don’t even look like they care if they win or if their teammates get killed out there.
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Ethan K says:
We’re going to lose tonight. Trevor Gillies will play 4 minutes of meaningless hockey. Like the attempt at being “positive”, but we’re out of the playoff run… we were two weeks ago. We’re ready to embrace the TyTaylCam watch, like planned in September of last year.
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(Sim)ple says:
Sure, let KO fight. With our luck he’ll break his hand.
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The “bend over and take it mentality” is one that I fear is being passed down to Isles players over the years. Okposo was way more fiesty last year but the example set over and over is if something happens don’t do anything, keep your head down, don’t escalate it and thus the vets Park, Sim, Hunter, Weight, all of them have taught the youngsters this horrible lesson. That is why we need different types of vets and different types of players. Isles are the only NHL team that allows these cheap shots to go unanswered.
Also, the fact that Snow and Gordon never publicly get upset about these things or even challenge the NHL publicly that adds to the “messed up culture”.
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MJS says:
Hopefully Gillies will inspire Pronger to keep his elbows to himself. I mean, Pronger won’t take a five minute fighting major, but he’s no stranger to 4 minute elbowing penalties and related game misconducts. If Gillies is given more than three minutes, or if Bergy or Sim are really on their games, maybe they can get Pronger to take a dumb penalty. He’s usually good for one of those per game. Either way, with Gillies in the lineup, maybe Tavares gets some confidence and puts in a goal or two.
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Bri On LI says:
One PLUS before the evening starts: We get to pick one of two great choices: Doc & Billy on tv or Kinger on the radio. It should be like this every gamenight!
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Felix(23), I don’t expect JT to score 50 goals, I highly doubt he will ever score 50 goals, mostly because of 2 things – his skating is just plain awful and most of his goals are not a result of his creativity, but the result of other people work.
I really hope I am wrong and he will break out next season, but at this point i just don’t see that -
lenny says:
Is VERSUS still not on Directv? That’s sucks if I can watch!
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Don’t worry about Tavares. Yes, he does need the benefit of a playmaker and a good passer, but he will score the goals. His first go around at the WJC wasn’t great, but his 2nd was awesome! He’s a smart guy, he cares, he will figure this league out. He won’t win Rookie Of The Year, but this is not about personal hardware. Afeter all, it is still a team game.
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Viper says:
We love your dedication, CB. But we are already wanting to begin the lottery countdown. It would be nice for the kids to get some personal stats and confidence for next year. I’ll be rooting for a 7-5 Isles loss in regulation!
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EAF: you should probably not judge someone’s entire life and career based on 60 games played as a 19 year old. if that were possible then I’d still be working at dunkin’ donuts right now and living at home in farmingdale in my wood paneled bedroom with the lime green carpet watching star trek reruns all the time… well i still watch the trek reruns but everything else has gotten better.
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EAF JT has shortcomings to his game as aof right now no doubt about it. his supporting cast does not help either. Th ebest example I think out there is Joe Throton, something like 7 points as a rookie. I am no one would argue his stature in the game now. I think JT should be taken out for a game to watch from up high (i know right now they do not have enough forwards for that) but the point is as made above, 60 games in a rookie and you ar ready to write him off. That seems a bit premature.
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When the Isles play with anyone getting minimal ice time like Gillies, interrupting them in rolling 4 lines all night, they lose.
Hope this changes. -
I Still want to know why Snow didn’t take a 5th rd pick for Richard Park? what is the point of holding on to another 4th line player – they have plenty of them already
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Arbour Day says:
Let’s lose and get JT a much needed goal.
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4theisles says:
Strummer’s army as usual gets it right. I’m sick of “one more year” or “be patient”, or the draft looks great, etc etc…. I’m beginning to concentrate on the Rags maybe not making it. Is that sick?
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Adeclane says:
Finally, we don’t have to listen to Howie and now I have to pick between listening to Doc or Chris King.
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JSExpress says:
Tavares will be a prolific goal scorer in the NHL. He had 15 goals in his first 31 games on the ISLANDERS! You don’t put up numbers like that right out of the gate by luck. He can and will improve his skating and strength in time. He’s 19. He will also benefit from the addition of some established NHL talent, should Uncle Chuck ever give Snowy the REAL greenlight.
So what’s the deal with this Gormley kid? I’m hearing a ton of good things about him lately… Could he possibly break in as a top-three pick?
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Madchef says:
did nt we sign up for the rebuild. better this year than last. more draft picks in the system. Yeah I know patience is a virtue most cannot except. It is what it is. One day in a few years we will be there just not soon. What can you do. I guess bit$h and moan. Sure is alot of that going on here every blog
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ken says:
could not agree more, i would love to see a game w/ real passion and emotion. one of the youngins stepping up and dropping the gloves would provide a major boost. would love to see KO take on Richards and set the tone.
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The New Isles GM says:
I’m sure Garth and staff already started the Hall-Seguin-Fowler Watch based on their playoff push acquistions we got on March 3rd.
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big dog says:
Wont see this on tv with directv
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Frank says:
I too am rooting for a top draft pick. This is not our year, hopefully next year we will advance in the playoffs!
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JtorBust says:
Kinger on the radio is great news , but he might as well just announce the game from a bar and we will all go there since the radio signal ends 4 blocks from the station. Is there any chance we bring in youngblood’s dad to show these guys how to stand up for your teammates when they get run over and deter teams from following suit. I hope Trevor is licking his chops for this game , national tv.
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TM says:
Poor Kinger. The lame radio range signal means 4 people will be able to hear him tonight. Great article by N Best recently on how the radio situation is so minor league….just like most everything else with this Godforsaken franchise. Thanks Chris for the intro to Neil as it was interesting and glad the radio disaster was exposed even though it will probably be ignored by C Dey who thinks it’s great. He’s out of touch big time.
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Wait, can’t I webstream the radio station and watch the tv on mute? Any info on what kind of drinks he’s mixing?
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mets jets isles says:
How about a fight after the thrashers jumped out 2-0 or a fight after blake got crushed clen hit or not. Flyers game the other night 2 fights in the first 5 seconds of the game. The kids were amazed as isles fans they are not accustomed to seeing such physical play. Top 3 pick and a real estate deal. please and thank you
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Blizzard says: ….Mike Bossy scored 53 goals in 73 games as a rookie for the NY Islanders. Mr Tavares you are no Mike Bossy….
which of course isn’t fair at all but please JT score a goal tonight give us some hope!!!!
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islesfan999 says:
Everyone relax. This is the best possible situation we are in. We lose a few more and get a stud with a top 3 pick. Snow wises up adds some much needed size this summer and next year we make the playoffs as a 6 or 7 seed. The year after we are a 4 seed. Thats hopefully what happens.
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mikef says:
isn’t this an insult not to bring matt martin back up?
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Frank nyc says:
This years draft needs to bring back some offense. We have quite a few Dman prospects coming up. But We dont have much offensive talent. We have chosen offense with our last few high first rounders but we still need more offense. Hopefully a wing.
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a REAL hockey fan says:
.. Mike Bossy to JT?, cmon PLEASE dont do that, different player and different ERA’s
.. JT has struggled but hes a rookie who played a *very good 35 games* and a bad *25 games or so* – he has shown flashes, lets be PATIENT please!
.. The radio deal is kinda of a minor league, we have 2 step that up in that dept as well as STEPPING UP IN THE toughness/physical department! 2 many times this team has been pushed around, its time we push back!!
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omg tavares is such a bad hockey player. he’s never gonna score more than 15 goals. he’s never gonna get better. he’s gonna be a 19 year old kid forever like peter pan!
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Billy-no-not-Jaffe says:
All I want is to see JT stay on his skates the whole game and to pot a goal scorers goal…….bbeat a goalie who is set and in the net. High corner glove side would be nice.
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Mike R. says:
Sorry guys, but these games mean nothing. I am rooting for the draft picks at this point. JT needs some help.
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dan says:
LETS GO ISLANDERS
just beat philly -
drive45 says:
islesfan999 is right on. This is just what we wanted. Let’s get a stud draft pick and then see what happens next year.
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Tony F. says:
I hate to bring this up again but we would’t be in this much of a mess if it wasn’t for a duschene named milbury. Of course wang and snow don’t seem to be hurtling us toward respectability either. Let’s draft some size and toughness for a change.
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50 in 50 says:
Someone needs to tell Gordon, that an “enforcer” on any level is only a successful attribute to a team if he actually plays. I doubt Gillies will even break a sweat and the most ice time he sees is during warm-ups.
On a side note, Did I read correctly that we haven’t won a road game against any team in the division in 2 years. Sorry but you can only blame the coach for that one.
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Jeff says:
Jt has to be great because he was the first overall draft pick. Just ask Rick DiPietro.
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bossjones1 says:
At this point I hope we finish in the top 3 because there is a fairly large consensus about who those three will be, after that and we get into Snow’s trade down mode.
Columbus looked so bad last night, it was basically unwatchable, they probably could use Filatov right now. -
#27 you can never have enough defense. You can have too much offense, but never enough defense. Defense wins championchips. Whether the Islanders have the 2nd pick, 3rd pick, 4th pick, 5th pick(hopefully 2nd or 3rd)…I want the best player available. No trading down to get more picks, no fancy stuf. Take seguin, Fowler, Gormley, Gustavson and call it a day.
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Davy says:
This game is available in Canada, a very rare thing so I was excited to watch it. My parents called and are coming in tonight from out of town (haven’t seen them since Christmas). Anyone know a polite way to tell your parents that you can’t visit because you will be watching the Isles get pummeled by the Flyers?
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Ray's Team says:
its pretty sad but the only thing im excited about with tonites games is to hopefully see gillies beat sumone down…nothing else
I officially started the Hall-Seguin-Fowler watch after the Ottawa game. I have seen Hall play but not Seguin yet. I do get to see Hall and Fowler play this week on tv up here in Canada. I think any of the three would be great.