ISLANDERS 2 PITTSBURGH 1 (shootout)
More on the Wiz deal, PB Night and other notes
CB at FanHouse on the NHL Winter Classic
9:50 pm: This was exactly what you want to see the rest of the way from the Islanders, 4-0-1 in their last five at home.
Another goal by Josh Bailey, assisted by superb first-year pro Travis Hamonic.
An end-to-end rush by Jack Hillen, setting up Michael Grabner as he drives to the net.
Frans Nielsen blocking shots and getting in the way of the opposition in the neutral zone.
Matt Martin hitting everyone in sight, even if it’s occasionally recklessly. (Good to see the Islanders have someone the opponents hate for more than yapping).
Andrew MacDonald showing no signs of being a sixth-round Cinderella playing over his head.
Health and quality goaltending from Rick DiPietro.
The Islanders bouncing back from the nightmare in the Garden. The Islanders playing loose. The Islanders playing physically and with emotion. The Islanders pushing the play in the final minute of regulation.
The Islanders declaring, “Film this, HBO,” shutting out Sidney Crosby and defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in the shootout, 2-1.
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I’ll always remember where I was the third time James Wisniewski was traded in his career. While Arthur Staple tweeted the news, I was in Huntington, WVA, visiting in-laws and watching Marshall’s women’s basketball team play Morehead State. Some leftover views on the deal:
Do you really need more proof that Garth Snow’s acquisition of James Wisniewski last summer for a third round pick was a steal? The Wiz didn’t even play well and Snow was still able to a) trade him to Montreal for more (a 2nd and a 5th) than he was acquired, while b) saving his money-hemorrhaging franchise more than $1.5 million. Imagine what Snow could have brought back for Wisniewski if he wasn’t just playing hard and passionately – but actually playing well?
As the legendary die-hard Barry mentioned on Islandermania - the big-hearted Barry can make Lewis Black seem like Mr. Sunshine - it was fascinating how much the trade was analyzed by value (I’m guilty, too) while little attention was paid to Snow swiftly saving Charles Wang more than a million and a half bucks in a troubled season. Short of getting blown away, Snow wasn’t going to take anyone back in the trade making big money. Good point, sir.
Typically quality stuff from Mike Humes of ESPN.com in New York on the Wisniewski trade, making the case Snow didn’t get equal value when you compare Colorado’s acquisition of talented Tomas Fleischmann for so-so Scott Hannan. Humes backs his case up with some stats and reasonable arguments. Here’s my respectful counter to the estimable Humes: teams employ scouts for a reason. If Canadiens hockey ops personnel were seeing on a nightly basis from Wisniewski what the rest of us were, Pierre Gauthier would have been bonkers to give up a good young player for him.
Clarification: the Islanders’ second round pick acquired from Montreal will not be around 50th overall, it will be 50th overall. As pointed out in an email from Brian La Rose of HabsWorld, Montreal received the compensatory pick for not signing their first rounder (20th overall) in 2006. They get to pick exactly 30 slots from where David Fisher was selected. Since every other first round pick signed, no other compensatory picks were awarded. So with the 50th overall selection in the 2011 NHL Draft, the Islanders pick …
Oh, the irony. By Snow moving The Wiz to Montreal, former Islanders assistant GM Ryan Jankowski – now a Habs scout – loses the chance to provide input to Gauthier on a second-rounder in June. He may have to seetle for his team in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Second round picks are hit-and-miss, as Jankowski, Snow and their staff’s selection of Corey Trivino, Aaron Ness and Travis Hamonic (in that order) in the second round of the 2008 draft demonstrates.
Bottom line: like a lot of other moves, Wisniewski didn’t work out. When Mark Streit left that scrimmage in intense pain, it was over for Wisniewski. But what is Snow supposed to do – compound the error, try to sign The Wiz to a new contract (highly doubtful the defenseman would have stayed here) and hope for the best. Nope. Snow did the only thing he could. He turned the page and got what would have been his best offer today, tomorrow or at the trade deadline.
Now Snow has to maximize the value of the incredible ageless goaltender, Dwayne Roloson, prior to the trade deadline. He can always sign another goaltender in July. For now, with his team out of the playoff race before the holidays, for Snow it has to be all about acquiring assets. You may not like how it looks. The general manager is still obligated to do his best for the program.
NOTES: Calvin de Haan sat out tonight’s game for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, but his lower-body injury is believed to be less serious than initially feared by observers in Buffalo.
Welcome back, Jiggs McDonald. Always good to hear Jigger call an exciting game.
More Than 300 Pack PB Holiday Party
There was the young man from the United States Army, home for a brief holiday break, who said he just had to be there with his friends to watch the Islanders game at a Long Island establishment. There was the guy from Austin who made a point of being home in time for the holiday party with fellow Islanders fans. Another said he came home from school. dropped off his bags, gave his mom a quick hug and bolted over to Uniondale in time for the opening faceoff on TV.
So many incredible Islanders fans packed SOCIAL for the Home for the Holidays Party on Dec. 23. So many stories of allegiance to the Orange and Blue were shared. So many stories about how much this hockey franchise means to them. I must have used the term “blown away” a dozen times. That was my reaction to what I witnessed and heard from the faithful on this night two days before Christmas.
At the first intermission, the brilliant young Long Island musicians Ryan Hunter and Brian Byrne performed “House of the Rising Sun” at my request. Then the die-hard Islanders fans, who once filmed a video with their band Envy on the Coast on the Coliseum ice, played an Islanders-themed “All I Want for Christmas (is a W),” co-written by their pal Danny Burlandi. The place went crazy. Some of the lyrics:
I don’t want a lot for Christmas,
Maybe just a win or two,
Don’t care about the 12 years,
that DP has left for you…
Cause all I want to see tonight, is Gillies or Konopka in a fight…
All the young stars are shining, so brightly everywhere,
Rob Schremp, Frans Nielsen, Matt Martin will lead us to a Cup, I swear.
and everyone is singin’, please come back Jack Hillen,
So Isles won’t you bring us what we really need,
another Stanley Cup so we can die happy.
I just want it to be known, Long Island is our home sweet home,
So, Isles please stay true…
#$%& Kansas City, this team don’t belong to you.
No, it doesn’t. Their wish came true. They got the W. Josh Bailey, Dwayne Roloson and the Islanders beat the Devils, 5-1, capping an unforgettable evening. Thanks to everyone who attended and thanks to the crew at SOCIAL. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year to everyone in Islanders Country.
Comments. See you Thursday. Is tomorrow Thursday?
97 Responses to ISLANDERS 2 PITTSBURGH 1 (shootout)
More on the Wiz deal, PB Night and other notes
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claude says:
Dp played great but still tries to handle puck too much.Almost gave up goal, Nielsen was flying
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Duane from Omaha says:
Let’s not concede the playoffs yet. If they keep up what they have done for the last 7 games, we can still get in. KO will be back very soon. Streit in February (hopefully). It is not over yet.
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Blizzard says: No problem with the Wiz trade either. What a great game to watch. Good for the fans that showed up to watch a great game.
Great for DP
Baily looks real good
Neilson was fantastic
Schremp is a hoot with all those moves
…stopping Crosby’s streak and spoiling the NHL/HBO beauty pageant……priceless!
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Jason says:
I am very disappointed in you CB, you have gone WAY TOO soft on Snow now. The Wiz trade was awful. You cannot call it a steal getting him for a third round pick (which would be the first or second pick in the round) but it is now suddenly a great trade for the Isles to get a pick 10 spots higher and a fifth rounder (are you serious, who cares)? This is all Garth Snow can do… trade NHL players for draft picks and that is exactly why this team will never go anywhere.
Your excuse that Wiz was not a capable top flight d-man is ridiculous… he is a good #4 or #5 d-man on any CONTENDING team. This second round pick, we will be lucky if it ever turns into a #4 or #5 d-man…. six or seven years from now.
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I liked the Wiz trade. I never thought he was much of a player. Any PP Pt Man will get some pts but he was on the ice for a lot of bad goals & his Slapper is not at all accurate. We will use this 50th overall pick to move back into the 1st rd. In essence we got a 2nd rd pick + for giving up 6 months of exclusive negotiating rights on Wiz. This was a No-Brainer! AMac, Hamonic, Streit, DeHaan, Eaton will be our Top 5 next year. Wiz isn’t better than any of them. The Isles looked great tonight! AMac & Hamonic are a great shutdown team. My love for Grabner continues to grow. I have been praying for a coach who will install the Nuetral Zone Trap forever! Capuano for President!!!
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mark p says:
Was a good trade to get him…..but considering Anaheim gave him away AFTER already losing Neidemeyer…..Wiz is what he is a #4 and a well traveled player. Basically moved up 11 spots in the draft (Isles will likely package it with thier #2 to get thier standard extra #1)
AND Isles have handeled Hamonic development very well. It should be the Road map for Calvin next year. -
LIT says:
Isles looked good tonight.. BUT the point I want to make is how much better it is having JIGS back instead of “not that I really care” Howie Rose.. Thanks Isles and Jigs for making this a great night!
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bcarroll25 says:
is butch’s Christmas bonus based on how many times he can kiss ricky’s butt? he’s becoming the john sterling of this team.
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Real hockey fan says:
.. The wiz trade is a headscratcher because hes a young guy but between the lines u know the Isles wernt going to keep him
.. GREAT game at the old barn, this has been a looong season but a game like tonite should give us some “hope” for the franchise, if u put a decent product on the ice, the team will get support! The bldg had a nice buzz to it all nite long, it REALLY did!
.. Ricky played a good game, Bailey looked solid, Nielson was skating well and Zenon kept winning faceoffs. The team had a nice effort (stop sidneys streak!) and the building REALLY REALLY had a much needed buzz to it, nice job guys
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PotvinRocks says:
Where is John Tavares? He has all but disappeared from the score sheet. I’m guess that’s why he was put out on the shoot out.
Katie Strang tweeted before the game that Okposo, who was suppose to come back in mid December, will not join the team on their 11 game road trip. This is a little troubling.
I’m not trying to be too negitive. Great win for the boys. Hopefully DP can find some consistancy and we can move Roloson for a 1st rounder, considering that pick will be either 29th or 30th, or two 2nd rounders. -
Pedro says:
It is incredible to me how in the course of a week or two the Isles can go from a team with nothing clicking and the prospects we so hang our hopes on seemingly overvalued to a team, such as tonight, that is young, passionate, and providing of reason to think there are many quality assets. Lets hope optimism reigns for a while.
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Kyle says:
Was at the game… Great atmosphere (haven’t been able to say that in awhile) DP was great so I have given up on hating him, we are just going to have to settle with the fact that he will be incredibly inconsistent, but the guy has an incredible passion for the game and you saw that tonight. Overall, I saw something tonight I haven’t seen in a long time: passion, you really felt the players gave it their all and it paid off, sure the pens were most definitely looking ahead to the winter classic but that doesn’t take away the 2 pts from us. Great win.
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Andre says:
The problem is not the value they got for Wiz which I think is fair. The problem is this consistent spinning our wheels mentality of signing unwanted free agents to one year deals and trading them during the season for picks to save Wang money. We are going in circles here. I am shocked at 14K+ turnout for tonight. I guess the people who had tickets for the blizzard game against Montreal decided to go see Sid. It was a great game.
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The New Isles GM says:
Took my 6 year old nephew to his first Islander game tonight. He landed his face on the jumbo tron, saw a penelty shot, overtime, shootout, Sidney Crosby, the end of his streak, DP looking solid and an Islanders win. What sticks out to me was how we were treated tonight by Islanders staff. I recall my nephew saying “why are these people so mean?”. That upsets me that tonight’s staff had a chip on their shoulder. Amazing how they treat the people who actually pay to come see them.
As far as Wiz trade: I can only hope we package those picks to a team that needs cap relief….
Next up: Dwayne Roloson
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Bert Marshal says:
DP was great tonight. Why was PA fourth in the shoot out, he should have been third ahead of Tavares.
Tavares does not impress me at all. He is average at best.
Why all the PA hate? He carries the puck into the zone a lot more than JT. Maybe he should be the center -
Steven says:
Very true 12. This team can look horrible than like a playoff team. The passion was on display tonight and if DP is healthy he gives the team a chance to win.
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Jeff says:
The happiest person about the Wiz trade? The Wiz.
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what a game! it was full loud and exciting! good for the isles showing no ill effects from the rags game
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Dan from Westchester says:
A turn back the clock night!
Good hockey at the old barn in front of an almost packed house… And the sweet sounds of Jiggs McDonald calling the excitement.
Hoping there’s more of this type of effort to come!
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Steve M says: I was at the game, and I have to admit it was amazing! The Coliseum was alive for the first time since the first week of hockey.
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nyifan39 says:
#11 where has john tavres been on the score sheet? he had a 6 game point streak snapped tonight. You must be a dp hater and tavres is a bust person. Great to see the coli packed and rockin. Dp came up big when we needed him almost gave up a gimmie though. Great to see excitment frome dp and all the players. We all just gotta hang in there.
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Muck says:
Could you all remind me what you were all saying about DP? Bust? Sucks? Never gives the team a chance to win? Well he just shut every DP basher up! #13, YES! He brings PASSION! May not be the best ever, but the man has heart! I’d take that any day over skill! That is why I love Rick DiPietro!
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NYIFAN10 says:
Last place or not, always great hearing jiggs call a game. Too bad he is semi-retired.d
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Lorne says:
I just wish the one egg we laid was not against the freakin Rangers. Sounds like PB night was awesome, sorry I could not make it, a personal matter came up a couple hours beforehand.
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Isles fan in Fla says:
Tonight was a great night period. I have been as critical of the team as anyone, but a game like tonight was awesome. The effort & passion was there. DP was solid (though stay in the net please) Good game by quite a few…Hamonic, Neilsen, Bailey Schremp. I hope they resign Schremp, he is their best offensive player bar none.
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Ice Girl Dad says:
Very entertaining competative game tonight! Nielsen was outstanding.. defense played well (“no one misses the Wiz”)
some of the facial expressions of Capt. Jack behind the bench resemble Ralph Kramden…… -
Ethan K says:
Best crowd I’ve been a part of in years. Great game. This favoritism of Crosby by the refs is such a joke at this point…
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Grandma's Boy says:
Games like this are exactly why we will never give up on the Islanders. They are like that amazing golf shot at the end of a bad round that keeps you coming back.
Defeating the Habs, Bolts and Pens over the course of a week is pretty damn good.
I won’t even know what to think if they beat Detroit on New Years Eve. -
IsleFan73 says:
I still remain very critical of this organization, but the team played really well tonight. On a sour note, JT has made another costly mid ice turnover again. Lets hope they can keep this excellent effort going on the road.
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Isles Fan in Toronto says:
Thumbs up to DP, AMac, Harmonic, Bailey, Nielsen, Grabner. We didn’t miss the Wiz at all. He made too many mistakes.
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Brian from Massapequa says:
Great game atmosphere at NVMC tonight. Lots of kids, but not a lot of screeching.
DP was awesome other than that almost very costly turnover.
Young Joshua looks as if his stint in Bridgeport did much good.
Nielsen giving the body. He’s such a gamer. Love him.
The D looked good in general including Chef Bruno and Jack “I just want to play hockey” Hillen. Travis and A-Mac seem to be adjusting well to their startling conversion to #’s 1 & 2 on the D.
Finally, I’ve concluded that I need to go to more games. I’ve attended 11 of the 17 home games and the team’s record is 7 wins, 4 losses in those 11 games.
Happy New Year to CB and all the Islanders fans!
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Diane says:
Good effort tonight by the team (!), hope we see that more regularly.
The goal song sounded good, I didn’t mind it a bit. -
Thomas says:
I was at the game tonight. A great effort, they Islanders deserved a win and the crowd was into the game for the first time in a long time.
It’s too bad they are so buried in the standings or maybe we’d have some interesting hockey in the 2nd half.
CB – I am not seeing the JW trade as a great win, on paper I guess it is, but why not keep this guy especiall if they think they would be better next year. It would be a nice problem to have 2 pointmen on the PP who can score..
PS. Really enjoyed that Cry Baby Crosby had has point streak broken, at the end of OT I found it very entertaning he jabbed back at Konopoka (which was right in front of me). He’s lucky Konopka didn’t end his point streak for the foreseeable future
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goislesgo105 says:
For one night this was fun!!Great game. Jiggs and Butchie were great! Wish we could dump Howie and keep Jiggs forever! Love watching Bailey,Frans and Grabner. They are fast and so exciting! They are clearly our best line.Travis and AMac were great too. I am SO glad that Garth finally got rid of the Wiz.This team is so much better without him cause “everybody beats the Wiz!!”DP!!DP!! Go Isles!
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Jim Clark says: I was at the game and it was a great atmosphere. Too bad the Islanders management
continues its bush league actions.Still no Botta. When Pittsburgh had the penalty shot, there was no explanation what it was for (Bruno covering the puck in his hand). In overtime, there was no explanation why Josh Bailey was penalized (Don Cherry too many men on the ice). Got to pulse those lights and play that loud music. The paying customer deserves little respect.Just how stupid is DiPietro for jumping into the arms of his teammate and falling to the ice when the game is over? You’d think a guy with his injury history would know to minimize stupid actions, even in the thrill of victory.
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The Pork Chop Express says:
Frans, JB and MG looked good tonight. They were all very strong in all zones. JT’s line needs more of that kinda look. We need a better skater with that group. Perhaps when KO gets back moulson or PA will be playing with Blake and Schremp. I like the trap system with this team. We don’t have the speed to play anything else.
Somebody teach Martin not to board anymore. He is going to be suspended at least once a week. -
bayduvinislander says:
What miserably boring hockey and acting like they won the cup at the end was just pathetic. I wouldn’t get my hopes up after this one, the Penguins just played a crappy game. Nothing to be excited about here.
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dave says:
Bailey, Nielsen and Grabner Line works so well because we have 2 great passers and one guy with a hell of a lot of speed. The other two aren’t so slow either. JT PA and Moulson line hasnt worked bc of the lack of speed between the three of them. But I don’t think JT is average at best. The kid is still acclimating to the league and he battles hard. Once Ko comes back that line will explode.
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Dmoney says:
WOOOO!!! Lil sidney held pointless. I was at the game and the Barn was rocking and i was going nuts! Great game and win.
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jc19 says:
Good game and a nice win. They palyed hard after a terrible game. Dippy played great, but can’t stop looking at the puck. Almost gave up a killer when he fanned on it. Agree Jim Clark, no jumping around with his history.
The real issue for me is the league’s treatment of teams not from Pittsburgh. Sid the Baby punches Konopka in the face, but Zenon gets canned, Sid plays shootout. The other night Letang boards Spezza, knocks him out for a month and doesn’t get a major. If that was an Islander on Sid or any Pen for that matter, Colin Campbell would give swift and firm punishment. -
Brian says:
Great night to be at the Coliseum, lively crowd, best one of the year in my opinion.
Loved the effort and heart the team played with tonight.. the Nielsen- Bailey- Grabner line was great. Really like the way MacDonald and Hamonic are playing together, two good solid d to build around.
Finally, Ricky looked the the Ricky of a few years ago before all the injuries, great to see.
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jason #5, Wisniewski stinks. He has been on 4 teams already and traded for nothing 3 times. The Isles played their best game defensively tonight without him in the lineup. He is awful on D. Yes he will be missed on PP but he is god awful in the D zone. Seriously guys, get over the Wiz trade. It was a good one, he STINKS.
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no question the isles showed passion and played with guts tonight. can you imagiene if wang just spent a little bit to get some scoring and help j.t. then you would see decent crowds come out. unfortuntely that wont happen and the next move wang/snow will make is trade their top scorer and only real threat moulson for a couple of draft picks because you know wang will not pay moulson next year. i hope i am wrong but i really dont think so.
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Great game and fun atmosphere. I’m just afraid Roli and Moulson will be next in an attempt to save more money.
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jbassman says:
Most complete effort they’ve put up for sometime, especially the D. Nielsen/Grabner/ Bailey line is flying and actually a threat. Nice to see hillen use his wheels confidently on that end to end rush and solid all night. Hamonic just continues to impress with his smarts, shot, and physical presence. Didnt see any coasters but for the love of god comeau, distribute the puck or shoot already!! Need DP to look like that consistently…we just might get somewhere.
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Hud says:
Three times I commented on why wiz should not be traded last night, tonight was solid. It’s one game, D was sharp, Bailey and Grabner fun to watch. We will see what we get with pick 50, no more evaluations of trades from me until the next one.
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Figures Jiggs does the game that I decide to go to. Jiggs=Islanders, Howie=Rangers
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pete debenedetto says:
Great move by Garth getting 2 more picks for basically a lame Duck d-man. Wasn’t as physical as advertised. Freddy the IV had more hits.
Frans and Grabs clicking with Bailey.
Comeau looking more and more like Hunter.
Tavares is 20….just 20.
Maybe, just maybe Hillen gets some confidence back.
A .500 road trip is not out of the question.Put the “C” on “Z”
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Wish I didn’t miss the event at Social…really wish I could have made it.
Interesting stuff about Wiz. It definitely accurate but I remain bitter because I like his personality and I feel he would be a good fit to this team in a year or so.
Frans is becoming my fave..nice to see him with the “a”. shremp, amac, and hamonic are fun to watch blossom as well.
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Islebethere4u says:
Very entertaining game tonight. Rick was pretty good tonight.Except for one huge blunder that almost cost them the game, for the first time he stopped those stupidly annoying, get yourself in trouble blind passes up the boards trying to clear the puck (usually right to the other team). MacDonald was one of the best players on the ice along with Bailey and Nielson.(can any one stop that backhand in the shootout? I think not). One of the better TEAM defensive games in a long while. The Islanders in no way stole this game and the Pnquins certainly didn’t give it to them either. This was a good hard fought game That could have gone either way. I’m just glad it was us. Real nice to hear Jiggs again. Oh and grabner schremp and PAP had good games as well. Coach says Zenon is the heart and soul of the team right now, and I tend to agree. Loved how MacDonald and Neison stood up for DP too.
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Sidd Finch says:
I think that it is absolute BS that Zenon got a 10 minute misconduct at the end of the game for “speaking to Sid.” This is what is wrong with the NHL. I didn’t see a thing happen other than Sid get the last jab in after the OT had ended. Typical BS form the NHL coddling Crosby. While the Isles liked would not have needed or missed Zenon in the SO, the Pens would have been up in arms. I call BS on Tim Peel for that call. Make them both or don’t make either.
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nyislanders93 says:
When Wisniewski was brought in, it was for a conditional 3rd round pick. The Islanders have the choice at the end of the year to give up their own 3rd round pick, or the 3rd round pick of the Avalanche. Since the Avalanche are much better than us, their 3rd round pick will be in the 75-85 range. So trading a pick between 75-85 and getting back the 50th overall pick and a late round pick sounds like a good deal to me. Great trade for us.
Great game tonight. DP looked great. Bailey is improving. Hamonic and MacDonald. Lots of positives.
GO DEVILS!
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vukotaismyhero12 says:
Awesome game DP looked awesome…hope he continues to stay healthy and play this way…suprising turnout considering where we are at but this game will be big if we do anything the rest of the way
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jeff says:
Was in town for the past 12 days and got to watch the islanders play 6 games live. At one point I cringed to think i came all this way for this team, but after this big run i know know why im here. The games energized my blood and tonight I was like a kid again! Go islanders….time to go home but i hope jigs sticks around to keep me company on the road
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BeeDubbs says:
Great to see the fans supporting DP tonight. The loudest DP chants I’ve heard in a long time. It’s been said already, but he brings so much passion. In the end I’ll take someone who wants to be here over stats.
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cjcb says:
The part i dont get is while i understand Wiz might not have played well or looked like he wasnt playing well i dont think any Islander really played well all season long. The bottom line for this team is that as a group they are poorly put together and have more holes than swiss cheese. Ive said it once and ill say it again Wiz was a pretty good Dman before this season and lets see how he does in Montreal before we say he is a bad Dman cause i dont think he is. Lets put Gervais in Wizs spot and see what his +- would be, Mottau was on pace to surpass wiz in – before injury. This team as a whole is NOT good right now, bottom line. Nice win and nice game though!!! Love Hamonic and Andy Mac on D. Also cant agree more on Martin, provides everything Sim cant, so why not replace Sim with a guy from the Bridge that might help a little more offensively? Sim on the 2nd line i just dont get it????
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JayK says:
The other aspect of the trade is that the third rounder that the Isles sent to the Ducks for Wiz was obtained from the Avalanche last year in a trade for a fourth rounder. So the various steps led to a fourth rounder being swapped for a second rounder (and a fifth), with some games by Wisniewski in between.
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Let me just add one more thing right now our Defense has 3 goals total all season 2 by Jurcina and 1 by Martinek. Also our 2nd line RW has 3 pts???? Bad GM Bad team!!
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the bomber says:
DP looked great lasy night. quick and alert and engaged. was nice to see and think of what coulda been with him.
still trying to figure out how knopka got tossed from the shootout but sid didn’t – except that it was sid.. sid hit konopka at the buzzer but they BOTH were yapping. Sid shoulda hit Malkin, that guy gave him no chance to extend that streak in OT…. you can bet sid noticed that BTW…
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Justin says:
Great to hear Jiggs again, brings back better days…this five game road trip will define this team for 2011. Go get ‘em guys.
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bossy man says:
It really pains me to say this, but I think J.T. IS A BUST. He doesn’t play d, no checking, his shot is not great , always missis the net, and is not strong on the puck. I don’t see any progression other than the new spinerama move he tries behind the net. Also poor at face offs. I know he’s still young, and he is a great stickhandler, but I don’t see anything else. ANY OPINIONS ANYONE?????
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the Wiz trade was excellent because the third round pick we gave to the Ducks was should have been a mid range third round pick. things didnt work out(injuries), so it appears to be an early third round pick. no sense putting good money on top of bad. you improve, and move on. its assests to move up, and hopefully land a guy like de haan. that worked out just fine. we are due for some luck, maybe it happens again.
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brooklyn isles fan says:
I’m not sure if I am the only one who sees it but josh bailey is a different player for two reasons. The first reason is pretty evident, confidence!!!! He is playing like he owns the ice in both zones and is much more patient he is letting his game just happen. The other reason is his instinct to anticipate the play. I can’t believe no one has spoken about this. All hockey players know what I am talking about. He is seeing the play before it happens and then is cutting off passes to create his own opportunity. It is beautiful to watch and his line has become our best line since he has been back. Now on to some good and some bad. I love JT and i am a big supporter of the kid but he looks discouraged. He is making bad plays in the neutral zone and looks scared in the corners. They need to get a proven winger or maybe just KO back. PU Parenteau is a 3rd liner at best. I keep hearing about this lines chemistry but i see him as the weak link and JTs development is hurting. Do you think they can send JT to the ahl to get some confidence back??? I think the demotion might hurt it more then help it. The pp needs 2 b changed.allcoach does is put the first line out which doesn’t make sense. how about JT Bailey and MArtin as pp1 Frans Grabner and moulson pp2. Martin getting 10 minutes with konpka and gillies is a waste, atleast put him on the 3rd line with shremp move sim to the “crash” line. When KO comes back the lines should look like this:
moulson jt ko
bailey frans grabs
martin shremp rakhshani(call him up)
sim konpka gillies
ship comeau to any where!
weight will be coach soon and hunter will be the assistant coach.
trade pu back to the rags! -
mikef says:
CB – your tone seems like not only was Wiz not playing up to his potential, but carrying a chip. Maybe he would have rather been golfing?
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EdTurner says:
Once again, you are WRONG Chris.
It was not good, to hear Jiggs. It was GREAT!
What an amazing voice.
If only we could have Eddie join him for one game.
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As far as the trading of the Wiz. On paper, it was a good deal. In reality, it is nothing more than a salary dump.
At what point will an attempt be made to improve the on ice product?
The building through youth line is nothing but bull.
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Brian G says:
The trade wasn’t good, I’m sorry but I would have waited closer to the deadline.When will Snow ever make a trade and get a prospect or roster player back, other GM’s seem to do it.When it comes down to it, Its all about the Salary dump – that’s it.
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mike kayzicki says:
I think you give far too much credit to Snow, re: Wizniewski. One more piece of the puzzle, kaput. Another mistake. Another pick, one less body. You can only a prune a plant for so long; eventually you have to let it grow.
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Cruicky says:
Yrap works better than the GO-GO system for this group.
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Barry says:
I’m not riding the Tavares is a bust train yet, but I agree with some others. I know that he doesn’t have the support that players like Stamkos and Duschene(sp?) have but he’s lacking a quality that a 1st pick overall lacks. Those kind of players selected that high should stand out and even make players around them better. Does he do that? He’s not a great skater. He’s not big. As someone has already mentioned already, he’s not good at face offs and his defensive play has not made up for his long scoring droughts. I thought he would at least be a PP specialist of the highest order. I’m not impressed.
Enough about Tavares. I was pleased with last nights effort against the Pens. I’m curious how we will be portrayed in the HBO special.
Looking forward to reading the upcoming Newsday artice on Sunday.
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Oops, that should say Trap.
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To Bossy Man;
You’re right. His chief skill is knowing what to do with the puck and having the skill to do it. But all his flaws — did you even mention his skating?? — outweigh that, and this is not another thing “that didn’t work out”– it’s poor scouting. Duchene has always been a dynamic player.
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streit02 says:
Great win for the Isles. Alot of guys played good. Good to see although we’re still not getting a consistent effort from everyone at once. Comeau was invisible. Too many men was called b/c PA failed to get the puck deep and then glided back to the bench from the Pens blueline. As for Tavares, sorry CB, but he is not as advertised. I dont expect him to skate around anyone, but I do expect him to bury chances when hes all alone in front (Ranger game). Other than being good on faceoffs he serves no purpose in the middle. He’s too slow to carry the puck up ice. I can recall 3 times off the top of my head where he turned the puck over at the redline b/c the opposing teams player caught up to him and caused a turnover. He is a good stickhandler, but once again too slow to utilize that to make a move around a defender when coming into the zone. He needs to be moved to the wing. 95% of his goals come from right outside the crease. He’s not beating goaltender with clean shots from the outside. I still feel he will be a great player and will score 40 goals and possibly 100 points, but he needs guys around him. JT relies on his hockey sense and he is extremely smart as far as knowing where to be, but he needs players around him to be successful. Mark Messier didnt praise him for nothing. Once he physically matures he will be a great playmaker down low as you can already see flashes of that from time to time, but with no one making room for him and finishing his passes he will only be as good as his linemates allow him to be. I am not disappointed and Im still very excited to have this kid, but Im not going to (and its also unfair)to put the world on his shoulders right now
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jmig722 says:
butch called orpik, oprick the whole game. can someone please correct him. it is kind of funny- butch the butcher
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Mikamakela says:
The great part for wang is the team can keep dumping salary, and 14 thousand fans flock to the game … Giving wang no incentive to ever get players or coaches who make more then the league minimum. Go Wang!!
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2277 says:
Im late with this but not sure if anyone mentioned it – I’d assume Wiz was the “country club” quote guy…
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MoreDraftPicks says:
Thanks Snow for getting 2 more picks……..I love picks. Now turn the 50th into the 32nd by trading 73,137 and next years 68, then trade Gervais for the 201 and 212, turn around and trade the 201 with next years 58 and 186 and get this years 41
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DP looked good but just because they win doesn’t mean he should be first star. The isles gave up alot of shots but not to many scoring chances which I credit to the defense. Hamonic and Amac looked great but so did Jurcina who was actually using the body, and Hillen who most people are down on but i think he still has a ton of potential. Eaton does the same thing every game play solid defense and bruno was bareable tonight. The first star should have went to Frans!!! he was every where with grabner getting the 3rd star the line was the difference tonight. I think DP played good but got the 1st star just because he is DP. That type of performance on those types of shots should be common for him and are common for all nhl goalies.
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
Tavares is in no way shape or form a bust. Not a Patrick Stefan, Greg Joly, Alexander Daigle. No Scott Scissons or David Chyzowski. his DOWNSIDE is a 25 to 30 goal scorer. But no one expected him to be the next Ovechkin or Crosby. He needs someone good to ride shotgun with him. Imagine if you flipped Stamkos and Tavares and JT had Martin St. Louis on his side ? I think Stamkos is better – but JT would be awesome with a player like Marty on his team. As someone in this venue has said – keep in mind – Moulson and Parenteau are waiver pickups – their recent stats notwithstanding.
If you want to call JT a bust – go ahead…..but he is not the worst # 1 overall pick on our roster. DiPietro owns that. Goes on last night like he won the Stanley Cup…..the jumping of Matt Martin and his (perhaps inadvertently) dissing of Wade Dubliewicz….only 11 more years of this guy left. Let’s see how he fares in Detroit…
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Nick in NYC says:
Speaking of taking a storyline away, it is going to be hard to convince me that the NHL and their officials were not going all out to sink the Isles and extend Crosby’s streak last night.
First was a quickk whistle that prevented an Isle’s goal. Quick whistles happen but Fluery never had the puck for a second and the quick whistles appeares like the official was looking to blow the play dead. If he was consistent you could excuse it excpet for the fact that Pens spent the game whacking away at DP (even in the closing seconds) before the Ref blew the whistle.
The next example was a called penalty shot late in the game with the score tied. The official claimed Bruno had is hand on the puck in the crease but replay after replay showed the opposite as the puck was under DP’s leg the entire time. Even after the pile cleared the official easily saw the puck under DP’s leg but he didn’t care. Was the ref looking to give Sid the Kid a free shot on DP to keep the streak going into the Classic? One problem Sid wasn’t on the ice at the time so he couldn’t take the shot. Didn’t stop the official from stopping the game to call the home office just to make sure.
Finally with no time left, the ref gave Konopka a 10 minute game mis conduct for jawing with Sid at the end of the buzzer.
Last night was embarrasing for the NHL and their clear attempt to go out of their way to keep the streak going and play to the HBO camera’s all over the colesium.
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Rich 55 says:
Anybody miz the Wiz?
Best Isle game in years!
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Russel Ginart says:
Hamonic, AMac, Franz……..3 stars last night!!For keeping Crosby and Malkin off the score sheet Bailey 4th star.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
1) Isles won this game because they controlled the pace. Jack had them in a slowdown defensive mode, and the players executed the game plan to perfection.
2) DP played an excellent game, but let’s not forget the fact that if Kennedy doesn’t miss a gaping net after one of Rick’s patented giveaways, the tone on this board is a bit different, eh?
3) No problem with moving “Everybody Beats the Wiz.” But enough already with the draft picks. Garth’s next move is key for the organization. It’s time to package his top RFA assets (Roli and Matty Ice) with one of the 2nd round picks and trade for a top prospect from a top team. It can be a the team’s best player in the AHL, but one who is a bonafide future player.
4) Move JT to LW, Shremp @ C, add KO to the right side. Keep Franz’ line intact, and piece together a 3rd line from among the rest of the roster (PA, Martin, Blake, etc.)
5) As it stands today, next year we’ll be adding Streit, KO, probably Nino & Rakshani, and possibly CDH and a top 3 pick to the core. A top young D in the package deal will add another key piece.
6) Finally, Sydney Crosby Bing had the same number of points last night as Bing!
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Orange&Blue says:
This was a our most complete game of the year. This game, and the last 6 before it, show that Capuano’s coaching is getting into their heads. They are buying in. Except for the Ranger game, the team has been skating, forchecking, and playing real hard. It is refreshing and last nights attendance proved it.
Although I am not a fan of DiPietro, I must give credit when it is due. But, this is the type of play he needs to give this team night in and night out. He is being paid 4.5 mill a year and needs to earn it.
The Bailey-Nielsen-Grabner line is really starting to click. When Okposo gets back, I think he should be put on Tavares line to get him going. Sim can be taken off the 2nd line and then we will have 3 pretty good lines and some tough customers on the 4th line.
I like Matt Martin a lot but he needs to improve his skating.
Garth must draft players with speed. Overall, our team is slow. I hope Garth is watching the WJC Tourny.
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I have no prob tradeing WIZ except for the fact that it’s only Dec and not even half way through the season. I’m sure waiting would have only added upsdie to the value as playoff teams would have been more desperate.
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Folks, we received fair compensation for Wiz.
1. The guy has been traded 3 times in 2 years. Great players are not traded at 26 years old 3 times.
2. He is not a very good defensive d-man.
3. He is a 4th dman at best.
4. He was a -21 and not playing very well.
5. He gets beat one on one all the time.
6. His skill is his PP point shot and his hits.
7. Your #1 d-man has to shut down the other teams best players, ala Macdonald and Hamonic. Wiz could not do that.
8. The 50th pick is a very good pick. 2 very good rookies in the NY area, Stepan and Hamonic, were both drafted in the 50′s in 2008. No Russian’s please!
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Stumpy32 says:
What kills me about the Wiz trade is that the guy was 26. 26! This isn’t trading Guerin at the end of his career. This guy was a building block. The only reason he supposedly “underachieved”, CB, is that he was pitted in a role as a #1 lockdown defenseman. He is not that. However, on a team that needs YOUNG PIECES, Wiz was an established NHL d-man with an above average scoring ability. And while he was no lockdown defenseman, Bobby Orr would be -20 on this team.
I just don’t get the forward-thinking on this deal when you trade an above average 26-year old defenseman with established NHL ability for picks. This is the kind of guy we keep for the long term. This is why we have cap room. He’s not going to get a plaque in Toronto, but as far as I could see, the guy was part of the solution to the neverending rebuild.
Just kills me to lose a young defenseman for picks. Like you said, CB, no draft pick is a guarantee. We may have lost the guy for nothing.
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I am so happy we won and that Ricky held up well. Every time we win, they make him first star. I’m not sure he deserved half of them. The 3 stars should have been 3)Franz Nielson–2)Josh Bailey–3)The entire D! (If there was a 4th I might split it between Shremp and grabner. 5)O.K., D.P! Really enjoyed this game against a very good team. The boys made us proud. It was nice going to a restaurant with Isles attire without cringing. As for J.T., I think he puts a lot of pressure on himself. He is a great passer down low, but what is more noticable is that he falls down a lot. He really needs to add some strength. He would be amazing if he could plow through to the front of the net like he did in juniors, but he is not strong enough on his skates for the N.H.L. I believe he can be very important to us in the future with a good customized work out program in the summer. I’m Lovin life today, thanks Isles! (God, I’m so cheap)!
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Hey PotvinRocks, #11, Tavares just had a 6 game point streak snapped. He had 7 points in his last 6 games. JT is not a flashy player and never will be a flashy player but the points do and will come. Remember that JT plays with 2 guys who were stuck in the AHL 2 years ago. Moulson and Parenteau are not exactly household NHL names. On the other hand, Matt Duchene plays with guys like Paul Statsny, Miland Hejduk, and Chris Stewart. Can’t forget he is 20 years old and learning the ropes. Also, can’t forget that teams are throwing their best lines and dmen at him every night.
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SCLI says:
(Good to see the Islanders have someone the opponents hate for more than yapping).
Is that a knock at Sim or Konapka? My guess is the Former, since Konapka backs it up. Every time!
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big dally mac says:
I think what is not being mentioned in this trade also that has a lot of people confused is…we gave up one of our third round picks…the higher pick…Colorado’s 3rd rounder by the looks of it. So if we finish 29th place like someone said up above, we still get the 62 pick as well…The trade was based on the higher pick…if we finished above Colorado, Anaheim would have gotten our pick…CB spoke about that when the trade was made..So a 29th place finish means picks: 2,32,50,62. (and this does not include a Roloson deal yet).With those picks we should be able to do something to improve our team. Whether a trade or another move into the first round. Essential this trade moved us up 18-28 spots not 10-12.
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j.branny says:
Great team defense. As Capuano said afterward, good defense needs to involve all 5 guys on the ice, not just the 2 near the goal crease. I was especially encouraged by Hillen’s play last night. He got 15 minutes and played well on every shift. His pass to Bailey in the first after intercepting a Martin pass was an excellent scoring opportunity, and his rush and subsequent pass to Grabner could have been a game changer, not to say also very exciting to watch (great camera angles). Hopefully we will see more of that from Jack on this road trip and some of these plays will convert into goals.
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Derek A says:
I’m sorry but I still can’t figure out why everyone hates Wang and Snow SOOOOO much. The Botta ban is the only black mark in my book. Times are tough but Wang saved this team and Snow is doing a alright job on the rebuild. LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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Orange and Blue. Good points on JT but I still have not see a night where he actually made something happen. Sure he’s good at sniffing around the next to bang in a loose puck but where’s that wrist shot we heard so much about?
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Dr Phil says:
Duchene has 15 goals so far. I lobbied for Tavares as first pick…..my bad. Tavares slow on his skates and slow hands. Trade him before he has no value. We all made a big mistake. Easy to go around him and take the puck away from him. Has anyone noticed that Tambellini has nine (9) goals? Bergenheim has 7! Should have gotten a body for the Wiz!
Weak draft in June….50th pick will be questionable. What scares me is that we don’t have anyone in the system better than Sim. -
EAF says:
good game, but they would never win this game if Kennedy scores on DP’s giveaway.
I have no problem with the Wiz trade. The Wiz was a lot weaker on D than I thought. I would have loved to get a good prospect but that was not happening.