SNY POINT BLANK TV: BRYAN TROTTIER
“Whatever Charles Wang needs, I stand ready”
FANHOUSE: The NHL Cycle (includes Islanders material)SAVE THE DATE: Point Blank Holiday Party Dec. 23
Good stuff here from the Hall of Fame center about the Islanders’ prospects, the first time he met Mike Bossy and his promise to Charles Wang to do whatever he can to help secure the Islanders’ future in Nassau County.
Comments on this interview are invited.
85 Responses to SNY POINT BLANK TV: BRYAN TROTTIER
“Whatever Charles Wang needs, I stand ready”
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beatlebailey says:
Come in and Coach the team Mr. Trottier!. Explain to these clowns we have the meaning of the Islanders Crest – Pride and Toughness!
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CP says:
Still dont understand why they dont want to have people who have pride in this team in the organization.
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Bill says:
He was my favorite player growing up. Great piece. It must kill him to see the state of the team now.
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Mikamakela says:
Who needs trottier as face of the team when kevin connelly from entourage works for free.
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Garthsnow says:
Seriously though, this team does have a lot of nice prospects coming up. I will always bleed blue and Orange no matter what happens. Its alumni like this that give me hope for this organization to one day be a powerhouse again.
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Stumpy32 says:
I’d be shocked if Trots doesn’t have an agreement with Wang not to speak ill of the organization. Don’t blame him…but Wang seems more intent on tamping down any criticism than actually rooting out the issues that lead to criticism.
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Steve says:
It is really nice to hear Bryan still cheering for the Islanders even though they are in a state of turmoil. He really should get back into the organization because he can teach players how to win better than anybody currently in the team.
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I like Trotts, but we don’t need him we have the great Garth Snow to lead the franchise & keep the fans updated. Yikes!
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Madchef says:
would even take him as our coach although he probably would never get the chance because he may actually have an opinion
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Examiner says:
So he’s been re-assigned within the organization already, right????????
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Brother Rat says:
Good to know he’s following the team, but even Trots at the ready means little to the Isles’ situation. Can he lead a group of investors to take the team off Wang’s hands and fire Garth? Can he finance a new arena? Can he smack some planning and zoning intelligence into Kate Murray & the TOH Board? Can he lead player development–ok, that’s the one thing he can do again as long as he donates his time and efforts for free. Maybe he can lead a group of Isles’ Cup alums to pressure Wang and light a fire?
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dalcy says:
find him a buyer. pronto
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Mike says:
Wow do I remember the work ethic those teams brought with them.Great interview people DO CARE
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peter debenedetto says:
I just watched a video clip of Jeff Skinner in Carolina completely out-hustle the whole Colorado line. He skated and found the puck just like Trots. We need that desire pumped back into this team. I cast my vote for Bryan Trottier as head coach of the Islanders.
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claude says:
The season is lost what Is Wang waiting for? Time to bring in a reputable GM and coach then a least some hope will be reinstilled
back in the fan base. This death spiral has to be stopped before it’s too late -
MikeD says:
I think Wang is just going to cut costs until the lease is up and then sell to the highest bidder, on Long Island or elswhere.
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Chris18 says:
I’ve loved this team since 1981. I loved them through some very lean years. This current state is pathetic. Emperor Wang’s biggest contribution is influencing me to buy lottery tickets, in hopes that I win & can buy the team from him. For a while I thought he was good for the team. Fooled me once. Now you won’t get any of my money until the ship is righted.
They are pushing Okposo coming back as if he’ll be the mid-season savior. I feel bad for him because he’s not going to be able to carry the team, and people will turn on him as if he’s a new cause.
At least Bailey is spared the angst.CB- you should interview Sanjay Kumar in jail. He may have some different info about Emperor Wang he’d like to share these days…
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The New Isles GM says:
Mike D. Your right. It’s called an exit strategy. Hence why no replacements have been filled…our roster lacks and front office is in shambles. If he’s going to sell after the lease is up, I honestly cannot blame him. However we as fans are suffering and the NHL needs to step in if this is the case. If they aren’t aware….my best to our prospects making a career in different colors.
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Dont Really Care Anymore says:
Bryan should stay as far away from this team as possible as long as Wang owns it. That is a fact.
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Brett says:
I think I’ll just be a fan of Point Blank from now on and stop being a fan of the Islanders. Who’s with me?
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Terrance says:
How can the NHL do anything in this situation? Wang bought the franchise outright, and is apparently taking care of his obligations regarding NHL teams, including staying above the salary floor.
Is Bettman somehow able to just seize a franchise because he doesn’t like the way an owner runs his team?
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Jim Clark says: Trottier’s coaching record of 21-26-6-1 would look like nirvana to Islanders fans of the Wang reign of error.
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Mario says:
Good stuff CB. Too bad it wont make a bit of difference. I just hope we get to see the young kids grow up here with proper guidance. I want to see de haan, ullstrom, rhakshani, poulin and the rest. Hope they get a coach and GM that will make a difference.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Columbus Dispatch Power Rankings:
30. N.Y. Islanders (30): Jack Capuano has coached in the East Coast Hockey League, so he’s familiar with these types of players.If they call Trotts he should let it go to voice mail. “Hi Brian, we want to pay you to sign your name to this mess. We don’t want your advice, but we will pay you to sit with us and inherit some blame for this fiasco.” They might not say that, but that is how they treat people who know what they are talking about.
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anthony c says:
my dad’s all time favorite Islander right there. You the man trotts.
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Hoser14 says:
Great interview with Trotts.
The more I think about it, the more I would love to give Trotts a try at the helm and send Capuano back to where he belongs, Bridgeport with the kids.
I believe the players in the Country Club would listen to a coach with 7 Stanley Cup Rings and a Hart Trophy to boot. Trotts has played for and with two of the greatest coaches in hockey history with Arbour and Bowman.
PLUS, he has worked with a good many of the current players while he was the Director of Player Development.
Trotts couldn’t do any worse than Gordan and Capuano have done and it would make the fan base happy to see No. 19 behind the beach.
Chris, keep up the good work!
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JD says:
Thanks for the interview CB. Always love these spots and to hear from Trottier was great. I agree with Terrance #24. Bettman can’t do anything with this situation. We meet the cap floor in our own unique way and he doesn’t say a thing about it so he is not going to get involved with mismanagement. Charles Wang needs to realizes he is his worst enemy here and the entire organization can’t get out of its own way because of him.
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CM says:
Let’s keep Trotts out of the coaching position. I loved the guy. Reason I became an Isles fan.
A HOFer, but so was Gretzky. Gretzky was not a good coach.
Team desperately needs a new coach. If they would have adressed this already, we’d be less critical. Fingers are crossed for Hitchcock. -
BagOnHead says:
I’ll be there on the 23rd. I’ll bring the Festivus pole and am ready to air my list of grievances. It’s a long list.
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Phil says:
Our prospects are not even dominating in the minors, so there is nothing to get excited about.
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I am ashamed to admit that I’m one of the dopes that keeps going to these games.
I never pay full price tho (why would I with the 22 different discounts etc etc).
Still I feel like a hopeless, pathetic dummy. I just have a blind love for this team and I live and die with every shift.
Even went to MSG in my gear on Friday to get tormented (by both the opposing fans + my OWN dead/lifeless team- which is worse?!?)
My wife wants to ban me from watching the team going forward (ala Charles Wang to CB), as they ruin my day and mood every single time I tune in. Cant say I blame her.
I’ll say this, even with my undying love for the team and the players, I have built-up an equally potent hatred and resentment for ownership and puppet mgmt.
I’d be all for staging a Blackout/Walkout on a pre-determined Home Game. If we were to get a petition going here, and on the message boards- how low do you think we could get attendance (Sub 1,000 in February, maybe?!?). -Lets Send a Painful Message Back To Those Inflicting The Pain on Us…
We Can Call it:
“Not That We Particularly Care Day….” -
Richie66 says:
Im going to pencil the 23rd in on my calendar, should be fun (misery loves company you know). Didn anyone check out The Hockey News which came out today? Adam Proteau wront a full page article entitled “From Proud to Putrid” which bacisally questions every move that Wang and Snow have done so far this year
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David says:
CB: thehockeynews.com made a funny comment about you (and other banned journalists) in their power ranking this week. I guess you already read it though.
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CG says:
It was nice to hear from Trottier. Thanks Chris! It was like taking some Tylenol (temporary relief) for a never ending headache.
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Strummmer's Army says:
One theme I keep seeing on here is fans are frustrated because Wang and Snow are not really attempting to fix the problems with the organization but simply trying to pull a Snow job on all of us that theya re fixing them.
To me Wang looks like a guy trying to sell his team. That is why he is reducing every cost possible. Botta says no. I read the Post article and he cannot figure out why Wang is operating the way he is. It’s not like he can wait 4 more years of having crap teams and miserable fans.
So what is the end game? Why is he so insistent on not moving the team? Dude, if Queens or anyone else wants to build a new arena for you do it and start the process now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, I hate gambling but if the Indians want to build you a state of the art arena on the NVMC site then do it! Wang seems just as stubborn as Garth.
Yes, there are tons of great to solid prospects. Stacked in goal, stacked at forward but the defense you can only count on Hamonic, De Haan and Donovan. What about finding a way to properly develop these kids? Bring in a Regher on defense and another one or two on defense. Leadership, size, toughness, skill. Goalies won’t be hassled, forwards can focus on offense rather then covering up for the defense and won’t be exhausted late in game, and defense will help the offense. Helping your young stars develop is not about burdening them with Sim and Parenteau. I am not in favor of the Isles acquiring many vet forwards because in the next 1-3 years many prospect forwards will be up that will fix many problems but no excuse for not fixing the defense and not bringing back the same trash yearly. No excuse for not talking to your fans. No excuse for not trying to win, no excuse for not trying to get an arena. TOH hasn’t worked out and I don’t see what is going to change that after 8 years since you Wang weren’t smart enough to find a serious candidate to back to get Murray out of office.
Please bring in a President, assistant GM, serious head coach, and hire a couple more scouts.
Love Bryan Trottier! If you are reading this Bryan please get Island Alumni together for a sit down with Charles and help him plot out the future.
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ronbuzz69 says:
its time we take ny hockey back !!! we need to … we were a big deal back in the day …. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED
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Chris says:
great interview with Trotts. Always a classy guy.
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ClarkGillies says:
Dear Santa,
Please have Trots gather up the old crew and go out and find some investors to back them. We can take back our team and not be held hostage by evil Wanger and his lackey the backup goalie. -
Oncesince1940 says:
I’ve been giving the franchise money on all kinds of plans since their second year and spend a fortune for my center 200′s on a season plan now. As long as there’s no honesty from management, sign me up for a Blackout/Walkout game. What the players don’t realize is that we LOVE this team.
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A) Be careful what you wish for. If Wang sells; the Islanders, in all likelihood are gone….as in out of NY.
B) Weren’t a lot of people on this board praising Snow after this years draft and the good start they got off to? It would be interesting for CB to go back and re-post some prior posts/comments made on here. I think Snow has his hands tied and has to be a good soldier. I wonder how he would do if he didn’t have these constraints. Unfortunately we may never know.
I guess it goes back to the owner but is the alternative even worse? -
Staten Islander says:
Arguably my favorite Islander. Does he have enough money to buy out the Wangster?
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Islanders1932 says:
I love Trottier….it was always fun seeing him around this organization. You think they would want to keep guys like him around. Oh well, this organization is run by idiots. Therefore, I will not be attending another game all season. Good job Wang and co.
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I feel bad for the all the young players he mentored. It’s not fair for prospects to not have the proper guidance. This is their livelyhood. Even a prospect that plays in Bridgeport is making a living. That is something the NHL should look at.
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jon from nj says:
It will hit the fan even more when guys like Okposo, Tavares, and others leave.
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On Edge says:
Trottier was a great player and leader in this league and was coached by Al Arbour, Bob Johnson and Scotty Bowman. He won 6 Stanley Cups as player and coach. His experience is inpeccable. I’d say he is deserving of a chance here. Instant credibility behind the bench
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Luvs19 says:
It’s wonderful to hear from you. I’m glad you are well. Have a very happy Christmas.
Charles B. Wang is a loathsome creature, one of the most vicious, heartless and shameless hunks of carbon-based life trolling the planet. The Isles are much better off without him. Free Botta!
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KO21 says:
What a move it would be to make Trots the coach?
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Love that Country Music
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IslesRock says:
#43, I am not sure at this point if moving the franchise could be worse then what’s going on now. I am 100% sure that this is the game Wang and Bettmen are playing. Let the team stink, turn off the fan base, the players, and then have an excuse to sell, or some other type of financial deal. Wang cannot be that bad of a business man to let the team fall apart the way it is. Everyone on this blog knows how to fix this team for the long run, it’s not rocket science. Shame on the NHL for letting this once proud organization rot away. Also, I would love to see some of the Islander alumni “honestly” speak out.
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cjcb says:
Bryan what you could do is hold the door for Wong as he leaves the Islanders forever. Not sure what the love affair is for Rakshani and ulmstrom seem like 3rd line players at best. I could be totally wrong but in like 20 less games Jon Sim has 1 less goal than Rakshani? I hope im wrong but none of the SoundTiger players really excite me other than Hamonic and he is already up.
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Mike says:
Trottier should go back to the Penguins a Classy WINNING franchise where he belongs NOT with this MESS!
Good Luck Bryan you deserve BETTER. -
I use to skate with Bryan at his rink in Port Washington alot of GREAT memories from a CLASS ACT. Thank You Bryan.
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LouD says:
I’ve been saying this for two years now. You want to fix the Islanders problems on the ice it’s very simple. Hire an experienced gm or vice president of ops and give them complete control of the team. Charles can hire this person and then take himself out of the equation. Meaning he can take a step back, and tell all of his employees that he seems afraid to upset, that he’s leaving someone else in charge for the betterment of the team and what happens to them happens. Then this new person can make all the decisions regarding GMs, scouts, coaches and so on. Wang should not be involved in the hockey operations. Look at every sport that has an owner who meddles in the sports side of the business. Very few of them have successful teams.
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Bryan says:
Great interview CB. what are your thoughts on our prospects? who do you see on this team in 2-3 years?
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Pete L says:
Wang will be placing that call to Bryan in 2015 to say he needs some help moving! Until then, don’t wait by the phone.
Another member of Islander royalty pushed away. That’s okay, we’ve got an old goalie who’s best days were with. . . .can’t remember his best days.
Thanks for the good listen CB.
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Steve says:
Is Charles Wang going to say ANYTHING in the next four years? Because otherwise I think I’m good with Islanders hockey. Obviously firing Scott Gordon fixed everything.
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Derek A says:
Wang needs to speak on the state of this team ASAP! Give Bryan a paycheck! THIS GUY IS WHAT WE NEED! A WINNER! GLORY DAYS IN LONG ISLAND!
That mean $$$$$$$$$$ for you Charles $$$$$$$$
Chris way to be professional in the face of your media ban
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D in BIG D says:
This team will not remain on LI.Anyone w/ half a brain can see that Wang is being allowed to alienate the fan base,use any loophole he can in the CBA to ice an AHL team @ best,so he can @ least survive another 4yrs until the team is sold.If there’s any truth to the Lafontaine story of putting togther a group to buy the team then there is a little hope but not much.This team in its current state will not remain on LI.I’m actually considering watching the STARS.
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TM says:
The greatest all around player ever. Hard to believe I watched him in the same building as the current disaster. Maybe Bryan can talk to Kate Murray and Wang to reach a decision once and for all. Talk Wang into going to Queens Trotts!!!
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bigdog says:
I have stuck by this team for years. I am honestly close to my breaking point. I’m starting to question wangs priorities while owning this team. This team is comical and atrocious on the ice.
I can’t watch them anymore. -
HeartBroken says:
Wow. When you and Bryan talked about the Islanders being the greatest team ever, that really hit me in the gut. I was just a baby and too young to remeber those days.
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15Cyclones says:
This organization has lost all respect as a team. Even on NHL.COM with the announcement of Bill Guerin’s retiring it only lists him as a Devil and Penguin!!! Sad note!!!Not even a picture of him in an Islander Uni!!!
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We keep talking about breaking points and walking away. It doesn’t work as a sports fan, we’re sucked in by the colors and the heritage so we allow ownership to run roughshod over the fans. The net result is indifference. This has been by far the worst season I’ve ever had as an Islanders fan.
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Oh and I love Country Music too! Why is Nassau County the only County without a country station? but we have about 5 spanish stations-which i dont understand. can we start another petition to get one?
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sign guy says:
Great interview with Trottier interesting to hear him speak so well of Charles Wang. What are your thoughts about the Islanders poor power play and why they continue to use the same combination game after game?? Seems to me if you take the southeren pkwy and each trip has issues why not try different route.
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slsangus says: Forget about coaching. Can Trots still play the pivot on the power play?
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IsleFan73 says:
# 56, LouD, you are right on. We all know this is the solution. I am sure Wang knows too. Geez, even Fred Wilpon figured it out. The problem is Wang just does not care about the team anymore. Since he did not get 100% of what he wanted from the TOH, he has washed his hands of the Islanders. The players see this too, and I am sure it’s effecting their play. The really sad part is that the NHL is allowing this neglect to go on. It’s a black eye for the league. I almost feel that Bettman is to blame as much as Wang. No other pro sport would let a franchise operate without any type of infrastructure. It’s one thing for a young team to be bad, but to gut a teams front office and to use bought-out contracts just to reach the cap floor, is just so embarrassing.
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Lace ‘em up.
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Tom D. says:
I remember meeting Bryan at an autograph signing after his rookie season at a CVS store in Wallington, NJ. Always a class act and I believe he was the best all around player in the game. Hire him as coach and I might actually go to a game again, but obviously Wang isnt looking to do anything to get fans back into the seats.
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In the Trottier era, every Islander had character. They played hard every night and regularly blew teams out of the Coliseum. They had to loose some tough play-off series before they fully knew what it took to be champions.I am mad as heck that this franchise has fallen to such an abysmal low.What a shame.
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Jeff says:
There will never be another Islander like Trotts!
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If Wang put half the effort on making the Isles a good team that he does on avoiding any critisism we would be in 1st place!
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mike says:
Mr Wang should let Trott and company run the team
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csk says:
as an original Islanders season ticket holder, I’ve just about seen it all
I remember Bryan as a rookie early in his first season, being interviewed right at the front of Section 302 where we used to sit and wished him luck in his career
Sat in that same seat for 7:11 in 1980
- those were the days – the team really hasn’t been the same since the ownership changed hands in the mid-80s – so what’s that, 25 years of more or less mediocrity – an entire generation – I have largely faded from the team, but thought it was showing some life over the last few years, but recent events are so very despairingreading a few things just now – first of all, Charles Wang’s Wikipedia entry is lets just say interesting reading
Separately, there’s a Newsday piece from 2009 linked there that details Wang’s losses over time in the time at perhaps over $100M
Even a fan like us wouldn’t be terribly happy if we were in his shoed, taking a bath, having made an investment to save the team, and then have the County deflate his plans
Wang isn’t completely the enemy here
but he clearly isn’t trying – so what does that mean? If he wanted to sell the team, running it into the ground doesn’t help maximize its value
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Michael from Toronto says:
Is it not funny how poorly the kids are playing on the Island and on the Bridge since Trotts was released from his position. It says a lot about what this organization has and needs.
It all starts at the top. A good business is successful because of the people around you. Too bad Wang chooses to believe it doesn’t work the same for a hockey team!
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NYI FAN says:
At least Trotts won a Championship in the AHL, (Maine Mariners) Can Capuano say that?
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SJM says:
With the first overall in pick in 2011, the New York Islanders select….With the first overall in pick in 2012, the New York Islanders select….
With the first overall in pick in 2013, the New York Islanders select….
With the first overall in pick in 2014, the New York Islanders select….
With the first overall in pick in 2015, the New York Islanders select….
Forget 2016, the Isles will be gone -
when you think of trotts you think of the word class. when you think of wang you think of the word class-less. wang threw him out of the organization just as he does to everyone regardless of how important one is to the organization just to save a few bucks. by the way its funny how the new prospective owner of phoenix says he knows he will lose money for a very long time but knows long term his franchise will be valuable. in just 4 years the isles can be a goldmine, especially if they moved to queens next to citi field.
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DJMC93 says:
Garth Snow is great at drafting, but running a team seems to be a different department….all this talk about having the freedom to bring on players but nothing has been done …. ill never turn my back on this team, im just a frustrated fan looking for an answer , im still a fan of the snowman just wondering what else we can do here … GO ISLES
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Dan says:
BT’s yet another reputable hockey mind the two clueless imbeciles in charge let go for no apparent reason. It’s so infuriating to witness the slow destruction of a once-proud franchise, it really is. I yearn for the day when the windows are opened and the rancid stench from the ownership and management of this team will just disappear. Enough is enough already.
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Stella99 says:
What’s the point…even if we had the Leaf’s money, what talented free agent would ever want to sign with this team? There’s no way any of our “core” players will ever resign either…
Have you seen their practice facilities lately? Or having an 8 year old make the serve as the PA announcer?
This is such an unprofessional organization. It would be somewhat palatable if they called it an AHL franchise and charged the few remaining fans left AHL prices to see this mockery of a team play.
Where is Gretzky to call this a true “mickey mouse organization.”
Sad. -
Tim F. says:
If Trots is looking for material, the Islanders could be a great subject for a country song. How about “Friends in Low Places (in the Standings)”?
Good to hear from Bryan. I’m in for 12/23
Capuano is a terrible coach….how long will it take this guy to switch up the lines…its time for Tavares to play with 2 different wingers….what is there to lose, we are already the doormat of the NHL….we will see many backup goalies the rest of the year….the season is over – they are 17 pts out of a playoff spot and they need to jump over 7 teams…its never happening.
If they want to hold players accountable, scratch 2 forwards and bring up Rahkshani & Ullstrom….but we all know Wang doesn’t like to pay a full 23 man roster….this is such a joke of an organization