OTTAWA 4 ISLANDERS 1
Islanders lose sixth straight game in regulation
CLICK HERE: Chris Botta’s weekly column at FanHouse
This video with John Tavares, focused on his work habits at practice (with footage) and new life in New York, was shot on Tuesday afternoon.
For loss No. 6, we entered the zone of “Every mistake they make ends up in the back of the net,” talk of missed opportunities and counting the shots that hit posts. Just. Stop. It.
Just three minutes into the game, the Islanders were given a five-minute power play when Ottawa forward Zack Smith boarded Trevor Gillies. The Islanders failed to score on the power play, then Sergei Gonchar scored four minutes later. A softie allowed to David Hale, this time by the usually sure-handed Dwayne Roloson, was followed by a goal by Jason Spezza (4-point night). By the middle of the second period, the Islanders were already trailing 3-0. Matt Moulson scored a power play goal early in the third off a great pass from John Tavares. Breakaways were missed by Frans Nielsen and Blake Comeau, and it was over.
First, the Islanders said they weren’t talking of rebuilding anymore and would not offer excuses. Then came four wins in their first seven games (4-1-2) and a few way-too-premature smirks of, “I told you so.” And now, in the league where everyone earns points in the standings, the Islanders have lost six games in a row in regulation.
This is the sixth losing streak of six games or more in the two-seasons-plus-one-month Garth Snow-Scott Gordon Era.
Comments.
241 Responses to OTTAWA 4 ISLANDERS 1
Islanders lose sixth straight game in regulation
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Bob E. says:
Great point Danbury, He is so much better this year and it is a shame his linemate can finish. People like to say he is a goal scorer but people do underestimate his playmaking abilities.
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TM says:
Ya gotta wonder what’s going through Tavares’ mind when he sees the arena half empty, blowout losses, management not surrounding him with better players and ownership not spending money to help him.
Do you think he’ll even consider staying here once he’s eligible to leave?
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Jerky says:
I’d like to see JT take control of this team after this season is over. He has an intensity about him, a set of skills to match, and a love for the game that I think would make him a great leader both on the ice and in the locker room.
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MattyB says:
Bottom line, Tavares defense is better? well he’s a -9, Wiz is our top point scorer and supposed to be our top dman, well he’s a -10…nd for as good as Mottau has been, he’s also a -10. In fact there are only two plus players on the roster, Grabner and suprise suprise Nielsen
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pat says:
CB please don’t scare me like that… all I read was john tavares and “was shot on Tuesday”
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Danbury Islanders Fan says:
I would agree that the defense has been horrible of late. Especially since Macdonald has gone down. It is kind of hard for a team to makeup for 3 of their top six defenseman being out when they don’t have depth.
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Davesy22 says:
Tavares may be a -8, but his game has never been the defensive game. He has been great creating space in the offensive zone, but has not had ideal linemates to help him surge. During the games vs. Montreal, he created great chances that others could simply not finish. He is capable of making the players around him better, but I think that the effort from the other guys has to be there for that to happen. And quite frankly, on is playing well on this team right now.
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*No one is playing well on this team.
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bossjones15 says:
I agree with TM. I don’t believe in babying the young players but this team is just throwing them to the wolves…at least this season they got them a little physical protection but they did nothing to help in the scoring dept.
Tavares has been “better” about getting back on D but the team as a whole is so bad. Several guys sit up at the blue line and wait for a pass rather than play D. Others have gotten caught giving up on the play in the midst of a 2 on 1. It’s just been pathetic to watch, I don’t see much improving until KO and Streit get back, then we might go from mediocre to playing 500 hockey. -
IslesRock says:
CB, these interviews are really good. The first three posts beat me to the punch. His skating is so much improved. He may not be that much faster, but he is much stronger on his skates this year. Shame on Snow and Wang for not investing in one legit NHL forward to play with this kid.
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ed says:
I would love to get a physical winger for JT. Word has it that Boston is planning on shopping Lucic. Can’t think of a better fit. One can dream right lol
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EAF says:
if this mess continues JT, Bailey, Okposo will leave as soon as they can.
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Frank nyc says:
I think the loss of Kyle Okposo is bigger than people recognize. He was the leader of this young group. No matter what was going on last season you could count on him to give 110% every game. He had a motor and i believe the other guys feed off that.
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JerseyIslander says:
@ed (post #12) Hey, while we are dreaming, we should nab Alexander Semin AND Zach Parise in the off season as wingers for Tavares! THAT would be something special!
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Potvin Rocks says:
No one is playing good on the this team. It’s hard to keep the Plus/Minus when you are losing games 6-1 and 7-2.
Tavares is very underrated defensively. He does create turn overs in the defensive zone. And he puts himself in position to steal and intercept a lot of passes. It’s part of his hockey sense. Which in the offensive zone, puts him in the position to score.
I was bothered by the generic answer to the “how do you like play for the Islanders” question. It does seem like he does want stick around for the 6 spots DiPietro is going to give up for the next 11 years. -
Blizzard says: ….I love this kid. I worry too that he will sour on this franchise. Although this kid is full of character and I think he will take pride leading this team into prosperity. He certainly can do it. If we had a legitimate top line winger or two to flank him with he would flourish. I do not want to compare him to Stamkos but Stamkos has some talent around him. Parentau isnt gonna cut it.
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Mike says:
JT must be counting down the days till he can sign an offer sheet to join a REAL NHL team? There is no way Charlie boy will match.
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Julie says:
Wow, you just popped in that headline and you already have to change it to 3-0
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Let the DP comments begin, oh wait that’s Rollie who looks like complete garbage
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drive45 says:
Gordon is losing this team.
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Steve M says: dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, WE SUCK! dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, WE SUCK!
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Alex says:
i am pretty sure it is safe to say that the rebuild has failed!
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BringBackNyles says:
He says all the right things, but if JT turns out to be a star, can anyone see him staying?
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Marc says:
We don’t have a real #1 goalie. Rollie is a good back up. DP is done. I’m still a long time fan, but we just have an AHL line up in there mixed in w/a few good players. And, we still don’t have that franchise player. It will be another long year! You can’t win w/Pittsburg Pirates payroll!
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admin says:
Wow.
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WM says:
Forget about whether or not JT would be staying…will the Islanders be staying??
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brett says:
We suck. This is a depressing mess. D men are getting anxious and carrying puck into offensive zone bec our offense can’t do a damn thing. Dump, chase, do nothing, give up a goal, repeat. Crappy.go giants
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Islesfan in Vancouver says:
So with this lack of effort and a 6 game losing streak, is the coach without an extension still safe? I don’t think so
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This team is worse than the team that finished last in the NHL, at least they played with heart though they had no talent. This team has no talent and no heart. What a Joke
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seriously.. i dont expect the islanders to be in existence for much longer!
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I just have the sinking feeling..no Lighthouse, Wang is fed up, the chances of this improving is nill. Maybe they stay on LI until the lease is up, maybe Wang finds another local owner, but the New York Islanders will never again be a force. maybe we limp along like the Pirates, or LA Clippers in a sports purgatory, but that the best we can hope for.
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NickyL says:
I think it’s safe to say it’s not just DP as the reason we aren’t doing well.
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After the 5-minute power play with no goals and only, what, 3 shots… Howie and Butch put their jobs on the line with their comments. Perhaps they are hoping to be fired…
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Mike says:
What could Scott Gordon possibly due to get fired? It is obvious that he cannot get through to his players.
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Fred says:
NY Islanders are calling me right now to purchase a ticket plan. Now is not a good time.
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Steve M says:
I want to see how many Islanders fans show up on saturday.
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cgs878 says:
I can’t watch this anymore. I’m switching over to the New York Red Bull soccer match.
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Steve (34) It will be a Flyers home game on the Island
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JJ says:
I think Gordon may get fired before Saturday.
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Steve M says:
Just what I was thinking #36
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I will be there Sat ONLY because I have the tickets already but this looks like my last game? When you don’t have fun rooting for a team then it is time to either find a new team or move on to something that gives enjoyment.
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jbassman says:
Can anyone on this team bust into the offensive zone and make a freakin play?!?!
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Set says:
i wonder if Charles Wang even cares. i mean it is pretty impossible to think he does since we have been watching the same poor product for years.
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frankie d says:
Anyone want to tell what game Butch Goring is watching?????? He keeps saying how much better the Islanders are playing. Does he think we’re blind and stupid. Bring Billy Jaffe back!!! I don’t like homers!!
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This team has no heart. They are going to get destroyed again, again, and again on Saturday.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
This is not good.(Understatement)
It’s barely November and they are becoming unwatchable.
And this losing streak can’t possibly be good for attendance. -
islandersfan4ever says:
whenever Weight has the puck, he flubs everything.Clear shots on goal, and he passes the puck like he is afraid to shoot it. I dont get his missed chances??Can anyone explain?
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Brian in VA says:
Why is anybody watching this crap? I just check the score on my bberry. I gave up on this squad when they lost to Montreal the second time…
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The New Isles GM says:
I just got 2 free lower level seating tix for Sat and the only reason i’m going is because it’s free. If Charles wants to spend money then I’ll spend money. God I feel bad for our “core”.
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Islesinstoon says:
Botta, what are the chances of Gordon getting fired? Isles are struggling his system does not seem to work look at his record! This is his last contract year, will he make it to the end and will he get an extension or will he get fired before the season ends?
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Lorne says:
I stand corrected too, I jumped the gun when I blamed DP for both disasters in Philly and Carolina.
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My ticket rep told me today if I don’t pay in full for NEXT season by April, my ticket prices will be raised. Are they kidding?
In all seriousness the Isles are playing better tonight but they aren’t nearly playing hard enough. They still look dead. Roloson gives up 2 softies and the team is shot. -
Harris in Syosset says:
Hey CB, just wondering if you thought there was anyway Garth might look to shake this up. I understand its a “slow and steady” rebuild to create a consistent contender, but 3 years in we haven’t seen many fruits of this rebuild. Is there any possibility we might see Gordon get fired (not that he deserves it), or a core member get traded? If we are serious about the playoffs something needs to give.
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Post 52(isles316), is that a joke??
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reply to post 48: I know exactly what you are talking about I have never seen a player do this as much as Weight. The only thing I can think of is the people around the Islanders keep praising him as a passer and I think that has gone to his head know all he does is looking for a pass.
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Andre says:
If I am Tavares, I would not sign a contract that would take me 1 day past UFA status. This franchise does not deserve a franchise a player like Tavares. Simple as that. This rebuild is NOT working. I look forward to seeing the dwindling fan base continue to dwindle.
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Shane from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia says:
Gervais was horrible on goals 1 & 3. Standing and watching Ottawa play hockey. I’ve turned the TV off. Playing Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook. And I’m Canadian.
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okpososcores21 says:
To sum it up in one word Pathetic. Gordon has totally lost this team and we are only 12 games in. The beginning of the game was going the islanders way and they couldn’t find a way to score. This team is doomed. The losses will continue to pile up.
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Vlad says:
Until Wang Sells this franchise is doomed, this is all Wang’s fault…they can not possibly be a winner with him as owner…
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RE: Gordon’s shelf life. I’ve never been a believer in him as a motivator or a strategist, but I don’t see the point in talking about him getting the boot, especially not before the end of the season. Who would take the job? Hey, maybe Brad Shaw would come back…
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Wang definitely needs to sell the team. He can care less about this team. I don’t want to hear how he shows up to practices and scouting trips. We need a new owner. One that will be content with just a new arena, and put his money where his mouth is. Simple as that.
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No joke. I paid off my tickets for this year today. My rep says they are going up next year $180 or so for 2 tickets. If I pay a down payment now and one payment a month until april for NEXT season, I’ll pay the same price. BTW my tickets went up almost $400 from last year.
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isles71 says:
Wish I bought more than a 12-pack….at least “Anient Aliens” is fun to watch between periods…Mothership, call me home!!!
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Brian says:
This is Roli’s first bad game…. why doesn’t he get the same excuses as DP…. he’s just rusty
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Ask your rep why you should re up when every game has tons of seats at $20 on Stubhub or through a special promotion?
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Mikey says:
I really think the answer is to relocate the team and hope that someone out there owns this team other than Wang. This guy has just destroyed this franchise. We’re at rock bottom, and I thought the team with Biron in net was rock bottom. Hell, I thought Danis as a starting goaltender was rock bottom. Who would have thought?
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wpatelis says:
@ cgs878 you probably have a better chance of seeing the red bulls score 3 goals lol. Well like most islander fans i have hung in threw thick and thin but this team is a JOKE. Im hoping this is just a slump they come out play hard in the 3rd and score 4 goals to win it, go home to a huge crowd of 9,000 fans oh and 6,000 of them philly fans and seek revenge for a 6-1 loss and the hit on Nielson. But my hopes never come true anyways so whats really gonna happen is the islanders are gonna keep displaying there christmas lights as they get lit up like a tree tonight, probably get their butts kicked in saturday in front of 6,012 fans all but 12 will be philly fans probably lose that game 5-2. And for some strange reason ill still watch every game and still cringe after every goal and still be pissed off, and still think we have a shot at the playoffs. But i guess like they say Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt
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And I think Gordon is a goner.
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Honestly, it is difficult Brian(#49). There are usually more exciting alternatives on Center Ice.
As a thirty-something fan of the team I find myself getting numb to the losing. There is almost a level of indifference setting in. And that is not a good thing.
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post 66…. there is no rock bottom for this team
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wf76 says:
FIRE GORDON this team has given up no fight at all!!!
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3rd Period come back.
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I dont think you need to relocate, you just need a normal owner….even better if the owner truly cares…
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Stop blameing the goalies the 2nd goal the guy was able to walk right in on roloson from the circle. The deffense needs to be tighter all i saw on that play was an islander reaching his stick instead of knocking hale of the puck or even skating with him. These guys consider themselves professionals well in all my years watching professional hockey ive never seen a team lose 2 games in a row by 5 or more goals and to continue to show no fire Gordon must go. The first goal was anther deffensive lapse. the winger should be covering the point not a deffenseman in bruno gervais. Im not defending him, because he is horrible. i still cant believe they let him lace up after the training camp he had. This team cant pass it cant shoot never mind making creative plays. THey Cant enter the zone cleanly they resort to dump ins but dnt attack with 2 men, wayyy wayy to much perimiter play. They get no shots from scoring areas, no one seems willing to get in the dirty areas and there is no emotion or fire from a majority of the players.
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Julie in FL says:
Dwayne is definitely responsible for 2 bad goals, but how much different would this game look if Weight had scored on that “gimme” early on?
All due respect to the player he once was, but Dougie is finished.
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The currency Wang built up when he “saved the team” is now gone in my eyes. This was all a real estate grab, and he did not get what he wanted. Now we are in limbo, in as bad a shape as we were when he and Kumar bought the team
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Brian from Massapequa says:
Matty!
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Reality check folks. This is year three of the rebuild. Meaning the beginning of year three, not the end. A playoff appearance would be nice, but is not a requisite. Okposo and Streit being healthy would be nice too. Remember those guys? It was 3-0 notihng when I started typing. It is 3-1 now. Let’s all take a deep breath.
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Moulson’s goal seems to have lit a little spark. Maybe we’ll see some energy!
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Jimmy says:
Seems like Howie is trying to get fired with the “Times Square squeegie” comments earlier in the game.
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This is not year three of a rebuild..to a lot of us this is year three of the 5th rebuild. This franchise has won a playoff round exactly one season since 1987′s Easter epic which was the last big night of the dynasty era players.
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AJAX says:
Right now Eric Nystrom is glad he didn’t come into this mess.
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i love matt martin
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admin says:
Not sure what the point is of saying “this is year 3 of the rebuild” tonight. The team has lost five games in a row. The Islanders themselves said there would be no excuses. Just because a team may be rebuilding – or is in “Year 3″ – doesn’t mean they should lose five games in a row. Do you want to see progress?
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Martin, 2 minutes for being an Islander in Canada
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Did Bailey and Comeau dress for this game? Boy are they MIA.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
How did the Isles end up on the PP? Unreal!
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Bob Bassen says:
I dunno. As bad as the Islanders are, the NHL in general is such a joke sometimes.
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franz needs to learn to score on breakaways. For the love of god.
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Jim Clark says: Comeau had a good breakaway going until he had to shoot it. Nielsen repeated it. Could our players score if DiPietro was the goalie? If it was an empty net?
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UGH!!! 2 breakaways and we get nothing. Why do I torture my self with this?
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Haha christmas came early for comeau and nielsen and…well you know
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I am so annoyed with this team that I can’t even say PP right. I meant PK. And the Isles had their chances on this kill. Ugh, when will it end…
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scott gordon should pull a Herb Brooks and skate this team for hours after this game…. lights off and everything… agin… again… again!
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Giaco says:
What if the Isles win 5 ina row? Then are they cup contenders? No but its time to step off the ledge. They are a .500 team. The beginning og the season was a tease. They are who we thought they were.
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Kurt says:
I don’t watch the game on TV and I’m not so familiar with this team. Looking on the info provided by nhl.com, there are 6 designated centers and 2 RW – who is playing RW?
thxin advance
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There is Islander hockey in a nut shell….Two Breakaways, some teams might put in both, While the other remaining teams put in at least 1, however, the New York Islanders put in neither… Nielsen, you have one move, use it
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CB. You ended with a question so I assume you are welcoming a response. I know I irritated you yesterday with my punchy comments and for that I do apologize.
I absolutely agree with you about them losing five games in a row and I hope that the level of disgust that others are feeling is equalled by my own disgust.
My comment was directed towards those that want to jump ship and I recognize that as a personal choice (that’s my mistake responding to comments instead of making my own). I can understand people not wanting to invest themselves in a team that provides no enjoyment.
I was just trying to say, that I do not think it is time to jump ship. A year from now if the results are the same, I may still hang around, but I would not blame anyone for saying enough and divesting themselves of their emotional investment in the team.
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How about we all just stop complaining and just stop going to games. We are Charles’ customers….we’ll see how fast he opens up his wallet after that.
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sheppy says:
That’s the game. Oh, well.
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Look on the bright side. We only let in 4 goals tonight!!
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Jim Clark says:
At least Matt Martin can fight
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I think a coaching change is coming and probably coming soon. This team is in a complete free fall. Would love to see Bob Hartley coach this team.
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Ottawa barely had to play this game and still won easily. Can bruno sell concessions already. And there’s the final insult, including butchie sugarcoating this mess. Martin!!!
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We won the fight.
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JT says:
Nice job by Matt Martin against Smith. Landed some BIG shots.
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Maybe Gordon will just step down.
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At least Martin is doing his part. Don’t the announcers remember that Smith is the one who ran Gillies in the beginning of the game?
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Butch gorings positive talk is killing me. I guess he has no choice, wouldn’t want to get the ‘jaffe’ from the islanders. I bet when they go to commerical he says ” god this team ****** sucks
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Per TSN feed, this is the Islanders 6th 6 game or more losing streak since the start of the 2008 season…yowza.
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Jim Clark says:
This ugly mess is over. The next ugly mess will be in 45 hours when you know the Flyers will just push the Islanders all over the ice. Failed to take advantage and gain ground on the Rags.
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Madchef says:
the thing I dont understand is if your a fan why would you talk about if I jump ship or not from this team? gimme a break, I will always root for this team as much as they are killing me right now. They gave an effort in the 3rd tonight too little to late though. D injuries are killing us as well as the average goal play. It seems like the team is pressing a little? They could use a break their way and spin this bad karma around. I dont see a game against Philly as the right medicine though, hope i am wrong.
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jake says:
This is a joke losing 6 in a row after that great start….. Fire Wang he’s a joke of a owner, and can give 2 sh**s about this franchise. Gordon has to go too… just like the mets get a new owner and a coach though… Idk about anyone else but its sickening, i really want to see this team win….
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So, Now what? How much longer does this continue?
Will we see ANYTHING be done to stop the bleeding besides Gordos empty threats? -
Mike from VA says:
I honestly think letting Gordon go will be a mistake sort of like Laviolette. I do believe he is a good coach, but as watching the TSN broadcast, the only thing constant on the Island is change. 6th Losing streak of 6+ games since 2008. As much as I do like Gordon, I would like to see one of the more experienced coaches in the league (Lemaire) coach the isles and see how they do. Obviously that isnt possible, but I don’t think that in the 13th game of the season that we should be pushing for a coaching change.
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Blizzard says:
Bring back Sim!!!!!
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Wang is horrible. Gordon not great either… But don’t give Snow a free pass! He is a JOKE as well! Especially with his smug arrogant way about him. Snow you blow too!
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IslanderFAN says:
I have a feeling former Pens’s coach and Memorial cup winner Michel Therrien wont stay long has a Minnesota Wild scout
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@WM – all that under Scott Gordon
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StevenK says:
Hello everyone,
I wanted to add some comments about the Islanders game tonight and some other things about the state of this team. Some may not agree with me, but I believe I have real insight into the issues affecting us.
When I was at the Islanders-Canadiens game last week, I happened to speak with a ticket sales representative. And from what I can tell from his body language, he might as well have admitted that it’s virtually impossible to sell tickets to Islanders games. There are more fans for the opposition than our own. While he has stated that Charles Wang is always at the Coliseum, I get the impression that the love for the “conquering hero” has now turned into sheer and utter contempt for his efforts. No one wants to win more than he does…but unfortunately, he just doesn’t know how to do so.
There are so many comments about the arena situation and another ticket sales representative gave me some frank insight: “Look at this area-can you give me a reason why anyone would want to come here? What is there-a nice college and some college bars. Ask Ben Roethelisberger how that worked out for him.” Think about this-even if we had a brand new, state of the art arena, what makes you think any free agents would come here? Or coaches? Players are their own fraternity, you don’t think they talk amongst themselves? They’re probably saying how toxic Long Island is and how one should run as far away if the Islanders call you. Look at the Columbus Blue Jackets….great arena, good entertainment district. When was the last time they did anything? Do you see players saying “I want to go to Columbus?” Of course not. The Red Wings arena is as old as ours, and the city is in much worse economic condition. They seem to have no problem attracting players. Why? Because it starts at the top. Owner Mike Illitch has a hands-off policy. He believes that you hire the best, you pay them well, and let them do what they do. The results will come.
I want to end on this note. I understand there are many Islanders fans who are angry, hurting, and feel powerless. I compare this situation to an adopted pet who is suffering with a terminal illness. The final act of love is to show that you don’t want the dog or cat to suffer anymore and let them go. If you really care about the Islanders, and want them to have a bright future, let them go to Kansas City, Winnipeg, or any other city. Let them get a fresh start elsewhere-a new coach, a new GM, a new scouting staff. But on one condition-they cannot have any connection to the Islanders or history. That stays here.
Thank you for your time.
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rochfire says:
Who is going to be the third Isles goalie this year to attempt to not let in garbage goals. Don’t tell me Roli has been solid- this team needed him tonight and he let them down. Anybody else notice what having a couple million dollar skill guys can do?
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Darren says:
O.K now it is embarrassing. The lack of effort? The lack of skill? Coaching ? I do not know, but we have gone from winning and/or being in every game to being an easy 2 pts.
Hopefully, this is just a low point, though given all the uncertainty surrounding this team and any youth movement, it does give one pause to wonder how far this group come or can even go.
I am for the moment totally discouraged, even my boys, who watch every game, did not even tune in tonight. -
islesjoggaz says:
This team needs a new coach. Weight should be on 4th line hes playing way too much. This coach does not know how much time to play players. Grabner should be on 1st line.
Lines should be :
Grabner Tavares Martin
Schremp Comeau Moulson
Bailey Nielsen Parentu
Gillies Konokpa Weight -
It’s truley not even funny how bad we suffer as Islander fans. I can’t take it anymore, I really can’t. I just don’t get why this team will never be good. It’s not the coach, we’ve been through 20 of them. The GM? He doesn’t have any money to spend. It’s Wang. We are not allowed to spend a little money, and we just don’t have the type of youth to carry a team. Tavares is not a game breaking talent, and his cast mates are average at best. It’s just really sad. At the end of the day, this rebuild is not rebuilding anything, because the talent is not there. We have yet to ACQUIRE a game breaking talent.. and for a team that has been bad for seemingly forever, that is truly remarkable. I Just don’t see a future for them on Long Island anymore. They need to leave. The people of Long Island, whatever fans are left, need to move on with their lives. This team is not a team, it’s a black hole.
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Bocks44 says:
Even though the Islanders lost tonight, I think they played much better tonight than the last two games. They put in a good effort tonight. They controlled most of the play. They had a lot of good chances that they could not finish. The back checking was a lot better as well. I honestly think Roloson let in a couple of softies. Ottawa did not look dominant at all this game. Hopefully the Islanders can capitalize on their chances next game.
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Strummer's Army says:
Don’t understand how they have lost so much and played so badly and they still came out and played flat, boring and timid. They played better in the third. Roli should have had two of those goals.
Liked Martin’s win and liked that Gordon put Gillies out to close the game and that Ott didn’t want any further trouble after Smith caught his beating. Carnker wouldn’t even look at Gillies.
Wang needs to losen up the purse strings slightly and give them a real defense. It’s not asking too much and it isn’t going to break the bank arena or not.
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On the bright side, they didn’t give up 6 or more goals for a third straight game.
I’m curious to see if Gordon cuts ice time for anyone after this game as he said he would if necessary. I doubt Hunter was scratched because his foot still hurts … he is clearly being sent a message.
Roli was not stellar tonight – 2 of the 3 goals he let in were his fault and he knows it. Hopefully he’ll get another shot in net on Saturday.
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gino says:
I wanted them to hire Bob Hartley before they hired Gordon. The TSN feed was very interesting. Bob McKenzie made it sound a bit like Gordons days could be numbered and then, forgot his name, pretty much blamed Wang for this mess. Fans should do what Met fans did.Just don’t go to the games but still voice your displeasure. It got Manuel and Minaya out of there maybe finally the neccesary changes will be made on the island but i think its more Snow and Wang than Gordon.
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terry says:
How can Bruno play a regular shift and the coach wont play Gillies on a regular shift he at least brings something to the team unlike Bruno who only brings things for the other team.I would like to see Gordon get fired. Hire ken hitchcock to coach.It is starting to look very bad for this team.
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Someone on this team, JT or Bailey needs to step up and pull a Crosby and call a team meeting. This is ridiculous. I love JT and know he’s a quiet kid with great hockey sense and he works hard to improve. But he needs to be a bigger leader both in the locker room and one the ice. THIS IS HIS TEAM. He is the face of the franchise. He needs to stop looking for the perfect pass and just throw the puck to the net and then have everyone crash the net. The isles don’t do that enough. They get too cute.
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hollywood says:
Tons of blame on here. First it was DP, now it’s Gordon. a percentage of you think it’s Wang’s fault. How about the players take the responsibility as a team. The road has been unkind to them. Hopefully the Flyer game will charge them up.It has to get better, it just has to. we had to know it was going to be rough without Streit and Okposo. As frustrated as these 6 games have been I still believe that they will win on Sat.
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Or maybe like Urban Meyer said about the Florida Gators, maybe we’re just not that good
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This is the 6th 6-game or more losing streak for the Islanders since the start of the 2008 season. All 6 game losing streaks on Scott Gordon’s watch.
This stat speaks volumes!
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James says:
So much not to like about the way this team played tonight. WAY too often I saw players not willing to pay the price to get the puck or drive to the net. Too many bad decisions with the puck. And at this point in a losing streak, already down 3-0 and having threatened to take ice time, let me get this straight: Trevor Gillies goes out, generates a quality scoring chance, rushes back to play defense, draws a five minute major, and is rewarded with… two more shifts the rest of the game???
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Bob says:
Where’s all the talk about how the rebuild is finally looking legit and how great Snow and Gordon have done? I wasn’t fooled. While the team did play well early on, based on the talent level (lack of)did we really expect them to be a force in the East? We’ve all been through this before. The Islanders don’t ever get better until Wang stays out of hockey decisions, hires a new GM and coach, and pays to put a respectable roster on the ice.
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StevieL says:
Gordo has choked the offense out of this team. These kids are so worried about playing the system, they have forgotten how to play offense. And CB, all I hear is Gordo’s comments to you that this is the best D he has had since he’s been here! What happened? Is AMAC that irreplacable? I was thinking tonight that they have to be the least physical D in the history of the league! Gordo has no clue how to fix this team. How many line combo’s can you throw out there? He is emotionless! Our kids need to be taught Islander pride and winning! I vote for Trots behind the bench before the West Coast trip!!
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#101: People have stopped going to games. 12,000 for the home opener..11,000 for the rangers…and things are going to get worse when they play on weeknights
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Johnnyjet says:
I guess it’s not too early to go on a scouting mission for prospects. Going to see Ryan Nuggent-Hopkins (top 3 pick in 2011). It sure looks like they are never going to score let alone win! Our best goalies are in Bridgeport. I’m serious!
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I for one do not believe in a coaching change. That is too easy and to short term. I believe Gordon is a good coach and the truly good franchises stick with a good coach and hold the players accountable. This will be a good test for Isles mgt to see what they are made of.
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folks, this all begins with Charles Wang. believe it or not but Charles Wang does not care about winning. if he did, the putting the poor product after poor product on the ice would have stopped years ago. all Charles Wang cares about is spending the least amount as possible on the Islander roster and charging obcene amounts of money to watch that horrible product he calls an NHL team.
for those of you that still show up to games, stop going. let him be the only person watching. that is if Wang himself even goes to games.
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Colin M. says:
For the first few minutes of the game, and a bit in the third period, this team showed signs of life. Of course, this is the NHL, and you need to play sixty minutes of quality hockey to get wins. Unless you’re playing the Islanders.
I actually thought Roloson looked okay tonight. I would only call one goal weak. He played the angle and took a percentage chance on the first goal, and he was screened on another. I actually think he made some good saves, too. But the goaltending must be stronger. Any save percentage below a .900 S% isn’t going to do the trick for this team.
The missed goals on those shorthanded breakaways really took the wind out of my sails. You frankly don’t deserve to win if you can’t capitalize on one of those.
And can we stop all of the moving talk? Yes, the Islanders are depressing. Yes, it’s been like this for some time. But this is our team, and we’d all be devastated if they moved. So stop acting like you’re indifferent to the possibility, because if you are, you’re likely in the wrong corner of the internet right now.
They need a new owner, one that will keep them on the Island (or preferably move them into that new place in Brooklyn when it’s ready), and one that is willing to spend money on the team. The team moving to Quebec City is not the answer. It’s the anti-answer.
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This team needs a leader. No one is standing out right now. Where did Bailey go? All the talk about him ready for a breakout season and he has vanished! I know Streit and KO are the leaders of this club. But someone needs to take over. Otherwise this “rebuild” will be set back AGAIN.
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Ted says:
THANKS WANG , THANKS GARTH. HELL OF A TEAM YA GOT HERE. 7/31/15 RIP
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NYIFAN10 says:
Time for a coaching change. Ted Nolan anyone?
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This team is a great mix…a group of young guys who are counting the days until they are free agents, others who are here becasue no one else wanted them, and then of course the ones who hope to be traded to a playoff team.
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The PORK CHOP EXPRESS says:
How can a group of young nhlers play with no passion or fire? You can expect veterans turning it off (which is wrong) but not players trying to make it in this league. The first 7 games feel like an eternity ago. The players need to skate, and to check. Every game the stat sheet shows the isles have over 20 hits but they must be hits on them because I just don’t see them. Playing the body creates space. Space creates flow which produces goals. Maybe the players are afraid to be suspended for a bump?? I mean two isles backed off of spezza to allow him to shoot. Come on, if you see a guy with the puck BODY CHECK HIM!!! Philly is going to pound them.
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chrism says:
To everyone saying reality check-that they are a .500 team…Well they are not. Look at the record. They will not end up at .500 either
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FPH says:
Someone help!
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Steven says:
I agree 148. No Excuse for young guys to not play hard. I do not care who the Owner, GM, Coach or Goalie are. These young guys are not proven stars. Maybe these players rather work a 9-5 job?
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Louis_NYI says:
I love the Isles always have, always will (33yrs and counting). This is by far the worst owner in the NHL. He didn’t spend money to bring in help (wonder if any veterans would want to play for him anymore) for the team when 2 of the best players this team has are out long term, instead they (their salaries) are keeping the team afloat in the basement of the salary cap. The young men who wear that jersey on most nights work their asses off!! Dipietro has really, unfortunately, broken this team’s spirit and this INSANE schedule?!?!?! And it’s like this, not as bad maybe, EVERY year! So there…..I feel somewhat better….lol…..anyhow, cheer the young men on it couldn’t to let them know someone’s pulling for them.
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By the way, which NHL team leads the league in total goals against with 48?
You guessed it, your NYI.
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JIsles says:
Gordon has to be fired. END OF STORY. I never liked him as a coach. It never made sense to me to bring in a young unproven coach with no nhl experience and ask him to teach young players how to play in the nhl? This team needed a solid coach with nhl experience that has some success and knows how to win a hockey game. And for this rebuild It is beginning to look like a total failure. I mean how many games does it take to develop in the nhl 100 games? 200? Well Bailey, Comeau, Tavares, Nielson, throw in Okposo have over 1,000 nhl games played between them and I have come to the conclusion that this is it folks this is the players we got they are not going to get any better. If you cant prove in over 200 games that you belong in the nhl than you will not last long. I can see one player not panning out but from the looks of it none of these players are which makes the whole rebuild an utter failure. these guys were supposed to take the next step and start competing for a playoff spot and here we are in the midst of another dismal losing streak as cb said 6 times under gordon this team has lost 6 or more games in a row. No coach survives this. This team needs a coach who can motivate and teach the game at the nhl level it is obvious Gordon cannot do that. I dont know who that is Bob Hartley Garths old friend from college and vancouver. But if this team wants to take the next step it is time for Gordon to go. Please Wang spend some money and hire a real coach!!!
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Sean says:
It’s funny how goring tries to make terrible play by the Islanders positive. It’s like ed westfall back in the booth again saying Islanders made a mistake again.
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D in BIG D says:
See yesterdays post!
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Jim M says:
This team is so full of What-if’s and “untapped” potential. There is one MAJOR problem though, and that is the lack of reliability. Who will bail this group of forwards out when they are struggling? Schremp, Grabner, Moulson, Comeau, PAP, etc.. Who will be counted out on to put the puck in the net during a losing streak because they have proven themself throughout their career. The answer to that is NO-ONE. Every other NHL team has atleast 2, sometimes 3 or 4 guys they can rely on. Not the Islanders though.
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billy says:
Our boys are in shambles right now, i think what we need to see is a guy like bailey or comeau get into a scrap, something completley out of the ordinary to spark us again.
Parenteau: The experiment and his miniscule 1 way contract are over, Parenteau should never be on an NHL ice surface during even strength. He does absolutely nothing but waste JT’s icetime when they play together and does not even hustle.
Gervais: au revoir, bon huit. I’m done with him 10000% He is not an NHL caliber d-man nor will he ever be. Bring up anybody else from bridgeport and see if anyone is dumb enough to give us a 7th rounder for Bruno.
We do need more leadership, i dont think Dougie is the kind of guy to put fear into these guys.
If Gordon really wants to make a statement, sit someone in the press box instead of reducing icetime, a struggling player is a stuggling player whether he plays 12 minutes a game or 18 minutes a game -
we went from the greatest most respected best hockey franchise ever to the biggest laughing stock and joke ever thanks to gm wang. when mad mike finally left even though wang thought he did a fantastic job, they had a chance to bring a very respected gm who is now gm of the kings. in the same time just look at the difference in our record and the kings record. of coarse it doesnt matter since wang is the real gm anyway. keep it up gm wang. rasise prices sky high every year while keeping the payroll at rock bottom. the so called re build is working out just great. hopefully the wilpons will buy the isles and move them to queens. when the mets hit rock bottom, they bought the team. since the isles are also at rock bottom, hopefully they will realize that the isles with ownership who cares can be again the greatest hockey franchise ever. sell the the g.m. wang. we deserve better. we deserve someone who cares.
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What is really scary is this streak may go longer. They may pull out a win on sat but then they have to go west for 3 this could be an 8 for 10 losing streak. You cant make the playoffs in Nov but you can surely miss them. For myself what is unreal is I expect this team to lose. I have become numb to it. I dont even get mad anymore I just turn the tv off and watch something else. The players are who they are. This is who is on the team. Fire Gordon now. the rebuild is over and it failed. Poor scouting and management. This roster has 6 first round draft picks on it. Okposo, Bailey, Tavares, Niederetter, Schrempf(edm), grabner(van) they are not panning out. The whole love affair for Janks is starting to look foolish. However, we are stuck with them. The only way to get them to play is get a new coach.
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IslesUlster1992 says:
I dislike Gordon’s past lack of speed in staving off these significant loss streaks. I think he finally reacts after it becomes too late. I hope he does something between tonight and Saturday to ignite something in this team.
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BobfromOttawa says:
Was at the game here in Ottawa, probably was worse to see it in person. Team is unbelieveably fragile and disorganized.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
This is a team that isn’t doing anything right at this time. The question is why were they able to scrap together some points the first 2 weeks of the season … and since losing to the Panthers haven’t been able to even put the puck in the net … and can’t keep the puck out of theirs. I’m stumped.
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Amen to Jisles #154! Totally agree!
With all due respect to the Gordo supporters who claim he is a good coach, and understanding that Snow has been zero help, please tell me what qualifies him as a good coach! Has he led this team? Has he developed young talent? Has the team overachieved? Does he make adjustments? Are we a better team this year than last year or the year before? Has he ever had success in the NHL? Is he a fighter? a communicator? Are the Isles prepared to play every night? After the Flyer blowout he had 3 full days to prepare his team for Carolina and managed to have his team play even worse!
Sorry but Gordo was never more than the cheap option who we all wanted to think had this great system to win in the NHL! It is not working! I am sure he has a future in the NHL. But his time with this team is over! It is not even Thanksgiving and most of us have lost hope! It’s the old adage, “can’t fire the team so the coach has to go”! -
Lesson #1 for Gordon: You can’t just implement a system without knowing your players. A good coach brings out the strong points of each player and uses them accordingly. Gordon told Shremp to take it easy, he does not want him winning the cup by himself. Why the hell not??? Why are you harnessing an energy player? That’s what I notice about this team, they are lame and afraid to break out for fear that Gordon will not play them in the next game. They don’t pass, they chop the puck to each other, as per Gordon and his “don’t hold the puck longer than 3 seconds, rule”. Tavares needs a player to play with. He has none. Grabner could work for now. Gervais need to leave. great kid, but we have won 0 games since he started playing. Coincidence? I think not. We are simply weak with the puck. As I said before, we do not have one player that can shrug off an opposing player like they all do to us. We are like primadonna’s on the puck. God, I’m ready to get my skates out–It’s been 20 yrs!!!
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50 in 50 says:
I don’t understnad what has happened to the team over the past 2 weeks. We went from playoff hopefuls to last years misfits. I don’t blame ownership, management or the team. That leaves just 1 person to point the finger at. Maybe we should go back with line combinations that worked so well, and play Gillies for more then 74 seconds a game. Thats my 2 cents.
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The Islanders have played 91 road games under scott gordon. They have won just 11 in regulation and 11 in overtime or a shootout. They have won zero in Jersey,Pitt and Philly combined. Their overall record on the road under Gordon is 22-58-11. Again, just 11 in regulation. I have given Gordon the benefit of the doubt for a long time and don’t think he is 100% at fault, but looking at Carolina’s roster and Ottawa’s roster, outside 2 players on each team, they aren’t much better.
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i can’t even get into commenting about the game…all i know is that i can hear them all thinking. they need to get back to being in the game and playing it hard.
JT is awesome. he does look like he improved his skating a lot, would love to see him get more help. He seems like an quality guy too, i hope he’s not just saying what he’s supposed to say about NY. I’ll be devastated if he ever leaves – i hope we keep this core together,this franchise and city needs it.
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@james/136. Totally agree about Gillies. Maddening among the thousand other problems that have surfaced but why on earth is he being alotted less than two minutes of ice time? That bum Sim averaged how many wasted minutes a game, produced jacksquat, and never ONCE answered the bell. Gillies showed awareness for christs sake and recognized a quality shot on net only for weightless to flub the rebound. Have the Stache charge the net…dman be way more reluctant to toss him out of the crease. I noticed him more in that one shift than I did Bailey the whole freakin game!
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Jim says:
To answer post #154 – they hired a young unproven coach becuase he would come cheaper then an established one. That’s also why they won’t fire him until the end of the season, Wang won’t pay off a contract that is not being used.
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Ant says:
Fire Gordon!Where is Nolan now?At least they played hard for him and were competitive and he wasn’t afraid of benching someone and had fire and emotion.We need someone like him.
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sal says:
Jim, wang bought out alexei yashin….so what you just said is proved invalid.
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Brooklyn Stroonze says:
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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Jeff says:
what are u talking about #159 (robert) “raise the prices sky high” ? i got tickets that were originally $95 for $20 at the box office.
by the way lets have botta ass kiss another underachieving islander instead of asking some critical questions about the culture of this dismal organization. what compelling sports journalism!
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Al L says:
Why be surprised? I said it after the Kovalchuk charade and I’ll say it again. This so called rebuild is actually a facade for being austere and buying time for Wang’s geographical certainty. He has done everything in his power to keep the payroll at or near the Cap Floor,disgustingly using buyouts (Witt)as Cap payroll without regard to improving the product on the ice.
A true rebuild always has the insulation and infrastructure represented by a couple of excellent veteran producers,leading the way and setting the example for your youngsters.Dougie Weight is a terrific guy but unwanted at this point of his career with low productivity and MOST IMPORTANTLY a cheap pricetag. Having a bunch of peach fuzzed bearded kids masquerading as seasoned NHL ready players without talented veteran guidence is doomed to failure. How can we ask 20 year old John Tavares or 21 year old Josh Bailey to lead when they are still in the process of development and still feeling their way as NHLers? Worse yet and most ironic is the obscene contract during another Wang mindset and era given to Rick DePietro,consequently forcing him down our throats and leaving this defensively challenged group no margin for error whatsoever.
What disturbs me most about the situation here is the lack of honesty and corresponding waning trust. I would feel better if Charles simply came foward and spoke the truth! “This is the best I am willing to give financially until I know what the hell I’m going to do or where I’m going to be”. We have all been hoodwinked,and our invested emotions played with one too many times!! -
CM says:
Some bad goals by Rolo. But in the end…Gordon needs to go. It just has to be. Players are not playing for him. Gordon will make a great assistant coach wherever he goes.
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sorry, i shouldnt rag on cb…hes done his part..love this quote: “Sean Bergenheim has no hockey sense, while Nate Thompson couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. Oh right, they’re not on the team anymore. No more piling on them. They seem to be doing okay.”
just ANYTHING positive said about this team in recent weeks makes me sick…
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mark says:
gordon needs to go…
wang needs to go…
kate murray needs to go…
snow needs to go…
dp needs to go…miss anyone?
keep up the great work CB, if your still posting great stuff its reason enough to stay interested
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yea you missed someone…Roloson needs to go.
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Rob says:
post 167- Wang is paying off the Yashin contract and Witt’s contract also. He is paying for two guys who aren’t with the team so yes he would pay for an unused contract. Just figured I’d point that out.
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ed says:
6 losing streaks of 6 games since 2008 is remarkably bad. What proof does anyone have that Gordon is a good coach? There is none. I am under no illusion about Gillies, but he gave us our only scoring chance in the first and drew a 5 minute major. Did he play again that period? I didn’t see him. That is after Gordon said players have to earn their playing time. If you make comments and obviously not follow up, you have no credibility. But let’s not kid ourselves. This is Snow’s team. He is horrible.I lived through Milbury,Minaya and Isiah Thomas, But Snow is right up there. this defense he put together may be the worst in team history since 1978. Snow did a great job of making all of us think he was a genius for taking Tavares when everyone knew he was number 1. What other draft pick is doing anything? Bailey? I hope so. Okposo was Neil Smith’s. Snow must go. He put together this team and picked the coach. Snow is a joke
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southard says:
it just seems to make sense to blame scott gordon.
hopefully he’ll sell to russian owner of the nets, the billionare. and we can move to brooklyn, the barclays center is literally down the block from me that would be amazing. i really hope they put together a team for tavares and the core. -
MJS says:
Wow, a losing streak really brings out the ugliness. Everyone was starting to save up for playoff tickets after the hot start the team had, and now they’re planning for the day when the Isles leave town. Real solidarity there. Especially from a number of the people not going to the games. Post #154 is way overreacting especially when a number of the young players actually are remarkably improved. Maybe there needs to be a new coach, maybe not. As far as I’m concerned this is a disappointing losing streak, but the team’s best player is 20 and his supporting cast is not much more experienced, so, a losing steak is not unexpected. If we’re lucky we will see Tavares step up and make this his team, because strong leadership is what it takes to get over streaks like this, and without Okposo and Streit the team needs other guys to step up and lead on the ice. If no one does that then it doesn’t matter what the coach does. I’m sure that will happen eventually, and the season isn’t over yet.
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Long story short this team is horrible…. No heart at all…. I am sorry I have been an Isles fan all my life but I am really sick of this team!
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dont fool yourself #173. this is a team with a dirt cheap payroll… and supporting cast? waiver wire rejects maybe? but your right the heart and soul of this team is very young so save up for those playoff tickets…in 2015.
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General George S. Patton couldn’t lead this bunch to victory. Leadership is just one of the many, many holes left to fill.
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15Cyclones says:
We need a Laviolette or Nolan to lead this team.
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cjcb says:
I dont get how Gilles comes out early generates a scoring chance , generates a major penalty and hardly sees the ice after?????????? Brutal Gervais is simply an awful NHL hockey player and should never sniff the NHL ice, you have to be kidding that there are no better options in the minors or without contract somewhere to be picked up???
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one more thank god Shremp is back, maybe a little more time in bridgeport for this guy???
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Joyce says:
Apparently they miss Sim, Park and Bergenheim too much.
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Its time 91 says:
I think this team needs a new leader and I’m not talking about Scott Gordon. Doug Weight is a nice a guy and all but I think the real leader on this team could be and should be John Tavares. Listening to him in interviews after the game you can tell that this kid gets it. You can sense his intensity and his knowledge of the game. I think he would be the kind of captain that would hold the rest of the players in that lockeroom accountable. Where does it say that young players need a veteran leader or that a young guy like Tavares cant be the captain. ( see Crosby and Toews) This is Tavares’ team… Do the right thing Doug Weight. Let the kid have the C.
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hockeytime says:
I consider myself a die hard fan. However, watching what has transpired over the last 6 games has made me want to stop paying attention for a while. NEVER thought I would say that but they are no longer “fun to watch”. They need to get rid of DP and Gordon to start. Until then I don’t know, I’ll just follow Bridgeport and root for tomorrow.
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Michael from Toronto says:
When the Isles started off well, the power play was on fire. There five on five play was not the greatest. They had the chance to go ahead with the five minute power play, but couldn’t do a thing.
My point being, even when the team was winning, they had a lot of work to do to get better. Injuries have killed them again, but no more excuses. It is time to make some sort of change, but Gordon should stay. Anyone else have kids and see how hard it is to get through to them? Gordon wasn’t chosen to be on the Olympic coaching staff for nothing. He has the smarts. Its time the players start to play! -
Big Van Vader says:
No emotion, no chance. This team did just enough to lose last night and I don’t see where Gordon said he was going to cut ice time for guys that didn’t play well.
How long must we endure this? How long before we start hearing FIRE GORDON chants?
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ny711ot says:
Cb you around this team more than anyone. Has Gordo lost the team? As importantly has the team tuned out Weight who has been Gordons interpreter/ cheerleader? Can you explain Bailey and Comeaus deteriorating play? After Gordon is fired Which I think will happen at the end of the year, will we hear a lot of meddling owner stories? Just think we lost Nolan over jeff tambellini. Can u imagine one of his teams with this kind of effort over such a period of time?
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Doug says:
GORDON MUST GO! Any other NHL team would have fired their coach at this point.. we’ve seen this trend in recent years. First sign of a losing streak.. and BAM, gone. Figures we are the only joke of an organization that keeps their coach at this point. It’s OBVIOUS Gordon has lost the reigns on this team, cut the loss and find someone else.. or no fan is going to show up to games anymore.
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Onesinceforty says:
Pay at the Floor to Play at the Floor! This has been a long way since my folks took me to Eisenhower Park Clamshell after the playoffs in 1974.
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Gordon is the right coach. Firing him offer the players the easy way out. Garth and Charles have picked the players and the coach. Sometimes you have to be “forged by fire”. They all, coach included need to come through this together, without excuses, with hard work and comittment. The good franchises have had the same decision points and made the long-term and accountable ones, not the short-term “solution” which sends a wrong message to the dressing room. As Russell Crowe shouts in Galdiator at the beginning”Hold the line, stay with me”. I agree hold course and force the issue and create accountability. We wil all be better for it.
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dose says:
rudderless.
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Cruicky says:
Schremp gets a game at the bridge and does nothing, comes up to the island and does less. The boy is -5 after 2 games. Has only 2 hits. This is the type of production that kept this first round draft pick in the AHL with Edmonton. NO blocked shots, 3 giveaways already. But he can stick handle and is skilled with the puck, when he is by himself on the ice. I have not seen what he brings to the table yet….I do see what Kevin Lowe sees. An over-rated, slow, heartless, soft player with good hands.
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Pete says:
This team has looked terrible for 3 weeks now. They look like a hungover group of players from a mens league on the ice. Is there a professionalism problem with the young guys? How are they possibly getting outworked on every shift (with the exception of a a few guys that have already been mentioned 50 times). Lastly, where is Garth in all of this? Shouldn’t he at least address the fanbase?
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Rocky says:
I have just ONE word on my overall feelings not just on the losing streak, but in the general direction this “organization” is heading or is at.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Starts at the top, and filters on right down….
Gig is up Charley boy, 4K empty for opening night and more evident 5K for a Rag$ game!
Even Rag$ fans are staying away…
Have we reached rock bottom??? Or in Wanger’s mind, the cap floor????
You suck!
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Isles81 says:
There’s very little talent in the organization – period. We all can accept that. What we can’t accept is professional athletes, who supposedly love the game and live to compete just laying down and not giving 110%. The lack of pride that these guys are showing tells me that there are very serious problems that have to be dealt with. Of course if dealing with them costs money it’ll never happen, even if spending some money now results in wins and more fans later.
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isles66 says:
Lets face it, Gordon does not have much to work w/ period. BUT, if you’re going to platoon goalies, do just that, alternate them every game. This 2 games on 2 games off crap is nonsense for both guys. They go 8 or 9 days without playing so you’re constantly dealing w/ rust. That being said, i’m getting this sinking “Art Howe” type feeling about the coach. Lastly, if this team is about youth and the future, then give the “C” to Bailey or JT or KO when he comes back. A captain is meant to lead on and off the ice. Doug Weight is a complete liabilty on the ice at this point.
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Bruno GerGay says:
I have to agree with #192.. Doug Weight seems like he is hanging on for dear life in this league… and we are the organization (as always with wash-ups) who decides to keep him when no one else wants him just to be a “mentor”. Tavares was a Captain in all levels of his playing career so far, as was Bailey. These kids aren’t clueless in this league, and are more then capable of managing a lockeroom. People may say they are too young, but that’s a bunch of bull. JT, Bailey, and Okposo (when he returns) can and should be the leaders on this team… and I think that would boost some confidence as well in them AND the team around them.
Snow says this is not a “rebuild” anymore.. well let’s act like it and let these young talented players take the reigns of this team and run with it…CUT THE LOSE ENDS -
What don’t you people understand? IT’S NOT THE COACH! How many coaches do you want to go through? It’s the personell. This team is horrible.
Tell me, which team in the NHL is a doormat for 4 years but accumulates 0 difference makers? Bailey *might* be one, Tavares *might* be one, Neidereitter *might* be one, etc. etc.
Another lottery finish is going to accomplish what? Tell me? So we can draft top 5 again, re-invent the wheel, than send another group of 23 year olds on the ice next year?
This teams time is up on Long Island. They need to go somewhere with an owner who is truly passionate about the game.
This all starts with Charles and ends with Charles. 12,000 for an opening night game is going to seem like a coming out party compared to the crowds he’s about to get. And he deserves it ALL.
Maybe next UFA he won’t plant fake stories about trying to sign players, and maybe he’ll actually do it.. because Islander fans have given up on the organization. Most of them, anyways. And I’m one of them.
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I have to agree with #192.. Doug Weight seems like he is hanging on for dear life in this league… and we are the organization (as always with wash-ups) who decides to keep him when no one else wants him just to be a “mentor”. Tavares was a Captain in all levels of his playing career so far, as was Bailey. These kids aren’t clueless in this league, and are more then capable of managing a lockeroom. People may say they are too young, but that’s a bunch of bull. JT, Bailey, and Okposo (when he returns) can and should be the leaders on this team… and I think that would boost some confidence as well in them AND the team around them.
Snow says this is not a “rebuild” anymore.. well let’s act like it and let these young talented players take the reigns of this team and run with it…CUT THE LOSE ENDS -
Enzo says:
Put it all on Snow. This team is a collection of mediocrity with a whole bunch of muckers. I’ve had enough. I canceled my season tickets last year and I won’t go back to the Coliseum this year. I’m to the point where I don’t care if they stay or go.
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shlo says:
The Islanders are exactly where everybody predicted before the season. So why is everybody surprised? We are on track to be a lottery team.
Every top pick knows that a team that sucks will draft him. Should not be a surprise for JT or any draftee . Can’t blame Rolo, the D is bad plain and simple. At least 3:1 before they pulled the goalie is not a blow out…..
They teased us for the first couple of weeks and than came back to earth. -
Maybe the next coach we hire can have actual NHL experience and experience winning! Also ZERO candidates from the boston area!! We play in new york not new england!
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I can’t even count on 2 hands how many times last season and this season, I’ve sat there and watched an interview with Bailey, Okposo, and Tavares and said to myself “he could be a captain”
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but instead we let Doug Weight “babysit” and play “daddy” for this team when he is a complete liability… it’s embarrassing.
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Lance79 says:
I think a lot of the problem is that the team collectively has hit a massive slump and there’s no single person to blame. This losing streak started with a close game in Florida and morphed into blowout losses. Tonight, despite the loss, the team played reasonably well in stretches (much moreso than the last 2 games).
My hope is that it comes full circle against Philly and we pull one out. Another blowout loss to them just might send this team spiraling out of control. Hearing Butch Goring every night gives me sickening memories of the 2000-2001 season.
You also have to accept this team for what it is – when Blake Comeau, PA Parenteau and an over-the-hill Doug Weight are being counted on to be top 6 forwards and our D features scrap heap players like Gervais and Mottau you know precisely what you’re gonna get. I just hope they can linger until KO gets back. Somehow he just might be that missing element this team has needed all season.
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JD says:
I originally thought we would have a good feel for this team after the 20 or 25 game mark but after watching these last six games its changed my mind. What happened to our offense which was at the top of the league in goals and what happened to the hard forecheck, defensive zone coverage, physical play, etc. This looks like a complete team wide breakdown in all fundamentals. I don’t know if Gordon deserves to get the boot yet but the team looks absolutely lifeless and I have my doubts whether another coach can get more out of this group. When I look at this team, all I see are a few top draft picks with potential surrounded by guys who probably would be very good in the AHL but are having their flaws exposed at the NHL level (Schremp, PA etc.). The team is underfunded plain and simple. Cap floor along with Garth running the entire hockey department on his own is not exactly a blueprint for success.
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Why are people blaming Doug Weight for losing streak. He is probably one of the most noticeble guys on eyes each night.
If you going to point fingers, Matt Moulson may of scored PP goal last night but 5 on 5 is slower than hunter and invisible on ice.
Comeau, Bailey have to start shooting. Martin as excited as i am for him in future, needs to develop more in Bridgeport.
Grabner is really a pleasant suprise. He outplaying Parenteau and other addtions thi year and I would argue should be on first line and getting some PP time. He has a shoot first mentality.
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Brian G says:
This is not Gordon’s fault. It is Snow’s fault along with Wang…their thinking on running a professional sports franchise is way off….if you need to over pay on a good free agent Just do it , not over pay for a Journeyman Defenseman – Mark Eaton 2.5 mil…what has he ever done…I’m sorry
Snow makes statements at the end of Last season that he needs to add size and a physical presence on D ….so he signs 2 of the most passive and soft Dmen: Eaton & Jurcina ….way to go Andy Sutton made more of an impact last season, he was at least a presence in front of the net….so far all the fowards on other teams are getting to the front of the net with ease ….Wang does not care, so that means the fans will stop caring.
I am not going to the Game on Sat, have fun with more empty seats Wang, you don’t have a clue…will you raise the ticket prices again next year…real smart decision to do that after 3 terrible seasons
The only way I would go to the Game is if the Sumo was playing goal ….Wang better come up with many gimmicks to get people in the seats this year.
Even the Family fun pack’s price raised….2008 = $100 …2009 = $125…
this season $150 ….you would think you are getting something different, but it is the same exact pack…so why raise itWang thinks the fans are stupid – do something right for once
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Perry Card says:
Gordon needs to go. He will never be fired because he is cheap and Wang will not pay 2 coaches salaries. I see little improvement from our young very overrated talent. 3 weeks ago fans were glad we were at the cap floor so we can sign Bailey JT Niño KO to longterm deals. JT is gone in 3 Years. I am wondering now if Bailey will be offered a new contract as a RFA. KO has not shown me much either.
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I think the ticket office jinxed the Islanders. After a 4-1-2 start, I got an e-mail about re-upping for the 2012-13 season (when I haven’t renewed for ’11-12…someone wasn’t checking their notes). They haven’t won since.
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What young player has gotten better since Gordon has been coach? I hate Snow more than anyone and can see how horrible he is, but let’s get off of the Gordon is a great coach idea. I don’t see any player that has improved. Maybe Bailey, but he has disappeared. Defenseman have gotten much worse. What happened to Hillen?? He couldn’t play in the ECHL right now. Sad to say, especially after being a season ticket holder for over 20 years, but this team is going nowhere with Wang as owner which means they are going to have to move to get better. Horrible situation, but I can’t believe the laughingstock the Islanders have become under Wang. From DP to firing Neil Smith and not paying him etc. This could go on for pages. Jaffe incident was expected this year as I just expect the Islanders to do the wrong thing every time. Pat Lafontaine looks smarter than anyone for bailing after Wang pulled the Garth Snow hiring. how does Bettman just stand by and let the Islanders circumvent the salary cap floor? Just pathetic. Just pray they don’t move to Quebec. That would suck.
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RD says:
Gordon is not motivating these players to get their maximum value! We have all seen what each of these players are capable of. Do not forget how a guy like Bill Guerin wanted off this team a couple of years ago. That has something to do with Gordon and Guerin is a highly respected player. I think it is time to give this young talent a real legit NHL coach with history of success. No offense to Scott, but he is wasting our time and our money. We have a remarkable talent like John Tavares! Why are we wasting his talent with Scott Gordon coaching him???
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Brad levine says:
I liked being a fan better when I was a kid and didnt understand the reason the team was losing all the time was because of the owner…kind of takes the fun out of rooting for the team.
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Time for a real legit NHL coach! John Tavares is a major talent and should have a major coach to develop him and the other young talent. These players are not performing at their best and that is Gordon’s fault. Time for coaching change!!
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jason says:
u think gordon lasts the whole yr?
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Mark in Ottawa says:
Can we have a draft preview, Chris ?
Thanks for all your hard work.
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GZ says:
I don’t understand all the people complaining about season ticket prices. I thought that we all learned this year for sure that it doesn’t pay to buy seasons?? Why would you pay more for something when you can get it for so cheap these days. It’s not like there is a shortage of tickets. I hate to see them raise the price on you, but if you guys stopped paying them and bought the tickets Charles has been putting on stubhub for $20 maybe they’d get the message.
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I will give Garth the benefit of the doubt and assume he knew this was going to be a down year while the real prospects continue to mature in the lower levels. This team looks like a hodgepodge of players that were thrown together because they were cheap. I no longer hear talk about “the system” and many of the players that are here now certainly don’t fit that system. I am old enough to have seen the original Islanders play. While this team probably has more talent that team had far more heart. You always felt like they were giving it their all even though they hardly ever won. I never get that feeling with this team.
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dan says:
If I was JT the thought of leaving the Island would be filling my head, I know he has this year and next on his contract but the fact that this team and organization refuses to put a decent team on the ice is a shame…ENOUGH of the re-building talk start playing hockey! and then maybe the fans come back. pretty hard sell to spend $120.00 for 4 tickets plus all the other crap they are pushing now as an incentive to go to the game when they get blown out every night….here’s a thought swap teams with Bridgeport and give those kids the shot at the “show”..no need to pay NHL prices for AHL quality!
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John T. - Halifax, NS says:
I love how some of you never said anything about Scott Gordon when we started 4-1-2, but now youre throwing him under the bus calling for his head??? Hmmph.
In order for this team to improve, we need consistency. Bringing in a new coach every 2 years, with a new system for the players to learn\buy into is not going to get us wins. We need consistency at the coaching position, not a revolving door of coaches.
The consistency that we need here is from the players. They are the ones who need to start skating for a full 60 minutes and make smart decisions with the puck. That right there is half the battle. If they can do that night in and night out, they will be a much better hockey club.
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Hock says:
This team probably played over their heads in the beginning, but they’re also not as bad as what we have been seeing lately. They’ll figure it out soon and get back on track. I hate to see them throw away points in the standings, but there is a lesson to be learned here about their (lack of) compete level.
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UIF says:
Perry Card – KO hasn’t shown much? He had more points than universally-praised Moulson last season, which was only KO’s second. He blew Bailey out of the water points-wise, and it was Bailey’s second season as well. Heck, KO was only two points behind “elite” John Tavares for the team lead. Everyone would like him to crack 25 goals, and finishing is what KO said he worked on all offseason. Not sure I’d so easily dismiss a player that gets 52 points in his second year on a bottom-5 team. Also, other players, like Tavares, were able to pile up points on the power play last year. KO was forced to play out of position on the point during power plays and still kept pace.
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to add to that KO may be our top skilled forward as far as hands go beating players one on one. He plays hard each and every night and he is responsiblye defensively. KO is our best all around forward in all facets of the game
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I am not too sure who thought we were going to make the playoffs after the first 7 games. If you did, you haven’t been an Islander fan for too long lol. Just show me what young player that has improved under Gordon. 6 losing streaks of 6 games or more all under Gordon is very damning evidence. Actually I don’t have to prove my point. Results are there about Gordon. If it is his idea to Play Gervais, DP etc. that is even worse. I just assume Snow is dictating all of that crap. But Gordon should put his foot down sometime. But where is the proof he is a good coach? Not rooting against him at all, but I do want to see some improvement from our young guys. Bottom line is Snow has to go. This was an embarrassing move that has completely failed. Completely
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Never witnessed a Cup says:
Taveras needs help….You can tell that he wants to win and when hes out there hes trying his @ss off to score….What happened to Bailey and Comeau???Why hasnt Comeau been crashing bodies???
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Thank god Neil Smith was Gm for a month so we have Okposo. Imagine if Snow had been hired one month earlier lol
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Sidd Finch says:
As a fan, my role is passive at best, which is all the more frustrating. Watching sports is an investment, just like the stock market, but when my stocks start to sink, I can sell and root for another stock. The only way to handle this situation is to turn a blind eye to the team. As a child, you could tell the outcome of the previous nights Islanders game by simply looking at my demeanor. As an adult, I can’t afford that. As StevenK noted, even the employees are demoralized. As a fan it is easy to scream and yell about the moves being made on the ice, but I am well aware that these are highly skilled players and coaches with good talent. Unfortunately, I could produce similar results. (To the Pittsburgh Pirate comment, Ralph Kiner was once laughed at for asking for a raise after he hit 50 homers in a season that the Pirates lost 100 games, being told “we could have lost that many wihtout you!!!”) Despite my love and appreciation for this team, I realize that until Kate Murray and the TOH decide that it is not 1950 anymore and the Isles re-assign DP with the organization, great guy whose best goaltending days are clearly behind him (unless you are the opposing team), the Isles are a waste of my time and money. I have already shared the love of them with my daughters, 6 and 9, who are also fans because of the Isles annual visit to their school. I just hope that they will be able to see a great Islander team like I saw when I was a kid. Until then, I guess nothing really matters. There is really nothing I can do as a fan that will make this situation better without robbing me of time (which I unfortunately have plenty of now), money (of which I have little for want of a job) and health (which the Islanders rob me of with high blood pressure and ulcers.) It is truly a gray day on Long Island…and it is miserable outside as well.
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Come on, people! We’re All Islanders!
Do they ever play these clips on SNY? On Tavares he looks much stronger on his skates this season and is playing better defense. I just wish some of his teammates could finish when he sets them up.