TAVARES SHOULD GO TO THE ALL-STAR GAME
Also: Islanders blown out by Blackhawks, 5-0
John Tavares is the Islander most likely to be chosen to represent the franchise at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game when the announcement is made on Tuesday.
Taking Tavares, who has 14 points in his last 12 games, to the All-Star Game is good for the Islanders brand. Bringing the 2009 first overall pick to Raleigh also makes sense for the NHL, often criticized for appearing to focus primarily on the marketing of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
Each NHL team will be represented by at least one player at this year’s event. For the Islanders, their all-star is not going to be a goaltender (their best this season was traded) or defenseman (too many injured).
The decision comes down to two worthy forwards: Tavares and Matt Moulson. Tavares leads the Islanders in scoring and is tied with Moulson for the team lead with 14 goals. They both average around 19 minutes a game. Tavares is minus-17 and Moulson minus-11, so that’s negligible.
(In a purist’s world, Frans Nielsen would also be under consideration. But the NHL All-Star Game rarely has been the place for super-steady two-way centers).
Tavares and Moulson are terrific representatives for the Islanders inside and outside the arena. Both are respectful with the press and the public. Moulson earned high marks for a mini media tour he participated in at the end of last season. When the league gathered some of its top stars for a press tour prior to the season, Tavares has been the Islander of choice.
The NHL Hockey Operations department could go with the very likable Moulson. After all, Tavares is going to play in a few NHL All-Star Games – maybe more than a few All-Star Games – soon enough. From Los Angeles Kings farmhand to 30-goal scorer and NHL All-Star…what a nice story that would be. What a worthy choice Moulson would be.
But you can almost hear the voices from the marketing and PR folks on the Avenue of the Americas: “Get me Tavares.” And there would be nothing wrong with that. John Tavares All-Star Jerseys, with the Islanders logo patch, would be a big seller. Leading his team in scoring in his first two seasons, representing the New York Islanders every day with pride, John Tavares already is a star. Might as well make it official.
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With a decimated D and youngsters in goal, the Islanders are going to have nights like this when the game looks look like a preview of the Harlem Globetrotters vs. the Washington Generals at the NVMC. Inspired by a celebration honoring the 1961 Stanley Cup champions, the Blackhawks honored the franchise and its fans by putting on a show against the Islanders. The final score was 5-0, and it really wasn’t that close.
Nathan Lawson may not have been the answer tonight, but he was more a victim than a culprit. Lawson was not ready to be in the NHL and he may not be for long. Katie Strang reported tonight that GM Garth Snow said he is not making a trade for a goaltender, and Rick DiPietro is expected to return this week. Kevin Poulin against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday? That would be something. Also worth noting: Jack Capuano only gave Michael Grabner 10:02 of icetime tonight. Butch Goring said Grabner was “the best Islander on the ice tonight,” which might say everything you need to know about the game.
Completing a good road trip, the Islanders should have no trouble shaking off this blowout. Starting with a challenging match at the Coliseum against the Canucks, it will be interesting to see if the Islanders can string a bunch of wins together and climb the Eastern Conference standings. After the Canucks, the Islanders play Ottawa, Buffalo and New Jersey at home. They will play the Sabres three times in a nine-day span.
Should John Tavares be the Islanders’ all-star this season? Your choice, and your comments on the letdown in Chi-town are welcomed.
74 Responses to TAVARES SHOULD GO TO THE ALL-STAR GAME
Also: Islanders blown out by Blackhawks, 5-0
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puckhead says:
Well…..should’ve played The Wall…..
the biggest loser 2nite 4 the Isles….their confidence….
Still a good road trip
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Islesphan25 says:
Yes he should…No question about it….
And Grabner tweeted last night he was not feeling well….so that maybe the reason…
Happy with the road trip….Forget this one and move one…The Isles should be more upset about the Oilers loss than tonight..
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Isles fan in CA says:
Sooner or later their legs needed a rest. As a fan I was happy with the productive roadtrip. Would love to see Tavares represent the Isles at the All-Star Game.
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the’ve been playing good hockey this is just one of those games they’ll get back on track and start rolling again
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IndianaIslander says:
End of a long road trip playing an inspired team. There will be nights like this. Lawson is not nhl caliber merely an emrgency call up. Nothing personal kid. Shake it off boys. I’m still encouraged by what has been going on the last month. No team ever went undefeated.
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Chris Stephenson says:
6 out of 10 points on a brutal road trip is definitely trending in the right direction. Like anyone else, I have been ripping the team and management as deserved. Now they they have steadied the helm, and have a VERY nice showing on this trip, kudos to the team for showing they have stepped it up.
Nice job kiddies, keep it up.
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Oh and yes, Tavares should be the Isles All-Star rep.
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The Pork Chop Express says:
This game is perfect example of what happens when you don’t skate. The isles were reaching with their sticks the whole night. It was like they had lead in their pants or no blades on their skates. They did not do anything right in this one. Grabner needs to work on his shot. Over the past couple of games he can;t get one off. I think it is time to send Jousenau and Martin back down. Playing on the fourth line is doing nothing for them. They should be in bridgeport playing more minutes which will help their overall game.
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Jim Clark says: Send Jon Sim becauseif he gets injured in this useless, unnecessary game, no one will miss him. Not that I want Sim or anyone injured but all-star games in any sport are a waste.
Boo to MSG not showing the 1961 Blackhawks being honored or the great Jim Cornielson singing “Star Spangled-Banner”.
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MacD and Frans have been the two best Islander players this season but neither has big numbers and both have missed games due to injury. JT is the face of the franchise so I have no problem with him representing the Isles at the all-star game.
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Brian G says:
Poulin should start on Tuesday vs. Vancouver,then Thurs vs. Ottawa…then Ride DP for the next 4 games. Lets see if Poulin can handle a few games in a row, or if he is overwhelmed, why not…see if he will be DP goalie partner next year.
I could care less who the Isles all star rep is this year..no one really desrves it.
Does every player get a chance to wear an “A” on their jersey this year…who is next after the recent Jurcina & Moulson, Konopka & Gillies…its just funny to see it.
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PotvinRocks says:
Definately Tavares. He is really the only choice.
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Phil says:
Give JT the nod, it will only help his confidence, and show him he is supposed to be a leader in the league.
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i certainly expect j.t. to represent the isles but i rather see moulson for one reason. this would put pressure on wang to give the $$$ he deserves. regardless both are all stars on this otherwise starless team. there will be games like this through out the season but i think for a few reasons including playing so many games in such quick fashion including yesterdays terrific game in denver is not a surprise what transpired tonight. if they can put this behind them and come out strong against vancouver with poulin in net, it should be a fun game to watch.
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AFIsle says:
yes tavares well see how he plays when hes with real nhl players
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Steven says:
I don’t know it’s pretty competitive for that all star spot. You got…um…
Yes, Tavares.
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Brother Rat says:
Well, there are going to be games where we get overmatched and out-skilled, and when our inexperienced goalies will look their age. Sad to see posters already turning on Lawson after what, 3 games, while he’s put up very good numbers at Bridgeport for over 2 years. I’d rather leave him up than risk it with Poulin. Kind of surprising that we’d lay an egg after such a successful road trip. The Hawks came out to play, and deserve credit for looking good on an emotional day for the team. As for All-Star invites, I’d be happy seeing either Moulson or Tavares. Makes no difference to me, as long as we get a guy in the game that logs some regular ice time and doesn’t get hurt. I remember when DP went a few years back, thinking that this would be the first of many…and, though he played well in the game, he injured that hip in the skills competition…
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streit02 says:
Well, theres not much to choose from. I dont think he’s been the teams best player this year. That would probably go to macdonald, but Tavares should be the choice. Moulson’s #’s are similar, but Tavares has more so he should be the choice. Moulson has done nothing more than Tavares and gives no reason to say that the #’s dont matter in this case.
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the defending champs, fired up by honoring the 1961 Hawks, crushed our exhausted and overmatched team playing the last game of a long road trip. glad folks are keeping this in perspective.
heard mentioned, the Isles do not leave the eastern time zone for the rest of the season. lets see what we do in the next two weeks. either we win a few and make it interesting, or we look to the draft. -
shlo says:
Not worried about the game tonight. Tavares Allstar? ok good PR move.
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Onesinceforty says:
JT should represent, no problem with that. Let’s just pretend this game did not happen. Awful!
Le Gros on Tuesday!
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Bob E says:
i would not even consider moulson. Definitely Tavares. I would consider only Nielsen in second.
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IslesfanfromFlorida says:
Tavares is the only real choice, Matty could be a replacement for injured, but JT needs to go, and if the NHL doesnt send him it just shows how much the Islanders and the supposedly one of the best scorers in the last 2 years, mean to the NHL, and that is nothing!!
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Mikamakela says:
Tavares is an all star like snow is a GM. I dont like this all star rule. Who even watches?
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Not claiming to know too much about hockey, but one of my favorite stratagies is to ride a hot goaltender, especially if there is not a clear number 1. If a guy plays a good game, he gets the next start. I would have started Poulin. Lawson wasn’t steady his last start anyway. I agree, let’s see how far Poulin can go, for next year. As far as ALL STAR goes, JT should get the nod.
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Out skated, outplayed, outclassed by the champs. Although they are improving, maybe they can learn something from tonight, like how to keep skating and and be a bit more opportunistic than take one shot from the point and flood out of the zone. That’s why they scored 0. Lot’s of juicy rebounds, but no one near the net to even attempt a shot. Start attacking boys, the best defense is a good offense! Can’t wait to see Poulin again!
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TimQ says:
Let JT go when he breaks out and fully lives up to his potential. He’ll get to several of these but we don’t need to hand it to him on a silver platter. AMac has been our best player this year, but his commercials tell us that he doesn’t want to be noticed. I’d personally vote for Konopka to liven up the festivities. I also like the idea of sending Moulson to get the fire lit under Isle management. Unfortunately in the real world none of this will happen and JT will be going.
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dc23, nice to see someone else who recognizes the value of frans nielsen to the team. his numbers ain’t eye popping. he may not be one of their core, young players for the future. but he is a productive player (14 assists, 3 shorthanded goals to lead the team) and defensively responsible. Hope he gets back soon. don’t be surprised if the isles struggle with him out of lineup.
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Would be happier if either get chosen, but I think JT would get a lot out of it.
I hope Grabner…and Okposo whenever he’s back can work on having that killer instinct when it comes to scoring. Grabner is really good, I think he just needs some more experience and coaching. He can become very dangerous…
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Dave says:
JT all the way, he’s put the team on his back the last dozen games since they started winning again….Moulson has had another fine year and is a top-five 2010-11 Islander (insert sarcastic comment!), but i’m more worried about him re-signing here than whether he should play in the ASG.
tonight’s loss was expected, looking forward to Poulin again against VCR.
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Bags502 says:
To bad both JT and Moulson couldn’t go… Best friends representing their team. Would be a good story.
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Frustrated Voter says:
The Vancouver game will tell us a lot about the character of this team. Can they shake off this blow-out in Chicago and quickly right the ship against a pretty good Canucks team? I hope the team leaders step up. The fans want to believe.
JT all the way!
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Al L says:
So Snow will not trade for or in all probability acquire an established NHL Goaltender to support our 20 year old kid? I’d say there are 15million reasons perpetually on crutches for it and an unwillingness to go an extra dollar for another netminder. Strained adductor muscles take forever to heal. How the heck can DePietro be expected to stretch under his current circumstances?
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Jerky says:
JT to the ASG is a fine choice with MM a close second.
I believe the Isles will have a few more games like this throughout the remainder of the season … it’s a sign of a young team that will experience growing pains from time to time. Good to see Hamonic show some emotion at the end of the second period.
Rant for the evening: if Gervais and Reese were replaced with scarecrows or cardboard cutouts, would anyone really notice?
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izzo says:
I’m sorry, Chris, I just don’t see it. Tavares’ stat totals are comparable to those of Stephen Weiss. Would you consider Stephen Weiss an All-Star? And Weiss is a player who contributes more to the game without the puck, too.
Really, the NHL should not name an Islander to the All-Star team this year. But since that won’t happen, I guess it will be Tavares. Feels a lot like charity for this organization.
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jerf37 says:
Remember when we used to send 3 or 4 guys to the All-Star Game and would complain that another of our deserving guys couldnt go because a team like the Devils HAD to be represented. Those were good times.
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The New Isles GM says:
Once again, we looked like boys playing against men. My hope is that Garth clearly see’s what holes need to be filled for next year. Could you imagine Tavares getting set up the way Chicago moved the puck last night? Point being, for this kid to score 40 goals, we’re going to have to land our version of Marian Hossa (cough; Zach Parise). Unfortunately our depth in Bridgeport just isn’t there yet. Joensuu, Sim, Colliton, Gillies? These guys aren’t going to help you…stats speak for themselves. I can’t get upset over losses this season and excited over wins. This season is a bust. I’m focusing on what Garth brings to the table before the trade deadline, NHL Draft, July 1st. That will tell what kind of direction we’re going with this so called slow but steady rebuild.
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Ever notice Butch never thinks players who are physical night in and out are best players? Guess it tells what type player he was.
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ron b from nhp says:
i think poulin should start as many games as he can lets see what he can do!!!! jt is an allstar in my book??? what do you think cb???
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John should go. We really don’t need anything else to drive up Matt Moulson’s new contract price!
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Seabass says:
FRANZ!!!
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Side note: What is this HBC soccer? If a team doesn’t have an all star maybe it shouldn’t send a player? I love Franz, what JT is becoming and MM’s story and continued production but come on, we are terrible overall, do we really deserve an all star? Or, is this a way of making sure the captains of each team don’t just choose their buddies?
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Derek A says:
It’s gotta be JT, although I play D fense and really enjoy watching AMAC.
Why didn’t Poulin start this one. He is our number one right now, no?
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Bob Bassen says:
Amac and Franz have definitely been the Islander’s MVP’s so far this season but I agree, CB, with your reasoning on why JT should go.
Great to see Hamonic’s passion last night! Ain’t no *Country Club* in his (or Konopka’s for that matter!) game. Refreshing. -
Lance79 says:
File this last one under the 7-2 blowout in pansy land a few weeks back, have a stiff drink and say “NEXT!”. Irritating part is that if we’d taken Edmonton more seriously and if our PP hadn’t taken a night off, it could easily have been a 4-1 trip. Not happy with the loss but I’ll take the 3-2 road trip.
Michael Grabner is turning out to essentially be a faster and less physical version of Sean Bergenheim if only because it’s the same storyline – if only he could finish he could have X more goals, we would have Y more wins, etc. etc.
JT for the All-Star Game is a pretty solid bet. 3 OT goals this year, coming alive the last few weeks. Hope he has a good game to show what he can do when surrounded by fully developed talent.
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For the record, I have not given up on Lawson, just saying we should start Poulin a few games till he drops a stinker, then if DP isn’t back we should play Lawson.
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-17?? That is a tough sell! JT will make it, just not sure he deserves it this year! It would be fun to see what he can do in the skills competition though!MM has been the much steadier player, but I think AMAC has shown to be the most dependable NHL player on the roster.I think either of those is the better choice!
Isles will probably send Doug Weight. Kyle Okposo, where are you?? -
CG says:
JT should definitely go. Despite last night, great road trip. Too bad, after playing in front of 5 straight packed crowds, Isles will be going home Tues night to play in front of 3,000 again. Another snow storm looming for Tues night.
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Tony says:
I’ll repeat myself–Grabner couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. All that speed for naught. What a waste. Anyway, I think maybe 5% of people who watch the All-Star Game would know another Islander player besides Tavares.
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claude says:
Geez..why start Lawson? and why wasn’t he pulled after third goal? Now I can see why other teams gave up on Grabner. All Swedish no Finnish. JT, kids a keeper. Wheres KO? nough’ already
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cjcb says:
zzzzzzz Boring zzzzzzzz god that was awful. Get Gilles back in a Gilles vs Scott fight would have been a nice addition to an otherwise lame game. Exit Sim, enter Gilles!!
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fass says:
We’ re lucky they didn’t start Poulin. Lawson was bombarded with shots all night long and he played EXTREMELY WELL. The first periond alone, it could have been 5-0 and he made outstanding saves. What more can you ask for, 40 saves on point blank chances and a great effort (porbably the only guy who did give an effort tonight, maybe JT too). And Grabner is reminding me of a softer Sean Bergenheim or a Shawn Bates. So many chances just not enough finishes. he had two chances to change the flow of this game and he missed both then he missed another clear cut breakaway and didn’t even shoot the puck! Don’t get me wrong, I like the kid but he has to finish goals in order to keep his job because he doesn’t do anyhting else. I miss Bergy and think he should have stayed with this team in a more defined role. That’s one player they screwed with way too much.
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Benvi says:
Yes,JT has to be the NY islanders all-star. With a team that loses money every year they need to capitailize on every oppurtunity possible to make some money. JT is a very marketable player and needs to get more attention not only in the NHL fan’s eyes, but more importantly in the eyes of New york sports fans.
Not only that but I do think that JT deserves it a little bit more over Moulson. sure Jt picks up some goals off rebounds in front, but he also scores some pretty ones(like sat afternoon in Col). Not that it is an easy job and the fact is a goal is a goal, but almost all of matt’s goals are from his office in front on the doorstep. In a perfect world the islanders are not in the cellar and both of these guys make it on. maybe next year.
Also, can we gave Andy MAc some consideration. Clearly JT and moulson should be picked over him, but he at least deserves to have his name mentioned(I just did) as he has done verything he has been asked to do and then some. And that consists of alot more than was orginally asked in the beginning of the season.
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Funny because I have been impressed with grabners play away from the puck lately. He’s using his speed to get back in the play defensively and using his stick effectively to poke pucks loose as well. Aside from not finishing, I think he’s been playing well. If he could stickhandle and shoot at those high speeds he would be very palffyesque
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Kbelanger33 says:
Grabner fits in just perfect on this team. He cant finish just like the rest. Seriously, we have to be the worst team at finishing year after year.
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Islanders Hopeful says:
To No.39 by your comment I guess you never saw Butchie play.
My votes had been going to Rollie but since that ship has sailed you would go with a guy a who comes to play night in and night out so that I would have to be AMAC or Konopka but since the NHL does not recognize that style of play JT is the selection. He would bring the most PR in terms of figure presence. It would also be nice to how he fares with NHL talent on either side of him. My thought is that the coach puts him on a wing instead of center anyway.
Would love to see Schremp in Skills Comp against Ovie.
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Stumpy32 says:
Grabner is fine…love the guy’s speed, and he’s so much better defensively now from the start of the year. Finishing would be great, but as a 3rd liner, I’m more than ok w/ a guy who can score 20-25 a season.
What do we do with Lawson, really? The guy is a career minor leaguer who should under no circumstances be up here now, later, or ever. The fact remains that if DP cannot play this season, we MUST get a vet goalie to shoulder the load. I do not like the idea of Poulin playing #1 this early in his career, because it has the makings of a disaster. First and foremost, he won’t be as great as he’s looked so far, and second, the team won’t win as much, which I think is crucial to their development right now. They clearly look like a team turning the corner, and they need a solid goalie behind them to make up for youthful mistakes. Roli was that guy, but now that the ship has sailed on him, we need someone, anyone, to shoulder the load. Poulin should be in Bridgeport as their #1, a vet goalie should get 80-90% of the starts the rest of the way, and let Lawson be a sacrificial lamb for 5-10 games until the end of the season. Then have Poulin as #1 starting next season up here.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
I seem to recall a guy from the dynasty years who could skate like the wind, but had trouble finishing early in his career…Bob Bourne. Not saying that Grabner will have BB’s career, but one thing that can’t be taught is speed. Patience, folks, the kid has played what 1/2 a year in the NHL?
As for the All-Star Game? “zzzzzzzzzz!”
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geduffer says:
Frustrated voter (#33) – That Canucks team is a little better than “pretty good”. If the season were to end right now, they would be the favorites to win the Cup just ahead of Detroit. They are that good. DP was great to stone Crosby and Pittsburgh, Roli was just as great to beat Detroit. For Vancouver they’re going to have to bring their AAAA+++ game. I hope thay can, but it’s a tall order.
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Cold Spring Harbor says:
If not JT then maybe CB or KS can go to Carolina. Classic final game of a long road trip, no legs.
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dg putney says:
No JT
because he scores 2 nice goals
no D
can`t skate
doesn`t shoot enough
maybe one day not now
it wouldn`t be the first time it happened in sports
pick Roloson to represent us, he played here long
enough in the first half and truly was our only real player
the islanders and there owner deserve a slap in the face -
Dr Phil says:
What does it take to get 20 spoiled millionaires to work 60 minutes every other day? Wait…..they only have to work about 20 minutes every other day. At their salaries there should be no problem being able to put out 110% every game. If they do that, we as fans, have no gripes, even when they lose. Last nights performance was disgusting!
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mike kaczicky says:
This is what happens when one team, mroe skilled, gives 100 percent and the other team, less skilled, gives 90 percent. You are a half step behind all night, you are outworked for the puck every single time.
That said, Grabner’s got to do more than a Gene Carr impersonation every time he skates in alone on a goalie. And some of the worst calls I’ve ever seen. Usually, when you get a boarding penalty, the thing the boarded player hits first is the boards, not his knees. That was an awful call, the holding penalty on Gervais was awful, leading to a goal, at least three times last night the Blackhawks were offside and it wasn’t called, and I have never, in 40 years of watching hockey, after any fight or skirmish, seen a lineman push a player the way that linesman pushed Tamonic. That alone showed you whose side the refs were on last night. It was as if the Islanders were doing a disservice simply by showing up. -
And I’m sure I see things differently than others, but I don’t see anything that’s gained by Poulin playing in the minors. Any other position, yes. But a goalie …? What’s left to prove in the minors? He’s got all the angles down, he’s got the smarts, all he needs to do now is get accustomed to the speed and skill level of the NHL game. I say sign a goalie with NHL experience (Roloson?) and have Poulin start every third or so game.
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To Pork Chop Express;
You reminded me: agree absolutely: Jousenau and Martin should be sent down. Steve Webb offered more. (Much more.)
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Peter says:
Excellent news: Sim waived again!
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Frankie D says:
Having watched both goaltenders, Lawson and Poulin, I see Poulin as the backup to DP. He is quicker and moves post to post much faster than Lawson. Some of the Blackhawks goals were scored because of lack of support, but Lawson still might have stopped them if he was quicker.
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Bob E. says:
Why shouldnt JT be all star?
#1 vote getting TOEWS has 16G 20A while tavares has 14G, 20A.if JT played for Blackhawks, He would be a minus 17.
Imagine if JT didnt have PA Parenteau on his line. I believe if when tavares gets KO on his line, he will have one of the strongest 2nd halfs in NHL.
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Orange&Blue says:
JT should go based on his skill level, production, and leadership on this team. He will be a star. This kid is only 20 years old and I think many critics forget that. Imagine how good this kid will be in 5 years. He is also a face for the league, especially in Canada.
If there is a rookie game, Travis Hamonic should be in it. This kid is the real deal! How great is it to have a 24 and 20 year old as your #1 shut down def pair. Next year, Streit and DeHaan will be added to the mix. Our defense will be awesome just in time for Poulin to take over as the #1 goalie of this team. Time for DiPietro to realize his body can’t handle the workload. He is finished!
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terry b says:
lose jousenau…keep martin around with gillies and konopka,not a bad 4th line,,hey were not fighting for the cup but we could be fightin….true martin is not steve webb ,,but he is the closest to him weve had,let steve webb mentor him,even better use jousenau to practice on
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Sean says:
JT would be perfect for the all star game, defense is not expected from the forwards, right up his alley
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MIKE says:
Joensuu is a sin. Hes one of the biggest guys on the ice and seems like the biggest you know what. He reminds me of Brett Lindros. A big guy that does nothing and is afraid of contact and the puck. Bye bye.
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Will C. says:
jj= Built like a freight train, drives like a volkswagen…sound familiar?
Anyway, JT needs to go the game, it will boost his confidence and help his growth playing with some super skilled players. GO JT!
Word app!! JT all da’ way. Yaaaa boiii