RANGERS 4 ISLANDERS 3
The final interactive Plus/Minus of the season
CB at FanHouse: Rangers Stay in the Hunt
9:30 pm, NVMC: A little Plus/Minus to get it started after the Rangers’ 4-3 victory over the Islanders.
Minus: The Islanders are 8-22-3 in their last 33 games against the Rangers at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Plus: Watching how John Tavares came out of the chute tonight, it’s easy to get excited about watching him next season and the season after that.
Plus: Two more goals for Blake Comeau, who always plays well against the Rangers.
Minus: Any player that continues to use those sticks after seeing what happened to Kyle Okposo tonight on the Rangers’ second goal deserves everything coming to him. I really friggin’ hope it costs a team a Game 7 some day.
Plus: Without a single defenseman of bulk in front of him, Dwayne Roloson echoed Billy Smith by defending his turf with his stick. Later on, he gave a neck rub to ref Dennis LaRue.
Minus: Referee Justin St. Pierre calls coincidental holding penalties on Olli Jokinen and Andrew MacDonald. Come back to us, Justin.
Minus: Marked man or not, honest man Trevor Gillies cannot take penalties without bringing an opponent with him.
Plus: Frans Nielsen played his heart out.
Minus: You know those 2010-11 season ticket invoices with the payment deadline of April 1 before interest charges kicked in? I learned something knew today from several emailing subscribers. In the cover letter from the Islanders that accompanied the invoice, the team did not even mention the interest charges. They were simply built into the invoice. Way to treat a team’s most valuable customers.
“Because of your blog,” wrote one season subscriber, “I realized, a bit late, that they are charging interest for payment plans among all the other items they took away. Just spent 20 minutes yelling at my sales rep. Their cover letter was misleading. Shame on them. Interest is a deal-breaker. He is now working on another arrangement for me.”
Plus: Fourth sellout of the season, first for a home game against the Rangers.
Plus: The Islanders’ ragtag band of dmen did the best they could. He’ll never admit it, but Andrew MacDonald (20 minutes, +1) gutted this one out. Easily could have taken another week to heal.
Plus: Mark Streit deserves the Nystrom Trophy, and a Purple Heart.
Plus: Always nice to see the players and coaches on the visiting bench stand and cheer during the Welcome Back, Veterans segment.
Minus: Another blown lead.
Plus: One giant leap backwards to Seguin, Hall, Fowler or Gudbranson. The Islanders could use two of them. Columbus beat Tampa in regulation. Toronto lost to Atlanta. If anyone doesn’t think this stuff is important now…
Minus: Quiet game from some of the kids, reason enough to hope the Islanders soon add experience. Let’s also hope no one has to hear the hockey ops sales pitch during 2010-11, “Considering we’re playing an 18-year-old, 20-year-old, 21-year-old and 22-year old in key roles, I’m happy with our improvement.”
Minus: Two losses in a week to the Rangers, when putting the rivals away was pretty much all the Islanders had to play for.
Comments and Plus/Minus on tonight’s game and this post.
115 Responses to RANGERS 4 ISLANDERS 3
The final interactive Plus/Minus of the season
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James says:
I am happy with the progress of this team
Sure they still show some flashes of last years horrible team, but the progress they are making is very much noticeable
Imagine these young kids with another year under them, adding a few good pieces via free agency and next season we are a playoff team.
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Matt Scordato says:
That 8-22-3 v. the NYR is shameful and sickening. Makes me want to puke.
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Kascycki's Krew says:
10th Place Rags gain no ground on 9th place ATL and 8th Place BOS. We do what we gotta do – lose a competitive game in regulation…..nice result in terms of what it could mean to the franchise…..
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IslesNation says:
That record at “home” really isn’t as shocking as you might believe when you consider how big of a letdown it must be when the Isles come out to seeing 40% blueshirts making 75% of the noise… :/
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Lorne says:
At least we showed up somewhat tonight, not happy with the results though. However, Rangers gained no ground in the playoff race. Hey Matt, post 2, I agree we never beat the Rangers at the Coliseum.
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Ted S says:
I have been rooting for this team for a lot of years…. & I am never ready for the season too end…Until now. So I hope anyone looking @ this is ready for a little anger. Here goes. The Islanders lost this game when they didn’t score on the 5 on 3, the Rags scored the next 4!! simple as that. DONE
So as this brutal season comes to a close It is dawning on me that I am sick of this team….
Sick of Wang’s BS , Sick of the TOH BS. Sick of waiting through another draft of broken promise’s , Sick of Garth’s telling me to be patient. I am sick if Rickiety DP & his contract. I am sick of “Tanking on PURPOSE!!!! what ever the F that’s about”…. Sick off having our building taken over by the classless RAGHEADS fan base!!!!!!! Sick of listening to Howie Rose pretending to be impartial during RAG$ games. I hate losing to this team,,,,,more than anything,,, So I am ready for a long summers nap away from this pile of frustration….I have sipped the coolaid for decades . I am not thirsty anymore I am sour!!!!!So GARTH its on you this summer to win me back…..If not I am no long willing to be PATIENT while a team that i love does nothing but break my heart.
Your serve Garth Your Serve WANGSTER!!! have a good summer!!!!
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Islebethere4u says:
Plus – 1st period. All over the rangers. had their collective heads spinning.
Minus – 2nd period. Could not maintain.
Minus – 3rd period Lost the lead again.
Plus – last 6 min. of period 3. 3rd goal was nice “hard working” goal dug out of the corner dump in.
Minus – could not tie it up.
Plus – Blake Comeau, Bergie, Nielsen, Hillen, Meyer (should be asked back for next year) Roloson
Minus – @#$^%$#@#$%$#@$ Sticks!!!
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BringBackNyles says:
Minus: Wang is now officialy in the ticket scalpin gbusiness with Islander Entertainment, want tickets to a concert? Be prepared to stay at his hotel too. the Isles get more fan friendly every day….I guess now that the Lighthouse is dead he’s squeezing every last $ out of his ownership
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eastonhockey says:
The 3 Islanders who surpassed expectations offensively are Simm..Comeu and Moulson…no wonder the Isles continue to be cellar dwellars. Is Garth Snow good enough to create a Cup contender that also has the lowest payroll in hockey? I think we all know the answer to this…
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Eric says:
#2 It is shameful. Its RIDICULOUS! Does having 40% ranger$ fans in the building help the road team, yes, and if the islanders can get better in the next 2 years and make this team exciting again, which they have no excuse not to do, and I believe it will happen, then I believe it will be more like 20% or less ranger$ fans at the games like it was in 01-02. Still not an excuse to have a home record like that to them. Cb’s last comment says it all. THe Islanders are not there yet. Bailey, Tavares, Okposo will all get better. Hopefully Comeau(already very much improved), Shremp, and Hillen can also improve there game. All I want for Passover is a top 3 pick.
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Brother Rat says:
Hud, I definitely agree. With our team having so little to play for, our fans tend to over-hype particular some games and blow up if they lose. A hard-fought 4-3 loss is no reason for the Isles to hang their heads in shame with the condition the team is in now. You’d forget we split the season series with the Rags, and took 2 of 3 at the Garden (including a couple of close ones and that one in OT). Remember, the Rags thought they had Cup aspirations this year, right?
I still find the Isles a great, fun team to watch, and moreso when the kids connect. I’d like to see us add some more offense in the draft, as D takes longer to mature, but whoever we get will be lucky to be part of this group.
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tonti says:
Plus: Without a single defenseman of bulk in front of him, Dwayne Roloson echoed Billy Smith by defending his turf with his stick. Later on, he gave a neck rub to ref Dennis LaRue.
LOL, I cracked up watching this during the game. loved it!!
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I know the home record is awful, but aren’t we pretty good at MSG during this time?
Remember when the Rangers went winless in something like 20 games at the Coliseum up until 94? Memories
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Minus: We take positives that other teams would laugh at.
Minus: This team sometimes plays 40 minutes, sometimes 20 but never 60. We either need a really big clock or a better strength and conditioning coach and maybe some therapy to train the boys to keep focus.
Minus: We don’t have a clutch player, prospect or otherwise. Related Minus: This team can’t win a game that means anything.
Minus: There are really no “Plus” items.
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DRIVE45 says:
The loss would have been easier to take if Toronto and Tampa Bay could have won. Another plus from this game is that they’re only a few more games where we have to look at those dreadful uniforms!
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tom says:
minus: fans who criticize a team full of 19-23 year olds like they are big money players. It’s year 2 here, the team is already 11 points better than last year with some very promising players and a high draft pick coming, calm down, the impatience of the fans reminds me of milburys impatience.
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Ted, you’re nuts. Howie Rose called a great game tonight, as he always does. I wouldn’t trade Howie for any other announcer in the NHL.
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Plus – The Sellout!
Plus – Blake Comeau continuing to make strides and scoring two goals
Minus – The Islanders imitating the Rangers of the first period for the whole second period.
Plus – No fights in or near 313.
Plus – My Dad (The Rangers fan) not busting my chops about how clean or not clean the house is that I bought from him about 4 years ago. Seriously…thanks Dad for getting up at 4:00 in the morning to take me to 5:30 AM hockey games as a kid. You instilled the love for hockey in me!
Plus – Roli still being the man behind a decimated defense corps.
Plus – The readership of Point Blank continuing to grow! Thanks CB.
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mike 8 says:
It didn’t lose them the game but watching the Islanders back up on the PK is sickening. Whose idea is it to put no pressure on the points or for that matter anywhere.
Was this a Chris Dey brainstorm to try and make a few more pennies by screwing the few remaining season ticket holders? Watch as Billy goes bye-bye and Dey gives us just Howie- the first one man telecast!
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Viper says:
Much needed loss however you look at it. Short term pain for long term gain. Another blown lead for Tampa. There should be an investigation. Chris I look forward to your draft prospect reports!
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rochfire says:
Please, we need size in key areas.
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Ray's Team says:
with the right team(not the islanders) rollie would definitely take them to the stanley cup
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billy says:
- this team mixes and matches 40 minute efforts, the second was a disaster this time.
+ comeau
- rolo was outplayed by henrik who let in some groaners
+ rolo every other part of the game
- after 76 games i finally see the need for a legit enforcer, gillies is just running around taking bad penalties. We got pushed around.
+ bergie
- refs missing KO getting hauled down
+- they put up a good third until the final 2 minutes -
Hintonio says:
Nielsen, Freddy Meyer, Jack Hillen, and Blake Comeau played great tonight. You can see the confidence growing in Nielsen bringing the puck in the zone and dishing it off to his wingers – he gets better every game. Same thing goes for Comeau – good playing tonight. And as for the D, Meyer played one hell of a defensive game tonight. And Jack Hillens’ 1st pass out of the defensive zone along with his offensive awareness doesn’t get enough recognition. He’s a very tough, smart defensemen.
Put this year behind us, with Scott Gordon behind the bench & these young guys gaining another year of experience, 2010-2011 season should be a very good one.
Only if we could get the LIGHTHOUSE BUILT!!! -
THE PORK CHOP EXPRESS says:
Come on TOP two pick!!!!!We need another no brainer!!!!
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Jeff says:
Perfect night. Isles closer to a top 3 pick. Rags win but gain no ground.
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1972 means i'm old says:
+LOST was on.
+Somers is off tonight. WFAN is listenable.
+rag$ fans’ revenues for this sellout will help pay for a 1-5 draft pick.
+Only six torture sessions left… -
Jet Plane says:
On the Howie thing, I really think that was a cheap shot. He does call a great game and from my standpoint, I sensed he was rooting for the Isles to tie it up. I think we’re lucky to have the announcing team we have and Howie has represented the Islanders very well during his tenure here. There are so many more important things to complain about.
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PotvinRocks says:
The crowd was about 60/40, Ranger fans to Islander fans. It was nice to see the building full.
Looking ahead, all of the remaining games are against playoff teams. So the Islanders shouldn’t win another game and that would put them right where they want to be for the LA Draft.
Come on Cam Fowler. -
Staten Islander says:
I want 1 more win this year, lets end the Philly hex…..in my lifetime
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David Volek says:
Shame on the islanders for extending Brenden Witt and then banishing him to the minors. Yes he is slow, but the isles defensive corp was completely outmatched (kudos to Freddy Meyer VIIIIIXVVVI who hit like he was 6’5). Streit should not have to play 28 minutes a game.
Minus – Not scoring on the 5 on 3? Id love to know the statistic on teams that dont score 5 on 3 and not winning the hockey game.
Minus – Tavares needs to improve on his skating and his strength
Plus – Frans Nielson
Minus – Having Trevor Gillies and his 2 min of ice time, meant that Gordon doesnt roll 4 lines. YOU NEED 4 lines to win games in this league. The kids (Okposo in particular) looked spent towards the end of the game.
Plus – Dwayne Roloson made this game closer than it was. He came up HUGE in the first
Minus – What does Scott Gordon have against time outs? -
cgs878 says:
Oh well, one word pretty much sums up this entire season: whatever. Wake me up when September ends.
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Brian says:
fans should revolt against this franchise. for those that actually still show up to games, stop. charles wang does not care about the fans or winning.
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rob76 says:
Minue – TB andToronto both won and didnt gain points on us.
Biggest Minus – somehow Ranger fans are allowed to take over the Coliseum. I know there are enough Isles fans to fill that place for a Ranger game. Why cant we get more Isles fans to these games? Its very disheartening to have them drown out us Isles fans. It cant feel good for the players on the ice either to know that there are more Rangers fans than Isles fans there.
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The kids don’t get why these games are important. Maybe they aren’t important to anyone but the fans. They came out of the gate strong, flatlined in the 2nd and first 10 minutes of the 3rd, then suddenly came to life after going down 2. I’m so glad Gordon is at the helm.
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#30 I was not at the game but I attend 2-3 Islanders/Ranger$ games at the coliseum a season although this season I only went to one and it was the most ranger$ fans I have ever seen…same night at the game 1 of the World series. As many ranger$ fans as there are at the coliseum and it is sadening and pathetic, at most there have been 50% ranger$ fans. I saw the crowd rise up after islanders goals and ranger$ goals, there were definitely more Islanders fans in the building. Probably 60% islanders fans. Lets not exaggerate how many ranger$ fans there are at the coliseum, it is bad enough as it is that we do not have to exaggerate. I remember the first islanders/ranger$ game of the 01-02 season. It was so pleasant seeing at most 10% ranger$ fans in the building. Hell, I’ll even take 20% ranger$ fans, just no more 40-50% ranger$ fans at games, its embarrassing and I cant take it anymore.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Minus: Rolie picked a bad game to be average.
Plus: Atlanta and Boston both winning.
Minus: They beat Calgary and Columbus and lose both Ranger games. So frustrating. Next they’ll beat Philly to help complete the Rags march to the playoffs.
Plus: Bergenheim back to being his normal buzzsaw self, his best game in weeks.
Minus: Lackluster game from Bailey
Plus: Full marks to AMac for gutting this one out.Now lets go 0-6 and bring in our last top 3 pick for a long time.
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Irish Isle says:
I think this game proved the Isles need to add some size in both the fa market and the draft
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SeanG says:
CB: “Plus: Watching how John Tavares came out of the chute tonight, it’s easy to get excited about watching him next season and the season after that.”
What are people watching here with him? He is not impressive at all and his skating, with the exception of NOT being incredibly strong on the puck, reminds me eerily of Alexei Yashin.
CB: “Minus: Referee Justin St. Pierre calls coincidental holding penalties on Olli Jokinen and Andrew MacDonald. Come back to us, Justin.”
I laughed and said the same thing to my buddy at the game…whoever heard of coincidental holding minors?
Plus: They didn’t come back and scratch a point out of this game after blowing a 2 zip lead, with both Tampa and Toronto losing in regulation.
Minus: a disgraceful offensive performance in which they benefitted from 2 garbage goals given up by Lundqvist and Streit’s goal was not even screened.
Minus: Okposo’s first half had us overrating him.
Minus: The hit from behind on Tavares only being a 2 minute minor for boarding. We have witnessed a ton of a whole lot less being given a 5 spot around the NHL this season and that WAS a 5er if I ever saw one.
Minus: A DISGRACEFUL showing on a 5-on-3 in the 2nd period, which really was the deciding factor in the game.
Minus: Lots of Isles fans being giddy about what will be most likely a 15 point improvement over last season. However, the main reason for that improvement will be due to our 40 year old team MVP goaltender, NOT the kids, unless you just believe what you want to believe.
Plus: Getting in my car quite quickly with my friend and putting on the radio to hear that the Bs had just won in OT and while driving out of the parking lot, putting my windows down and yelling to all the Rags fans walking to their cars, “Boston won! Whoooooo!”, or just looking at someone and saying, “Yo, by thw way, Boston won.”
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Marc says:
Long Island’s favorite newspaper has an article in tomorrow’s edition with the subtitle that “The Rangers beat the Islanders with a lineup that had many of their regulars missing due to injury.” How many is “many”? The Isles’ were missing quite a few players too. Let’s Go Flyers (and Bruins)!
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mike says:
Tavares gets boarded,,, NO ONE sticks up for him! If that had happened to Trots or Bossy, CLARK Gillies would have Taken care of the situation.
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I do want to beat Philly and end the hex, but would rather lose since it will only give the Rangers a shot at the 8th spot.
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Oh and one more Plus. Blackhawks blow another lead and lose again as their goalies continue to struggle. How a team with that much talent decided to go with Niemi/Huet when a goalie with Cup experience (Roloson) was available, I will never understand. Edmonton had the guts to trade a 1st for Rolie in 2006 and he led them to the finals. When the Hawks bow out in the 1st round (cue Ricky Ricardo)they are going to have some splainin to do.
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I thought for sure Nielsen was going to tie the game. And yes, Andy MacDonald probably should have stayed out a day or two more. If he isn’t hurt again, I’ll be surprised. Disappointing but not surprising.
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a REAL hockey fan says:
.. Its frustrating to lose to the Rag$, (I know i DESPISE them) but big picture the team/franchise is looking better and aquiring better/younger talent! I know, i know, i know a game like this can F-R-U-S-T-R-A-T-E us but we have to take a look at the big picture and take a deeep breath, the Isles are getting better, can u imagine if they get a top 3 draft pic and add a Free Agent or 2?? They would be a instant playoff team!
.. They still need some size, and grit and toughness (especially on small the D-line) and some scoring but i think that more help is coming next year — AT LEAST I HOPE IT IS lol
.. The games between the Rag$ and the Isles are just boring these days, since the lockout there has been very lil emotion and animosity or passion!!! anyone else remember the games with Webb, Scatchard, Cairns, Fluery, Puriton, Mcarthy in the early 2000′s those games were EXCITING EMOTIONAL GAMES, not so much since the lockout and rule changes! I hate to say it but alot of the passion is gone!
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Sickening. But in order to keep myself alive, I’ll focus on the pluses. I got 5!
Roloson + I find it hard to believe players wouldn’t want to play die hard for this guy. He always seems to give it his all. Very glad to have him for next year.
Nielsen + Freakin love this guy. Played super hard, would love to see him with some real talent around him.
Comeau + thought he got quiet but I don’t know, hard to take away from the year he’s had.
Tavares + I saw an A game from him and yes I’m excited for years to come if they treat him right and get him some help.Bailey needs to go back to wing.
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SneakyPete77 says:
Garth can improve this team quickly. Read this Garth!
1. Draft any one of the great players when we get with our top 5 pick. Hopefully top 3 pick!
2. Put Tavares, Bailey, and the rest of the youngsters on a serious workout program for next year.
3. Get DeHaan and Hamonic physically ready to be Islanders in Oct.
4. Flyers, Caps, Hawks and some other good teams will have to shed cap room to get real goalies. Be ready to pounce when they dump good talent.
5. Sign some undrafted college talent! They all don’t have to go to Toronto!
6. Sign some real UFA’s this summer.
7. Send Gervais, Sim, Park, Jackman and anyone else who doesnt belong in the NHL packing!Finally, give us a reason, besides the nice weather, bbq’s and fireworks, to be excited on July 1st.
Time to backup the talk, Garth. You want people to fork up the money, you better spend it on quality players. I see another Providence Bruin Gordon disciple, Im not buying! We want vets that will make our young talent better!
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Jeff in Oyster Bay says:
(-) Gillies should not see the ice again this year or ever for Isles, totally inexcusable penalty. I think I spent more time on line for the john than he did on the ice.
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Tony F. says:
OMG where do I start;
-KO, when’s the last time he body checked someone or shot the puck instead of trying some nifty stick handling trick. God please don’t make him the next captain.
-Tavares, did he win one faceoff tonight? He looked tired all night.
-Someone please send Hunter to a power skating camp this summer.
-Bailey is like invisible.
-Trevor is useless if he doesn’t fight someone.+Mark Streit, this guy must be so frustrated.
+Frans Nielsen, one of our only good skaters
+Blake C., I hope he can keep it up next season.
+Rollie winding up to swat a ranger behind the play.No first round draft pick is going to help this team, they need a major overhaul. They’re slow, small, and play in spurts. I’m done with this team for the rest of the season. After getting spanked last week they mail it in again against a hated rival. Garth you’ve got some explaining to do.
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Scott S. says:
Finally heard from my ticket rep today. Was told that there is no interest, just pricing “advantages” to those that pay early. Very bizarre, unprofessional conversation. I don’t know how things got to this point. How can increasing ticket prices make sense to anyone right now? And when you add on parking, it’s sad, but I guess my days as a season ticket holder are over…
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IslesinOside says:
Minus- Chris Dey!
Minus- What happened to “If you know the Rangers Suck”? Havent heard it in 6 months! Soon Chris Dey will have the Islanders Players wearing pink TuTu’s. Boy has he made this team and organization soft!Minus- Honestly this team has had NO markable improvement in two decades!!! When we start making playoffs in consecutive years and see some consistency then I will concede, but bottomline it makes no difference whether we finish 30th,26th 15th or 10th every year. We are still out of play off contention in any of these spots, and besides the Cup of course this is what a team strives for, isn’t it? I definately do not consider a 10 point increase over last year an improvement by any circumstance. Roli is the only reason why we even may have had a brief glimmer of playoff hope in mid season, otherwise same old team.
Minus- Maybe it’s my poor Italian patience but, hey Mr. Snow, Mr. Flash and Mr. Wang…do you hear that? TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK
Minus- This team still has no enforcer and continues to get pounced on.
Plus- Okposo’s relentless heart in every play!
Plus- Comeau,Nielson…I know he’s only 19 but hope to see some more from Tavares, especially a skating improvement. He is unbelievable at making plays behind the net though. -
Eric says:
That hit on Tavares should have been a major but the refs are horrible. The thing that made it the worst is no one even went after Branden Prust. I expected someone to go after him considering that Tavares is one of the core players.
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Michael P. says:
50- they mailed it in tonight? did you watch the game? it sucks losing to rangers but cmon
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Jzimm says:
We used to always beat the Rangers at the coliseum. This rivalry has really fizzled, and it’s because of the Islanders and how long they’ve sucked for.I used to long for the days of Bossy, Trottier, and Potvin. Now I long for the days of Turgeon, Steve Thomas, and Derek King.
Lose the rest of the season and hope to finish 29th and hope that no teams slated to pick in the top 6 win the lottery. Hall or Seguin is a must!
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A lot of disappointment and hate going on in The Country these days, ay Chris?
Like I’ve said many times on the blog, I’m no Snow or Gordon guy, but I will give the team one more year before requesting some serious changes in management. 21 mil being paid to the forward this season. Subtract 5 for Weight, Hunter, and Sim and Snow should be able to add some big free agents. I wouldn’t be shocked if this team turned things around next season, but Snow and Gordon haven’t really given any one a reason to believe it so why should anyone invest in them.
Second rate organization that has to improve asap.
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Johnnyjet says:
It’s sad that the day we most look foward to is the draft lottery and then the draft. This tanking has got to stop. We need to take the next step foward. We have to make some noise next year or we will become the Florida,Columbus and Atlanta’s of the league instead of Pittsburgh, Chicago and Washington which we all want.
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boss15 says:
This team is getting better, very slowly but they are getting better…how far this team gets next season depends a lot on how much they are willing to spend. They will probably get a top 5 in the draft but if it isn’t Hall Seguin or Fowler I doubt they will have much of an impact next season (they could get “Tyler Meyers” lucky but how often does that happen to the islanders?). That leaves free agency because probably only Joensuu makes his way up the ladder next season. On the bright side the sound tigers are probably going to be awesome next season…
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Jim Clark says: + The Islanders will get a high draft pick this
year.
- The Islanders have been getting high draft picks since 1994. Very few of them have panned out. -
Jerky says:
This team really has not improved from last season. They have scored 199 goals so far this season vs. 201 goals all of last season (slight improvement due to Catt Coulson) and given up 236 goals so far this season vs. 279 goals all of last season (slight improvement due to Roloson). There is an obvious need to spend on UFA’s this summer for four key items: offense, defense, size and toughness (basically everything except goaltending).
I agree with everyone that Trevor Gillies is not the long-term answer; however, for those complaining that nobody stuck up for Tavares after being boarded by Prust, Gillies took the penalty in the third trying to engage Prust for his hit on Tavares. It was definitely ill-timed but he knows his role and he tried to execute. More than I can say for anyone else on the team when it comes to sticking up for their teammates.
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CJCB says:
- Jaffe
- Hockey in April
- No fights again in Isles/Rags game
- Boring
- Fans that think Gilles and not rolling 4 lines is the reason you lose in this league, yet atleast half if not more DONT roll 4 lines like these fans want, its NOT the reason!!!
+ Gilles
- No size made it a long season from this fans perspective, again adding Gilles and an Enforcer to the last 10-15 just like last year, YAWN
- Chris Dey
-Snow for not making more changes last offseason
+ we may finally be rid of Sim and all the other Sml Weak players on this team
- Gervais
+ Tavres
+ Okposo
+ Roloson
- No new Arena, stop being greedy and build something it does NOT have to be a friggin city!! -
Ricky T says:
We need the high draft pick, but only if it’s used wisely. Still mad about how Snow botched the draft last year by trading a boatload of picks for De Haan and picking 2 goalies he could have had with later picks or with the picks he traded. I guess it was important to grab the small, weak defenceman. That seems to be part of the Isle’s rebuild plan and we had to move up before some other GM genius copied the Isle’s model for building with the least physical players you can find. The draft is about the only thing Isle’s fans can look forward to and even that was messed up last year. I’m not excited about the rebuild with the core of young players who have some talent but are soft and limited. Look at some of the teams who already are strong contenders. Most have better young talent still in juniors or the minors than the Isles. There’s a long, long way to go.
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Hollywood says:
This game proved that this team just isn’t capable! They have a hsndful of players but man do they need a leader. They are soooo soft. How does Gordon justify playing Sim over Tamby, I don’t get it. Sad thing is we couldn’t bribe a great FA to come here. We don’t have a Crosby or Malkin and that will just continue to hurt the rebuild. Our defense played well, Flood has been good! Baily was completely invisable.Let’s just get lucky with the lottery!
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Someone made a compared Tavares to Yashin. I don’t think Tavares will settle for being mediocre. He has worked hard his entire hockey career.
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Plus: The Isles have improved
Minus: I can’t imagine there is another team in the league with this many blown leads
Plus: Comeau figured it out
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battfist says:
Minus-losing to the skirts.
Plus-Roloson-how can you not love this guy?!
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Mike from Oceanside says:
If I’m Gordon, I tap Gillies on the shoulder right after that boarding on JT and point to Prust. It MUST be learned all over this league that you can not take any liberty with our skilled players. If that is not what Gillies was here for, then someone needs to clue me in on why he was in the lineup. By not doing so will only make our skilled players intimidated.
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Billy-no-not-Jaffe says:
JT didnt score a goal but he sure as hell looked like a hockey player out there in every other aspect of the game.
Great to see, and I am now getting more confidence that he will develop into that 40+ goal guy and all around player.
Anyone notice how his skating has improved already? -
joe says:
I’m not sure if there is another NHL team in recent memory that this Ranger could beat 5-0, and then a week later have a come back win. They do not blow teams out and they don’t come back. Just another sad moment in the Isles last 20 years of futily.
With that said, I’m glad the Isles lost beacuse it get them closer to Hall or Seguin.
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Michael says:
Remember that time that the Rangers beat the Islanders and catapulted the Islanders into a top three future hall of fame pick while the Rangers picked Johnny No-Name outside of the top ten and missed the playoffs?
If the Islanders hold true to their word and add some talent via free agency then next year will be exciting. If all we do is add an nhl ready top prospect it’s going to be another long season.
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schnip says:
#52 – Agree with you, this is no longer an aggressive adult sports fransise… its geared towards kids. Can we please get rid of our Dragon Mascot, the dragons arent even around anymore.
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Bob Bassen says:
Was at the game and just thought for sure the Isles would win.
This was our *Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs*. I know, pretty sad but we knew it and they knew it. If, say an unlikely physical player like Bailey, JT or even KO flattened someone a few times as if to say “hey, you are in our house and we are here to win it” it would have been nice but no. Nope.
15 minutes after the game on Meadowbrook, right before, I lost radio reception I hear Gordon giving the Aww, shucks we are just inexperienced excuse. Wow.
I am an Islander fan. But the season is now officially over and my apathy will remain for a very long time.
Whatever. -
MileHighIsle says:
I’d like the Isles to draft Gudbranson. A 6’4 defensemen that fights is always good. Having him and Hamonic, another defensemen that fights, would be nice to watch in the future protecting our goalie and laying out hits.
This current team is way too soft, and thus, not entertaining. Okposo is a good player but not a leader. He’s not physical, plays poor defense and doesn’t show up for big games. I like him, though.
I wouldn’t mind having Martin and Joensuu brought up next year to add size to the lineup. -
Nobody says:
#59 and others…. Check out THN article about ‘redoing the 09 draft’. 23 scouts re-rated the 09 draft and deHaan was rated right where he was chosen… Only I guy picked behind him last year was now rated ahead of him… And many of last years ‘fan favorites…I.e. Kassian… Were rated WAY lower. So, maybe we did pretty damn well…
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Brian G says:
Wang needs to make something happen soon…anymore talk of waiting for the lighthouse and blaming TOH is just BS – STEP UP & WORK IT OUT ….All of the Fans are tired of going into another offseason of not know what is going on with that or the team on the ice.
List of things to do:
1. Work things out with TOH – Scale back project and get to work already2. Find out if DP’s Knee/health are career threating…then move on
3. Sign some UFA’s – spend some money, stop being cheap..this is an NHL franchise, not an AHL franchise
try to sign Patrick Marleau and 2 defenseman
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67 – Not sayiing De Haan isn’t a good player, only that we could drafted him later, along with the goalies, and preserved more picks for more prospects while still getting the players we wanted. While the Isle’s prospect pool is good, it’s not great and lighter than many of the teams that are already contenders. We need to build a team that’s a top contender, not just ready to land the 8th seed in the playoffs. We need to use our resources, ie draft picks, better than we did last year.
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John says:
After last night’s man-handling in the 2nd period, I hope and pray the Isles sign Anton Volchenkov and draft Eric Gudbranson. If I see 5’9, 5’10 Dmen in front of the net, I’m going to hurl. And what the heck happened to Trent Hunter. Horrible!!!
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RHL Vin says:
We need Hall Seguin. Both of them are cant miss prospects. We need to get lucky and be one of the top 2 picks in the draft.
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dose says:
i love okposo. the guy plays hard every shift, every game, and he seems totally committed to the team and his teammates. i have to say though it looks to me like the way he’s played this year is not how he played last year. i hope i’m wrong or even imagining, but i remember him barreling to the net with the puck much more last year. i thought we finally had a true power forward who could score by sheer strength and will, and command enough attention to create chances for other guys. tony f. up there touched on it, maybe more bluntly that i would, but OK looks like he’s playing more on the periphery now, and his shooting and scoring skills are not geared for out there. it’s certainly understandable, but the effect of phaneouf hit may be lingering. maybe another year will help. and i actually hope someone convinces me i’m wrong about this.
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Potvin All Star says:
How can Tavares get cross-checked and boarded and there not be any immediate violent retaliation? It was the most embarrassing moment of an embarrassing season.
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MorDraftPicks says:
PLUS – 6 games left
PLUS – Winning maybe 2 of them
Minus- too many to mentionAnd to the poster who is “Satisfied” with the 11 point difference. Ill sum it up in 2 words = DUANE ROLOSON!!
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Keep this in mind, DeHaan bashers:
1. He was good enough to make Canada’s WJC team, which is pretty much a junior all-star team. So did Hamonic!
2. How many of you watched the WJC Tourny? I did and the only d-man that looked better was Ryan Ellis.
3. I watched him from the 2nd row at our only preseason game at NVMC in Sept. He didn’t miss a beat. He needs to physically mature and bulk up. Understandale for a 18 year old in the NHL. Ask Tavares and Bailey about that!
4. He took over Del Zotto’s position after Del Zotto was traded to London. He ended with over 50 assists and over 60 pts. Again, didn’t miss a beat.
5. He is ranked 28th in the top 100 prospects over the past couple of years. Ranked 8th overall in d-men prospects.
Hamonic is ranked 61st.Give the kid a break! He is going to be fine.
You want to bash prospects, start with Trivino and Ness!
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joe says:
Folks…lets move on-time to go get beat up by the Flyers
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JtorBust says:
I m good with this team , only so much a fan can take. I will not be renewing my season tickets unless Garth blows me away this summer. I can t watch our 19 year old star get boarded and our goalies get run anymore. I am not saying that you need to win the cup and have 4 gretzkys on the ice, just stand up for each other, its disgusting.
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Blizzard says: agree on Hunter not a good game for him. And I cant believe Tampa is going to be another Lottery team. If they get another top 3 pick im gonna puke. There ought to be a rule or something.
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PLUS: Just haveing a sellout and excitement in the building.
MINUS: Trouble navigating the concourses.
MINUS: Paying full STH price for 35 other games in the year.
HUGE MINUS: Prost’s hit on JT.
There was only one time this entire season where someone took a run at Tavares and an Islander responded–Matt Martin on Mattias Ohlund before the Olympic break (Lightning).
Granted, if I were still in college I can envision an awesome drinking game by taking a shot every time JT falls to the ice. However, how many times do we have to watch JT lift his crumpled body off the ice while mumbling about a hit and seeing no other Islander in sight? This is how you protect the “franchise” player?
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JP91 says:
The Isles played hard last night, no question. I just don’t like the blown 1st period lead…and I definitely don’t like the lack of protection for Tavares. Matt Martin needs to be a full time player for this team next year. Guys like Gillies are decent fighters but can’t contribute anything else at all. Matt Martin at least has SOME offensive skills, plays with a TON of heart, and can hit and fight. I really hope he fully makes the team out of camp next year and is here protecting JT and the rest of the team for many years to come…
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mrlbem says:
After last night’s game, can we stop the talk of annointing KO as the next captain? I don’t think he plays with enough fire and passion. If they give him the C, it will only put additional pressure on him. Let him develop without this burden. Quite frankly, I think the next captain is not on the roster right now. Hopefully, it’s a younger veteran FA. No more 38 year olds.
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Jethro09 says:
When is Kyle Okposo going to score in a big game? This guy needs to become more of a finisher in big spots.
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Big Van Vader says:
#64 Totally agree. It’s like they are PURPOSELY trying to neuter the franchise of all “machismo” it had left. I was wondering why the chicken dance wasn’t played. Couple that with the fact that Chris Dey (could have used another word there)killed our goal song because some fans were chanting “YOU SUCK” makes me wonder what happened to the hockey that i knew growing up? I watched guys like Ken Baumgartner and Mick Vukota fight EVERY GAME whether we had a good team or bad. THOSE guys came ready to go and knew, KNEW what to do against the Rags. What do you alll think would have happened if those two were even ON THE BENCH when Tavares got hit from behind??? What do you think they would have done to that puke Avery if he tried pulling his crap with them in the lineup? Sure Avery wouldn’t engage them and probably turtle but they would have beat the heck out of him anyway!
I was born too late to enjoy the early 80′s Cup winners but MAN did I love watching the late 80′s and early 90′s Isles.
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Tyler says:
Everyone can hate all they want but the truth is this team has already gone above and beyond expectations. We are virtually a team of young no-names yet are able to play with teams that have big names. We are tied in the standings with the Lightning who have the 5th an 6th overall point leaders in St.Louis and Stamkos, plus Lecavalier….that team being at the bottom is pathetic NOT a team who’s top point leaders have all played no more than 3 full seasons in the NHL. Our young core is leading our team and improving each season. Hopefully Tavares can have a break out Stamkos like year next year but he needs some skilled veterans to help boost him. And if we can manage to get a top 3 draft-pick in this years draft it would help complete our blossoming young core and help ensure a strong future.
So I say keep losing. Win maybe one or two games left at home to delight the home crowd but if we don’t, so what?? It only puts us closer to that high pick. I know its frustrating but don’t give up now we are so close. The day is always darkest before the dawn.
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bob l says:
- more posts/crossbars
instead of shootout practice, we need those foam targets in the corners like the skills competition
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Bob says:
Plus: Another top 3 pick on the horizon
Minus: An Islander “home” game that was 2/3 Ranger fans. Walking through the parking lot with my tail between my legs yet again after an embarassing loss to the Rangers.
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Glen S says:
I think the Isles new goal/or team song should be the music that truck play’s when they ride around the street’s in the summer, that’s right we all know the tune why it’s Mr SOFTY. I think that fit’s this team as they’ve become such easy target and no one retaliate’s SICKENING.
JT get’s leveled no one evn get’s in his face, Dubinsky @ the end of the 2nd period put’s Hillen in a head lock brave man. I’m all for getting the highest pick this year and only this year. CW/GS time to spend/trade for bodies not pick’s and I want to see a huge improvement in the roster before the season begin’s.
Thing’s to do list summer of 2010,
1) Sign a UFA’s that are under 30.
2) Make some trade’s get bigger,
3) Put someone (MARTIN)out there with JT so when they take run’s at him he has protection.
Anyone else think of anything just add it that’s all I think of now.
Oh and one more thing did Howie Rose grow a Rag’s fan yes, but next to jiggs he does a great job. -
4theisles says:
Plus – the season is almost over
The team can’t continue to function with a rudderless owner and GM. The only thing we know for sure is the team is going to China and if things don’t pan out to hell. -
dynasty23x4 says:
not sure why some feel this would be our last lottery pick..this would only be our 2nd if you dont count the trade(s) down for bailey. look at pit: fleury and crosby 1 overall; malkin and staal 2nd overall. thats FOUR terrible years- were only about halfway there lol. and if you look at tampas team, aside from the big 3 at foward, i think our roster is overall better than theirs. so tb gettin another lottery is not bs or should not invoke whining. its the way it is. we will probably be near the bottom next year too. i mean doesnt everybody but the cup winner want to “draft well and add a few quality UFA signings”. you all make it sound so simple. the fact is we are comepeting (and losing) against the other 29 team in the free agency signings as well.
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pritchett54 says:
I am glad they lost. A loss is more meaningful than anything else. Keep losing, i dont care about the flyers or whoever else, we need a top pick.
TB should be thrown out of the league. How are they top 3 every season and they have some of the best players in the league. What a disgrace.
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Jethro 78# – Okposo scored in OT vs. the Rangers in December. Didn’t he also win an OT game in Carolina.
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This team has not gone above anything this year. Without Roloson, our Isles would have finished just as poorly as last year. People forget that last season we had almost twice as many man games lost to injury. Roloson is our team MVP. Without him on our Isles, Boston’s smile isn’t as wide heading into this year’s draft.
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jimmy says:
+++alot of 19 year olds(like me for instance) wouldnt get up if they lose a tooth from chris pronger or get boarded by brandon prust and take the next faceoff. even if the skating isnt there the heart definetly is. i’m thinking stamkos numbers next year and years to come. in 30 or so years you’ll be able to find that same heart on the ice in nvmc
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Russel Ginart says:
Wake up call to all Isles fans!!!! This is year TWO not 6 of the re-build. Compare this to the Isles first two seasons in the NHL 1972 and 1973. 1972 they only one 12 games, in 1973 they did NOT make the palyoffs. The next year they made the playoffs and beat the smurfs in the the first round. Patience, please there IS light at the end of the tunnel.
This is similar to 1973 on the cusp of playoffs but not there yet. Year three will be different, again patince! -
The Mick says:
I’m in agreement that the Isles simply just need to lose the rest of these games and hope for a top pick.
Not sure what free agency is going to bring them, but hopefully they can use the cap space to acquire some talent.
Goaltending concerns me, as good as Rolo has been this year, the guy is 40+ and DiPietro does not seem to be reliable. Hard to complete a rebuild without a top notch goaltender in place.
Frustrating as a fan.
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The ONLY reason Tampa Bay is worse than us is goal tending. If they had Rollie, they would be a playoff team, easy. We need our scouts to be better than everyone else’s scouts. We have had high picks all decade, how many good players out of the bunch? The jury is still out on Jankowski, but I really think his heart is in it– I am seriously rooting for him, Unlike that old decrepit man Tex whom I doubt could even see anyone play. Next season becomes very important for this team. Playoffs are absolutely essential for next year. No ifs, buts, or draft picks about it!
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Yeah, as good as Roloson was Biron was equally as bad!! Roloson is a one of the reasons why this team has improved by 11 points so far. BUT, Biron is aslo the reason why we lost about 10 to 15 points.
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terry says:
I would like to know what enforcer the isles fans would like to see if you watch the rest of the league almost every team has 1 heavyweight and last i checked none are scoring goals they have a job and it is not to score goals.First nobody liked fritz now its Gillies.Who can they get? Martin is a nice player but he is not a heavyweight if he fights Godard,Orr,Shelly or any other heavy he will get hurt.If Gordon just played Gillies a regular shift maybe he could be what the team needs not bench him any mistake he makes he maybe allright.They play Jackman with a cage on i dont think he can score many goals.Maybe the reason no legit scorer will sign with the isles is because he sees the lack of protection he will get from the players or COACH.You need to play somebody for them to get better remember Tocchet when he first came up with the flyers he developed nicely. Enough with my rant you can see where i stand.
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This IS Year 2 of this thing, people. I know almost all of us were out of patience ten years ago but this is the 2nd year since Snow told us he was going to do this through the draft. Next year they should at LEAST be where the Rags are in challenging for the last playoffs spot if not actually taking #8. Snow and Wang MUST put their money where their mouths are this offseason and bring in at least TWO quality forwards and a d-man.
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That just isnt true, (104). Biron was not getting goal support in a large number of games and that is the biggest part of his story this season.
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i love matt moulson please resign him
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Terrance says:
Last night’s payrolls:
NY Islanders: $43,000,000
NY Rangers: $56,000,000 -
thepolishprince says:
I love how people are sure we could have drafted DeHaan later because he would have still been available. I’m sure you were all at the draft table and had leads out with the 29 other gms. Funny stuff.
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this team will not be good for another five maybe six years. i hate to break it to people but facts are facts.
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107, you are partly right about Biron and the lack of goal support but, I can’t forget the many soft goals he let in that cost the team games and points. Both Philly and Buffalo let him go for a reason. He will not be on the roster next year.
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TB and Florida play back to back games to finish the season so if the isles were to tank now they couldn’t do worse than 3rd pick. Being that Toronto has no incentive to tank we may even pull off a #2. Now they will probably win the next 4 games…
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Brian says:
Please, can we stop comparing JT to Stamkos. Have you guys watched Stamkos? Apparently not. Stamkos CAN create his own shots. He CAN skate. He has a cannon of a shot.
JT? He’s good around the net picking up the garbage and from 8 feet out or less. He doesn’t create his own shots. He can’t skate.
He is NOT going to be Stamkos, stop. He will pot 30 a year, which I’ll take, because the puck finds him and he has that knack. But he is not a sniper.
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admin says:
This comments thread is closed.
Do you mean the composite sticks?