PB Reader Q & A, Part 4: The No. 5 pick, Charles Wang, Hrudey, Bailey, NYR rivalry and Miriam
The deadline for questions was Friday night. No more, please. You’re invited to respond to this segment, one Comment per reader. Thank you.
CB: Great articles the past 2 weeks. Way to keep it interesting! Do you foresee any of the 3 likely available players (Fowler, Gudbrandson, Connolly) projecting as NHL ready or will they need a year at BP?
Mike, Freeport
Thanks for the note, Mike. Just to clarify something, I personally do not project draft prospects and Islanders prospects. My information is based on what NHL scouts tell me. For two years now, their input has been solid. What I’m told about Fowler, Gudbranson and Connolly is that all of them could play for the Islanders next season if the team wanted to go that route.
Of the three – and if healthy – Connolly is the one who could play in the NHL without much risk of setting back his development. As you know, playing 18-year-old defensemen is rarely the best idea. You’ve seen what St. Louis has done with Pietrangelo now, and it appears to have paid off in the long run.
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With Chris Dey stepping down as a full-time executive with the team, what changes, if any, can we expect to see from the front office regarding public relations, marketing, and the on-ice product? Although I respect the slow and steady rebuilding process, one of the most frustrating developments for me this season has been the occasionally tone-deaf approach the Isles brass has taken with its loyal fan base.
Phil – Originally from Huntington, currently residing in Washington, D.C., and living with a diehard Penguins fan. Have been following the Isles since 1993. My first professional sporting event was a game at the Coliseum and I’ve been addicted ever since. CB, I am sincerely grateful for your passionate, informative, and professional coverage of this team.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Phil. Dey’s departure as a full-timer has no effect on the on-ice product and will likely have minimal effect on the front office. Charles Wang runs the Islanders. Policies, programs and decisions you may like or not like ultimately come from him. In ten years, he has never handed over the reins to an outsider – an experienced, successful major league sports team executive, and I doubt he ever will. He likes to keep it in the family with people he knows and trusts. The only time he went outside the zone was Neil Smith, and that didn’t last very long.
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CB: With all the questions surrounding the Lighthouse and where the Islanders will be playing come 2016, do you think this may make players like Tavares and Okposo question whether or not to sign long term with the team?
Alex G- Originally from Los Angeles but moved to Massapequa in ‘94. L.A not being a big hockey town, I didn’t even know what hockey was until my family stayed with my aunt and uncle. My cousins were Isles fans, so I became one and have been bleeding blue and orange ever since.
Thanks, Alex. No, I do not think it’s at the stage where Kyle will hesitate to strongly consider the three-, six-and eight-year deals he may be offered by the Islanders over the next year starting on July 1, 2010. Tavares still has two years left on his entry level deal. I know the players hope the arena situation gets settled and I know they love playing here. They are not losing sleep over the team’s future…yet. If there is still uncertainty in two years, then it would be reasonable for them to begin to consider their options.
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Chris, the night of the Bailey Draft… what was the reaction from the other teams when the saw the isles keep dropping back in the draft, and then drafted the unexpected pick of Bailey? I know this could be a conflict of interest, but what was your reaction, was it what you expected?
Sean – Hicksville (down the block from Titus Oaks), fan since the Hogue days
Sean: I get these kinds of questions a lot, and frankly, I do not understand them. Half the franchises in the league haven’t accomplished anything, so who cares what they thought of the move down to get Bailey? No one was shocked, no one was critical, no one cared. The Islanders did what they thought was best. We’re about two-three more years from having a better idea of how it worked out. Otherwise, teams only care about how moves impact them.
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CB: If Snow could add Hamhuis, Seidenberg, and Adam Burish it would be a huge upgrade for our team. These players combined, at this years salary, would be a cap hit of less than 5 mil. Assuming they would all want at least a slight raise, especially Burish, do you think this is a realistic hope?
Dan from West Islip, Isles fan all 23 years of my life
Thanks for the question, Dan. Those three players will cost a lot more than a combined $5 million next year. But if those were the players Garth targeted, he could absolutely go out and sign them. I just doubt they are all at the top of his plan.
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My Question is, what do you see as the most pressing need for the team? Is it a top 6 forward or a top four defenceman. In this year’s draft, we can land one or the other (potentially).
Steve – Islander fan since 1978 Leafs Islanders game 7 OT. lived outside of TO, and Dad was a Leafs fan, so had to cheer against Dad and the home team. We lost, but the Love Affair began.
Hi Steve. There is simply no reason to pick one, nor is this a cop-out. You know where the Islanders finished the last three seasons. They need help everywhere, and a lot of it. In the draft, they need to take the player they feel is clearly the best one available. As anyone watching these playoffs know, the Islanders aren’t that close where they need just one chip.
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Which prospect currently not playing for the Islanders do you see making the biggest impact in the 2010-2011 season, and how large of an impact do you think it will be from that specific player?
Thanks – Doug. I’m a 23 year old Islander fan living in Baltimore, MD. I emerged from the womb with an Islanders jersey on and have an “M” on my forehead from Mike Milbury.
Hi, Doug. It should not be considered an insult to any of the Islanders prospects when I say this: I don’t see any of them making a major impact on the Islanders’ 2010-11 season. If you define major impact as a 25-goal scoring forward or 23-minute defenseman, then – pre-draft – I would have to say none. This certainly doesn’t mean that the No. 5 pick (or wherever they end up selecting) or Matt Martin or Jesse Joensuu or one of the teenage defensemen (although I wouldn’t like it) won’t contribute. But major impact? Tough to say right now.
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Other than getting some tough guys on both teams, what has to be done to get the intensity back into Isles vs Rangers games? I long for the days were Webb/Cairns would bump into McCarthy/Fleury during the pregame skate and brawls almost began before the anthem carpet was even rolled out.
Bill: Been a fan since grandma let me stay up late to watch Ray Ferraro and Dave Volek do some magic against the Pens.
Hi Bill. It has nothing to do with fighting or tough guys. The remedy is simple. The teams need to be good again.
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New Springsteen DVD coming out June 22nd. Had to throw it out there, Mr. Point Blank. My question is what do you think of the value of guys like Gervais, Bergenheim, Tambellini, Martinek and even Witt. Either single or paired up. Can the trading of these bodies move us up at all in the draft order or garner us some some addtional picks?
Dallas MacDonald – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia fan since early eighties loved Tonelli, Lafontaine, and Peca.
You know the answer to that question, Dallas. In the current climate, individually or collectively, their value in the trade market is the same. Not much. If anyone of the group has any value, it would be Sean Bergenheim and that would be for a third round draft pick. Otherwise, you cannot take two or three injured or struggling players – healthy scratches even – and expect to get anything for them. Brendan’s value has already been tested.
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I love your stories about the good ole’ days (and not so good ones). Can you tell us about Kelly Hrudey? I’m 32 years old and some of me earliest memories happened at our barn, but Kelly was my first real hero. I’ll never forget the easter epic. I met him when I was 9 and he gave me an autographed stick that I still have. I cried the day he was traded and became a Kings/Islanders fan that day. Was he as great as I remember?
Steve from Commack
For the more than twenty years that I’ve known him, Kelly has been one of the classiest people in the game. I think you’ll agree his generosity of spirit comes through in his studio work. He was a very good goalie and, as you expereinced, he is a great person. The day he was traded to LA, Kelly walked through the halls of the Islanders offices and thanked and said goodbye to everyone. I’ll never forget that.
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A million thanks for PB. Any update on Miriam from Forest Hills? Could you post the story or the link for the fans who may not have read it? Always wanted to thank you for what you did for her. Classy move Mr. Botta!
Keith, Medford LI – Isles fan for 28 years
Thank you for saying that, Keith and thanks for asking about Miriam. Here is Rick Reilly’s column from Sports Illustrated that you referenced. A few years ago, another best-of Reilly book was published. Miriam was really proud that her story made the book.
She is doing great. Miriam says there have been so many advances in digital technology assistance for the blind, and that makes her very happy. She still follows the Islanders closely and loves the young core.
She told me a great story. When the Islanders dropped their radio broadcasts, she called the NHL office to express her disappointment and ask if there was anything the league could do to help the team. She spoke with Gregg Baldinger of NHL Radio (he’s the exec producer of “NHL Live” you often see in the NHL Store studio), who is a heck of a nice guy. About a week later she received in the mail, compliments of Gary Bettman, a satellite radio. She listens to NHL Home Ice all day.
You’re invited to respond to answers in this segment, one Comment per reader. Thank you.
40 Responses to PB Reader Q & A, Part 4: The No. 5 pick, Charles Wang, Hrudey, Bailey, NYR rivalry and Miriam
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Eastonhockey says:
If Wang is so determined to avoid hiring outsiders..how did he ever make $$ with computer asociates? Was it pure luck? Who runs his real estate ventures? Is that a losing cause like his hockey team? Even George Steinbrenner hired bob Watson as gm…Yankees went from nobodys to best team in all of sports.
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Keith says:
Chris,
Thanks for the answer and follow up story. One more question if I may, why Point Blank for the name of the blog? The Q & A are great. Thanks again. -
jimisles says:
Great to read about Miriam.
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onesinceforty says:
Thank You! I hit this page 5-10 times a day.
For additional good Isles coverage people should not miss this guy Dominik on the site “Lighthouse Hockey”. He’s like the AHL to Botta’s NHL but it is still fun to watch. And sorry Katie, it’s FREE!
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Rich says:
CB, great reference to the Miriam from Forest Hills article. I’d never read article, nor heard the story, until today. Well done.
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JC Frank says:
Thanks so much for the Miriam update.
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O.Bender says:
Great read CB. Thank you. About Miriam, yesterday – 04/27/10, she called the NHL Live studio during their broadcast, and gave business to Dave Maloney about the Rangers and their great deficiencies. That’s what I call a true Isles fan, even during off-season she knows how to tighten the screws.
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doublew says:
In answer to #2… I am hoping it is a shout out to a truly fantastic movie;)
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orngfan says:
i hate bettman so much but its nice to read about something positive he’s done.
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Steve K. says:
CB,
While I don’t agree with you all the time, I do agree with you on the question regarding the trade value of Gervais, Witt, Bergenheim etc.
Fans of any team think that their players are valuable, when in reality they aren’t at all. The only players on this team worth anything to any other team are the players that we are building the team around; Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Streit etc.
We have to get over the fact that Tim Jackman and Jon Sim aren’t going to get any sort of return, whether individually or packaged.Thanks for answering these questions BTW, its nice to read Islanders related news.
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jeff says:
I hope that your comment about a possible 8-year deal for KO doesn’t become a reality. The Isles must have learned something after the disasters with Yashin and DP. Even if that wasn’t enough, KO has done nothing to warrant such a deal. He has all the talent in the world, but he has to start filling the net. It’s not like he’s afraid to shoot, I think he lead the team in shots, but he needs to score more.
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(Sim)ple says:
Thanks for the Miriam update. Remember staying up late in HS to the overnight radio shows on WFAN and she would call in and be the ONLY person that would talk about the Islanders.
Great story!
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goislesgo105 says:
Really enjoying the Q&A. Thanks CB. I loved hearing Miriam on the radio. She bled Isles blue and orange. Not that it matters anymore but here is an interesting stat: In his last 15 regular season games and then 6 in the playoffs Matt Duchene scored 1 goal.
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Potvin5 says:
You’re a good man, Charlie Brown (CB)!
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CJCB says:
I still have a pic of Cairns holding Mccarthy with his sweater over his head durning the Carins/Fleury McCarthy fued, and it reads Isles do what they want. I love it and it hangs in my locker at work to this day. i couldnt disagree with u CB more, the decline of the Isles/Rags rivalry coincided with the Isles going soft for sure. The games between the 2 were never like they are now during our leanest years and there was NEVER any talk of a DEAD rivalry back than, only now that we never ice a tough team unless its the last 10 or so games than we dress an Enforcer.
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chuckerd says:
Thanks for reprinting the Miriam story. I remember thinking how good a story it was when I first read it. You did a great job on that one CB. I believe she was a regular caller on the Jim Lampley show during the very early days of WFAN.
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Eric says:
I think it depends how Okposo plays next season to see what kind of a deal he is going to get. if he has 50-55 pts again I think he gets a 3 year 10 million dollar deal. If he gets 70 points which would great he could get 5 years 25 mill.
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JJ says:
Wow… I read the Miriam story. Chris, I don’t know you and I’ll probably never meet you, but right now, I’m super proud of you.
What a beautiful, beautiful story. Thanks for taking Miriam to the game!
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I’m thinking we should start up a collection to get Miriam back to NVMC for the home opener next season. Roundtrip limo to NVMC, a prime ticket, a home jersey, and arrange with the team to meet the young core of players after the game.
Who’s up for it?????????
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a REAL hockey fan says:
Great job Chris as usual
I DISAGREE with you though on the rivalry thing though, since the rule changes and the lockout of 2004 the games have been less exciting because of the rule changes!
they handcuff the teams, ‘target tough guys’ on the ice, suspend players on everything, send memos and warnings to teams before playoffs-after rough intense games! They have partially castrated the game
I ask/say this all the time but how could a Scott Stevens play in the NHL of today? How about a Bryan Marchment? Rich Pilon? etc, etc – with todays rules they would land in a Siberian jail and never seen again, sad but true!
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Don't Mind the Hater says:
Thanks for linking the Miriam story. It seriously brought tears to my eyes.
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DubieDubieDoo says:
I’ve read that article about Miriam several times and it still gives me the goose bumps. Keep up the good work CB!
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Brother Rat says:
Thanks for the update on Miriam, and good lord I hope we have stopped offering any contracts over 5 years! That brings me to one of the answers you gave, about Isles fans asking you what other teams think of decisions by the Isles brass. Sure, it shouldn’t matter what other teams think, but since we have endured mismanagement and crazy decisions for so many years, I can see why fans would be curious for some in-league validation: are we on the right road, are we respected, do other folks think we’re mismanaged, do folks think our picks are developing properly, etc. Being a fan in the Islanders bubble does not lend a lot of perspective, especially as this rebuild is being coordinated by folks that have a scant record of player development and sustained organizational success.
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Joe says:
CB, that piece on Miriam is excellent. Great job for making a dream come true for her. Keep up the outstanding work!
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Jay says:
Chris I’ve read this site since inception and the bit on Miriam and reading the column by Reilly was THE most moving thing I’ve read here. Cheers to you CB.
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Scott VanVoorhees says:
hey Dallas, Springsteen is terrible. Now, RUSH is working on a new album and will be touring this summer. Get with the program man…I have family up there in Nova Scotia – Tucker…
I also was a big Tonelli fan and wear 27 in my beer league as a tribute, so at least we can agree on that.
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Jim Clark says: Wonderful job by Gary Bettman and the NHL to get Miriam from Forest Hills a satellite radio. But the fact a diehard Islander fan who lives in New York City (or its suburbs) had to resort to this because they can’t get their games on a radio with a strong signal speaks volumes about this team.
#19 Great idea. If CB can arrange it, include me in.
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1972 means I'm Old says:
Thank you for the “Miriam” story. I was unaware of it until today. And thanks to Miriam for being a loyal fan.
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Vas says:
Eric Cairns calling Dale Puritan “a gutless puke” was a great moment also. The next game Cairns goes to square off with Puritan they drop the gloves and Puritan pees himself and hides behind the ref! What a loser organization! Gutless from top down.
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art says:
CB you have information, insites, experience, and knowledge about the Isles front office that none of us have. However I’m not as confident as you that Snow even with the resources that he has will pull the trigger on the deals that the club needs to make to be competetive next season. I sure hope I’m not going to be able to say “I told you so.”
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Tony F. says:
Wow, Miriam who knew! That’s a great idea to get her to the home opener, maybe it will inspire our young guys to play with a little more heart and soul. Nice work Mr. Botta.
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Vrinqueens says:
Holy Cow!!!, I actually hear Miriam arguing with Moose or Paige in the middle of the night (I work nights) She is all that and more. Moose will groan earlier expecting her call after a big Isles win and like clock work she calls and the back/forth with them is great. Great article Chris!!!
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Vive la Poutine! says:
Vas (29): I remember that Cairns/Purinton moment quite vividly. In my nearly 30 years of watching hockey that was the only time I have ever seen a team (NYR) go on a 7-minute power play. Cairns got 5 for fighting and 2 for something else, maybe instigating or roughing, because Purinton refused to fight. Gutless and still very much angers me to the present day.
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Glen S says:
CB thats a great story about Miriam, she’s one loyal and know’s a lot about the game and her Islanders. I’ve been listening to her call into WFAN for a long time and do enjoy her take on a game that she can’t see. She’s in my opinion a truly amazing women. And I vote yes to get her to next season’s home opener.
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K-Rob says:
By the way, that was the first time i read that Miriam story, great story and a great gesture by you Mr. Botta
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IslesFaninFl says:
CB, Thanks for all the stories, the Miriam story was so touching. Us Islander fans from out of the area appreciate all that you do for us, and your webpage is one one of the 4 pages i open immediately when i turn on my computer. Continue doing a great job, and have you ever thought of sharing your stories in a Book? I loved FISH STICKS, and Birth of a Dynasty. If anyone hasn’t read them, they are great books. LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
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Travelchic59 says:
It’s been 8 years since Miriam was at the Coliseum? OMG! Where did the time go? I remember her visit as if it was yesterday. And I remember the standing O we all gave her after Chris King mentioned who she was. We definitely have to get her to another game next season.
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admin says:
Thread closed. See you Friday.
love the Q & A Chris.