NOTEBOOK: NYI lose in SO, LTI correction, Winter Classic merch at PB Party, note on blog content
POINT BLANK HOLIDAY PARTY – THURSDAY!
RSVP – YES only – at THIS LINK
Lawson Starts in 4-3 Shootout Loss: The Islanders tonight started Nathan Lawson, their No. 4 or No. 5 goaltender in the system, over Dwayne Roloson, their No. 1a or b, and lost 4-3 in a shootout to Phoenix and its backup goaltender.
I was assured today that the tenderness around Rick DiPietro’s surgically repaired knee is very mild at this point, and he is expected to start one of the Islanders’ two games this week. So there.
Why not start Roloson? Anything I could bring to the table on that subject would be pure speculation, and you know I never like to do that!
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An Apology: In my recent interviews of Bill Daly on SNY PB TV and with Mike Francesa on WFAN, I made references to the Islanders’ decision to not place Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo on Long Term Injured Reserve for salary cap purposes. In doing so, I gave the impression the Islanders were electing to not take advantage of a mechanism in the CBA that would give them the opportunity to improve the team by spending for more talent.
As Daly pointed out to me in a follow-up correspondance, Long Term Injured Reserve is essentially a non-issue when it comes to the Islanders.
“The Islanders could have applied,” clarfied Daly, “but they do not need ‘relief’ for the players’ salaries. One-half to two-thirds of our clubs don’t use LTI because they don’t need it.”
My misunderstanding of the CBA was completely my error, lugheadedness on my part, and I apologize to my readers and the Islanders. When it comes to the CBA, it likely wasn’t my first mistake and most definitely will not be my last. LTI is a place to provide relief for salary cap-crunched teams like the Flyers (see: Mike Rathje) and this year’s edition of the Devils.
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Cool Free Stuff at Holiday Party: Thanks to our friends at Reebok, the free raffle for guests at Point Blank’s “Home for the Holidays” Party has stepped up to an even higher class.
Besides the John Tavares and Travis Hamonic jerseys, Islanders tickets and Easton Zdeno Chara-model EQ50 composite stick, Reebok has generously donated the following merchandise from the Winter Classic:
Washington Capitals WC jersey from Alexander Ovechkin
Pittsburgh Penguins Winter Classic jersey
Plus: Capitals and Penguins Winter Classic wool hats, scarves and shirts.
All of these fine goods are available at shop.nhl.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods and the NHL Store Powered by Reebok in Manhattan.
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A Message to PB Readers: I’d like to respond to the readers who have contacted me about Point Blank’s lack of previews or recaps for most games since the Islanders opted to no longer provide credentials for my coverage.
Point Blank, in its team-sponsored form and in the 16 months since, has never sought to be the kind of blog that merely re-purposes mainstream and team-produced reports. By covering your Islanders as closely as possible when they were practicing or playing in New York, I tried to publish original material whenever possible.
There are several sites – in my opinion most notably Dominik’s Lighthouse Hockey – that superbly cover the team without regular access. My hat is off to them. There are also the invaluable message boards, including the unfathomable effort and time Lisa P. and her moderators put into Islandermania. (Links are on the right column).
To be sure, those are not the kind of sites Point Blank is or will ever be. In my primary positions of employment, I cover the NHL for AOL FanHouse and The New York Times blog, Slap Shot, with access to every other arena and major NHL event. SNY continues to support PB and has taken it to another level in terms of video content. If I’m going to cover the franchise ten minutes from my home, it’s not going to be by watching games on television and writing about it.
What I have done over the last month is attempt to come up with quality content with the resources I do have. These include the incredible staff and facilities at SNY and a pretty good list of contacts on my Blackberry. Islanders columns will also continue, when there’s something I feel strongly about.
In the time between now and should the Islanders’ credential ban hopefullly ever end, I’m just going to do the best I can for you. All I ask is that you continue to keep the Comments section to the topic at hand and bring your passion and thoughts to the other sites as well.
The ban and subsequent cutback in content was not in my plans, so I’m very sorry for that. As in past years, Point Blank will take a holiday/Winter Classic hiatus, but we’ll have plenty through Dec. 23. I’ll be back soon with 15 minutes of solid on-camera Islanders talk and I look forward to seeing you at SOCIAL on Thursday night.
Complete Islanders talk is up next. Comments on whatever you’d like are welcomed.
82 Responses to NOTEBOOK: NYI lose in SO, LTI correction, Winter Classic merch at PB Party, note on blog content
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Bishopville Red says:
@NYIFAN10: We can only hope!
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Peter says:
I’m done watching this team until something changes (Wang sells or brings in people who can run the team like a professional organization). The team consistently makes decisions that no other team would even consider making. Why is Rollie not starting? This move makes NO sense. None.
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PotvinRocks says:
I totally understand why you’re not doing recaps, being that you don’t have access.
Have you heard anything about Okposo? They said he’d be back in December and slowly be surely we are running out of days in December and no word on Okposo.
The only reason why to start Lawson was because there was a promise to him when he signed to get him in at least one game if something happens to DP. Roloson has never gotten any respect in his career has he. -
goislesgo105 says:
This team does NOT know how to win. It’s like they know they are going to lose and find ways to lose, even when they are winning. I feel like I’m watching an AHL team playing in the NHL.We have an AHL goalie, an AHL coach and AHL players. This team right now is embarassing.
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Ethan K says:
I think a Roloson deal is in the works, and they wanted to see if Lawson can conduct himself on an NHL level, like they claimed he could at the beginning of the season. I think Dipietro’s knee swelling could be coincidental to that. If the only reason Lawson was called up was because Dipietro was out for a few days for precaution, then I see no reason why Roloson wouldn’t have started. Lawson hasn’t done anything this season to warrant a call-up and game time. I think Dipietro comes back in a few days and we start to hear more speculation on a Roloson deal.
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isles6 says:
CB, we are all on your side…
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mark p says:
I agree with most of #5, except Lawson has played well after a very poor start at Bridgeport.
I believe Islanders planned on Kostinin being next years NHL backup,might be willing to give Lawson a chance, but are realizing they had the next goalie all along POULIN.
So much Isles could have done with that #31 pick years ago….. -
Jeff says:
CB: When will you write about Tavares’ stats? I know that the Isles have failed to give him any talented vets to work with, but come on. MM has 11 goals on his line. Sorry, but JT is nowhere near as advertised. Do him and us a favor and trade him before his career is irreparably harmed and he’s worth nothing in return!
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Jerky says:
“The Islanders are better off with a 4-on-3 power play advantage rather than a 5-on-3 because that fifth guy just gets in the way.”
I don’t think I’ve heard a more asinine statement than what I heard tonight. It’s one thing to put a positive spin on the team you’re covering, but this is clearly not the right job for Butch.
Andrew MacDonald is for real. I wish JT would relax a bit out there. If he tries to enjoy himself, I think the goals will start to come.
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giz says:
If Roloson’s in we win! How many times is Sim gonna be placed on waviers this year please let him go to BP the rest of the year he’s awful to watch!
When our D is healthy an Okposo an Bailey are back it wil be fun to watch again. I’m 33 an this as been the hardest year on me as as Isles fan but I still pull for these guys to win everytime they play.
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Alex says:
Maybe some coverage on the performance’s of De Haan and Cizikas during the world Juiors??
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Bob E says:
i thought isles skaters played Incredible tonight. im still scratching my head on decision to play Lawson who was completely outclassed in shootout. While he angle cover was ok, Isles put over 40 shots on opposing net. I still dont understand why PA Parenteau gets a much playing time as he does.
I hope to see JT and Comeau continue to put 5+ shots per night. Good things happen when you shoot alot.
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Unless Rolli is traded then tonight starting Lawson sucks in my opinion. Not fair to say to Tavares, Hamonic, McDonald and other prospects and all players “go out and win, but oh yea, the 5th best goalie in the system is playing for ya.”
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RobertY says:
I’m not saying that Lawson was the reason we lost the game tonight but yet another Mickey Mouse move by the organization.
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2Bit says:
Has Islanders Mania been silenced? I don’t see a link for it on the website anywhere… Any news on this or am I just out of it?
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Mario says:
Poulin wins again tonight. He WILL be next years goalie.
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tom says:
I’m usually all negative but that was a very nice play on the Tavares to Joensuu goal, nice to see an actual nhl quality goal.
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Steven says:
Let’s hope so 16. Poulin seems like the real deal.
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Styles15 says:
I think we should rename DP with his rightful indian name: “wounded knee” because he’s never going to be a #1 goalie.
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I still feel like there are some bright lights on the ice. It is clear our number 1 D pair is Hamonic and Macdonald.
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TimQ says:
Joensuu had a nice game, as did Hamonic and AMac. Lawson looked pretty poor on the tying goal in the 3rd as well as the shootout. I’m really getting concerned that JT will never be a standout because he just cant stay up on his skates.
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Attendance announced at around 8,400 tonight, that means last two games had combined announced of 16,100 and change. Hornick at 1940forever reports that before this season, NYI haven’t had sub-8,000 crowd (tickets sold) since January 2001. Wonder what season ticket and partial plan bases are; those numbers will determine how low the announced numbers get. As for the real numbers, would anyone disagree that for the rest of the season (except for the Rangers, Penguins and Caps), the Coliseum will be two-thirds empty?
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JC Frank says:
I’m not sure of this “if Lawson is up, so we might as play him” idea, but then again, does it really matter at this point?
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IsleFan73 says:
“In my primary positions of employment, I cover the NHL for AOL FanHouse and The New York Times blog, Slap Shot, with access to every other arena and major NHL event”
I still cannot believe the Islanders have not given back your credentials. You have been more than fair in your coverage of the team, and I am sure you would be willing to make some type of compromise. If you were the problem in Credential Gate, I doubt you would have access to the high quality people you interview on SNY. Clearly you are liked and respected by so many people connected to the NHL. I know you will not say it, but the Islanders are so poorly run. Thanks for keeping the blog going.
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The Pork Chop Express says:
A Roli deal has to be in the works otherwise starting lawson is not the right move. I dont blame him for the loss. he played well.
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Bring up Bailey already! Why are we letting him rot in Bridgeport? He is head and shoulders above everyone down there! Goaltending?, You need goaltending? POULIN!!! On every other team he would be the one, but in this organization, he will probably fall through the cracks because, well, management just is uneasy with the concept of “winning”! I actually thought they played a pretty good game tonight, had some good jump, but they miss the net an awful lot!
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i do feel bad for d.p. its not his fault that he will never be anything more then a ahl goalie due to his operations. however to think we have to see him play like this til 2015 is crazy. putting a fifth or sixth string goalie in tonight instead of rollie makes perfect sense in wangs world. it just doesnt make sense in the real nhl world. but then since when does wang do things in a professional manner instead of a dysfunctional mannor. interesting that phoenix will be sold and stay in phoenix but the nhl lets wang continue to run this franchise into the ground beyond repair because he couldnt get his lighthouse fantasy. even if a new cba in 2012 says teams like the isles, devils and ducks can get revenues they dont get now, you know wang will not spend a penny of it to improve the team and just stuff it in his pocket.
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I’m shocked that Rolo not playing tonight is causing such a firestorm. Why risk an injury if there is a chance of a trade tonight or in the near future? Rolo is not the Isles future. Plenty of things to get on the Isles this year and Rolo not playing tonight is not one of them. The Isles have also lost with or without Rolo in net this year anyway. Lawson was pretty solid tonight expect for the third goal.
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Brian G says:
Fans of this blog loved seeing the line combos and practice news…now that you don’t have them its not that big of a deal. But some little tidbit not a full preview of the game is still needed on game days…days of silence are not good when this is the only place I personnally come for Islanders related material…Newsday’s blog has gone too quiet over the last month (lucky to get a blurb from a practice) and no disrespect to any other Isles blogs….your blog is a huge step above the rest. You can’t let the team’s ban limit your opinions and material to us….We will take anything you can supply us…I for one (& many others) will not let your ban just fade away, many fans feel very strong about not going back (spending money)b/c your Ban is the straw that finally broke the camel’s back. Hang in their for us Buddy!
Happy Holidays to all – You never know maybe Wang will make a surprise visit to IPB night with free tickets to all of us die hards and Your creds back…OK its nice to dream but you never know….maybe we can get some sort of good news and Wang could start to get things right.
PS: Please no more Ranger videos
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D in BIG D says:
Another loss.Go Isles.
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Phil says:
The whole thing with Sim is hilarious.
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Jim Clark says: I am 1,000% sure that DiPietro has only mild tenderness and will be back in net for the. Next game…and the next decade.
Why not start the kidLawson? Let’s see what he has instead of a 41 year old who always loses.
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bigsave77 says:
Why in the world would we bring up Lawson with Poulin kicking butt in the minors. Like Patrick Roy said about him last year he is the best goalie in juniors and from what I have seen he is right. Great draft pick Jankowski. Shrempy is finally getting his groove together and I like Mcdonald and Hamonic big time. Bring back Bailey and see if the fire you hope to have lit brings points to his game at the NHL level.
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@#33…..Roloson thrives on playing, and not riding the bench. When coached right, he is the teams best and most serious player.
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Kai says:
Keep up the good work CB! We all understand that posting anything newsworthy on the Isles is indeed very difficult ATM.
I am actually astounded that Snow has kept silent during all this and done nothing to improve the team. All he does is sit quietly and watch his team rot. It’s embarrassing and sad.
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Hoser14 says:
I was at the game last night and was shocked to see Lawson skate out first for the warm-ups. WHAT?
Is winning games a priority for those who run this team?
If Ricky’s out, then start your best goalie. If you want to take a look at your “top” goalie prospects, then why bring up and start your minor league team’s 3rd-string backup! Then pass on taking the first shot during the shootout, that’s Capuano showing that he’s not up to the job, but he does comes cheap. Bring back Gordon!
I’m pulling out my hair at the sight of seeing B.O. Paprenteau on the 1st line (or any other line) and Jon Sim playing any minutes. They, Parentaleau /Sim, are not that good and bring very little other than they will play for food.
I want a “productive” veteran forward playing with Taravres than Paprenteau, if not, have Schremp, Grabner or Martin. Parentaleau is too slow, small & soft to play with your franchise forward…….
Chris, you don’t owe us an apology, it is Chairman Wang who owes us an a apology for not placing Streit and Okposo on Long Term Injured Reserve and bring in a productive veteran forward or two. This team’s on-ice roster doesn’t reach $30 MILLION dollars, let alone the Salary Cap floor. And Bettman and the NHL claim that the Isles are not violating the sprit of the salary cap. Bollocks to that nonsense.
When your owner rather lose games than money, then please don’t whine about why fans stay away. It’s not the arena, it’s the minor league team at major league prices (rising tickets, food & parking prices after 3 last place finishes is a poor business model). But then again, it’s not about the fans, it’s all about the fan’s money.
When the solution becomes the problem, it’s time to cash out and move on.
ps: FREE CHRIS BOTTA!!
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Bob Bassen says:
So the regime is now saying that when someone is called-up from the minors, *they play em…*. Remember that one. Sort of the opposite of the West Coast trip when the Isles played 5 D-men and called-up NO ONE. OK, so the Isles are conceding that the play-offs are out of the picture (surprise!) by not playing Roli. But why not bring up Poulin or Kossi? Sounds like a clueless Wang move if ya ask me.
Still love the site, CB…no sweat. -
Shred Instead says:
Can you imagine an NFL Team let a QB start who nobody ever heard of, just because they haven’t won in a while. This Team reaches new lows every week. I’ll take this particular criticism back if a trade of Roloson is the reason, but it doesn’t seem that way.
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shlo says:
I have a feeling that management is beginning to see what the fans has been seeing for a while: DP is done. Roloson will be traded, unfortunately.
Lawson is not ready for the NHL, gave up so many rebounds it was sickening.The D was scrambling around to get him out of trouble which I guess is their job anyway. The third goal was a gift. The shootout was a proof that he is not quick enough for today’s NHL. Mac and Hamonic are for real.With Roloson in goal it would have been a W, but than we would have lost a chance to pick first.
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isles71 says:
Chris, we as fans, I believe will support this site no matter the format. Was an interesting game last night, Roli must be Rolling on, only thing that makes sense, but then again we are the Isles. One comment about the Daly interview. Said that there was no reason for the NHL to be involved with how the Isles run thier franchise. Yet, less than 3 hours later, it is reported that he contacted the Thrashers and told them to sell move tickets, improve your ownership group or relocate the team…what the?!?!?!?! He can take that stance with the Thrashers, but the Isles are in fine shape????? Something oes not add up!
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Lorne says:
In a lost season, I honestly found nothing wrong with starting Lawson. However, I would not mind seeing Paulin start a game this year as well.
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Stephen T. says:
Question for Garth Snow: Last week you stated that the goal is still to make the playoffs. If that is the case how can you explain A} Calling up a journeyman goalie in the minors instead of a top flight prospect in Poulin or a supposed goalie in the future, Koskinen and B} Playing Lawson over our #1 goalie in Roli.
It’s not like Roli has played 5 games in a row and needed a breather. Look, I don’t know if we would have won anyway last night with Roli in net and I’m happy for Lawson but lets get real. Unless Roli is traded this week, I don’t think they could ever explain this move.
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Rombough says:
I was convinced that the D-man (Hedman) was the guy to pick. But the Isles went for a F.
After watching clips of Duschene on HNIC’s “Coach’s Corner”, I think we might have whiffed on the F pick as well!
JT had at least 3 golden opportunites last night and came away empty. And how is it that such a “gifted offensive talent” can’t crack the top 3 in our shootout lineup? I’m not knocking his effort, just saying that he’s looking a bit overrated, eh?More Goring: After the Isles finished the PK in OT, “Great job by the Isles, killing OVER TWO MINUTES” of four-on-three.” HUH?
Sims clear waivers more often than I clear my throat! Agreed.. Enough of him and PAP..bring up Rakshani and give Martin and JJ
more ice time. -
beatlebailey says:
zzzzzzzz…I hope Roli gets traded out of this situation… A professional like him does not deserve to end his career playing for a minor league team.. Good Luck Roli and thanks for your effort..now back to sleep…( like the rest of the team)..zzzzzzz
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Jim from St James says:
come on guys we are really in year 3-4 of the re-build, gotta remember that.
Snow should be shopping his respected 41 year old goalie. time to see just how ready these guys are. -
JoeRiverside says:
As a long time fan, here’s where my head is right now:
1. Season is lost. I don’t get too excited by wins or losses.
2. Watching to see how many credible NHL’ers we have.
- So fare I see – JT, MM, KO, JB, Frans, AMac, Martin, Hamonic, Shremp, maybe Grabner
- Down the line….Nino, CdHaan, Poulin, maybe Cizikas, Nelson, Donovan
Not sure – Hillen, Grabner, Joensuu, Rhett Rakhi
- Given up hope – Comeau, Hunter, PA
- Key Veterans -Streit and Martinek
3. Big Key to future – add 1-2 high quality forwards, settle arena issue (renovate or move to queens/brklyn)
4. Look to move Rolo, Wiz, Eaton for prospects or picks
5. As for DP, if he doesn’t make it back to full form by next year, I hope he retires and maybe Isles can collect on some type of insurance contract(??)
Anyway, that’s where my head is right now. Looking to the future….as always. -
Mike O says:
Chris, I don’t feel that this site has lacked anything since your credential ban. In fact if anything I think that you have raised the bar and have made this site more interesting and informative than ever before. Keep up the great work!
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43 is right. If fans were doubting whether management was TRYING to win, starting Bridgeport’s third-string goalie over Roloson should erase any doubt.
Ditto for having five forwards play less than 10 minutes every night (Zenon, Gillies, Martin, Joensuu, Grabner), which is taxing the rest of the forwards. Did Gordon/Capuano think maybe some forwards are just out of gas?
Ditto for having P.A. Parenteau (the emptiest, most misleading stats on the team) and Sim (gutty but strictly a fourth-liner) on the power play. Meanwhile, Josh Bailey (6 goals, 8 assists in 10 games), who was our best forward some nights during the losing streak and whose being pointless was a reflection of playing with Sim, is stuck in the AHL.
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Joey303 says:
Whats very troubling to me is when 2009 ended, there was a mad scramble to get #1 pick. It seemed that teams were losing, we used the term “tanking” in order to pick Tavares. Tampa, Colorado, and Atlanta all “in” it for the #1 pick with a few days to go. Look at where those 3 teams are today, and look at our hapless Islanders—UGHH!!!!!!
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bayduvinislander says:
Matt Duchene’s having a heck of a year. Just sayin’.
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Darren says:
Way to stay classy Chris. I can only hope Roli is to be traded, otherwise to sit a number 1 goalie for a number five when you have only won two of you last twenty something is hard to fathom.
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Healy says:
Just to cut through some of the negativity that last nights game spawned:
1.) We do not need to trade JT, kid has vision and the tools, he needs more confidence and better leadership to show him the ropes. This “trade this guy” mentality is how we were set back in the late 90′s. I don’t want to go back there again. Stick with him through the hard times.
2.) Not sure why Rollie didn’t play, but also not sure why everyone is jumping on the Islanders either. Maybe Rollie is sick and they dressed him just in case? Maybe he IS the subject of a trade and they don’t want him injured? Maybe they wanted to see how Lawson could handle the big time, the “kid” is already 27 years old. There are many scenarios were the Isles were actually making the right move. The REAL problem here is that the franchise doesn’t communicate with its fans so we don’t know.
Also, side note, Blake has his moments but Comeau has to go. SO many lazy plays and turn overs. Guys confidence must be shot. I see him and Schremp as very similar players, only Schremp shows me more now and has a better upside. If he doesn’t do anything this season I think its times to move him.
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Y2G says:
Grabner finally gets more ice time than Sim and nets 2 points…Capuano is driving me insane with the lines, but Grabner in PA’s spot on JT’s line to open up space (with the way JT is stuggling Cap owes a duty to at least try an experiment). No one on our first line can outskate defense.
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Bryan says:
Jt needs to be stronger on his feet, he is always falling down. I do feel like hes been more asssertive the last two games, but for someone whos supposed to be lethal below the dots he should have buried afew chances recently. I think its pretty telling that he doesnt do the shootouts. With his skills he should be able to score on a breakaway.
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Since72 says:
JB & KO will return together. Will be an attempt to jump start the team without putting too much pressure on one player.
Let’s see this credentials cr@p end then as well.
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Imagine being a highly touted pick in this year’s draft and watching the Islanders heading to the number 1 or 2 pick. I’d rather sit out the year.
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Gary9-19-22 says:
Did they ban you as an individual or you as a “blogger”?
Why don’t you just ask the Times or SNY to apply for credentials to the Isles. I don’t think the Isles have say over which reporter covers there team. Plus, I don’t think can say “The New York Times” is anything but a credible news outlet.
If they reject you then you can bring real light to the issue via a law suit.
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Steve says:
Don’t know if anyone saw but Jeff Tambellini ripped the Isles according to Arthur Staple, basically saying the organization is focused on quick fixes and lacks stability. Also he’s been a point per game player since he was recalled by the Nucks. Sigh.
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cm227 says:
Steve#55- Tambellini is wrong. Snow said he would never do a quick fix and we do not lack stability, just look at all the losing this team does-now thats stability.
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The New Isles GM says:
Last nights move reminds me when we put Brendan Witt in the shootout. It’s a clear direct message to the NHL, Fans, Players and Opposing Team That We Are Trying To Lose. There is no other way of looking at it. It’s more worthwhile for us to come in dead last than 10th in the east and 8th to last in the league. In a draft that is considered “weak”, I’d like for us to pick very high, if not the highest. I’m fine with another 1st overall pick at this point. That to me is the only thing to look forward to this season. I know it seems crappy because we all put high expectations on our Islanders this season, especially after the first 6 games, it was unrealistic to think of something that possible. We’re not there yet. Instead, let’s look at what we’ve compiled since declaring the Rebuild three years ago.
Josh Bailey
Travis Hamonic
Kevin Poulin
Calvin DeHaan
John Tavares
Nino Niederreiter
(Adam Larsson, Courtier, Nugent-Hopkins)
Mark Streit
Brock Nelson
Petrov, Kabanov – Wild CardsI know it’s tough to be a fan right now. We’re left with so many questions unanswered. Maybe we are looked at as a mickey mouse organization. The one thing we can count on and all agree with is our prospect list is building. Almost every analyst, draft coverage and inside magazine coverage has delivered positive feedback on Snow’s drafts. For us, it’s just a matter of time. I’m sure we’ll add to our roster the best way we can. If there’s anything we learned from this year, it’s exactly what holes need to be filled next year. Let’s just ride the rest of the year out, hoping for a solid draft pick and hope that Snow makes some savy deals to the roster between now and the start of next season. We see what Thomas Fleishmann has done in Colorado since being traded there. Those are the kind of moves I expect Garth to make to improve this team. It doesn’t have to be Evgeni Malkin to the Islanders for us to move forward. Charles, you still suck. But I have faith in you Snow. Do the right thing.
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George says:
Why does any of this stupidity surprise any of you anymore with the current regime in charge?
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Dr Phil says:
Stop comparing Tavares with Duchene. If we had picked Duchene over JT, Gordon and his clone, Capuano, would have ruined Duchene as they have ruined JT. We need a NHL caliber coach! As for Nielsen; he can only score if no one else is on the ice (penalty shot or shootout). If one of the Ice Girls had been standing by the Zamboni door, he would have missed. Sim is like bad breath: you can never get rid of it.
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Paul Meade says:
paul
Can’t move vets because they would fall under slaary cap. Need scoring winger for J.T. aLSO NEED TO KEEP Wisneski and build around him and Streit when he comes back
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claude says:
I think JT will never be more than a bertuzzi-level player. I say bundle him with rolson before his stock drops for speedy skilled parise,st louis- type forward
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LouD says:
I’m laughing so hard right now because I can’t for the life of me figure out why there are people who don’t understand CBs lack of Isles coverage. Lets recap. The Isles supported pointblank and then stopped because they didn’t like that CB was being honest with fans. They thought he wouldn’t get another sponsor. They were wrong so they went to their next plan, cut his credentials off. So here’s the question, why would CB continue to give free press to a team who so obviously despises him? If a business owner and their employees treated you poorly would you BEND over backwards to help them sell their product?
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Blizzard says: I know Duchene is hot right now but in the end Tavares will have the more prolific career. As soon as he plays with some real nhl talent he will be lethal down low.
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4theisles says:
Is Schremp such a star that he needs to go into his over-the-top celebration after his garbage goal?
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Walt says:
I have seen Lawson play many times including AHL Playoffs. He was bad then and is not an NHL goaltender now. Hopefully Roloson is traded to a contender
He will leave with the respect of all Isle fans for his gritty goaltending and intensity while playing hard for this woeful team. -
Merrick says:
A few thoughts.
The Isles are largely a collection of AHL players, but not an AHL team–there is a difference.
What bothers me about JT was although there was a knock on his skating, all scouts said he was one of the deadliest players inside the circles. As noted above, and going back to last season, he seems no more a finisher than other guys on this team. Of course, Ovechkin only has 2 goals in his last 16 games.
I’ve been hesitant to pick on Butch, but that 5 on 3 comment (see # 5 above) has to be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard on a hockey broadcast. Even Howie couldn’t let that go.
CB defenders and potential attendees to a game. I would call the Isles office and say that you’re interested in attending the next game for every game. But then we should follow-up by asking if CB’s credential have been restored. When they say “no,” tell them you’ll call back for another game.
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paulunde says:
CB- Like others have stated, I am with you 110%! The Isles “management” team is a poor excuse for a professional organization. Not only have I continued my boycott of attending games, but I will not even log onto their website! I will get my info here or elsewhere.
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nolaislanders says:
up here for the holidays from new orleans, in levittown, going to see them in jersey on the 23, because i will not spend a dime to support wang and co, will be wearing brown paperbag
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Mark In Ottawa says:
“As Daly pointed out to me in a follow-up correspondance, Long Term Injured Reserve is essentially a non-issue when it comes to the Islanders.”
Kind of like winning games is a non-issue …..
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geduffer says:
Of course Roloson should have started. Jack Capuano may be an ok teacher at the AHL level, but he has no business coaching an NHL team. Of course the Islanders are not an NHL team. Right now, I’m just counting the days until April 8th, which will be the last time I ever set foot in that dump as long as Charles controls the team and the building revenue.
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Spinner Spencer says:
Lawson was OK in game, embarrassing in SO. He’s 27 and this was his NHL debut. minor-league filler.
Since suspicion is that Rollie is the “county club” quotes guy, wonder if this was retaliation. Hard to see him not being dealt — TAM and WAS could use a veteran goaltender.
In terms of playoffs, the season is over. Under current sked format (2005-present), no team has made up a deficit of more than 13 points to snag a playoff berth. Anyone who tells you this team has a chance is blowing smoke — especially with a coach who’s in over his head.
It’s easy to take shots at DP. He’s not a top-caliber NHL goalie at this time (not on a consistent basis, anyway). But don’t forget that he could have taken the $$ and gone home or become the highest-paid franchise ambassador in sports history. He busted his butt to play again. For that, he deserves great credit no matter what else you may think of him.
Very curious to see how Isles draw in the next 3 home games. This has traditionally been their best time at the box office — college kids are home and are looking for place to go, etc. If crowds are crappy (especially on Dec. 26), there’s even bigger trouble ahead.
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IslesinVA says:
It is disgraceful to have Rollie on the bench while a 3rd string AHL goalie (playing poorly at that) starts between the pipes. Unless Roloson was injured or otherwise not feeling well, it’s a completely unforgiveable move. Of course, the Soviet-era ministry of information Islanders will either make something up or shut us out entirely, so at this point, it’s pure speculation.
Tavares vs. Duchesne. Love Tavares but I doubt anyone in Colorado is second guessing that pick. Kid is on pace for well over 80 points in his second season and is a factor all night, every night they play. Can we say the same for Johnny?
#61, I gotta tell you, for all the talk of our “prospects”, has even ONE of them scored 30 goals? FOUR years now, we’ve drafted a top-ten forward in the first round and we have very little to show for it. Where’s our Fowler, Tyler Myers, Skinner, Stepan, Couture, etc…??? Hell, I’d even settle for what the Rangers have been able to quietly build (Del Zotto, Girardi, Boyle, Dubinsky, Callahan, Stepan, Staal….)
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Don’t worry folks, we’ll lose the lottery too!
Playing Lawson shows that winning is not a priority. Also not rolling out 4 lines like a less than talented team Nashville does? The 4th line needs to play 10-12 minutes because the 1st & 2nd lines are playing too many minutes and getting little production.
As for being critical of DP, the thing that really gets me is that DP never improved his skills and still makes the same mistakes at 29 as he did when he was at 18: ie needlessly over handling the puck…..
It’s well pass the time to turn the page on another lottery pick bust and move on!
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pat says:
I don’t understand why so many people are calling for heads because roli didn’t get the start. This is the perfect opportunity to get the young guys in and see what they can do because wins and losses (sadly) don’t matter anymore this season.. we are so far out of contention. Keep giving the kids the experience.
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Another win for Poulin last night. This kid is the real deal.
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Nick in NYC says:
Was at the game. Thought Lawson played well until the shoot out. Then he looked plain embarrasing. Hope it was just nerves.
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David says:
@79: Seems like it. Let him stay in Bridgeport and develop nice and slowly.
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doug f says:
Poulin might be the real deal but I wouldn’t bring him up until the Islanders look like an NHL team…
Last year too they said Ricky would only be out a few days and was never seen again……. Hmmm…..