STEP OVER TO THE BRIGHT SIDE
14 moves the NYI could make for a sunnier Spring
This is a two comments-per-reader thread.
While the hockey team has lost 14 of its last 17 games, this has not been the best of times for the Islanders on many levels. Despite the embarrassing stretch, the franchise has plenty of moves to make to begin to turn the Country’s frown upside-down.
Here are just a few decisions the Islanders could very well make, or might want to consider, in no particular order of importance.
1. Name Kyle Okposo captain: You say the team is all about the home-grown corps - make it official. Okposo is ready and can handle it. He also happens to be the best young player on the team. Kyle only has 14 goals in ’09-10, so no one can blame the pressure of the captaincy if he doesn’t burst out of the gate next season.
Okposo is the second youngest team-leading scorer in the NHL (after Patrick Kane, born six months later). He’s an outstanding leader who’ll have Mark Streit as an experienced deputy. Do it before the end of the season and have the supremely-respected Doug Weight offer his blessing.
2. Give Matt Martin a few more games: Okay, so maybe the Islanders don’t want to add too much youthful energy to the NHL roster. You don’t want to earn too many points and blow a shot at kids like Tyler Seguin, Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler. You also don’t want to hurt Bridgeport, which is four points ahead for the final playoff spot in the AHL East.
Andrew MacDonald and Josh Bailey in AHL playoff games would be a good thing. All that said, make the NHL team tougher and more exciting – heck, throw the fans a frickin’ bone – and give the tenacious Martin a few games at home.
3. Sign Travis Hamonic: The Islanders are going to sign the hot prospect anyway. There is no way they are going to let Hamonic re-enter the draft. Instead of doing it in late April or May, finalize the kid dman’s three-year entry level deal during the hockey season when people are still talking and writing about the Islanders every day.
4. If he’s the man, give Scott Gordon an extension: Virtually every team in pro sports refuses to let their head coach enter the final year of his contract as a lame duck. (I know this not just any franchise). The uncertain status weakens a coach’s influence on his team and the subject will be discussed all season.
Gordon has one season left on his three-year deal. If Charles Wang and Garth Snow stand by their chosen coach and his system - unless they believe Scott Bowman could have done much better than 52-79-17 with the roster they gave him – they should extend Gordon a season or two. It would be a powerful message to the team, and the fanbase.
5. Win a home game or two: In the pursuit of suckulence and a top-five spot in the lottery, the Islanders can go to Vancouver and California and lose after midnight for all most of the Country cares. However, lineup schminup, the franchise does not want to fall on its face before the thousands still paying to see the boys at the old barn on Hempstead Turnpike.
You think it’s fun for the front office’s sales force to host a potential client at a home game and the team lays an egg? The Islanders host St. Louis, New Jersey and Toronto over the next four days. They are capable of winning all three. Taking two in regulation would do the heart good. Remember, fellas: loser points = no good.
6. Kidnap Kirill the Thrill: Whatever it takes, get the franchise’s top skilled forward prospect – only highly-skilled forward prospect? – out of Russia and to New York. Like almost everything in sports, it’s all about the money.
7. Find the next Jack Hillen: They often don’t work out as well as Hillen, but collegiate free agent signings are like free draft picks. The Islanders, still with holes all over the depth chart, are looking into signing an available college stud or two. Right wing Bobby Butler, with 25 goals and 47 points in 32 games this season at New Hampshire, would be a good place to start. Any combination of size and mobility on defense would also be worth the investment.
8. Burn the jammies: Thank heavens, but the Reebok uniform pajamas systems are almost a thing of the past. Start spreading the news that the return of the classic look is near and will never change again.
9. Bolster Bridgeport: Jack Capuano continues to make tuna salad out of too little on the farm. The Sound Tigers, with a roster as thin as the Islanders and denied the joys of a goal-a-game by Jeff Tambellini, somehow found a way to win three games in less than 72 hours last weekend.
Trevor Smith has stepped up since the arrival of his New Hampshire teammate, Mike Radja. The goaltending has been strong. Despite the freefalls of rookie prospects Justin DiBenedetto and Robin Figren – a combined 19 points in 121 games – Bridgeport could make the playoffs. The Islanders franchise could use a strong showing by its development club in April.
10. Host a first-class FanFest: The LA Kings did this last offseason with terrific results. They even had seminars with three of their most popular goaltenders, three scorers, three fighters, etc. The Blackhawks’ event for this summer is already sold out. There is no reason why the Islanders can’t take a three-day weekend and turn it into a celebration of Islanders hockey. The good thing is, you don’t need a state-of-the-art arena to pull it off.
11. Leak those scouting trips: Remember the golden times of almost a year ago when one day Logie would report that Wang and Snow were in Brampton, then I’d find out when they were in London? Yup, it’s that time of the year again to get the faithful excited for the draft party. Hit the road (again and again), young Jankowski.
So maybe the Islanders will miss the playoffs again. Doesn’t mean they can’t lead the league for the second year in a row in Draft Party attendance.
Keep in mind, Snow said after he selected John Tavares that the goal scorer was his definitive choice from the moment the Islanders won the lottery in April. Reports of a fan and Internet-inspired selection have only become exaggerated with time. The Islanders know who they like in the top five. Might as well get some buzz out there in a few weeks.
12. Extend Matt Moulson: One of the few real happy stories with the big club this season, the highly likeable Moulson rose from relative obscurity to become the Islanders’ leading goal scorer. Moulson’s 23 goals are five more than second-ranked pal John Tavares and as many as Trent Hunter, Frans Nielsen and Sean Bergenheim combined. The restricted free agent must be re-signed. Make it for a few years. How many players or prospects on the roster have his hands? (That’s a rhetorical question).
13. Be Honest and Forthright: Since the Islanders are asking their fans to pay now for next season and get answers later, it’s only right to expect Charles Wang to address some questions about his hopes and plans for the future of the hockey team and arena. I’m certain he will with Long Island’s newspaper.
14. Re-think that April 1 deadline for season ticketholders: This little website has heard from more than 200 season ticketholders not amused by the invoices for 2010-11 they received last week. Much more on this at a later date, but here’s the short version: for a friend of mine with two seats in the corner 300s, between tickets and parking, his life as a dedicated Islanders fan will become at least 30% more expensive than it was the last two seasons. (The parking issue is a story in itself, as many of you have learned).
Oh yeah, and season subscribers that don’t pay by April 1 will see the price of their seats go up. Last year my friend paid over eight installments and without any interest.
As he wrote, “After sitting through these three dreadful seasons, it’s going to cost me more than a grand extra in tickets and parking to come back? And I have to pay for next year’s seats before this last-place season is even over”?
One has to assume the Islanders plan on adding a top three pick, Petrov and at least two premier unrestricted free agents this summer. I’m well aware Islanders tickets are less expensive than most in the NHL, and so is the parking. You’re well aware of the team’s lack of any real success in this generation.
The Islanders must be planning to take a major step forward on the ice. They have to be. If by any small chance they are not devising something special this summer, the Islanders should re-consider its approach with the people they consider their most important fans.
This is a two comments-per-reader thread. Comment Guidelines.
168 Responses to STEP OVER TO THE BRIGHT SIDE
14 moves the NYI could make for a sunnier Spring
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2277 says:
CB – I have no authority on any decisions in the Isles organization but I name you President/EVP! Bravo on an excellent write up!
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Tony says:
Chris,
1. Outstanding, I can’t disagree with anything you wrote here.
2. What’s you defination of a premier free agent?,
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Islesrock says:
CB, as you said, “One has to assume the Islanders plan on adding a top three pick, Petrov and at least two premier unrestricted free agents this summer”. That’s the key for most fans. The rest is icing on the cake. They need to also do something regarding the season ticket payments
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JP39 says:
CB — as usual, you are dead-on with this recent article. All 14 points that you’ve made, I tend to agree with 100%. And, unfortunately, I’m in the exact same situation as your friend that you speak of in point #14. Work your magic and get that deadline extended! … and while you’re at it, get the ticket prices lowered! Come on, CB. I have faith in you…we know you have the power! haha…
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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Jeff says:
“One has to assume the Islanders plan on adding a top three pick, Petrov and at least two premier unrestricted free agents this summer.”
CB: Good one!
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4theisles says:
Great summation for hopes for a better future. I might only add a new direction plan from Snow that he is building a bigger tougher team.
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Phil says:
Too many things to comment on – lets just say this final few weeks and the off-season will be the tipping point for the islanders franchise – they either move forward or fade away for another 10 years… Year 3 of a 5 year process should show some real results (playoffs)…
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I think what I want to see most is the Islanders being honest and upfront with their fan base. The season ticket invoice bothers me as well. My rep hasn’t called me once all season until now that he wants me to re-new for next year. We shall see.
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Anthony says:
Next season is the make or break for the Islanders. Charles Wang’s maine concern should be the product on the ice, anything less is a disrespect for the fans and the team. If you don’t want to spend the money, than it’s time to sell the team to someone who will. I am tired of being held hostage to his Lighthouse project.
Build a new arena, get the right free agents to complement the young kids, and bring some respect back to the New York Islanders.
P.S Mr. Wang, you have the best fans in the NHL just waiting for you to do the right thing.
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I sincerely hope so. I am confident they read this, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t just me but Frans was out on the PK a bit more last night.
All these articles suggestions are on point. The only one I’m not in a rush for is #1. I wouldn’t mind waiting for an announcement on Okposo’s captaincy until sometime before next season to build some buzz. But hopefully that time will be exciting enough already.
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EdTurner says:
It took you until number 13 to address the only important issue.
What is this teams future?
Right now, we don’t know and who is going to support that.
If the future is on Long Island (that can be anywhere from Brooklyn to Montauk), then ownership needs to show us they are serious about building a winning and entertaining team. Snow and Gordon are not part of that equation.
I will touch on number 14 for one second. Whoever thought this was a good idea must be living in a state of denial.
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islesaz says:
You guys ever heard of a boycott? Don’t pay by April 1st. If enough people refuse to do it and they stick with it, they’ll have no choice but to respond in a favorable way. Buy yourself a new big tv and watch the games at home until they get their act together. Last time I checked there wasn’t a waiting list for isles season tickets; you’ll be able to get them back eventually.
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Scott W SEC313 says:
I think we would like to see a sense of urgency throughout the entire organization once this season ends. I want to see every person with the islanders organization work harder. Players, coaches, and employees. They need to clean up alot of the mess they have created. They need to start acting like a professional sports team. and please….No more Bruno
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Great Article CB ! Isles need to show improvement, fans are getting restless.
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bergie20 says:
the isles better be planning to add at least two big ufa’s this july or i think you’ll see the fans get fed up and stop bothering with this team. time to spend the wangbucks. isles have to add some quality talent to push this rebuild into the next stage. i agree with everything you said chris.
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islefanofMTL says:
CB if the isles do exactly what you sugest.Don’t you think this team will look like the Hawks!!! Keep the faith isles fans breither days aren’t far away,it smell playoff for 10-11 season.
GO ISLES GO….
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Ken says:
Great article. I hope your former buddy Garth Snow reads it.
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Mike in Bohemia says:
Nice piece Chris, you got 13 out of 14 right, but Gordon has to go. I know he doesn’t have much to work with, but the mental attitude of this team is beyond belief. They often dominate one (sometimes two) periods a game, only to blow it in the 3rd. Its not just this year, there were numerous collapses in 08-09, when Gordon started.
If they have the talent to outplay their opponents for 20, 30, 40 or even 50 minutes on some nights, its up to the coaches to get 60 minutes.
I know all teams have their moments, but this has been an epidemic with the Islanders for two years. Its absolutely sickening. -
bob l says:
why would anyone buy season tix when they discount the heck out of them during the season (fam fun pack, JT pack, moulson pack, valentines pack, Insert promotion here pack)
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wf76 says:
CB – this might be one of the best articles I’ve read on here in a long time. For a team that states they care about the fans they sure don’t show it. I don’t have a problem with prices going up if it’s spent on the team, but I need to see progress on the ice and that there commited to winning.
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Hoguefanclub says:
Very nice piece. Thank you. CB, what would be on your wish list. Come on CB, jump in the waters fine! Tell us what you’d want within reason. Name names! And who would you prefer or think the Isles need more out of the “top three” in this years draft or are you in the “draft the best player available” camp? Thank you VERY much CB, for all you do!
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Mike L says:
Cb those are some great, realistic things the organization should look into. They should especially look to cater to the fans a bit more instead of just asking for money all the time. But I would like to add that I hope the Islanders re-open practice to ALL the fans.
“Okposo is the youngest team-leading scorer in the NHL.”
You’re doing a great job CB, but Patrick Kane is the youngest.
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Jon in Chicago says:
We can only hope that the powers that be read these 14 points and the lights go on over their heads…finally.
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Stumpy32 says:
I realize I’m nitpicking, but I can’t take the Isles seriously until I get one email from the season tickets department that isn’t rife with spelling errors (including once spelling the team name as “Izlanders” and the arena as “Collisseum”) and grammar errors that could be corrected by my 3-year old cousin. If they expect any of us to renew our tickets (we had season tix from 2001 until the lockout), then how about they start making everything more professional, starting with their email pitch to the fans.
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daniel says:
Unfortunately, there’s probably going to be a huge gap between what the organization “should do” and what they “will do”. I get the sinking feeling that Wang is done with spending money on this team.
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Brian G says:
CB – best article of the year – thanks for telling the truth – this is what fans want to hear
Don’t pay any invoices – this organization has held the fans hostage with not giving out info and stupid decisions on minor things (ex. keeping the goal song – still not thrilled)
Its time the
fans make a stand…they should be lowering ticket prices…the last 4 rows of Obstructed seats should at most be $10..it is ridiculous some of the prices this team charges for tickets in this economic climate.Before anyone goes crazy, my opinion Matt Moulson should be signed to a 1 year deal for something like 975k…let’s see him do this again before making any long term commitments…in regards to UFA’s there aren’t really any superstars out there this Summer, except maybe Patrick Marleau, but would he come here?
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James says:
Agreed on all counts and would add the following:
~ recall Brendan Witt and see what happens; if he’s claimed, so be it. If not, his experience is an upgrade over Kohn/Reese.
~ demote Jeff Tambellini and see what happens; if he’s claimed, so be it and move on. If not, it bolsters BP’s lineup.
~ find a way to clear the air with Garth Snow and move forward. That this site is likely the #1 avenue for Isles fans to get info, and Snow and the Isles treatment of it like it doesn’t exist is mind-boggling in the nicest of terms, ignorant and asinine in more appropriate terms.
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Glen S says:
CB nicely written I agree 100%, as far as the player move that you suggested if they were to do all of them next year would be a huge step in the re-build. A draft pick here a signing or two there and they’ll be much improved. Wang need’s to break his silence and come forward with his intention’s, we all know he’s lost a lot of $$$$but if you put an NHL caliber product on the ice it will pay with FANS like us spending money on tix and merchandise. There’s an old saying you’ve got to give to get, if you don’t give you don’t get PERIOD…..
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Ron says:
CB – You left out #15 – SIGN SUMO GOALIE!
Party on Wang! Party on Garth!
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Alex G says:
CB, serious question here:
Does the Islanders front office and more importantly, the players, realize how much the fans care about this team?
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ken says:
Ill spend additional money on my season tickets, when the team spends additional money. we cant win, cant score, cant fight, cant hit… we aren’t entertaining.
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Ryan says:
It would be nice if season ticket holders actually were treated with at least some marginal respect. Instead, we see our tickets devalued by endless promotions and the perks slowly stripped away. The season ticket holders aren’t just the most enthusiastic portion of this team’s fanbase. They’re also the ones that essentially extend, on faith alone that the team will repay with their performance on the ice, a loan to Charles Wang. There’s been no repayment since April of ’07, and that’s a big reason of why I’m not renewing for next season.
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ton loc says:
great post, as usual, cb. the front office should be doing everyhting they can to entice the season ticket holders to renew their seats. they have no leverage to strong arm the most faithful fans they have. one thing we are all looking for from this team is CONSTISTENCY, which hasn’t been here in a long time. cb, can you refresh our memories? why did you leave the team?
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i know, i know, nice spelling.
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Avolp55turgeonfichaud says:
Re-Signing Mr. Moulson is a huge priority in the off season. I always seem to forget about Petrov… he could really be the top-6 forward we desperately need on this team. If we can snag a top FA defensemen or two, I think we are better off drafting another forward. With another top pick and Petrov.. we could easily afford to have guys like Bergy, Comeau not work out for us as top 6 players.(which most would argue they are never going to be anyway)
As most fans have already stated, the future of this team is what is important. I will pay whatever the heck the organization wants me to pay, at whatever deadline they choose to set, if they put a real NHL team on the ice. Until they do that, most of us will continue to feel that their requests are unfair and unjustified.
The sales department is selling a ketchup popsicle to Islanders fans wearing white gloves.
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dudley leiwicker says:
CB, excellent work as always. I have a feeling, though, that Wang will not invest one extra penny in this club until he gets the green light on the Lighthouse. Thus I think the ideas of bringing in Petrov and a free agent are, sadly, pipe dreams.
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steve says:
i think #28 was spot on. i also expect the team(Garth Snow) will do a really good job this offseason in terms of upgrading their chance of winning each nite. tough stretch recently, but i’d like to see 3 or 4 guys on this team reach 20 goals. not an easy task, but nothing worthwhile is easy.
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This story is great, almost helps drown out my frustrations and make me feel warm, fuzzy, and almost optimistic.
Problem is-
Garth And Charles run this team, NOT CB
(I wish it were reversed, but it’s not)You should revisit this exact post in September to see how many of the 14 they accomplished (or at least addressed).
I’m officially in “believe it when see it” mode…………..
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islesfan999 says:
1. Top 3 pick
2. Sign some UFA’S with skill and SIZE!!
3. Sign a true enforcer
4. Sign a true power forward
5. Trade Hunter, Tambelinni – get rid of weight, park, sim -
doug says:
CB,
Good article…I agree they need to bring in two good free agents prerably a forward that can score some goals (20-25 goal range) and one shut down defenseman to go with Streit, Hillen and MacDonald. Moulson and Schremp of their restricted free agents should be top priorities to resign. The rest of their restricted can be let go. Also, they may want to “prop up” Witt next year. Since he’s entering his last year of his contract, he might be valuable at the trade deadline.
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dose says:
now who can argue with that?
only problem is, as ed turner mentioned, the only one that REALLY matters is #13 and ‘the future.’ if they do all these things you suggest and then the team leaves, what then? it’s like letting yourself fall for a beautiful girl that doesn’t tell you she’s moving to spain. -
jimisles says:
Sadly my employer will not be buying into next season. When he received the invoice due April 1st he just threw it in the garbage…..
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C.J. says:
I need only 1 post to cover my thoughts….
SPOT ON CB! All 14 are excellent points.
I’d add a 15th, make a decision on the Rick. I know it involves his health, but they need to come to some agreement here. He’s currently a major thorn in the side of the NYI.
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Mark P says:
I agree with almost everything. But, though I don’t blame Scott Gordon for losing with an AHL lineup, I am not sure he deserves an extension either. Hamonic is a MUST, especially considering Snow gets an F on his other 2nd rounders over the past 2 years. I also love the college FA thought as well….but watchout…..I bet the “no draft pick” Leafs will be doaling out silly cash for these guys again.
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mrlbem says:
Agree with everything you said concerning customer relations, etc. As a season ticketholder, I think I am entitled to be shown what the Islanders intend to do and should be afforded until after the FA signing period in July to re-up for another year. With respect to on the ice moves, I don’t think Kyle is ready for the C. Not yet. Soon, but not yet. Let’s not mess with his development, please.
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Tony says:
I agree with #20. It’s silly to buy season tix when they give so many discounts during the year. No one should ever pay face value for Islander tickets.
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Frank nyc says:
I know everyone is upset with the Isles and rightly so. But I am very hopeful for next season. They have a lot of good young players currently with the team that are all improving, plus a top 3 pick coming up, Plus prospects coming up through the system and i do believe they will sign some FA’s this summer. I do not blame them for not signing guys last offseason and i dont blame them for not aquiring talent at the deadline. The team just wasnt ready. Next season this team will take another step forward.
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Double W says:
I think a #15 should be some kind of deal with an NHL quality rink as opposed to playing in a barn befitting of a rec league hockey team. Whether that means real renos to NVMC or building something in Queens. lets get so progress on this!
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Spartiarti-RVC says:
all great pts CB. Top 3 pick is best for franchise right now.
Next year if they can bring UFA WILL BE our first deserving playoff year.
I’m going to say that Bailey becomes our most complete 2 way player in next few years.
Tavares busted some nice moves after this first goal. He will benefit the most from offseason.
Seguin, Hall, or Fowler. its win win for isles either way with any of those guys.
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Lorne Myers says:
I think number 14 regarding the season invoice should really be number one priortiy of the team. Again, this is just my honest opinion. The Isles should not demand first payment till mid July at the earliest. That way, we will see what moves the fans made. Remember when we got Yashin and Peca, everyone ran out and got seats. I agree with post 13, they could threaten all they want to release your season seats due to non-payment. We do not have waitlists like the Canadians or the Wild(one can only wish we will one day) However, I am sure they will be left with no choice but to extend the deadline to renew as many fans will not pay by April 1st.
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Tom says:
Hopefully Charles B. Wang takes your advice CB. Afterall, he publically stated to Howie Rose that the rebuild “is ahead of schedule”. If he really believes that, than enetring year of rebuild that’s AHEAD of schedule, adding to payrol is more than prudent.
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50 in 50 says:
Great job CB. You hit the nail on the head with just about every point. I really hope we sign some FA’s otherwise our payroll will be at 30.1 million.
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Steve K. says:
The step the NYI could make is: to act like a professional sports franchise.
The plan is to rebuild. Fine. But rebuilding has a “start” and a “finish”.
The start to rebuilding happened long ago, even the three years when the Islanders made the playoffs and lost in the first round they got a 15-20 pick. So you can make a case that the rebuild started before Snow even became GM.
No team has been this consistently bad in the NHL in the last 10 years. As bad as Chicago and Washington and Pittsburgh were during their slumps, we are worse.
We had better pray that the draft picks the Islanders have made over the past 2 years will prove to have been good ones. Beyond this year, were we should be near the top of the draft again… the rebuild is over.
A competent GM and management should be able to confidently say that after this draft that their picks will help them for years to come and the cupboard is stocked.
Now, its time to spend. Your system is replenished with high end talent (if the scouts did their job), its time to go get the guys who will take our prospect to the next level.
Will that happen? Of course it won’t.
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schnip says:
CB I would like for you to do the same list thing, but a list of the top things from the Wang era. I would be interested in hearing them.
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Maybe you would consider adding an * to #13 Honest and forthright by adding that the TOH do the same and put their cards on the table so we the public and fans know where they stand.
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Dadi says:
CB,I’m almost all with You, just hope that #4 will not happen…The guy is good…AHL coach…
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Marc says:
Chris, great thoughts, but what are the chances of the Isles’ being willing to open the wallet further AND the targeted free-agents agreeing to sign with the team considering the uncertainty surrounding the facility & potential relocation? Also, the only way to ensure a “top 3″ pick is finish in the bottom 2, meaning that Toronto (Boston’s pick) needs to pass the Isles in the standings and the Isles’ can’t pass any teams.
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AJAX says:
Don’t resign Gordon. Please.
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Jim says:
CB – great and accurate list. I really feel for the season ticket holders. Asking for payment now is a very low class thing to do. Why do we have to assume they are going to do something big, why can’t they say something. I for one do not think they will sepnd any money, just collect it. I realize Wang is losing millions but he brings a lot of this on himself. He clearly should not be a hockey team owner. One thing that would make me happy is if he sold the team to another rich Long Islander. Then maybe we can really start rebuilding.
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Thomas says:
Great article..I’ll add my 2 cents
The season ticket prices is definitely a problem considering everything that has been said above, all the promotions and empty seats make these seats unsellable even at the price the season ticket holders are paying (except for the Rangers) The midweek games you can see tumbleweeds roll through the colliseum as it’s typically half empty, not to mention that those of us with jobs who don’t work in long island have to hustle out there simply to make the opening faceoff.
I am also leaning towards not renewing as the price difference makes no sense to me ESPECIALLY if we aren’t going to sign anyone of significance which I doubt we will. The whole argument we haven’t raised prices in a while doesn’t hold water when your last playoff win was in 1994.
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TuxTax says:
You will have to revisit this list come July 1st and check off the items that actually happen. I think Kyle is the kind of guy that strives with responsibility so I def agree that he should be the Captain sooner than later. Couldnt agree more with getting Petrov over here to learn the NA game as soon as possible.
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Angry Bill says:
Well said Chris! After this years draft the propect pool should be set. Next season the team needs to pick up a few good FAs start winning. This fan base deserves it.
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I agree with most and disagree with two of them: #1 and #4. I think giving KO the captaincy is premature and may only lead to him getting burned out like Bill Guerin. Doug Weight has been too invisible this season as a captain due to a variety of factors. For number 4, I don’t think Gordon is the man for this team. They give up a lot of third period leads under him and often are too gassed for the third period. He makes mind boggling on-ice decisions and manages the lines in the most counterintuitive ways. Who wants Park on a line with JT? When the Isles were hot they had one fantastic scoring line and each time Gordon has broken them up.
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Prices are a function of supply and demand. Although it is true that Islander season ticket prices are among the lowest in the NHL when compared to other teams, when you have only one sellout all season and you’ve taken away numerous season ticket holder benefits, you don’t raise prices. The April 1 deadline is simply ridiculous and a poke in the eye with a sharp object from Islander management (now I know how JT feels for being made a punching bag).
Now’s the chance for CW and Snow to put their money with their mouthpieces are. I will not renew by April 1 or thereafter under the the current terms. If the club can make meaningful moves and earn more money on my seats at a later date by selling to someone else at a higher price–either on a season basis or on an individual game basis because they are winning next season–God bless them. They deserve the financial reward.
However, my reality is that I make a number of sacrifices in other areas of my life to pay for Islander tickets. And as it stands right now, continuing to pay for Islander season tickets is for suckers. Prove me wrong, and I may come back, but definitely not today.
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Marc in Troy says:
Can’t argue with a single one of your points, CB. Also think James (28) is spot on with his comments.
And it’s not just the season ticket holders who think their tickets are “devalued” by all of the promotions offered during a typical season. Although on a much smaller scale, I feel the same way. I live almost 4hrs from Coliseum. Each yr I pick out a few games to make the trip for and buy those tickets the day they go on sale. After this weekend, I’ll have made the trip for 4 games this season, and it frustrates me knowing I could have gotten better value for probably the same tickets I purchased before the season started.
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Jisles says:
Agree with most of these points. The one I strongly disagree upon is #4. Gordon has to go. This team is not coached properly and I dont think he is the man to take this team and develop it. I never understood hiring a minor league coach with no nhl experience to teach players how to play in the nhl. That just does not make sense. Gordon needs to go. The team has not progressed. The only reason they will have more points than last year is because of the Jan run and Rolloson. Other than that we have not seen the young players progress. 3rd periods have killed this team all year. They must have blown 20 games due to blowing 3rd period leads. If we have won half those games we would be securly in a playoff spot. This team has been outscored in the 3rd period 80-32. That is a minus -48. Coaching, Coaching and Coaching. Bottom line. And for ko being the captain. Not ready yet. For someone to be the captain he is not even in the top leaders on the team in scoring. 14 goals? really for a 7th overall pick in his 4th full season now. Matt Moulson was nowhere and he leads the team in goals. Sorry not ready for prime time Kyle. Keep doing some more toe drag moves down the wing. NHL Dmen are really getting fooled. My advice to KO is get rid of the fancy stuff and simplify your game. You will become a 70 pt player. Fire Gordon and get a real coach. Snow missed the boat on that one. Get a real NHL coach who has won at this level and can teach this team how to win. Lets go Islanders!
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#57 Triggered a thought…….
I could be fine with #4-
(Give Scott Gordon an extension):But only If We can send him down to the AHL for the final 16 games for a conditioning stint-
Somebody needs to address that he cant coach and NHL 3rd Period (especially when leading)- I dont care about depleted young roster excuses-
Sure its a valid point, But It’s still insane how poorly his team holds a lead and/or fades down the stretch-
Fix this please (maybe add as #15)……..
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Lane says:
The April 1st deadline must be a sick April Fools joke.
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MorDraftPicks says:
Merrick # 65 – Couldnt have said it better myself!! Amen
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Pat says:
Agree with everything you said CB. I also expect the Islanders to try and sign a top 6 forward and top 4 defenseman. It’s time now, we have at least 11 restricted and unrestricted free agents. I expect some big changes this offseason. I’m done watching the crap that we have put on the ice the last 2 years.
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Richard Christy says:
You really should be employed by the Islanders it is a shame they do not have some more common sense people in the organization. Of the 14, realistically what do you expect? 2-4 of these occurring?
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ed says:
Snow will never get an established/experienced coach because no one would put up with his crap. Even Gordon started mouthing off about the defenseman, but it was too little too late. Snow is way too insecure and arrogant to hire anyone with more experience than him imo. Our problem is Snow
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The Islanders should sign a few College Free Agents and make Bridgeport more of a developmental team for their prospects and draft picks instead of the retreads they sign from other organizations…they are trying to use an NHL team as a developmental team and it is not working that’s what the AHL is for…they need a few established Free Agents in their prime not over the Hill Free agents who are finishing out their career.
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Matt says:
Great article
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Everyone wanted the Isles to rid themselves of veteran players for prospects and picks at the deadline and that didn’t happen. Now we all hope and know they should make some moves in the free-agent market this summer but I expect them to sign a mid-level defenseman and that’s about it unfortunately.
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Albuquerque Mike says:
Great article. However I must disagree with points 1 & 4. Until Okposo realizes his true potential it would be harmful to put the pressure of a “C” on his jersey. Right now he is NOT the best player on the team. Shoots over the net 90% of the time and has the puck taken away from him too easily.
As for Gordon….enough of this experiment. The Isles lose too many games in the third period because of his stupid system. His having them run around like chickens without their heads leads to running out of gas in the third period and losing. Get rid of him and get a real NHL coach.Been a hockey fan for 60 years and now living in New Mexico I appreciate your coverage. It’s the only coverage of the Islanders I get. Thanks again.
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TM says:
Until a new owner arrives or 1 that will spend money, most of the list will never happen. Same thing until we get a new team president and better marketing too.
I agree with most everything except Tavres is too young for the C and doesn’t need the pressure, give it to Streit.
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….Make that Okposo is too young to be captain.
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Lance79 says:
CB, I like the list. Surely taking a major step forward like you asked means bolstering your roster with some free agents, no? Fowler, de Haan and Harmonic sounds like a wonderful top 3 in 5 years but we need a stopgap before they’re ready for prime time. No I don’t know who that will be but you have to figure at least one top 6 forward and one more top pair d-man right?
Also, not to go over thin ice but don’t you think clearing up the lighthouse situation is an absolute must this summer? For both current players’ reassurace AND free agents?
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John says:
CB:
What a refreshing article!! But seriously, what top 4 D men or top 6 forwards want to come here through free agency. Who is a realistic get. Sign Moulson – Agreed. Want to see Hamonic, Dehaan and Petrov on the big club next season. Will this team make a play for Ilya this summer?
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Danbury Islanders Fan says:
Assuming the Islanders get a top 5 pick here is my wish list for that pick in order: 1)Cam Fowler,2)Erik Gudbranson, 3) Brandon Gromley,4)Tyler Seguin,5)Taylor Hall. As you can tell a really want the Islanders to take a defenseman with their pick. I would also love to see Moulson and Hamonic get their deals done sooner rather than later, and see Kirill on the island. However, the biggest thing the Islanders can do to make me feel better about the organization is to start talking openly about the lighthouse, and the other options they have for a new arena.
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If we follow Islander logic, that the rebuild is ahead of schedule because we will be the third from last team this year instead of dead last, I have a question: If we can improve 3 spots every year and—-in ten years we MIGHT win the cup?
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#65, stick to it. Don’t give in, do not negotiate. We must be like The Developer. Get what we want, when we want it. If not, we walk away. We’re ALL Islanders!
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isles fan in Mass. says:
Great read Chris!! I find it funny how people think that you are quilified to be the manager of this team!!!!LOL I would agree that you are spot on alot of your points, but you need to clear the air with some of the your readers…Have you ever been a manager at any competitive level??? Some of the people that post hear need to get a grip!!!
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thepolishprince says:
Nice article Chris. 14 little rays of hope to an otherwise awful 6 or so weeks of hockey. That said I don’t expect more than 3 or 4 of those suggestions to come to fruition. This is the Islanders after all.
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Bossyisgreat says:
Although this is a really great article I don’t see it happening.
I find it funny that all of the so called “loyal fans” who said they would never go to another game if JT wasn’t picked are still complaining. How many bought season ticket plans after he was picked? Why is attendance down from last season since JT was the choice everyone wanted? Maybe the so called loyal fans should lay out some money and attend some games.
Should Wang open up his wallet and get the free agents first? Definitely, but if I was him I’d be skeptical too. Many fans want to complain but don’t put their money where their mouth is. -
dan says:
15) Sign Dan Hamhuis
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Bossyisgreat I agree with you. I get to 30 games a year(im at fordham university) but if I had a real job I would be at all 41 with a season ticket plan.
We have to still have faith that they are following a true plan.
We have to show why this team should stay here.
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Bill says:
I have to agree with Ed (#70). Gordon seems to be telling anyone that will listen (Newsday, Versus, and the radio coverage last night) that the defense is over matched size and talentwise. This doesn’t bode well for his future in my opinion.
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Paul Russell says:
i hope management was paying attention to this PB latest piece. it’s mind-boggling to think they’re invoicing season ticketholders in the midst of another dreadful season with no preemptive indication that they are going to incrementally invest in bolstering the team come free-agent time. i tossed my invoice in the can when it arrived last week. methinks that no matter what they do there will be decent season seats still available later in july. if the gm and/or owner refuse to put their integrity on the line and announce–right now–how they’re going to raise the budget above the current cap-floor for the ’10-11 campaign then why bother re-upping now? it makes no sense. it’s one thing to buy into an honest rebuild; it’s another entirely to use a ‘rebuild’ as a cover to pinch every penny humanly possible.
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RHL Vin says:
Make a serious attempt to sign Ilya Kovalchuk and bring a bona fide STAR and offensive machine to play with Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, and either Hall, Seguin, or Fowler and this team will be well on its way.
Not to mention that it will put fans in the seats.
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Kyle Okposo as Captain yes yes yes. Sign Matt Moulson, I’ve liked him on and off the ice, seems that he likes playing for this organazation as well as with his teamates. Lets go Islanders !!!
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Mike says:
GORDON IS NOT THE MAN.
He, along with his staff should not be back. I think he was lucky to gain coaching experience here. But the team needs to make progress – I think our young guys will respond to vocal guy behind that bench. Peter Laviolette would have been perfect.
I also think giving JT a few road games off may be beneficial. Let him watch from up top – not as punishment – but part of a learning experience. Same with Bailey and Kyle for a few road games. These 3 are the core. They need to view this team from all angles. -
Madchef says:
geeze CB if only your points could come true. I am not opposed to any but I think judging by our past we will be on the short end of alot of those.How come what seem common sense as alot of your points are, are not seen by management as priority(not that we would know if they were anyway). What is so hard about them sharing a little. Why the hush hush. Is it to hide their real plans of accepted futility(aka rebuild). Snow has been quoted as able to throw money out there to FA. I can understand waiting for the young development of our draft picks. But at least starting next season with some of our picks getting signed and or brought over from KHL isnt it time to add more than the frugal addition and make a splash and at least get an established top 2 line d-man and Wing.Sigh, and sigh again I keep watching waiting reading wondering when this team will make me wear my jersey in public. Die hard isles fan but defeated.
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Jeff Kuntz says:
We all appreciate the positive minded approach to this piece CB.. but naming KO the captain next season would be very bad..
What if JT emerges as a leader? What if the kid we draft this season does?
The Islanders made the PERFECT move naming Weight. The next logical move is to name Streit captain for his next 3 years and then see where KO, JT and 2010ROUND1PICK are at, and make the decision for the next decade..
As for Moulson, if he’s is arbitration eligible you need to sign him NOW. He won’t sign a 1 year deal if he can go to arbitration, so go with a 2-year deal if possible.. If he’s not eligible, qualify him with a one way deal and move on..
100% agree with your take on Martin, Hamonic and Petrov..
1,000,000% disagree with your take on Scott Gordon (he’s gotta go) and the taem “being honest”.. they won’t be honest.. that’s not how it works.. what they need to do is be better at presenting the ILLUSION of honesty, if anything..
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hoser14 says:
I can’t get over the monumental chutzpah of upping season tickets after another apparent lottery pick finish.
It’s not a good idea to farther alienate an alienated fan base. You took a young team with no depth, no size and spent only the bare minimum. And then charge major league prices for a minor league product.
You reduce prices, have more promotional giveaways and a better product on the ice. You have to give the fans a good reason to come to the games.
Those who run the Islanders still don’t get it.
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I agree, Okposso needs to be the next captain. There has been too much of a turnover in the captaincy since Pat Flatley held the post. We need someone who can hold the C for a very long time.
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Eastonhockey says:
Here’s what we do know for next season. The isles will have the lowest payroll the cba allows. If a free agent gets signed it’s only cause the isles had to spend some $$ to b allowed to play in the NHL. The truth is the isles can’t compete in the NHL on or off the ice n would be better of in the ahl if they are going to be run like this by this owner.
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Only 3 moves are important
1. Sign top 6 forward who is 6 ft 2 225 lbs
2. Sign 2 dmen 6 ft 2 225+ ( 2 top 4 dmen)
3. Get a true heavyweight capable of playing 5-10 minutes per night -
cjzimm says:
You forgot #15. Break ground on the new Lighthouse Project. Otherwise a very solid list that would make every Islander very content for the summer. Did anyone forward this to Garth?
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battfist says:
CB all valid points.
Im a huge fan of KO…but Im not sold on him being the captain. I wish he showed more attitude on the ice. KO needs to develop a mean streak. But I wouldnt be dissapointed if he was Captain.
I say sign Gordon to a one-year extension. At least give him some talent to work with. Gordon is not the reason the Isles arent a playoff contender.
Im a fan of Gordon and his system.Give Roloson the Team MVP!!!! Thank god we have him next season.
Go Isles.
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jeffb says:
It seems that after 34 continuous years as a full season subscriber, I’m done. It’s a combination of factors, but it’s the perception that management doesn’t give a crap about the fans that’s pushed me over the edge. Last year we were offered a two year renewal that included no price increase, free parking, and a round of playoff tickets for free. The catch was they wanted us to start paying before we finished paying off the previous two year renewal. When I told my rep that was ridiculous, he offered to put off the first bill until the prior one was paid off. I told him I’d have to think about it. I was pissed that they had the nerve to ask us to pay for two invoices representing four years of renewal at the same time, especially when the future of the team on Long Island was uncertain. Once this season stared I received a few emails from my rep indicating that the deal was still on the table. I saw him over the holidays at a game and said if the offer was still on the table I would consider it. He said that as long as I got back to him before the end of the season he could make it happen. Last Saturday, much earlier than ever before, I received a renewal invoice for the next two seasons. No free parking, no playoff tickets, and a price increase that varied depending on how few payments you made and how quickly you paid for the renewal. I understand that those who jumped on the original deal may be entitled to an advantage, but I called my rep and asked for the original offer, which he said would be available to me until the end of the season. I wasn’t hopeful he would be able to do anything, but I called to ask. I wasn’t surprised when he told me that his hands were tied, but the kicker was when he said it was because ownership decided to draw a line in the sand, and had hoped to send out playoff invoices at the same time, but they were slightly delayed. He tried to interest me in a partial plan, and I laughed. Why should I commit to a partial plan when I can walk up to the box office for almost any game and get a ticket for a lot less money? It’s not like the late 70s/early 80s when the place would sell out regularly, and that’s not likely to change for the next few years. They have finally priced me out, and in talking to some of the people in my section, I’m not the only one. I knew it was coming, it was just a matter of when. Without a contending team, in a struggling economy, with uncertainty about an arena, now is not the time, as one of my section mates said, “to alienate their most loyal fans.” I’ll still support the team, watch them on TV, and attend the occasional game, but I’m not going to give them thousands of dollars of my hard earned money up front. Thank you, Charles Wang.
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islesfan999 (#98):
You’re ready to goon it up huh?
Size isn’t everything, but I agree, the Isles need to add something here.
One player that I find very interesting is Scott Hartnell. He’s chippy, can score, will fight, hits, and is fairly tough.
Love him.
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Harold C says:
All good points. However there is NO WAY they are signing any UFA’s of any significance at all – it’s just not going to happen, so forget it.
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Helene says:
A well done piece, Chris. Any fan dissatisfied w/ new ticket invoices, bombard the Veep in charge of ticket sales and cc your rep. Despite changes in stock market figures, the common folk like us haven’t been given million dollar stimulus bucks. And seniors like me have been particularly hard hit. Get out there and sock it to management. If enough of the fan base complains, maybe they will listen. As for our current system, if even all the young guys run out of steam by the third period, much less anyone over the age of 25, perhaps go-go should rethink his system. It takes a very smart “big” person to admit that he might not have the right system after all. Attimes we look oke the proverbial ants all running after the same grain of sugar. Better positioning, keeping the opposition from always penetrating deep in our end – well, I could go on. If we’re lucky someone from management might read Chris and his loyal fans.
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OJK says:
Your last paragraph is really the most important one. “They have to be”. Exactly, if they aren’t planning something, then all of us really are Morons. We’ll find out soon enough.
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jimfromstjames says:
Jeez, for # 15, I’d just be happy with more bathrooms at the NVMC…
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IslesfaninVA says:
CB I have to agree with you 100% on all those points you have made. The one you missed is Islander fans will give you sell outs if you put a quality team on the ice. Now only if we can convince Charles Wang to bite the bullet on one more season and spend some money to bring the talent to the Island. Also get the rink renovated then worry about all the fluff around it. The Coliseum is the corner stone to that whole project. Hammers should be posed and ready to work when this season ends.
As for DP…I think he is done, the knee had too much damage. Sorry to see him go but the NHL is a business. Dump his contract; I am sure he will find work within the organization or somewhere else in the NHL.
As for an enforce…we won’t need one if we have some size up front and on the blue line. Lets get bigger; we have all the small skill players a team needs and more. Again CB your right on; just food for though…can we elect you GM for the team, or owner…or how about King. -
StevieL says:
Great Post CB.
Only a mere 14 bullet points needed to improve the Islanders!
Sigh!!! Glory days again? Hopefully in our Lifetime! -
Bob says:
I agree with everything except #4, Chris. If Gordon can’t get them to the playoffs after next season, then cut the cord. Wang refused to negotiate with Nolan and he should refuse to negotiate with Gordon. What exactly has Gordon, or Snow for that matter, done to deserve an extension? Bottom 5 finishes 3 years in a row and you’re talking extensions?
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Jim Clark says: How about just one game at NCVMC without the “make some noise”, lights, silly quizzes during TV timeouts, loud music, …call it Just Hockey. See if fans like it.
It may be too late it this season but honor the 1993 and 1975 clubs for their thrilling playoff runs in 2010-11.
Retire Pat LaFontaine’s number.
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mLem says:
I feel like Kyle should be captain already. He’s the best player on the team and he is also quite possibly the hardest working. I am excited for this off season and I feel like Tavares, Okposo, and Bailey would all greatly benefit from working with each other over the summer. Aside from Tavares putting on muscle and adding speed I feel that those 3 players could help each other out. They are 3 different players with different styles, but if they can each teach something to the other 2 we’ll have 3 well rounded players. You could probably throw our 2010 draft pick into that mix too.
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Gary9-19-22 says:
Mike #94 – How many good coaches do we have to run out of town until you realize that we have a bad organ-I-zation. Gordon was made assitant US coach for a reason. Use some logic. The coach can only coach whats given to him.
The team is undertalented and undersized. Look at how dominant we were for the one run. Imagine if we had 2 real NHL d-men and 3 extra real-NHL level forwards!!!
1) Wang needs to concentrate on two things, fans and arena. We should be bombed by a barage of PR.
2) Wand needs to stay completely out of every hockey decision. Set a budget and leave Charles, please. You know nothing about hockey and less about running a sports organization. Let hockey people make hockey desicsions
3) Follow what CB says except.. make Striet the Captain. I LOVE KO, and he can be captain in a few years. Streit’s level of play in the olympics showed what this guy can do when given the minutes and the responsibility. I fully beleive his troubles this season is because he felt slighted by not getting the “C”.
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DGT says:
Great article! Let’s hope for a successful summer for the team.
CB you do a great job with this blog.
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Bob – 106
I think the difference between Gordon and Nolan was/is drastic.
Nolan had a coaching resume and was a little more demanding with what he wanted. I don’t think Nolan was interested in a long term rebuild either.
Gordon strikes me as somewhat of a disciple of Wang and will do what he and Snow want.
I understand both mindsets. My point is if you are buddies with Wang and drink the koolaid, you stay.
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Diane says:
Mostly I think I need to see a little bit more from the Garth and Charles section of this organization. I’d love to hear them speak to the fans about their ideas for the future of the NYI, but at this point I don’t think I would actually believe what either says, so….
As for Gordon, it amuses me to hear some saying get rid of him he is an AHL coach. Are all NHL coaches BORN in the NHL or something? How do they get their starts? Anyway, I wouldn’t sign him to more than a year at this point. Not everything is his fault but I hope to see a better lineup next year (FOR him) and some kind of definate “next step” like they are less inconsistant and finding their offense more regularly. I am not sure Gordon will even want to stay much longer.
Finally, I don’t think the captain has to be the best player or biggest scorer. Whet he does need is the ability to lead and the ability to get others to listen to him, respect him and follow him. I think probably Okposo is ready and agree it would be helpful to let Weight turn the reigns over and take a tiny step behind him to end this season.
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Dack1972 says:
Great article! Wow everyone so negative. Everyone wasn’t so negative about 1 month and half ago. Did you guys actually think they were going to be successful this year. Maybe we got a taste of little success for a short period this year and everyone is frustrated now that it’s falling apart and the fact that they,ve been loosing for 17 years. Anyways i still believe this team is building the correct way. With a top three pick this year we will have one of the best group of young players in the league. I think the key to the off season is to sign guys that are talented and provide stability to the team/young players. I think that’s why were blowing those 3rd period leads-lack of leadership and stability like (e.g Neidermier. We need talented veterans to lead the young players by example and has a calming presence. I think they should keep Scott.
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felix says:
everyone is forgetting something about Gordon. HE WAS PICKED FOR THE OLYMPIC TEAM. while he does not have the horses presently to succeed in his system (last year was really about getting rid of the malcontents.) You dont get picked for the olympic team if you are a subpar coach or have a system that AN OLYMPIC TEAM want to use.
so all ofyo gordon naysayers are comfortable getting rid of an coach picked for the olympics.
some of his calls can be questioned but really … extend him we wont know how succesful he can be unless he has the horses to work with.
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JPinVA says:
Very nice list, but I’d add:
Sign and get a cameo for Rhett Rakhshani.
I’m not so sure about “extending” Flash for more than an extra year. Maybe Scotty or Al wouldn’t have done much more, but let’s face it 30th and 28th(?) eh! -
Tyler says:
CB- Couldn’t be any more dead on with your fourteen points. Truth is we get one more top draft pick and we should be set on our rebuild. Our last 3 first round picks, JT, Baily, and KO are in the teams top 5 in scoring (along with Moulson who NEEDS to be re-signed) This is a great sign of things to come when your youth is already leading the team. Bring in one more big first rounder plus Nielson, Shemp, Comeau, Hrmanic, Krill, ad De Haan and it’s undoubtable the Islanders have one of the best young cores in the league. Just need some experienced and SKILLED free agent signings.
CB- If you had your choice of the Hall/Seguin/Fowler- who would you pick? I say take one of the forwards available. It will excite fans and lets face it, we can use all the offensive power we can get.
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bossjones1 says:
I agree with the list but I think these aren’t just things they could do these are things they must do (besides 8 and 11). If they don’t we either see a 5 year rebuild or no rebuild at all, just consistent mediocrity and a dwindling fanbase. So far Snow has done ok, this Summer is the start of year 3 of the rebuild so it should be quite telling. If they pull the same stuff they did last season with a big draft then effectivly sign one free agent I won’t go to any games next season. For those that argue that a fan should support their team always, I disagree, it is a give and take relationship and this team has been taking from their fans for years. Time to right the ship Snow.
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Bill says:
I think you need one more bullet point…
FIGURE OUT THE GOALTENDING SITUATION
no more trade rumors. lock someone up to a 3 year deal who is a 1A goalie. DP will never be the man to carry this team. his knees will give when he puts the weight on his shoulders…
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Bossjones1 I agree with you… yes a give and take. Why must I care so much, when the team doesnt. I was a mets fan and fully gave up on them last year, watching their two biggest rivals (yanks and phils)continue to get better with trades, signings and the farm to get to the series together. The mets folded, I will not spend money on them or watch them EVER again. I am now a yankees fan and dont care what anyone says. I will NEVER be a rangers fan, since they are the same division. Yet have no problem being a Bruins or Sabres fan if this keeps up. I am 27, all I know is failing since the Isles last won their cup the year I was born.
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Hd says:
They have to sign at least 3 proven NHLers. Hamhuis would e a good start. Very underrated but would be a nice to have streit and hamhuis on pair 1 and 2. Also the isles are just to kid friendly, drop sparky, and stop busch league puck toss in b/w the period. Also it would be nice to hear the chicken dance once this season!
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Big Van Vader says:
How many would be WANTING to see the Isles if they went out and signed, two top free agent forwrds? Yes, it would be for ridiculous money, but they have plenty of cap room. It would NOT hurt the “rebuild”, only help move it forward. Draft in the Top 3, and add TWO top forwards at (obviously) high prices and teh Isles will have a REALLY good team next year. Well, aside from adding some size to our D.
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Hockey1919 says:
Unfortunately, the Islanders really need three big defensemen, one to replace Sutton and the additional two that they’ve needed since the start of the season. With expectations meeting reality, I’d be happy with one.
As for Gordon, not sure if he is the right man or not given the talent he has, but you can’t have a lame duck coach and expect the team to rally. Even if you intend to dump him at the end of the next year, you extend him for a year and write off the cost of the extension as part of being a real hockey team.
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Sign frolov hamhuis and Volchenkov. My dream………………. We probably would still only be at the cap floor with those three guys(maybe a mill or two over)
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To everyone pointing out that Gordon was a US Olympic coach so he must be wonderful.. here is the list of all other American head coaches in the NHL that didn’t coach the Olympic team:
Joe Sacco, Todd Richards, Laviolette and Bylsma..
Bylsma had a Cup to defend, Laviolette had to get the Flyers sorted out.. but either of those men deserved to have the job over Gordon.. they probably turned it down for their own reasons..
The other two, Sacco and Richards, are the ones Gordon was really competing with.. You’re excited he beat THEM?
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Gordons’ not going anywhere.
Forget about it.
They will give him another 3 years.
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JeffB (Post #102) you just brought back memories for me.
I was a season ticket holder for the 80′s. Yup, I started in cup year number one (good timing) and kept them until 1990.
Why did I drop them? I read a quote in Newsday from John Picket where he said “I don’t care how the team performs on the ice, I am raising ticket prices every year” (the words may not be exact, but they are close). With that, I was no longer an Islander season ticket holder.
Sports teams seem to think that we are suckers and that they can treat us like dirt. In some cases they can (like when they are winning cups). But in cases like this, you can’t.
Sure a lot of current subscribers will renew, it’s in their blood, they just do it. But some, like Jeff (and twenty years ago me) will not and these are the fans that teams like the Islanders cannot afford to lose.
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Don’t forget #15: Bring back Rock & Roll Part 2 as the goal song!!!!!!
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BC says:
Dan (128) I completely agree with you. I would love to add a top six forward in Frolov and 2 top 4 defensemen with Hamhuis and Frolov. However, regardless, I believe that we have a good group of both top 6 forwards and top 4 defensemen.
In the forward position, we have Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Petrov (hopefully) and possibly Hall or Seguin. Adding a guy like Frolov would give us 6 bonifide top 6 forwards. Besides them, I am also thrilled to have guys like Comeau, Neilsen, Matt Martin, and Schremp to make up a solid third line.
In the defense postion, we have Streit, Hamonic, De Hann, and possibly Fowler, giving us 4 top 4 forwards in the future. If we get our goaltending position figured out, which I think we can, we have a strong core for the future.
While this year could have gone better, I believe the team did as well as we could have really expected with this lineup, we have the opportunity with another top three pick and the continued development of our prospects, we have a strong core in both the forward and defensive positions.
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Ray's Team says:
Great Article- It is fun to dream
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Hollywood says:
I agree on Okposo, Petrov and Hamonic. As for Moulson, maybe a one year deal. Obviously this team needs a bigtime goal scorer and 2 Dmen. Gordon should also get an extension, I hate his line combinations and his commitment to the vets but I think he should stay and coninue to learn.
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orgaNYIzation says:
I’ll cut Gordon some slack as he is given an impossible task- balance the rebuild effort on the one side and have a successful record/make playoffs at the same time. I highly doubt any coach could pull that rabbit oot (Canadian for out) of a hat. In fact, for that stretch where we spanked the Devils and shutout the Wings, our mediocre roster achieved a level of play almost unimaginable for the talent level (we didn’t just rely on Rollie to steal us wins).
That said, Gordon has done things that leave me scratching my head:
- playing Sim over Tambs and other young forwards. Last year he sent Sim to the Bridge? These are both re-build years.
-keeping Witt in the Bridge and playing Reese
-suiting up Gillies. Is this going to intimidate anyone? -
LouD says:
I hate to be a downer but with the way things have been run lately I fully expect the same for next season. It’s not as if these guys are going to wake up one morning and go ‘oh, this is the way we should be doing things.’ Lets just put aside our concerns for the on ice product and concentrate on the main issue. Will the Islanders be staying in NY or not? The owner won’t even commit to staying at the NVMC or to moving to somewhere within the state. He is keeping us in the dark about EVERYTHING Islanders but wants us to buy season tickets for next season now. Why in the h-e double hockey sticks would I commit to a team who refuses to commit to their fans. I fully supported the lighthouse endeavor and my time and efforts went ignored. I have supported this team for 25 years and my concerns are being ignored. I have no reason to believe that anything about this organization will change so I am officially done buying tickets or any merchandise until I get some kind of word on what is going on with the future of this team.
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Tony @ #3 – The definition of a premier free agent – “one who would never sign with the New York Islanders”
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BD Hendo says:
#13 on your list should be #1, without that, what is there?
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MAD FAN says:
Very good i agree..This is the Islanders so you never know finger crossed
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Islesfan in Vancouver says:
tough to say what’s going to happen in the offseason. For all we know, Martinek could be called “our significant free agent signing since he’s now healthy”
I like that we’ve added players like JT, MM, KO and JB over the past few years, but we have an absurd amount of cap space and haven’t spent much of it in quite some time.
As much as I’d like to see Petrov on the Island, he’s going to need time to adjust whenever he does make the move to north america.
Now that we have at least a couple of blue chip defense prospects, several young players who look to have offensive upside and a potential top 5 pick in this year’s draft, along with 20 million in cap space, it’s time to start signing players who will do more than fill space on the roster. I want a legit NHL top 2 defenseman for this team along with a legit top 6 forward who can score 30 goals a year. I realize this is asking a lot, but being that the Isles have more cap room than any other team, we should start using it.
It’s a long road back to respectability, but you’ve still got to take the right road. If we go into next season with essentially the same roster plus our top pick we’re going to finish at the bottom again.
As a fan of this team for 30 years, I have been patient for a long time. The rebuild is working, and this year it IS an appropriate time for Snow to start shopping a lot more seriously than the last two years. Make the moves Garth. Sign some talent.
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Matt S. says:
How do the Islanders get Petrov here? do they need to smuggle him or can it be done like civilized people?
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1) D.P. is done, although I hope I am wrong because he at least has some attitude we could
use.
2)We do not need to sign useless goons(see trevor gillies). We just need bigger or tougher players that refuse to be manhandled.
3)Speed-skating lessons for J.T., Hunts, and maybe joensuu in the off-season.
4)A high scoring forward in this years draft.
5)A hard hitting responsible d-man to help Hillen, Mac, Kohn, and hamonic.
6)Pleeeease do something with tamby. I am not his mother but geez, we are totally mishandling what was a very decent prospect. Not good for Tamby. Not good for Isles, and certainly not good for the fans.
7)Isles Management: Need to truly take a good honest look in the mirror. we are not happy with the way we are being treated. We are not children. Most of us pay thousands of dollars every year on this team because we love them. STOP taking advantage. Show us you are sincere about putting together a winning team, and we will be on your side supporting you all the way. -
Dan says:
All 14 points are on the mark. I was just searching the UFA’s and besides Ilya I was not jumping up and down about all the rest of the choices. Maybe it was their price tag because I do not know all of their stats that soured me and to give the middle of the road guys a decent contract does not make sense. Do you dare giving Jagr a shot. I was never a huge fan but he is definitely proven and watching him in the olympics except for getting smashed by Ovie shows he still has the talent. Although it would have to be at the right price but I would rather give him the money then to a scrub like Comrie. Blake and Frans are great asset’s to any team and you need those guys to win but they are not top minute guys so as the talent gets better on the top side they will blossom into their roles. By the way can we get a good to great face off guy.
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Darren says:
Okposo captain??Are you kidding me??This guy is no where near C material.I agree totally w/ posts suggesting Streit as C.I also agree w/ the thought of Streit being slighted in favor of DEADWEIGHT but don’t blame his D issues on that solely.I believe this go-go system cannot support any player getting more than 15 min a game.There’s times out there that players look absolutely dead tired.One sign of this is when they all start skating like Hunter or JT.Remember Streits strength is his offense.Sign another dman to protect the backline.This team is way too small ALL OVER not just defense.That wouldn’t be too bad if they were highly skilled and/or fast but they are not.I agree w/ the core of this team being Bailey,Okposo and Tavares.Anyone else is untouchable.As for Kirill I don’t think for a second that they will open the wallet for an unproven NHL player.As for you season ticket holders,I respect you all alot but don’t renew your tickets,drop the attendance #’s and this team will be gone.(after the lease expires that is)
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John from ATL says:
1) I would think Streit would be the Capt next year.
2) Martin can wait until next year. He’ll get more ice time in Bridgeport.
3) Hamonic; Just a PR move. Hopefully he could have a full year in Bridgepot next year.
4) Give Gordon the extension through the 2011-12 season before this season is over.
5) Well, they should win a few games. Hopefully the games they win are at home and lose all the road games to get one of the top three picks.
6) Petrov; Do whatever they can to bring him over but he should probable play in Bridgeport next year. He hasn’t played many games lately.
7) Go after at least one or two college players. They should have done this last year. Hillen has been a great pick up.
Yes with the uni change.
9) Bridgeport support from Hamonic, Petrov, Rakhshani; Kohn, Reese, and hopefully a college FA
10) Yes, maybe do it during Rookie training week and have a game at the NVMC (Have Tavares capt one team and Bailey Capt the other).
11) Good PR; go watch Hall, Seguin and Fowler a lot.
12) Moulson; Lock him up through the first year of his FA.
13) Wang should find somewhere he can be honest and tell the fans the true state of fanchise, its financial problems; the future of the Lighthouse project and if the team has a long team future in Hempstead without something concrete from the TOH before the lease agreement runs out. He could just write an Op-Ed for Newsday. In fact he should probale do that after or before every season. -
ny711ot says:
Amazing that
-the coach and the fans are begging for size on d just days after we trade one of the better big d men in the league for nothing
-that this team has the audacity to raise ticket prices at a time like this….are they for real? Maybe they plan on scaling back the promos also so that the arena can be empty and wang can make a case with bettman to approve a long distance move.?.as a former season ticket holder I think u need to have your head examined if you choose to re-up.
-that cb quotes ‘one would presume the isles will make a play for…..’You should preface that with ‘a rational person would presume….this team has rarely acted rationally.
-that the gm has blackballed the only thing keeping this team somewhat interesting (cb and pb)…it is a clear indication that we have an insecure gm who is not certain in his actions and not comfortable being challenged.
-gordon has not been re-upped…I am not a fan but I also see a team that seems to have stopped listening. The only remedy for that is either a change or a contract. This lame duck franchise cannot go into next year with a lame duck coach.
-that with all this youth bridgeport is one of the worst teams in the ahl and a trade for an ahl veteran is the main reason for a late season run.
….Ketchup popsicle with white gloves….amazing quote! -
geduffer says:
Giving up my tickets…moving on.
Go Sharks
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Faye from Brooklyn says:
For one thing, the April deadline must have been made up by someone who doesn’t realize (or care) that most of us have to pay taxes in April. Federal and state/local.
Another thing is, that the 3-payment plan will cost over $89 more than paying it all at once, before the team plods on to another Draft-Party event. Do they think we are all stupid? And I don’t want to hear anything about “putting it on the credit card” … so I can pay the card issuer big bucks for interest? No way. -
The New Isles GM says:
CB – This is the best post I read all year. Hopefully Garth reads this and already has a list identical for “things to do this summer”.
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#10….You are right on the money!….I could have not stated any better, no matter how hard I tried….I believe it voices the sentiments of true Islander fans.
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Brian says:
CB, great article, I agree completely with everything on the list. I wonder if the team will try to add de Haan and Ness to Bridgeport’s roster next year to go along with Hamonic and possibly Petrov.
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Islesfansince1972 says:
CB -I’ve been a fan of the Isles since 1972, & a fan of PointBlank since last year – Thank you ! I believe that if it were not for Mr. Wang. the Isles would not presently be on Long Island. When he signed Yashin & Peca in 2001, I felt that since he was making a big investment towards making the team better for the fans, I would become a season ticket holder in return. Isn’t it correct that if you invest more in the team, that there will be more fans coming to the games, and therefore more profit for the team ? But I think there was a change in Mr. Wang’s attitude in November of 2003 when the Isles were doing well, but they got rid of Jason Wiemer, an important part of that team (& the Isles immediately hit a downhill slide). The attitude changed from “Make the Isles a winner” to “Make the Isles a passable team with the least possible expense”. So, no , I don’t believe management will invest in free agents to any of the extent mentioned in many of the above replies……… Finally , as far as the Lighthouse – I have friends who had Mets’ season tickets – but at Citifield their seats were further away, but cost more(they’re giving them up this year). Another friend has Jets’ season tickets at $150 a ticket – they’re asking for $750 plus PSL’s. My point is that new stadiums/arenas seem to put the regular fan at a big disadvantage – would that happen with a new Isles’ arena?
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season tix holder says:
Unless I get a call extending the April 1 date to at least June 1, I’v pretty much decided to give up my tickets held since 1973. I’ll save a couple of years worth of season tix dough. If things change in a year or two I have no problem coming back. They took away the loyalty discount and gave it to everyone. I’ll put my loyalty on hold until 20 years of empty promises finally end.
#15 Fix the radio situation. LOVED hearing C King the other night.
#16 Make sure Jaffe comes back on TV.
#17 bring back CB!
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Anthony Quinn says:
#15 Bring back the printed Media Guides and Programs.
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hathead68 says:
With apologies to Mr. Dey, and with all due respect, but Mr.Wang should really consider you … yes you, Chris Botta … to be the Islanders president. No joke. Get the relationship with Garth back on track (maybe he’s being a little thin-skinned), and with you, Garth, Jankowski, and Trottier, and the commitment from Charles Wang, the Islanders would definitely be on the right track. From the hockey operations to business, to fan relations, the Islanders can be on top again.
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Jesse says:
I’ve read this blog for a year now and never posted, but I’ve got to say this: CB IS A GOD
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1 thing about gordan. We know for sure he can’t compete in the NHL when given a low parolled team. So why not bring in a new coach? What’s the worst that happens? We continue to look like we should b a ahl team? We know the payroll ain’t going up. Maybe gordan n his system can coach the rangers or redwings…not a Wang team with it’s lowparoll
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Skating on Thin Ice says:
This is what I would like (in short form)!!
1. Picking either Hall or Seguin and not a dman. Offense is the best defense.
2. Proper development of the kids. Feeding to the wolves does not work. This only hurts the mental development of these kids. Once this happens we will trade the player and watch them blossom elsewhere. Haven’t we seen this before?
3. Goes with 2. Do not rush the prospects. Let them develop in bridgeport especially the dmen. After a couple of years in the ahl they will be ready for the nhl. I think the Devils and Redwings use this formula and they appear to always be successful lol.
4. Trim the deadwood even if they are nice guys.
5. Sign proper UFAs. It is a limited crop so this will be difficult.Avoid signing a player in his prime since it will cost a big contract and we cant afford it in the long run. We should go for players that we can sign for a year or two that can help the development on all ends such as saku koivu,bertuzzi, cullen and whitney. These guys have experience, can score and can help the development process. yes, they are not allstars anymore but look at their stats. They can help.
6. Need to find size on the blue line. Streit,hillen, macdonald all need big linemates to help keep pressure off them (i.e. sutton,lilja,volchenkov,strudwick).
7. Offseason strength and speed skating courses.
8. Coach Gordon to realize hockey as been played for many years so no need to reinvent the game. Just play!!!! Also respect your veterans otherwise no one will come. -
rb says:
I agree with these except:
Can’t take the “C” away from Weight when he only has about 16 games left before retirement.
And an extension for Gordon’s premature. I’m not totally sold on him long term. The record doesn’t bother me, but I don’t know that we’re seeing enough improvement in our young players game to game, week to week, etc.
He seems like the type of coach who might not make much of a difference – bad team, bad record, better team, better record, otherwise nothing special. Hope he proves me wrong, but I’ll reserve decision.
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Bob says:
CB, Great job I disagree with taking the C away from Weight. Let him finish as the Captain. With regard to the season tickets for the Isles even with ticket prices the same as this year the parking of $500 for the same as the last several years is bothersome particularly when season tickets are not necessary to get good seats. And they are just holding the party line, ” Sorry I can not do anything about it”
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billy says:
What i would like to see for next year is the following: Streit gets at least one year as captain and have the following players in our lineup:
Tavs,KO,Bailey,Martin,Moulson,Schremp, Hunter, Neilsen,Park,Bergenheim,(Hall or Seguin if possible), one or two free agent forwards (depending on draft pick)
Hillen,Streit,Macdonald, Sutton (pls bring him back), de haan, hamonic, free agent dman.If we’re gonna rebuild then let’s do it. Sim, Jackman, Meyer, Gervais, and radek “glass” martinek can all enjoy their lives elsewhere. Meyer is a casualty because of his size, we just need to get bigger since we have hillen and A-Mac
goalies- rolo, ricky, get someone else just in case again. haha
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We pay Champagne prices for a light beer product! We are stupid, stupid, stupid! (shameless movie quote)
This fish stinks from the head. -
More support for making KO the captain. Look at the run the Caps and Hurricanes have been on since having their long time captains “step down”. Chris Clark gave way to Ovechkin and I think it was Brindamour gave way to Staal. It was handled the right way and the team responded. No offense to Weight, but its time to let go.
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Rex says:
HI, Good list but pardon my ignorance but what does “Pajama styled uniforms” mean? I understand they are going back to the vintage royal blues next year.
But are they also going to those ridiculous oversized boxy jersey of the past too? I hope not all that did was lead to alot of clutching and nonsense slowing the game down. I like these better.
So can someone translate that Pajama thing for me, style or fit too>?
thanks
I love Matt Martin’s style of play. But Number 12 should be number 2. Moulson is an essential part of this re-build. And number 15 should be sign a top flight free agent like Ryan Kesler.