POULIN PLAN: MORE STARTS AT BRIDGEPORT
Source: NYI thinking long-term with top G prospect
PB ARCHIVE, 6/09: Pre-Draft interview with Robin Lehner, starting Thursday for Ottawa
9:05 pm: The Islanders do not intend to deviate from their original plan regarding the playing time of goaltenders Kevin Poulin and Nathan Lawson, a source has informed Point Blank. Lawson, slated all along as Rick DiPietro’s backup when the time came for Dwayne Roloson to be traded, is expected to be the No. 2 when DiPietro returns to the lineup later this week. Poulin would return to Bridgeport of the AHL.
The source said that all of the Islanders’ goaltenders have been updated of the team’s intentions throughout the process.
As much as the buzz around Poulin’s play has been exciting – he set a franchise rookie record with 48 saves against the Canucks on Tuesday – there is some rationale to the plan. It’s no secret that, as long as DiPietro is healthy, he’s going to start at least two out of three games for the Islanders now that Roloson has been moved to Tampa Bay. With Mikko Koskinen still struggling to find his game in Bridgeport, Poulin can make two-thirds of the starts with the Sound Tigers. The 20-year-old Poulin would also be spared the potential danger of being rushed at the NHL level, and being bombarded by shots as he was in his opening action with the young and injury-decimated Islanders.
Of course, plans are always subject to change – especially if DiPietro has a setback. What if Poulin stars again, if he gets the chance to play Thursday against Ottawa? If the Islanders continue to win games and stay on the perimeter of the playoff race, will Garth Snow and Jack Capuano go with Lawson when the team plays back-to-backs Jan. 20-21, Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 1-2? Lawson is capable, but he is not the dynamic talent, the Grade-A prospect that Poulin is.
Since DiPietro is going to be given every opportunity to prove his knee injuries are behind him and that he can be a No. 1 in the NHL again, the Poulin plan makes sense for the youngster. For now, expect Poulin to return to Bridgeport when DiPietro is ready to play, which should be by this weekend.
Comments on this subject are welcomed.
101 Responses to POULIN PLAN: MORE STARTS AT BRIDGEPORT
Source: NYI thinking long-term with top G prospect
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Big Daddy T says:
Poulin Wall!!!
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Great article CB. I 100% agree with the plan. Luongo was never the same after we let him get rocked by Pitt that one game and he wasn’t until we dealt him. Let’s not make the same mistake. Poulin looks good and may need a couple of years.
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Build the Buzz says:
I can’t.
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Eric says:
Ugh. The presence of Rick DiPietro continues to negatively affect this team. I wish he would just go away already.
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Brian says:
As much as I’ve liked seeing Poulin play so far, this is the right move for his development long term.
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matt says:
I’d like to see this kid dominate the AHL before he’s up here full time.
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Steven says:
I agree with all of this except that I get the sneaking suspicion Poulin gives us the best chance to win. Now if that comes at the cost of his long-term value to the Islanders then it’s best to wait. However, Poulin looks ready to me.
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dmen77 says:
It’s a tough pill to swallow being we want to win now and are excited about a prospect goaltender with no injury history , but this is a move that successful teams make.
We are a good 20 points out of a playoff spot and even if Poulin plays every game here on out and wins 80% of them, we are still looking at a #8 seed and an early exit.
Give Poulin his starts and hopefully playoff experience in Bridgeport, next year could be his year with us.
I rather see another NHL defenseman added now and a top 6 forward for next year, not including Okposo and hopefully Streit returning.
Sending Poulin down is the smart move given our current state.
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mlem88 says:
I can definitely live with this…remember what happened last time we traded our No. 1 goalie for a prospect and rushed a kid up from the AHL to be the back up? The kid sat and watched our former back up play well enough to get in the playoffs(barely)…then became our gm, while aforementioned kid/goalieofthefuture got a 15 year deal, and here we are. Break the cycle I say, let Poulin develop properly and learn to STAY IN THE FLIPPING CREASE…errr sorry “vietnam” flashback there…
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James says:
This is the right move by the Isles. As much as I have loved watching Poulin play, I want him for the long term and letting him play in bridgeport is the way to do that.
No need to rush him when he can get even better down in the AHL. This decision has absolutely nothing to do with DP and for those who think that; you need to give it a rest
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Marc says:
Send him down to shield him from the reality. He looks like a keeper!!!
Get a top pick (hopefully Top 3) and continue with the re-build. Would also be nice to see progress with a new building but that’s wishful thinking. One would think that with fans staying away, if positive news re: a new facility came this coming off-season and knowing that money needs to be spent on the roster, in addition to the positive strides of some of the kids, the attendance would jump substantially.
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BIGSAVE77 says:
I think he has already dominated at the AHL level and I think he is ready. With Dipietro’s health I still feel he would get to play in at least 20 games from here on in. At the end of the season send him back to lead Bridgeport. Either way I won’t be upset and am very proud of the scouting staff in finding an A grade goalie in the fifth round.
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SET says:
i never want to see nathan lawson in another nhl game.
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As Well as Poulin has played, he does still look a bit shaky at times with pucks from bad angles and bad rebounds. However, his upside is gigantic and he should be in the AHL playing almost every game.
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John says:
Leave Poulin in the minors… he needs the seasoning. Much like when DP was drafted… he was on the farm for a period of time before he got the gig. It’s a smart move.
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bayduvinislander says:
Right on, throw Rick in A.S.A.P. and play the heck out of him. The team will get that lottery pick and DP will be closer to retirement as he will get injured again. Guaranteed. Not complaining.
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mark p says:
Perimeter of the playoff race? If Tambellini played on perimeter, then Islanders are still on thier own goal line. There is no reason to rush him….with DP down, Poulin up makes sense, once DP is back up, send him down.
Isles still need to find out if DP is a 50 game goalie, as most people doubt it.
When Isles are ready to commit 50% of the games to another goalie, then Poulin is the man.
#31 pick on Mikko….. -
GarthMustGo says:
So garth’s Mikko pick not working out, shocker . When are you dropping the bombshell of the story you mentioned last week? No press credentials and still the only reporter covering the team on a daily basis , amazing.
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Rob says:
As many others have said, as great as Poulin has been, and as much as I want to keep seeing him with the big club, he should go back to Bridgeport atleast to finish this season out. The kid looks incredible though.
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islesfan8111 says:
Maybe we dont have to waste any picks on goalies this year. Honestly lets just draft forwards and dmen is that possible??? How about we get a director of scouting quick…
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IslesFanInBkNY says:
I hate fragile Ricky more and more every day but it’s a wise decision on Islanders part.
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JC Frank says:
No reason to keep the kid here sitting, let him play. And if DP is healthy, let him play.
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Andre says:
The big question is what happens next year. I agree sending him to Bridgeport when DP is healthy is the right thing to do. But I am telling you DP’s knee is going to continue to give him problems on and off (knee swelling for the rest of his career)so Poulin could end up being yo-yo the rest of the season. Poulin assuming he has another great camp next year has to be the starter and DP will have to be the backup regardless of his $4.5 million dollar salary. The goaltending issue has to be resolved by next year, and Poulin I believe is a star in the making. I can only imagine how great he will be when the Islanders improve their defense through prospects, trades, and draft.
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admin says:
GMG: No one is saying Koskinen is a bust. Keep in mind, this is his first full pro season after missing most of last year after hip surgery. He is a talent that needs more time.
Mark P: That perimeter stuff was pretty funny.
CB
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csk says:
a ridiculous plan
what else is new
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Poulin plays the #1 team in the NHL to a tie by standing on his head
of course, he isn’t ready….
he has nothing else to prove or learn at Bridgeport – the level of play in the AHL is much lower – Poulin has nothing to learn there anymore – send DP down to see if he can still play more than once a month without getting re-injured
maybe DP will go away one day – his contract is a plague on this franchise
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Usually I agree with most of you on this post, but this time…I can’t believe what I am reading! Poulin is ready!!!! Why is lawson even a consideration here? Why are we so afraid of winning, yes we are, because you guys have to be blind not to see this kid gives us the best chance to win. Development? I honestly feel that he will get much better experience in the N.H.L, than at the Bridge. This business of “not rushing” is ridiculous. Some players are ready to play in the N.H.L. at 19, others, are not even ready on their 30th B’day. If everyone insists on playing D.P. for the next 10 yrs—fine, but I want Poulin backing him up! This kid has poise beyond his years, keep him up–give us a chance!
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Phil says:
Enough with DP, and Lawson doesn’t belong in the NHL. Keep Poulin up! DP is detrimental to this team.
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Phishstyx says:
I’m sick of Rick
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Lean Cugine says:
Lawson reminds me too much of Dipietro. A cocky kid with not much talent.
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I agree..let DP and Lawson finish up this disaster. No need to subject Poulin anymore to this
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Smart move if it happens….but all it may take is another great start by Poulin for Snow/Wangs to make an irrational decision and keep him up thinking they can sell a few hundred more tix.
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IsleFan73 says:
I say this without sarcasm. The sad truth is that I think DP would benefit more playing in Bridgeport than Poulin.
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ryan says:
This is good for poulin,however DP needs to stay healthy,or poulin will have to play and that will ruin him!!!
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BringBackNyles says:
It is not if DP will have a setback, it is when.
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Ted S says:
As long as DP is healthy?…he hasn’t been healthy since 08′…Stop with that, He’ll never bee healthy, tired of being lied to by this team.
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This is the right move, The Wall belongs at BP mastering his skills. Give DP the rest of the season to see if his body can handle the workload.
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poulin is the future and everyone knows it. he doesnt need a 15 yr contract though i hope wang doesn’t get too excited. dp start counting down the days you have a uniform..
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Hockey Fan says:
The Islanders sit 18 points out of the playoffs with half a season to play and numerous games in hand. A 4 or 5 game win streak at home against struggling teams this week and the team can enter the All Star break single digit points back with the chance to at least play meaningful late regular season hockey games in 2011. If putting the best team on the ice means having Poulin in net than he should be up with the big club. Bottom line. Teams playing well. Focus should be winning games and not trading, demoting over performing players.
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Cary says:
Like most everyone else I strongly dislike DP and don’t think Lawson is particularly good.
BUT, we’re not gonna make the playoffs no matter who is in goal and I don’t want to pull a Bailey on a great talent in Poulin.
I agree with the plan.
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armyofadam says:
Its simple pick up a vet off of waivers or sign Evgeni Nabokov for a year or 2.
I don’t think your going to get much out of a 27 yr old un-drafted rookie. And you dont know how long till Rick DiPietro hurts hes knee again. Plus Idk how you get ride of a 15 year contract or whatever it is off your books. Good luck with that. Cant they send him to the ahl like wade redden? bury that horrible contract.
And just for the record im a bruins fan.
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The New Isles GM says:
There is no replacement for time and that’s what this team needs. Please friends, remember these kids are young. For once, we are hanging onto our prospects, sending kids back to the juniors and the AHL. This is all anti-Milbury. I know we have ownership issues among other issues like numerous injuries and arena issues. But time heals all of these things. Stay cool Islanders fans, we’ll get there.
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PotvinRocks says:
I agree with them not to Josh-Bailey-him. Even though I don’t agree with you that DP is going to come back with any consistancy. And there is no way DP is going to be healthy enough to play any of those back to back. Even though Poulin has out played Lawson, Lawson is here to stay. Which is why it is so baffling to see them pass on Leighton. Even though he is signed for next year they could always Waive him.
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Bryan says:
CB – I know that you cant answer for sure but in your opinion what happens if DP comes back and continues to be the average goalie he always was. Will they be able to bite the bullet and have him back up Poulin for 10 years if Poulin turns into the star we all hope he does? Or will they spite the franchise and trade Poulin for Kvasha?
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Mikamakela says:
The # 1 job will allways be dipietro despite his louse save % …and despite him never being as good, or better then his own backups(snow,osgood,dubie,roleson,poulin)
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Strummmer's Army says:
OK the nick name Poulin Wall SUCKS! Where it the creativity? That is Khanabulin’s nick name and let’s leave it to him. We can think of something better for Kevin.
I have no problem sending Poulin back down. He’s playing very well at NHL level but no sense messing anything up.
Mikko will be fine. He didn’t play much at all last year but when he did he was very good. He has to get his rythm back.
I don’t have the same faith in Lawson. Perhaps he’ll change my mind. He seems to be widely inconsistent.
However, this season is shot anyway. It should be about 2 things: 1) Continued improvement of players, 2) securing best possible draft position, and I’ll toss in an extra improving relations with fans and media.
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Darren says:
We are all looking at too small a sample size. I realize patience is thin, but rushing in and being rash has led us to this point. Poulin in Bridgeport is the right thing.
I really like the comment on this team playing and having fun with Cappy Vs Gordon. This explains a great deal and makes sense. I have been extremely impressed with the teams effort and skill. I see new value in this season playoffs or not. There are a lot of 1st rounders on this squad who are getting there first real chance or still very young. Stay the course. -
I don’t know about this. Last I looked a hockey net is 4 x 6 in the NHL same as the AHL. Doesn’t a player get better playing against the best competition? Even better if he only plays 1 out of 3 games in his first couple of years is he not learning the NHL, the players, the routine. Don’t laugh , but I think KP playing behind DP he might learn some things. DP is a veteran. He would be facing NHL talent in practice every day! Is there tremendous coaching down there in the AHL? Has Bridgeport been developing great players? I missed that! Didn’t AMAC and Hamonic flourish once they got here? At what point is KP ready? Is there an age for NHL goalies to be declared ready? What changes next year or the year after that if DP is playing?? Does he come up and sit then? The kid is our future goaltender, I say let him stay and learn the NHL now! 50 shots against is pretty good experience for a goaltender I’d say!!
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Isles fan says:
I don’t wonder what the odds are that DP gets hurt again. I wonder how soon after he comes back this weekend, he gets hurt again. My 2 cents is within 8-10 starts.
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Isle be Damned says:
this isn’t surprising at all. While he’s clearly better than Lawson, once 2021 comes back, we don’t need Poulin rotting on the bench.
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Tonelli27 says:
Post # 3 “Luongo was never the same after we let him get rocked by Pitt that one game and he wasn’t until we dealt him.”
Yeah never the same?? pshh because he turned out so bad after getting pounded by shots in one game…Hello! starting goalie for Vancouver and a much better goalie then Dipietro will ever be. But i guess we have another TEN years in order to tell for sure. I feel bad for Poulin and Lawson..they will never have the chance to be starting goalies in our organization. You can’t have a second string goalie that signed a 15 year deal for 67.5 million, that would make Snow and Wang look like idiots…not that that would be an incorrect impression.
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Orange&Blue says:
Yes, but DiPietro is yet to prove that he can play healthy for a long period of time. Also, the team should have their best players on the ice no matter the age. Poulin is our best goalie. For example, Hamonic came up due to injuries and proved he was better than many. He stayed. Poulin did the same thing. He should stay too. Garth wants to make the playoffs. Poulin gives us that shot. Okposo will be back in a couple weeks and this team has found chemistry. Everything is falling into place. Don’t disturb it!
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SIR WILLIAM says:
Why not just recall Poulin every home back to back and then send him back to Bridgeport on long road trips? Bring him up to start and ease him into NHL life by letting him play against the “softer” teams. Only recall him to play, not to back up. It’s not like Bridgeport is a million miles away and this way he can shuttle between both. Devils, Rangers and Philly are all within shouting distance.
I, for one, would like to see him get some more NHL experience. You only get better playing against better compitition.
I am sure the logistics can be worked out and when he is not playing on the Island
he can be starting at the Port.Thoughts, Chris?
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Frustrated Voter says:
Although the winning streak has given me hope, the best outcome for the team, long term, would be to secure another Top 3 pick.
My suspicion is that DP will give it his best this year, realize that his body can’t take the pounding and he will reach a mutaul agreement with the Isles to retire next year with no regrets.
KP has given us a tantalizing glimpse of the future. There is no need to jeopardize his development for any short term gains this season.
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Jerky says:
While I believe Poulin is ready for the NHL, my concern is that he does not have the proper team in front of him which results in 50 shots on net and players taking runs at him because the Isles lack toughness to clear the crease. I’d prefer he not end up with a concussion as a result; therefore, Bridgeport may be the best spot until Snow addresses those issues.
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Michael Delman says:
Lawson is capable? Of what, becoming a career minor leaguer? I don’t disagree with keeping Poulin in the AHL for the rest of the season, but the reality is that Lawson would probably never see the NHL if he played for any other team.
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kenny says:
Does anyone ever get the feeling while reading comments that Garth Snow himself comes onto this website reads an article and just writes in the comments section in the 3rd person about the franchise… because some comments just seem so dead on from a person who actually knows what there talking about. I dunno.. am i completly alone with this thought? Its really not that far fetched considering his slight with botta and knowing full on this is the only real legit source of coverage for the team.
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Jim Clark says: I think lewving Poutine down at Bridgeport to get properly seasoned is a good idea. But playing DiPietro two-thirds of the time is too much. He is too fragile to stay healthy with that kind of a workload. Play him 50% of the time.
Poutine also has to stop complaining when someone uses a spinerama move in the shootout. It’s a legal move- an entertaining gimmick in a gimmick format to end games.
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KennyJonsson says:
@Jim Clark
you’re absolutely right about DP, but that’s exactly why we need to play him alot. we need to play him as much as possible, to find out if he can handle being the #1 again. and if he gets hurt again and poulin has to play, then so be it.also, i don’t think poulin was complaining that much. the reporters brought the spin-o-rama up in the interviews and pushed for an answer, not poulin. its not like he was whining all about like dan ellis.
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hoser14 says:
At 20 years old and only 3 games in the NHL, Poulin looks better technically as a goalie then Ricky ever has. I would not lose sleep if he stays on the Island and plays, if not, play him down in Bport, but he must play.
It’s way too early to use “Poutine”! All I would say is that the person who skates in on Poulin and does a spin job, he should let his inner Billy Smith out and cut’em down with his big stick! That should stop the nonsense.
There’s no crying in HOCKEY!!!
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Sean says:
Can Dp just retire already he knows he can only play 15 games a year at most with his on and off again injuries. He will be the last of the milbury garbage.
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Schultz39 says:
The issue isn’t this year….it’s next year. Poulin should get as many games as possible in the AHL this year but next year he should be a serious candidate for the #1 spot on the Isles….but I don’t see SnoWang letting their 4.5m/yr golden boy riding the pine.
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dave chyzowski says:
#47 How bout a nickname like “Kevin the Poo”?
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tom in nj says:
Love Rick, but he is done. Isles have to live with paying him to sit.
IMO get Poulin and Lawson in there NOW!
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Hollywood says:
Why rush Poulin? Ricky is our guy and until that changes why continue to dwell on it. I have no problem with Poulin spending another year at Bridgeport.
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Brian G says:
What the Islanders should do is start Poulin the next 3 games, tonight, Saturday and Monday – then send him back to play on Tuesday Night 1/18 at the Bridge…that should give the perfect amount of time for THE RICK to get healthy again…and the organization gets a good look at Poulin as part of the possible goalie tandem up next year…so they won’t have to sign a free agent goalie.
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Staten Islander says:
This is the right move. No reason to rush the kid.
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terry b says:
a back up goalie as gm( who bans the only real coverage of his team),assistant coach as head coach,a second rate rink,,,seems right for a minor leaguer to be in net,if given the choice,what proffessional player would chose to stay with this organization(if he has other options) i remember when we were the organization teams emulated,,,
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
This organization’s goaltending will continue to be a “spinning carousel” until either:
1) DP can stay healthy and prove to be a capable NHL goalie, or
2) DP finally realizes that “it’s over” and he and NYI reach some sort of settlement.Bottom Line: Choose your horse!
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Jim Clark #59-yeah lets play DP 50% of the time, so he can not handle a number #1 type workload, so he can keep holding this franchise hostage. Im sorry it’s got to be all or nothing for this guy, this crap has went on for too long.
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Joe G says:
What would it cost as far as the salary cap hit to buy out Dipietro right now?
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thepolishprince says:
I would love to see him get the start tonight vs. Ottawa and then go back to BPort to hone his game. Looks like we may have a legitimate #1 goalie in the making here.
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John Keitz says:
What’s up with all the DP hatred? He was an All-Star before his first injury. If you hate his contract (I don’t), then direct your hatred towards Charles Wang. DP was fast turning into one of the best goalies in the league. Everyone conveneintly forgets that as we all wait for him to become injury free. Maybe that will never happen, but is it DP’s fault that he got hurt? Seriously? DP is a cocky goaltender, and he’s a TOUGH competitor who hates to lose more than anyone on the team. He’s still the best puck handling goaltender in the league. Sure, sometimes he misses a pass, but he handles so much that that’s bound to happen. Even Mark Streit sometimes blows a pass, and he has normal gloves and a thin stick! DP plays like a third D-man, and most of the time, the result is positive. Think of how may plays he has kept alive with a long outlet pass while the other team is changing?
Let it go people. DP is one of us, and I’m glad he is!
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Derek A says:
DP should just be moved to the backup position. Lawson should not be starting games. BUT that isn’t going to happen, if Rick can go he will, but I sadly think that his body wont hold up. Poulin is our #1 he should start like it.
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Stumpy32 says:
I fully support this plan. I’ve said a few times already – unless DP is out for the season, he is going to be the presumptive #1, which would negatively affect Poulin’s development as a high-use #1 in the NHL. Send him to the Bridge and have him start 80-90% of their games the rest of the way. From what I’ve heard through CB and others, Koskinen is not at AHL levels right now, but he’ll have plenty of opportunity next season as their #1 when Poulin comes up here.
What I hope is that DP is tolerable the rest of the way, and can segway himself into a solid backup to Poulin next season, perhaps in something like a 50-30 split, with Poulin playing 50-ish games to DP’s 30.
Lawson, however…I just don’t think the guy should be at this level. For the rest of this season, I guess we’ll have to tolerate him, but I still believe that young players need to have confidence in the guy stopping the puck behind them and cleaning up their mistakes. I don’t know how Lawson can ever acquire the confidence of his teammates. The guy just screams career minor leaguer and the accursed “depth” player.
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Bryan says:
Poulin gives us the best chance to win, we can all see it. Lawson looks to be maybe a capable backup goalie and DP- like his playing style- is all over the place. One decent game, then a stinker, then he’s injured again. He and Radek will never go a whole season w/o being injured. The team looks very promising at this point, but this season is already lost. Send KP back to Bridgeport and let him get ready for next season with the Isles. Give DP the rest of the season to try to get his act together. If he can’t come back and stay healthy this season, then we need to put him in Bridgeport next year. We can’t continue to throw away games next year to see if he’ll get better. He is holding this team hostage and I believe next year is going to be our coming out party and it probably won’t involve DP. If he gets the majority of starts the rest of the way this year, then at least we’ll be getting a top 5 pick
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Cruicky says:
Just remeber that everytime RD has an issue it takes a little bit more away from his ability. You can rehab and workout, but with injuries such as these, with his style, he is never going to be as good as he was before the last injury. Each time he has an issue, it takes that much more away from his mobility. He will never be the same.
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nola-islanders says:
musical chairs
everynight there seems to be 5-10 different players on this team called up from bp.We currently have a AHL line-up. I dont know what to think of this. except DP is not the future, we need some consitancy especaily in net
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EAF says:
DP and healthy should never be used in the same sentence. And Poulin will be our #1 goalie by the time DP’s contract expires.
As long as DP is under the contract the kid has no chance to be a starting goalie. -
David from Sweden says:
Duo of Lawson and DP will secure top3 pick this summer.
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By the way, Anders Nilsson is having an outstanding season in the Swedish Elite League with Luleå. According to several media sources he will not play in Sweden next year. Maybe the Islanders organization got something going on?
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KB says:
An investment was made with DP that has not paid of in the last two years. NEWSFLASH: The team sucked for the last two years until now. This plan is good one. I can only assume that DP hates losing MORE than he hates sitting games out. It is even easier to assume that Wang and Snow HATE losing more than we do.
There are no other alternatives for this season. Let’s hope Poulin stays healty and keeps us in games the way he has and DP will be the backup. They are winning. Playing good hockey…it is fun to watch. Its about time. -
Capuano says Poulin is starting again tonight.
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mike kaczicky says:
I do not agree with the plan, I do not agree with you, CB.
Poulin was clearly the best player on the ice Tuesday. This was no fluke. He played years above his age. He was playing the angles, he moved well, he kept his head, didn’t get flustered, and, to top it off, made a spectacular save with seconds left to get the game to OT. What on earth does he need to prove? By the Islanders/your logic, CB, the Canadiens would have sent back to the minors for more experience a certain goalie named Ken Dryden.
And what all this underscores, yet again, is the totally botched job Snow did at the Tavares draft; what was it? Seven picks in three rounds? And yet he came away with … Tavares, drafting two goalies in the second round, if memory serves, not even appreciating the goalie the Isles already had in their system, Poulin. It scares me to think the players, the skaters, the scorers! that were available with those two picks. -
fass says:
I can’t understand the “send him down” talk!?!? I mean this is the perfect scenario to come up. No pressure on him as the team is well out of the race, he’ll face a ton of shots at the NHL level which is far superior that the AHl and it can only prepare him for next year and beyond. It’s not like he’s an undersized winger, he’s a goalie and goalies need shots to stop to get better. And on this team, he’ll get plenty with no pressure of keeping the team in the playoff race or whatever. And please stop the Lawson bashing- Jesus, the guy played three games 2 of which he played really well and the other he got yanked before he could even blink (and it wasn;t his fault). Should we have yanked Poulin the other night too after two quick ones…jesus
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big dally mac says:
To me a few things should be looked at for next season starting now.
1. Get as many of them back to the AHL as possible Poulin included. Having them all together in Bridgeport for the playoffs to make a run would help all their development.
2. start looking for a respectable coach for next season-what is Hitchcock up to?
3. Dropping ticket prizes to get people in the building.
4. Overpaying a couple of veterans to help the first two lines for just a year or two. (need two wingers, one or two good D-men). Gives youth more time.
5. Make draft picks that improve our future. People complain about this, but it is better to have too much than not enough.
6. Get Konopka signed to a 3-4 year deal at around 800-600,000. He is our heart and soul this year in my opinion.
7. Lock up the young guys:Tavares, Moulson, Okposo, Grabner to good contracts…Tavares till he’s 30 for all I care.
8. Trade unwanted parts for more picks (cap-floor implications).
8. Stop isolating the fans-Botta back in the building would help with that. -
Jeff says:
Please, enough with the team’s total strategy revolving around an overrated and washed up goalie. Cut our losses and let DP begin his new career.
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Perry Card says:
“The Islanders do not intend to deviate from their original plan regarding the playing time of goaltenders Kevin Poulin and Nathan Lawson” Why not play Poulin now. How does anybody know that playing in The NHL now is going to hurt his development. Who makes this crap up. What are they psychic? The Islanders original plan was to make the playoffs this year, so maybe a deviation from their plan would be helpful.
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dan says:
Good to see that the team does not wish to rush kevin. He seems like a great prospect that will only get better. Its good to give him a taste of the NHL but letting him develop in the all is the smart way to go. Plus when DP is back he will be getting most of the starts so poplin will be back when DP goes down again.
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ClarkGillies says:
No one hates DP , he has heart and his love for the team is unquestioned, its Garth Vader and Wang that have caused the resentment with the 15 year contract. How can anyone be so stupid ? The fact of matter is he has had 3 major surgeries and concussion issues since signing and as a result will never be the same goalie but his contract will cripple the franchise for the next 12 years.
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Steve says:
In many ways I hope that DP and the Isles reach some sort of settlement because he been injured so often, but if he could overcome his injury bug, that would be great as well.
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therain93-terriers fan says:
I disagree with those saying Poulin should stay. Although Poulin may face better competition up here, the problem is that the team more likely than not will only succeed if he stands on his head. He may be able to do that in the short run, or in bursts, but that’s too much weight to put on the guy. Let him get a taste of the NHL while DP is out, but give him a better opportunity to succeed playing mostly in Bridgeport.
Anyone else feel a tiny bit bad for Lawson and the way he’s being treated?
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@ClarkGillies
Frankly, I don’t see how DP’s contract “will cripple the franchise for the next 12 years.” The guy is making $4.5M on a team that barely reaches the cap floor, and can spend another $18M or so on payroll. Unless your argument is that, being that the Isles will always be at the cap floor, DP’s contract is keeping $4.5M from someone else, well, sure, I guess. But if the team spent money like most other teams that are trying to win, the $4.5M a year is far from an albatross. Call Jersey to see if they think DP’s contract is even close to the albatross of Kovy’s. Now, that will cripple the Devils for years to come.
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Oh — which reminds me: Josh Bailey was clearly not ready, neither was Nino, neither is Martin and Jonensau and God knows how many others, yet they get full looks — if not a season. And yet everyone wants to send back to the minors after two games a player who clearly is ready!! Only the Islanders!!
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Cold Spring Harbor says:
Tuesday’s 8700 never sounded so passionate. Fun game and a very nice performance but it has only been three games for Poulin and we need to start hitting and checking first as too many teams and officials are taking advantage of us. Beat Ottawa for a change.
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dave says:
send poulin back and let’s see what we really have in DP and Lawson. Let DP come to the conclusion of whether he can or cannot continue. From a realistic standpoint, this team won’t win the cup this year. So just let the kids have fun and develop. Trim the fat for the future. Comeau’s playing well. Trade him now. Same with Schremp. None of these guys are future franchise players. Might as well take advantage now
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I love the “Mikko is a bust” “Nice pick Garth” nonsense. He’s a kid in his first pro season. I thought we didn’t want to rush our prospects…jeez.
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nyislanders93 says:
Very smart plan for the Islanders and Poulin. No sense in rushing him into a situation he may not be ready for. Split the starts between DP and Lawson and let Poulin get the majority down in Bridgeport. Maybe next season it will be time to bring in Poulin to split with DP full time.
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StevieL says:
Hey CB! Can you please explain to us who exactly is in charge of Islander player development at Bridgeport!! I don’t believe half of us can even name the head coach at Bridgeport, yet everyone thinks our young guy’s are so much better being developed in Bridgeport! Who is the goalie coach down there? If there is one!
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anthony c says:
Long term wise it makes sense. I don’t like it since Poulin is holding his own quite well, and was the reason the Isles didn’t get slaughtered against the canucks tuesday night. But Poulin is gonna be our guy sooner then later. And like you said chris, he shouldn’t have to face so many shots a night like he did in tuesday’s game at his age let alone any age for that matter. I don’t think dp can stay healthy a full season, and he hasn’t shown he can stay healthy more then a few weeks or even a month this year let alone the past couple of seasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if Poulin makes the opening night roster next season.
I can live with this.