CAPUANO TO RETURN, WEIGHT, TOO
NYI lose finale, enter Draft Lottery in No. 4 spot
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According to a source, the Islanders are expected to sign head coach Jack Capuano to a new contract over the next few weeks. The deal is likely to be for two years. Under Capuano, the Islanders were 26-29-10 after the dismissal of Scott Gordon in November. After Dec. 15, the Islanders were 24-21-8.
The team is also looking to finalize a title and job description for soon-to-be-retired captain Doug Weight. Over the last three months, the 40-year-old Weight has spent some time working with general manager Garth Snow. Before taking a spot behind the bench during the Islanders’ recent games, Weight watched several games from the Coliseum executive suite of owner Charles Wang.
After Point Blank first reported in late January that the Islanders and Weight were discussing a position for him in hockey operations, Weight went on record saying the coaching life was not his first preference. Since Snow is not the smoothest of interview subjects and guest speakers at team functions, perhaps the eloquent Weight will carry a title such as Director of Hockey Operations and serve as the face and voice of the franchise’s front office.
Nothing has been hammered out yet with Weight, who has a home on Long Island and an interest in staying here. As one of the game’s most respected and liked players of the last two decades, he could have other options. Nevertheless, all signs point towards Weight staying with the Islanders.
There could be a shuffle behind the bench of the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate in Bridgeport. Pat Bingham took over a depleted roster and impossible situation with the Sound Tigers after Capuano was promoted to the NHL. He is an excellent teacher and liked by his players. However, his return for next season is not set in stone.
For all of the Islanders’ coaching and front office moves this offseason, expect the organization to keep it in the family. Since replacing Gordon, Capuano has been living in Snow’s home. A new NHL contract should enable him to find a place of his own.
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The Flyers scored two goals in the first 40 seconds, blew the lead, but came back tonight to beat the Islanders, 7-4 and win the Atlantic Division. P. A. Parenteau scored his 20th goal of the season. John Tavares scored his 29th, Michael Grabner his 34th and emerging stud defenseman Travis Hamonic scored a power play goal for his fifth. Philadelphia scored six goals on 38 shots on Rick DiPietro. Peter Laviolette pulled Sergei Bobrovsky. Capuano never benched DiPietro in favor of Al Montoya.
In the MSG Network studio, Patrick Flatley called the game ” a clinic on how not to play net” for both teams.
The Islanders completed the season with a record of 30-39-13, finishing in 14th in the Eastern Conference and 27th in the NHL. At the Draft Lottery on Tuesday at 8:00 pm, the Islanders will start in the No. 4 spot. (Point Blank will provide coverage on Tuesday and release our scouts’ poll of the top eight draft-eligible players on Wednesday. Spoiler alert: no matter how the lottery shakes out, the Islanders are going to add a top-line prospect).
Although the Islanders have many, many reasons to be optimistic about challenging for a playoff spot next season, there is this reality: they finished this season with 73 points. The ninth-place team in the East had 91 points. As we mentioned in the first paragraph, the Islanders were three games over NHL .500 in the final four months of the season. The eighth-place Rangers finished eleven games over .500. There is also the challenge of being in a division with Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, the Rangers and Devils – four teams not expected to take steps back next season, only forward.
Besides adding Mark Streit, Nino Niederreiter and possibly an 18-year-old to the 2011-12 lineup, there is more work to be done.
Thank you so much for following Point Blank throughout this fascinating season. The Islanders’ 2010-11 season is over, but coverage and SNY interviews will continue. Plenty is planned next week.
141 Responses to CAPUANO TO RETURN, WEIGHT, TOO
NYI lose finale, enter Draft Lottery in No. 4 spot
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db says:
damn that ot point against pitt cost us #3 in the lottery
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Jzimm says:
I’m disappointed that Tavares didn’t get 30, but he had one hell of a season, and he really carries that line.
I’m also happy to know that the Islander definitely won’t pick lower than 5th. I look very forward to Tuesday, now.
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GeneF says:
with DP in net this team is going nowhere
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This team can not win with Ricky. If you look at how the league is these days you will see 25% of games played to OT or shootouts.
It is also a league in which 1 out of 3 games (if not more) are won by 1 goal.
Ricky is going to let up 1 weak goal every game at a minimum. I don’t know how else to say this but he looks very SMALL in net.
With all the hype and expectations for this team for next year, Ricky’s poor play cant clearly put a damper on it.
If there is going to be a 4 million dollar back up in the eastern conference DP has to be it.
As excited by as I am by the thought of beginning next year with most of this line up, I am as dissatified with the thought that #39 will be startign a lot of game. I hope CAPPER plays the team that gives us the best chance of winning! -
Keane says:
I know this will never happen, but what about this scenario to do away with the overtime loss points: 3 points for win in regulation, 2 for win in OT, 1 for win in SO. ANY loss gets 0 points. You encourage games to end before the shootout and reward teams who overmatch their opponents by winning in regulation.
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BB says:
SORRY folks, if Jack wants to be coach, he will have to accept the fact that both the owner & GM are in love with Rickey. Unless the Islanders can score 7 goals a game next season, another lotto pick will be expected for 2012-2013.
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Brian G says:
Before any talk of playoffs next year, they need to address the DP situation…they are not making the playoffs with this guy…you can not depend on him to be healthy or even stop a puck on a regular basis. Way too many soft goals…I like Montoya but you cannot depend on him to play 60 games next season.
This team as a whole has to prove they can win MEANINGFUL games from the start of the season on…..this season was over before thanksgiving. They need a strong veteran presence in the locker room who is not washed up, maybe Brendan Morrow?
The coaching staff must carry this play into next season….. -
stevek1510 says:
hey cb….thanks for another great season…keep it coming!!
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Gary91922 says:
Let’s say that Garth does the right thing and adds a vet forward, top 2 lines at least, and a stay at home vEt d-man and DP realizes that the end has come……
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nosebleed says:
No matter what this “organization” does to improve this team, it doesn’t matter. As long as that pathetic waste is in goal, they will never move forward.
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Isles in VA says:
Ricky
Please do something to support your team. RETIRE! Clearly and sadly the game has passed you by. We love what you were, not what you are. Your teammates deserve better, and if you are honest, you know it too.
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dp will play next year there is no way around it if hes healthy and plays well he will play 40 to 45 games if hes healthy and plays bad he will play 20 to 25 games and if he gets hurt poulin, koskinen or nabokov lol will come up. After next year if he plays well he will be on the team in 2012-2013 if not he will be bought out because there will probably be amnesty in next cba so if we buy him out after next year there will be no cap hit.
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rob says:
ADAM LARSON i can dream right… will be picked 1 or 2. come on lottery ball.
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Mtrico says:
Next season, we’ll still have DiPietro in goal. Sigh.
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Oren says:
Hamonic, wow, what a find. A true gem. Islanders have struck gold, and whether it be luck or preperation or a combo of both, you need that sort of luck with players like Grabs off waivers and Hamonic drafted. Couturier is my choice if he is available to the Isles. At 6’4 he is a point machine. Cannot pass him up. Even with Tavares on the team. Look, good teams have 2 good centers. If you need to trade Bailey to get there, do it. I don’t see Bailey being a fit. Couturier
is the real deal from what I read and watching you tube. Great job this year CB. I would say “keep it up”, but I know you will…a big thanks to you for PB!! -
Strummer's Army says:
C’Mon Chris, not one word about the NHL’s organized efforts to hurt the Isles at every point?
Carcillo talks crap and lays down challenges like crazy in pre-game, Hamonic challenges him. Should have been 2 each or at worst 2 for roughing to Hamonic (never mind that is a dishonorable way to play the game Carcillo). Instead the refs grab not 1 put 2 Isles off the bench Gillies and Konopka and toss them in the box for 10 minutes each?????????
Later then take away the Isles best face off man again on the bench? How can you toss people for stuff they say? Game is not called the same for everyone how about addressing this Chris?
You wrote that the refs & NHL would start being being fair to the Isles when the Isles started winning well they’ve been winning. Shouldn’t the game be called the same for every player and every team the same?
Hamonic, Tavares, Grabs so many good things happened this year. I just don’t understand how the Isles can be competitive with the sorry defense and have an organized effort to hurt them by NHL & the refs. NHL is corrupt and maybe we need to start calling and emailing NHL sponsors and telling them until they fire Campbell not to sponsor the NHL since teams are given an unfair advantage and NHL cares nothing for player safety.
Weight should be hired in some capacity and so should several others.
However, Capuano does not deserve to be simply handed the head coaching job! It has to be a fair and open search other wise Isles are short changing themselves. His record was not overwhelming and he didn’t get much out of several players. He may be the man for the job but let’s see who else is out there.
Some how this team needs to address the years of injuries to them and the Sound Tigers.
Thank you for this site Chris.
Campbell is corrupt!!!!!!
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Steve M says: DP is miserable. He is such a setback to the team, and the sad fact is that he is going to start over Montoya who deserves to be the #1.
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moonshine says:
very easy to knock jp after this game. unfortunately, talking about how bad he is doesn’t make montoya good enough for a steady #1. we all know how tough that building is on the islanders and we know the isles’ makeshift defense. tonight dp, besides his own faults, got peppered. good shots from all positions and throw in a couple of defensive giveaways that let flyers walk in all alone. i thought it was appropriate to leave him in. a good lesson, if nothing else.
the flyers ground them down. by the end the isles weren’t crisp any more. didn’t have the mental/physical stamina for 60minutes. again, that might be on the coach.
the offseason is full of questions. goalie, the important draft, possibilities for many trades. interesting that butch mentioned moulson. people want to trade lesser pieces, but then it’s hard to get anything back. imo it’s still a brave man who predicts that this time next year the isles are in the playoffs.
minus – i know it’s msg, but i could take only so much of rose babbling about his rangers. he was so into it he completely lost track of when flyer penalties were expiring and had them ‘short-handed’ when the isles’ goal had finished off the second of the flyer penalties (because the first already had expired before). even when he finally ‘corrected’ himself rose still got it wrong.
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Joe says:
Please tell me that this was year 15
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brian says:
Jack taking bows after the latest loss.
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Daniel says:
Another season comes to a close. Chris, thank YOU for the wonderful coverage this season. We all appreciate it so much. I am very excited about next season. Yes this year did not go a planned, but it is what it is and we are able to start fresh.
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
DP…
Isles now have to score 8 goals minimum to win the game with DP in the net. Wow! Money talks? And whoever trying to tell me that DP cares about this team is full of s@#t. And what with Butchie calling every single DP’s save “Spectacular” or “Great positioning”? Is this being “Positive enough” bs?
At least everybody else on the team (besides Bailey) came to play.
Thank you, CB, for sticking with us through another season.
Here is to great Draft pick and great next season! Let’s Go Islanders! -
gus mouse says:
chris – please let us know what options Garth has with Nabokov. Can you imagaine a healthy and motivated Nabokov with young, improved Isles talent? Ricky is the wild card — soooo we shall see.
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Dmoney says:
Cant wait for the draft lottery, draft and October!!!!! Looking forward to the future and i love you Ricky but you lost it and i think need to hang it up. Lets go Islanders!!!!! Also thank you Botta, amazing site.
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johnnyjet says:
Welcome to the islanders Jonathan Hubredeau! Trust me on this one. He is flying up the charts just like Nino did. He is in the middle of having a remarkable playoffs. Keep your eye on this one.
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Jim Clark says: Almost as depressing as the 10 years left on DiPietro’s contract are the 20 years left on the Cablevision deal. Islanders have a power play in the second period? Show a commercial in the middle of it. Lots of non-Cablevision subscribers can’t get HD feed? Wang is silent.
Biggest minus is CB is persona non grata. Give him his credentials, Garth!
Meanwhile in Manhattan we saw why Chris Drury was clearly an Olympian as he came off the injured list to lead the Rangers to a victory while the Hurricanes choked badly. Shades of 1970.
Islanders finished 14th in the conference which makes me wrong in predicting them for 15th. But not as wrong as CB picking them for 10th and the playoff talk that came from the Islanders.
Too bad that Montreal won’t play Tampa so we can see the Garth bowl: Islanders leading goalie (Roloson) against the Islanders leading scorer (Wisnniewski).
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mrlbem says:
At least Patrick Flatley tells it like it is. A nice and refreshing counterbalance to the false praise Butchie throws DP’s way. The save of the game would have been wide LOL!!! And nothing is ever Rickey’s fault according to Butchie.
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Hoser14 says:
Captain Jack should be back and DP should be gone, gone, gone!
Why wasn’t DP pulled after the second goal? He’s still making the same rookie mistakes by badly over-handling the puck.
I’m sorry but DP is one of the worst goalies in the NHL and if the Isles are serious about taking the next step in 2011-2, DP must either be a back-up goalie or be gone.
It’s time to turn the page on worst Draft trade in NHL history: trading Roberto Luongo and drafting DP.
PS: FREE CHRIS BOTTA!!!!
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Gary in Fla says:
Unless someone is moved theres a numbers issue wiht the D corps. You have Jurcina, Eaton, Mateau, and Streit coming back. Why sign another D’man that forces a Hamonic or A-Mac out of thr line up? What more is there for either to prove at the AHL or in the press box? Even resigning Martinek doesn’t make sense at this point.
CB Great job again this season even with no access. You run a great site we all love thanks again!
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Staten Islander says:
CB, 1st let me say, thank you for everything this season, especially after “the incident”
NOW…
PLEASE Cappy, name DP the back up next year and Big Cubano the starter, DP is the hockey equivilent of an accident waiting to happen.
I can’t wait to see what Grabner’s numbers are like next year
JT, next year 40, and please stay healthy during the Worlds, same with KO.
Mark Streit, come next year, you’re going to FINALLY have some help back there, say hello to young Mr Hamonic, he’s a keeper, just ask Amac.
PA, nice season, see if you can’t bulk up a little.
Matt Martin, love ya, the scout this week said your skating needs work, find a skating coach
Chef Bruno, sorry for all the bad things I and others here have said about you, but I’d only want you back if we can get you on a 2 way deal and send you to the bridge till someone gets hurt
Matty Ice, enjoy the bragging rights at the family gatherings this year, glad you’ll be around.
Frans, I’m praying you get the Selke, you deserve it
Martinek, you’ve been around so long, and nobody was more surprised than me that you were mostly healthy this year. If you’re not back next year, let me thank you for your service here.
Cappy, you did one heck of a job, I hope CB was right.
Scott Gordon, lost in that bad stretch was that most of the lost games were actually close, and that in 2 out of the 3 games in California, 1 more goal in each of them would have meant victory. Sorry it didnt work here, hope it does elsewhere.
Garth Snow, heck of a job finding hidden gems, PLEASE settle your differences with Chris, good things are about to happen, lets not have any bad feelings and lets start with a clean slate.
Charles Wang, you were pretty quiet this year, can we please get a new house on the Island, can we have certanty as to where they will be in 5 years once and for all? Not having that hurts when it comes to attracting good free agents, its not fair to anyone, especially us fans who are emotionally invested in the Blue and Orange.
For the 1st time in several years, we have HOPE! Yes i know its a tough division, but there is now HOPE, an thats something.
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Couturier, period. Watch this dynamic playing itself out again: Isles pass on Parise, he goes to the Devils, we rue the day. Isles pass on Couturier, we rue the day again and Devils draft him. He’s a leader. He BANGS, he led the league in scoring, he’s 6’4. Imagine him creating room on the powerplay in front of the net for and with Tavares…people say his defensive game is just as important as his offensive game. He hits hard. This is the complete package the draft has not seen since Crosby. Please don’t pass on a great talent , again. I have hope for Snow, he’s done well…DRAFT Couturier.
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DRIVE45 says:
With Wang and Snow leading this team you have to hold your breathe at the draft. Assuming we stay at the number 4 pick, you have to also assume that Larsson, Nugent-Hopkins and Landeskog will be gone. Someone rising up the draft rankings is a center named Johnathan Huberdeau of the QMJHL. Keep an eye out for him. That meaningless point Friday cost us one of the top three. But DO NOT trade the pick.
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Isles6 says:
Strummer, Howie Rose said late in the 3rd period that one of the things the team will have to address during the summer is the short stick they have gotten from the league. Have an audience with the powers that be, and let it go. Or they will have the screw put to them again next year.
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#30 Gary in FLA, Isles management know that Hamonic, Streit, and Mac D are the three best d-men they have. Hamonic and Mac D would not be sent down. Isles will allow Martinek & Geravis to go. Anyone else should be upgraded if possible and the fact that those players (Jurcina,Eaton, Mottau, Hillen etc) are signed should not (if he wants to win) deter Garth from aggressively attempting to upgrade the D corps. If they want to do seriously be a playoff contender they drastically upgrade the defense. None of the above mentioned guys would be hard to move if needed.
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Oye Comeau Va says:
Can anyone really see DP playing more than 30 games next season? While he is deemed “number 1 goalie”, I guarantee that Montoya gets significantly more starts. DP will surely develop nagging injuries and soreness, so I’m sure Poulin will see some time as well.
Happy we’ll be picking no worse than 5th and have 10% chance of winning 1st pick. At least we can be sure of getting one of the following: Larsson, Landeskog, Nugent-Hopkins, Cotourier, or Huberdeau.
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i want to be optomistic for next year but finishing 500 for next year wont cut it. as cb said with the other teams in the division only expected to get better, even if the isles finish next year with 20 more points then they finished with this year, that probably wont be enough to make the playoffs next year. yes there is a lot more that has to be done. however that takes something the isles wont do. they wont spend money and still will be at the bottom of the cap floor and they wont make smart moves and trades to do what is necessary to compete with the other teams that will only get better next year. when you throw in d.p. in the equation who is the worst goalie in the nhl by far and a arragant dysfunctional cheap management team which is wang and snow, i dont see how the isles can compete with the rest of the nhl. dont get me wrong, i am very proud of what the kids have done and cappy has done a tremendous job in taking over the team but unless wang and snow are willing to do what is necessary to finally compete and win and realize they need size, strength, a top foward and admit that as nice a guy d.p. is, he should play from now on as many games as 7 th round draft pick cody rosen played this year which is zero, they will never win.
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jeff says:
Mercifully, the season is over. Color me one happy ex-season ticket holder. This team is not the team I grew up rooting for. Garth Wang can take their free parking and yearbook and put them in an empty Nassau Coliseum.
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Claude says:
Listen, Wang and GS aren’t stupid. Come next year if Dp has not found his game they will not choose his contract and 7 goal games over the team. I think DP means well .but the guy has to learn how to relax and stay within himself. He drags down the confidence of the team with erratic play. That first Philly goal was a rookie mistake
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Forgot to ad: Thanks, CB, for making another nauseating Islander season somewhat tolerable by giving us a place to vent!
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Hollywood says:
With the season officially over the boys can take some time off and then get right back to work. First and foremost they need to get Ricky’s timing back. Yes people it’s his timing that’s off. Too bad they don’t have a summer league for him. He doesn’t need rest he needs reps! If he gets some playing time then he should be ready to go next year. All in all the boys played hard to the very end. I feel like they should deal the pick if they can bring in a star like Malkin or Heatly. So much upside for this team, I’m proud of them and look forward to October!
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Jon in Chicago says: I wanna be optimistic and I have good reason to be optimistic, but with this team it’s so very hard. Can we please win a road game against the Pens and Flyers next season? Is that too much too ask?
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Colin M. says:
“In the MSG Network studio, Patrick Flatley called the game ” a clinic on how not to play net” for both teams.”
Well with DiPietro in net, that’s a given. As always, he’s quite reliable with his .840 save %.
I know it sounds like a broken record with us CB, but there HAS to be an out for the Islanders next year in terms of DiPietro. I don’t believe for a single second that anyone in the organization is under the illusion that this guy can carry us into the playoffs, nonetheless deep into the tournament.
I remain hopeful of a buy-out, but you know the ins-and-outs a lot better than us, CB. And you say it’s not gonna happen.
I also want to reiterate some prior words of thanks from other posters about your coverage this year. I discovered this blog for the first time right before this season began. I was born and raised on Long Island, but moved to Boston for college and now live in San Francisco. Obviously, there are no Islanders fans in either place, so it’s nice to finally have a place to go to read about my team and talk to some like-minded folks about the sport I love.
Well done, CB. Well done. (And apologies for the novel.)
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Thanks for doing this CB!
It’s time for us fans to begin looking ahead … and not behind. Plenty of challenges ahead of this young impressive core … Nothing is going to be given to them … The hard battles are just begining.
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jamal says:
the only way this team ever makes the playoffs is if dipietro retires. i really hope he will realize what hes doing to the team and finally see that he will never help the team with his so-called “goaltending.” the best way he could help the islanders is by calling it quits in the offseason. We finally found some real goaltenders in montoya and poulin. its their time now
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Hintonio says:
Can’t believe the season is over. Just like the fellow above me, I discovered this blog just after the draft party last year and have been glued to it ever since. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us Islander fans. Can’t wait ’till next year. Until then, I’ll be waiving my Islanders flag proudly on the back of my boat on Short Beach!
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Confused Islander Fans says:
Charles Wang has to get off his wallet if he expects this team to make the playoffs.
Awesome job on the blog, Chris. I have really enjoyed reading what you have to say and hope you end up back at the Coliseum, where you belong. Keep up the good work.
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Denis says:
Team goes nowhere with DP, the worst goalie in the league. Who is too selfish to call it a day.
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eric says:
it was sad to watch. Dp. is done,and i think
he knows it. watch reaction after one of six goals. yes he love the team, yes he is a worrier. he’s just not the net minder he wants to be. make him the back up and move forward. everyone wins that way. -
sean says:
Yay dp you show that you really suck, enough with this guy and excuses for him. He is a waste of space. Yeah he had young defense in front of him but a good goalie makes saves.
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Steve C says:
Good to hear Cappy will be back next season. Also it would have been better to snap a long losing streak in Philly tonight.
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Frustrated Voter says:
I have a feeling that the hockey gods will look kindly upon the Islanders for not intentionally tanking at the end of the season and correct the injustice that the Isles have faced from the NHL (ahem Campbell) by rewarding them with a top two pick.
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Rich says:
Goaltending is 70% of the game…do the math for next season.
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Jim says:
If they don’t resign Konopka, I’m not coming to a single game next season.
No. Of course I will, but you get my point. Lose Konopka, and Tavares will be splattered all over the ice on a nightly basis.
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Bob says:
The franchise will never compete for a playoff spot with DP in net. With yet another top 5 pick, Snow cannot afford blowing this year’s pick with another Josh Bailey. With everything falling right in the Islanders favor, and barring a relatively injury free season, the playoffs will still be a stretch. Sign Grabner and Konopka!
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I just read an interesting post about Cablevision in these comments. Living in Dallas, you may not think I’m affected by Cablevision’s doings in any way, but I watch every game, and almost every home game was broadcast via the Islander feed, and most road games were. BUT, the game against the Penguins was Pittsburgh’s feed, and tonight’s game was Philly’s feed, and that really upset me. I like listening ot my own guys (Howie and Butch). I have to think that Cablevision has something to do with what gets aired on NHL Center Ice.
The upside? I love hearing guys like Keith Jones and Bob Errey speak in such high praise of John Tavares and Travis Hamonic.
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Jim says:
Hey #6 LOVE your idea. You should send it to the NHL.
With all the success this year the playoffs are still a long way off. The guys have not shown they can win big gamse in pressure situations, which is something young teams rarely do. There are holes to fill and it remains to be seen if Wang will spend the money. The draft will not cure all the issues.
And finally, the team has a gaping hole in goal. If they give DP the number 1 spot it will be another long year. If they make him a highly paid backup then they have to find a real #1 which they currently do not have.
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Joe says:
“I know this will never happen, but what about this scenario to do away with the overtime loss points: 3 points for win in regulation, 2 for win in OT, 1 for win in SO. ANY loss gets 0 points. You encourage games to end before the shootout and reward teams who overmatch their opponents by winning in regulation.”
Why so complicated?? Why can’t we just have Wins-Losses like every other sport now that every game has a winner and loser? Do away with points completely.
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Islanderfan19 says:
Thank you so much CB for all the work you put in and the commitment you show for this fan base
It was a tough loss but now we have to look foward to Tuesday hopefully the 10% chance works in our favor and we win the top pick…that could really be huge for the franchise
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hathead68 says:
Thanks for another great year CB… keep it up. Here’s to hoping Charles and Garth come to their senses and realize that lifting this silly ban on you is best for them, you, us fans, and the Islanders organization. It is an injustice to you and us and makes the organization look bad.
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Winning says:
While its good to see dougie weight getting that position over entourages’s kevin connelly, like botta said, it takes a wild imagination to figure isles not finishing last in the division next season. Teams with lowest payroll in the sport only make the playoffs 20% of the time AT BEST.
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KaiserVanIslander says:
CB How many picks do we have in the 2nd and 3rd rounds? We gotta have a few 2nd rounders. Other then JT seems like we do better in the 2nd round.
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isles83 says:
No matter what they do this offseason with trades,draft,waiver pickups, FA signings (LOL), if this team cannot stay healthy we are going nowhere. They have to figure this out because this is a yearly occurrence. CB, as always great job this season.
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Steve K says:
Hey at least Ricky got us into the draft lottery!
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Chris says:
If Garth & Wang are serious about competing next season they will have another NHL Goalie here next season in case DP is the same DP of the last 3 years. I like Montoya & Poulin, but that can’t be your plan when you go up against the best in the world. If you want to talk about how great these young men are & how they fight for each other then management must have their back as well or the locker room will be lost if they work their rear ends off only to have soft goals lead to another lottery pick.
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StevenK says:
Hi everyone,
There’s definitely been a great deal of improvement with this team. While I know some die-hards were predicting a run at a playoff spot, but I think we all know that was wishful thinking. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. However, there are a few comments I’d like to make about this year.
I understand John Tavares will be an integral part of our team for many years to come. As much I appreciate the find that Moulson was, he and Parenteau are shirking Tavares’s progress. He needs a top-line winger. There’s a reason why P.A. was a big scorer in the AHL and not in the pros. If you put him on the second line, he’d have nine goals the entire year. When Johnny T was drafted, he was described as a “Dale Hawerchuk”-type player. A good player? Yes. Consistent? Yes. But not a superstar a la Crosby, et al. I liken him to Eric Staal of Carolina. Good enough to be a prime-time player, but not in the upper echelon of typical NHL superstars. Six 100-point seasons though is a great resume.
I have an idea that may cause some debate from Islanders fans, but hear me out on this. I think we all know the chances of Zach Parise wanting to come here are slim to none. That being said, if there is a chance some kind of trade can be worked out, this is what I am thinking: Offer Kevin Poulin, a top prospect, and a #1 pick-make the deal so irresistible that the Devils have to take it. Now I know some fans will be screaming “You want to give up our future?” Let me explain how this can work. The Devils will need a young goalie. Brodeur is on his way out and I don’t know if there is any answer in the minor leagues. Johan Hedberg is a capable backstopper, but he’s also up there too. They also need cap space, a very valuable asset in this day and age. The Islanders need a scorer to ride shotgun with Tavares. It makes sense for both sides. Even if the Devils threw in some salary to help offset the cost. Keep in mind the Devils are losing a top pick for circumventing the cap with signing Kovalchuk. This is not Alexei Yashin all over again. Zach Parise is a winner. He comes from a winning organization. That can have a very big effect. I know this may hurt us with losing Poulin. But eventually, there will come a time when the Islanders will have to cash in their chips to make a serious run at respectability.
As far as DP, if he should retire (and who knows at that point) and Nabokov still refuses to report here, then we need an answer for our goalie situation. I’m not so sure that Al Montoya is someone who can be our horse for winning games. I believe the goalie from the Coyotes, Ilya Bryzgalov, is a free agent. He’d look good in blue, orange, and white.
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Jerome says:
islanders friends,
unless dipietro has a miraculous summer and comes to camp sharp, he must not be part of their plans. he is demoralizing the team with erratic decision making and soft goals. he’s GAA was 3.16 coming into the game, so it went up. it seems like he’s good for letting in 4,5 a night. unless you’re the 70s Kings or the 80s Oilers, you can’t win that way. when is everyone not on this message going to wake up? it infuriates me that we’re beholden to this player and this contract. let’s cut our losses and move on. he’s a franchise-killer. you think Tavares or anyone on the team enjoys busting their butts and have DP let in another softie? This situation is a disaster and the deal was only done because DP took a “discount” at $4.5 million per, because true No. 1s can command more than that. the Isles made a deal with the devil and this is what you get. Brodeur never signed more than a 5-year deal. This situation is mind-blowing and must be remedied ASAP. have a good summer everyone. -
Mikey says:
If the goaltending does not improve, we are looking at another bottom five finish next season. Rick Dipietro was statistically one of the worst goalies in the NHL this year, and the stats don’t lie. He consistently let in at least one soft goal per game. With more parity in the NHL these days, every point is crucial in a playoff race. You cannot afford to lose 10-15 games by one goal because your goalie has no lateral mobility. Forget Brooks Laich, Adam Larsson, or any other potential acquisition. If Garth does not acquire a veteran goaltender to split starts with Montoya, this team will not even sniff the playoffs next year. Some people want Poulin to play, but I think we owe it to ourselves to develop our best prospects properly. Perhaps Montoya could play 70 games and stand on his head, but I wouldn’t want to bet the season on that.
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Zarley Z says:
CB,
Is it perhaps time that you address the DP debate head on? It’s clear as sunshine that it’s a MAJOR concern throughout Islander country and your followers here. Unless I’ve missed a post, the most you have had to offer on the subject is that he’s here to stay and will be starting some, if not most games. We all get that, but I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that a write-up discussing the situation would be of value to your readers.What are your thoughts on his performance this season? Do you feel he deserves the starting job? Do you think he can maintain consistent health and/or a consistent level of top performance? If not, will the team be willing to “bite the bullet” and relegate him to backup in favor of a goalie that outperforms him? And should they continue, will his health issues be a distraction/detriment for a team poised to take the next step?
I’m not trying to egg on a love or hate-fest, I just think it’s a topic worthy of discussion here. If it’s something you’re not willing to touch, I get that as well. Your work here is appreciated and first class for Islander fans, thanks for another very informative season.
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Jerky says:
Chris, thank you for another entertaining year of Islanders news and interaction with fellow fans.
I’d like to personally thank Capuano for starting DP tonight and helping us cement that #4 spot for the lottery on Tuesday.
#56 (Jzimm) – it’s really strange … I’m in LA and I received the Isles feed on Center Ice for both the Pitt and Philly games. Not sure why it would be different between Dallas and here, but it’s not the first time I’ve heard this happen.
I recall forecasting the Isles would have 74 points this season, so they finished where I expected them to. While I see them improving next season, can they reach the 93 point plateau to make the playoffs next season (97-98 points in the west)? Goaltending will be critical and the D needs better players than Gervais, Hillen, etc.
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93 Miracle says:
Look as much as Brooks Laich would help us with size and some playoff experience, I think the free agent I look at is Joni Pitkanen. He is the best defensemen available and will get big money but the did offer 6 mill to Paul Martin and Pitkanen is better but not worth 6, probably gets 5. I give him 4 years 20 mill. Hes a solid #2 defensemen on a contending team> hame him with streit, then you have amac and hamonic and we got ourselves a defense. Katic looks good. De haan is going to be solid at the point. We just need to add some size on defense and maybe one big 4th line player. Konopka needs to be back and I believe will be. I am very excited for this upcoming season and hopefull we can get the first or 2nd best player in the draft somehow. Hoberdeau is a name I keep hearing. Hey atleast we will have a pick between him, Couturrier or if Larsson slips; Adam. Hope we pick the best one. Couturrier definitely has the size! Lets go Islanders.
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Neologizer says:
Surprised this wasn’t mentioned:
600 man games lost to injury: tops in NHL. If that was a more normal number Isles would likely be in the playoffs right now. -
David from Sweden says:
Couturier was voted best player overall in the QMJHL last week, a league where Huberdeua plays. We don’t need smalish centermen like Huberdeau. I would also trade our 2nd round picks + player/s (Marinek/Parenteau??) to get another 1st round pick this year.
Hate to disappoint the “get Adam Larsson” people but he had a really disappointing season here in Sweden. He’s been horrible in the playoffs so far.
Assuming RNH will be gone, here’s one hoping for either Landeskog or Couturier.
Not so sure about next season as many are. As Chris pointed out, we’re almost 20 points behind the teams just making playoffs. It’s going to take a lot to get there just face it.
All in all it’s been great to see JT, Hamonic, AMac, Montoya, Poulin, Grabner, Nielsen developed into really good hockey players since Cap took over. Streit, Nino + pick and hopefully a pre- season training that minimize injuries will do this team good. Any FA pick up will be a bonus.
Great work with the site. I come here everyday.
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lotto draught says:
Time to take off the blinders here folks.
The Isles are obsessed with employing as many American born personnel as possible regardless of the talent they possess for their positions.
For examples see: Snow, Gordon, Cappy, Weight (C), Guerin (C), Ricky, Montoya, Eaton, Mottau, Hillen, Reese, Okposo.
When was the last really good Isles team you ask? 1993! Case in point: Turgeon, Thomas (via UK), Hogue, Healy, Flatley, King, Ferraro. From what country?
Where were the major players on the Dynasty teams from? Look at the names on the banners. Where are the architects Torry and Arbour from?
Why did the Isles dump Luongo for Ricky?
I’m not anti-American, but for F sakes Wang, enlist the best available people for this franchise.
Seriously – Capuano? hahahahaha
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Salon says:
Howie and Butch kept talking about trading the draft pick… This cannot happen, remember the Yashin trade. Finish the rebuild off with another top 5 pick either Couturier or Huberdeau and bring up El Nino. Garth has to add a top d-man to play with Streit and keep A-Mac and Hamonic together as the top two D pairings. I would love to see him give an offer sheet to Shea Weber but I know it is wishful thinking. This is the first season I’ve followed IPB and I wanted to say thanks CB for the excellent coverage!
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NYISLES001 says:
No more excuses. Need to make the playoffs next year.
Time to get rid of Dipietro, Okposso and Martinek and Hunter.
Okposso is frustrating to watch, he can’t hit the grand canyon if it were the net.
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Okposso – great skater, with no hockey sense and goal scoring ability. He will never get better then he is. Time put on waivers.
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We have had it with Dipietro.
He has been nothing but a disaster for this organization from day one. We wasted a number one overall pick on this stiff, and he is terrible. Get rid of this guy.
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isles14 says:
i miss islander hockey already
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if capuano lasts two years the most i hope is that a little stability develops. the isles still have many tough days days.
btw, living at snow’s house might explain the way captain jack seemed to balloon.
they were bonding at the dinner table.
and captain jack ate his way into the coaching job.
thank you ipb.
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Allison says:
Thank YOU Chris–with everything that happened to you this year, you still found a way to keep this website fresh with some great and informative SNY TV pieces, and your insight is always appreciated. Not to mention you put up with (and expect) all the DP bashing…I was at the game last night, and what struck me was how much worse DP looked live than on TV! But, let’s face it–there’s little chance he’ll be healthy much more than he was this season, so you can call him the #1 but what difference does it make what you call him? If he does stay healthy than maybe he’ll get enough playing time in to start to get back close to his old form? Of course we’re thinking (hoping) playoffs, but, the injury situation must improve in order for that to happen, even if the team improves drastically. I still believe that without all the injuries that would have happened this season. There are so many bright spots–it’s a joy to watch Hamonic play defense, and Grabs 2 breakaways a night (even if he doesn’t always score). And, JT, even while not getting 30 this year, took a giant leap forward and certainly will be a 40 goal scorer at some point. Not sure what all the misconducts are for Z, and I love the guy, but he and Gillies must go in order for this team to have some legitimacy and be treated fairly by the refs.
Counting the days until training camp already…
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steve says:
this team sucks…. sorry i should say the scouts gm and owner suck . if you boneheads didn’t realize that who snow hires for a job are all his friends and not qualified people. look at kerry dwyder he was an intern and now he’s head of scouting players and runs the hockey operations in bridgeport. if you dig you will find a lot of more under qualified people working for this club.
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Billy the Kid says:
Sorry to see a very exciting season end, but this young team did accomplish something after Cappy was brought in. All the out of town announcers and the talking heads on TV/radio hockey shows are now talking respectfully of the Isles. Most have even gotten past the “playing without pressure” garbage.
They are now the “gritty Isles”, the “rising Isles”.
With a better reputation, the addition of Weight to the management staff, getting good FA’s to come here will be not as hard. Not talking supertars like Zetterberg or Malkin, but a level or so below like Brooks Laich will not look down on coming here if Wang doesnt turn the offseason into a circus act like he has done in the past.
If Garth undre rates what Konopka brough to the team he is a fool. The lony way you justify replacing a guy who brought what Kono brought is to get a bigger, better, faster Kono. If he can get Jason Chimera as a replacement for Kono I will be happy. 6’2″, almost as fast as Grabs, great PK and defensively, drops the gloves when he has to, and can get 10-12 goals a year.
Otherwise, I want Kono for at least 1 more year to keep that locker room loose but focused, and keep the peace on the ice for the kids and skill players.
CB, we will beat out the Devs in teh division next year and will be at least even with or better than the Rags. But like all have said, DP can not be a #1 or all the progress gets thrown un the garbage can. If we use him 20 games that will be too much. -
Joe says:
Team will rock in a couple of years! keep the faith isle fans! #73 go scratch and put on your Ranger sweater now that they backed into the playoffs. I like the isle goalie prospects so if DP continues to have issues with lateral movement, we have Al and Poulin waiting to pounce on the #1 spot!
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The morons at the top will not be able to justify having DPuke as the number 1 goalie…”healthy” or not. This guy is a complete joke on the ice and really has no business being in the NHL. But again, this team is run by a bunch of clowns that will swear up and down that Dpuke will get them to the playoffs.
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The Danish Backhand of Judgment says:
Thank god.
Cappy is as deserving as anyone to head this team.
He IS what they thought Gordo would be.
Even with out the plyoffs this was the best season since the Dubie playoffs season. Im looking forward to a rockin coliseum and the playoffs next year.
GO ISLES! -
greg h says:
Holy Cannoli this place wreaks with negativity. The beginning of the year (before Streit and Okposo) going down saw us finishing 15th anyways by most Hockey Analysts. Then they went down and so did half the team. We ended up 14th instead, not far off the mark, but we did so with the 600 man games lost. So do not be too surprised where we ended up.
A) DP issue, I think if they like him so much, just give him a position in the Islanders office doing something with the Team. He clearly has showed 0 this season. Though I am sure they will give him a chance next year too. This is detrimental to the Islanders though as he can no longer anchor this team.
B) They have to unload Eaton, Mottau, Gervais. Keep Amac, Streit, Hamonic, and Jurcina. Give Hillen a chance to make camp and play well from the get go. Go out and find us a bruiser to play with Streit.
C) Not sure what will happen with Z and Gillies, all indications point to them not resigning and obviously money is not the issue on this one. I would like to Z resigned though. But with Haley as a center man he could take over Zs spot.
D) Find a gritty forward with playoff experience and who can play well and pot some points. Doesn’t need to be a super star though if they try to get one I would not mind.
E) Wang has to tell the fans something. 2015 is right around the corner and we are in the dark. He must have intentions, clearly this is the only business adventure he takes part of now a days full time. There is no way at this point he is waiting to hear back from Hempstead, because by all accounts they are not budging.
F) Draft, not to familiar with this years top crops, but obviously another winger is what we want or player who can play wing. He needs to be big and needs to be able to skate hard. Would like a physical player. That top line needs to replace PAP with a bruising power forward. Not sure if this will be Nino in the future, this years draft pick, or a free agent, but it needs to happen.
G) Cappy looks like he will be back, with a fresh slate and a training camp, more stability will add to his confidence. He looks like he has an open personality and great rapport with the players. That being said he needs to reinvent the power play, it needs to be better.
H) Bailey and Okposo must come screaming out of the gate next year if they want to show us something. They will be with the team so they need to prove that they can contribute on their lines to be able to stick around.
I) Final note, we need a captain. At this point I feel its going to be JT, I think he can handle the pressure. I do not know how vocal he is in the locker room, but through his work ethic, on ice effort and on ice production I think he leads by example. Other candidates would be Streit.
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MickeyBoy7 says:
The problem with Ricky’s goaltending is not that he’s rusty or hurt. It’s his ridiculous style of hitting his knees on EVERY shot. Pucks are flying over his shoulder every period. Doesn’t anyone in the organization look at videos anymore? When will the Isles have professional coaching? All our hires are always rookies or scrapheap cheap hires. That’s our problem.
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FourCupsin4Yearsnot60 says:
CB,
Great job this year under very trying circumstances!!! This may seem overly dramatic (and maybe they miss the playoffs so much I am just used to it) but my biggest disappointment with the Islanders this year was how they treated you, the best source of news and commentary this team has. I was happy the NY/NJ and Columbus Chapters stepped up for Freedom of the Press. I hope Snow/Wang, or at least the NHL get the message and correct their childish behavior.
Keep up the great work Chris.
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Frans Dish says:
LANDESKOG!
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Don Maloney says:
Chris did you really say the refs and the NHL would start being fair to the Isles when they started winning?
No, I did not. I have said the Islanders will re-gain respect in general when they start winning. I have also suggested that they might want to stop whining publicly about the officiating because it will get them nowhere…CB
Now what does that say about this league? Is the NHL one step up from pro wrestling? It sure seems that way some nights. I’ve read blogs from other teams and I was shocked to find that fans from other teams feel the same as Islander fans. Thought it was only us… The NHL must clean house from the top down. Right now the credibility of this league is at an all time low in my opinion. And just so you know I’ve been a hockey fan since 1967 when I was 10 and the only game in town was the Rangers and it was easy to remember the names of all the players on the other 5 teams. I say bring back the days of Kerry Fraser. Put the names back on the refs backs and lets get back to one ref.. Back in the day with bench clearing brawls and fighting at it’s all time high one ref and the 2 linesmen could handle it. Now speak out of turn and they toss guys with a 10 min. misconduct so they don’t have to deal with them. Were the refs tougher back then? I think so.. Seems there are times when these refs make calls just to justify having both guys out on the ice. How many times does the trailing ref make a call 70ft away when the ref 15ft away lets them play? Rediculous. Oh and what is with Terry Gregson? He was a very good ref in his day back in the “old NHL” but it seems since he’s now part of the “new NHL” front office he’s under the impression that today the league is a better place to play. Guess it all comes down to who signs that paycheck doesn’t it?
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People really need to relax with the Okposo bashing. Everyone praised him 2 years ago and now since he didn’t come out 2nd half and light the lamp with a bum shoulder people are saying put him on waivers? These are probably the people saying Garth Snow is a bad GM.
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mike says:
I watched the game on center ice and had the philly announcers. They spoke a lot about DP being small and going down way to often. A few of the goals the entire top of the net was open.
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black ice says:
I respect Ricky. But he is the rock around the Islanders neck, for sure.
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johnnhp says:
Thank you Patrick Flatley for your honest comments. This is not the first time that you spoke out about DP’s bad performance and our chances of winning with him in net. Spoken like a true captain. Thanks again, maybe someone in management will hear you
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i agree wit #74 wow can you say team america give me a break its not the olympics !
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Very nice way of ending the season. We scored 7 Goals in the last 2 games and got Comeau, Parentau, Hamonic and Grabner nice Goal totals. But we needed to lose these unimportant games because it was extremely important to get a Top 5 Pick in this Upcoming Draft. Its possible that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog & Jonathan Huberdeau will be The top 3 picks of the Draft. Leaving the Islanders the choice of picking either Adam Larsson, Sean Couturier or Ryan Strome. Overall they will probably also consider taking 6’4 DMan Dougie Hamilton(a clone of Alex Pietrangelo who Garth desperately wanted at the 2008 Draft) or 5’10 170 Offensive DMan Ryan Murphy(Think Sandis Ozolinsh). Though in January all the Scouts were talking about the ‘Fabulous Four’ Prospects and some Draft Preview Covers will have a group photo of Nugent-Hopkins, Landeskog, Couturier & Larsson, the 2011 Draft Class turned into a Super-Six(Strome & Huberdeau) or even an Elite Eight(Murphy & Hamilton). Huberdeau is like Ryan Johansen of last year, shooting up Draft Charts. Sean Couturier has been dropping. If the Isles get the #4 overall pick as expected, I think Snow & co will strongly consider trading down to #7, #8 or #9. I do not want the Isles to trade our 1st rd pick for an established player. Before this Rebuild is complete the Islanders need to add one more Core Piece. Even if the Draft Lottery goes against us and we get the #5 pick, the Islanders would still be able to add another Franchise Type player.
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jo says:
The Isles may have a nice future. So does Philly (Carter, Giroux, Richards Van Ry etc), so do the Pens (Malkin, Crosby et al), the Devils (with Lou Lamiorello in charge, the Devils will always be a factor) and the Rangers (say what you want, but homegrown kids throughout the linuep and going to the playoffs). It’s going to be tough in this division.
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Orange&Blue says:
1. Thanks, CB, for another great year of NYI coverage. PB really took off this year especially with the interviews on SNY.
2. Why are certain media memebers pushing for Garth to trade a #4 overall pick with when are getting a definite blue chip prospect? Keep the pick and build and trade Josh Bailey.
3. Jack Capuano not only deserves a contract but deserves Jack Adams consideration for what he did with a young team decimated with injuries and that started the year 5-18-5 with another coach. Truly remarkable!
4. Draft whoever is left at #4 between Larsson, Landeskog, Nugent-Hopkins and Courterier. You would think Edm will draft Larsson. Col needs def and Fla needs off. Wonder who will be left?
5. Garth needs to succeed in getting a veteran forward here.
6. Its time that JT, Frans, and KO get letter on their chests to lead this team.
7. Give Grabner the same deal you gave Moulson. You can’t lose this kid. 34 goals! 6 SH goals! With all the missed breakaways he could have had 50 easily!
8. This is going to be a very good summer for all of us in an anticipation for a trip to the playoffs next year.
LETS GO ISLANDERS!!
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2277 says:
if DP is on the team next year, can we chant red light ricky after every “soft” goal he lets in?
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jisles says:
Man, most times this comment thread seems to be a haven for the Islanders most contemptuous fans! Okposo’s a bum? Come on. Too many American players? Jeez, of all places to discuss Islanders hockey this is the most negative and painful to read. Thanks to those who support our team! GO ISLES GO! Were gonna be great.
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danny says: Let’s not forget not only will we hopefully draft big C but Nino is more than likely going to be on the team next year. We have a nice line up of good young fowards and I like our young dmen. However we do need size but we have Jurcina and Wishart didn’t look bad. The biggest concern is goalie, even if Montoya is #1 they still need a number 2 and DP’s injuries have taken its toll on him and any progress. Unfortunately in most cases un athletes he is in denial. The futurle looks bright. Snow did a good job in finding talent. My concern is how he treats people in the media. For example you have a ranger fan announcing our games but Jaffe is gone and this crap going on with CB.
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Warren says:
Well fans our long season is over, but watchout fans next year can mean a lot so don’t give up. The last half of season showed a lot of character that our team has. So Lets start the chant “Onward towards the Stanley Cup for 2012″
Also Thanks CB for a great informative season with Isles this season. Hopefully you and the fans have a great summer. -
BIGSAVE77 says:
Thanks Chris for all that you do I don’t know what I would do without this site.
I just want to say I agree with most of the posts about Dp so I won’t say anything about it is getting to be a little overkill. I would like to see what we have in Okposo and Bailey because if what we see this year is it then we need to trade them. I think Okposo needs to work on his shooting this summer big time. Nino will be here next year and would look very good on Jt’s wing he is having a very good playoff so far with 11 points in 5 games. Huberdeau is doing amazing in the playoffs as well (16pts in 6 games)so I wouldn’t be too upset if ends up an Islander. I really want Ryan Nugent-Hopkins though. Either way we will end up with a very talented player. I have also seen a bunch of mock drafts where they have us drafting a defenseman. We have our pick in the second round plus pick number 50 in the second round and either our pick or Colorado’s depending on who’s pick is higher with Anaheim getting the other pick. I have never been this excited about an offseason as I am right now. Come on Garth pick up the right pieces and make this team a contender next year. GO ISLANDERS!
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TimQ says:
Off season wishes (dreams?):
- Two NHL-ready top 6 forwards. One wing to ride shotgun for JT. A scoring center to pair with Grabner
- A dman with size and toughness
- DP retires
- Isles mend fences with Botta
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50 in 50 says:
So this is it, it’s finally over. I must say this has been a very interesting season to say the least. Imagine the great big up yours NHL if we won the lottery for the #1 pick.
Even though we go a point against $hittsburgh that hurt our draft spot I must say it was fun watching the boys fight till the last whistle of the season. Z barking at that Philly tool bag had to be a definite punctuation mark for a stand up for your team season. Unfortunetly I do not see him pullin down the tie down for us next season. He’s too vocal and Emperor Wang doesn’t like it. I hope Im wrong…
CB job well done, chin up and head high. You were the voice of truth in a front office drowning in a sea of denial. Even w/out credentials you gave us insight to a team that no one else in the press seemed to care about.
Oh yeah Colon u still $uk…
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shlo says:
Capuano deserves a shot, unfortunately with DP in goal it will be a short one.
The future is bright as long as DP is not part of it.
Keep ZK and Gillies .
Snow needs to show some balls and take on the NHL refs. they are a disgrace. -
isles71 says:
Was wondering if anyone saw Philly #93 throw that elbow to JT’s head in the 1st 5 mins of the game…great non-call, they are sure cleaning up hits to the head, just ask Frans. DP is horrible & Butch always making excuses for him…worse…go isles!
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Eric says:
Feeling good about the future. Sadly, I agree with most regarding DP. However, I wish that most of the bashers will try and remember how this guy was our heart and soul for a while and how often those DP chants echoed throughout the Coliseum. His effort is there and I don’t agree that he’s being selfish. He’s trying to salvage his career and live up to his contract however impossible that might seem. Maybe we could lighten up a bit? Same goes for Bailey and Okposo. These guys have not had the proper time to develop just yet. They certainly haven’t been complete failures. They’re the types of players we HAVE parted with in the past only to watch them become solid, if not great players somewhere else. Then the same people who were advocating their release would be criticizing management for letting them go.
Hoping for good luck Tuesday night.
Chris, thanks for the blog and all that you do to keep us all extremely well informed regarding all things Islander. There is no other source for Islander news. Newsday is a complete joke. -
slsangus says: Have to speak heresy here, but the team should trade the pick. What the Isles need is a front line star with genuine NHL bona fides. What they do not need is another 18 or 19 year old who has potential but is at least 2 or 3 years away from making a difference (see DeHaan, Calvin and Niederreiter, Nino).
Some team that’s been struggling at #10-12 in its conference is ready for a rebuild and will part with some genuine talent to snag a top-5 pick.
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Jay says:
thanks for all you do CB. another great year for this blog, hopefully the isles will treat you with some respect next year. you might have to wait for Snow to get fired lol.
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CJCB says:
Well Good luck everyone and enjoy the summer and some good baseball!
CB great job again and hopefully you can work things out with the Isles on a solution to you not getting the press credentials you so deserve. You are our link to the Isles and do an amazing job. Katie Strang who? Seriously you have to get this worked out!!!
Not the greatest season but i feel the organization has taken some small steps in the right direction. Get some size on Dfense and some more skill upfront and i think good things will come soon. Oh yeah and dont forget to sign Trevor Gilles!!
Another high pick wont hurt either and maybe try signing Parise!!!
Lets Go Islanders!!!
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Nyi fan 16 says:
At some point this has to be about winning hockey games and not massaging the ego of our “anointed” #1 goalie. This is a huge problem and I wish Chris and Brian Compton would stop with the “if he’s healthy, Rick is the no.1″ line. Its way past time to find a way to get him out of here..send him to the ECHL.
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Whether Konopka and Gillies are back next year or not, I hope Snow learned how important it is to have tough guys who care on the team..maybe Haley moves to the middle if Z goes..it was fantastic to finally have players who stood up for themselves. You guys made us proud to be NYI fans for once.
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Stephen says:
Few thoughts on next yr:
1 – There should be an open competition for goalie. Poulin and Montoya were without question our 2 best goalies this yr. With those 2 between the pipes we were 13-7-7. I realize DP will be back but at least provide an open competition. If he gets beaten out, let him play at Bridge (that will never happen though).
2 – Capuano said about a month ago that he really missed not having Trent Hunter and that he would have liked him with Frans and Grabner. Hunter should be nothing more than a 4th liner on this team, if back at all. Throw in Nino and there is no room for him on top 3 lines as currently constituted. (again I believe he will be on a top 3 line because of his contract).
3 – In order to take next step we will need something more from Okposo and Bailey. Big seasons for them next yr.
4 – CJ Papa said in pre-game that Hamonic will not have a spot locked up prior to training camp. He is nuts. Hamonic has already developed into our 2nd or 3rd best defenseman.
5 – Keep Konopka and Gillies. Don’t have to dress Gillies every game but should be brought back. Konopka is no brainer in my opinion. -
D in Big D says:
DP was left in game for draft positioning,period.The Isles would’ve taken the win if it came their way but the were not going to increase their odds by pulling DP.Yes the division will be just as strong next year but c’mon CB you gotta admit the league has an issue of some kind w/ this organization.Gillies BETTER be resigned(we can keep in the minors if needed) or mark my words he’ll end up on another team pummelling the Isles so-called tough guys.Dp situation has to be dealt w/.Garth stay the course.Don’t loose patience now.Thanks CB for everything you provide for us fans.GO ISLES!!!
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4theisles says:
Telling it like it is CB about Snow’s lack of politic in dealing with the media vs Weight’s winning personality will not win you PC points with mgmt, but it wins your readership’s repect in being upfront about your opinions.
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16 expiring says:
CB, I know that we are not necessarily pals, and we don’t always see eye to eye, but I do owe you gratitude for being the last man standing that desires to cover the Islanders. Thank you.
I have to repeat this mantra over and over until the day comes: JULY 1 is D-Day for this franchise. I will not be pompous enough to suggest what they should do in the form of draft picks and potential trades, that could always blow up in their face, but I DO know this:
For the Islanders to seriously contend for a championship in the next 2 years, the white gloves must come off and Snowang must 1) sign all of their homegrown RFA’s, as well as Grabner, and 2) utilize the Unrestricted Free Agent market to supplement all of the other facets of acquiring talent.
The latter, God willing, will happen on July 1.
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David Volek says:
Dear Garth Vader, please do the following:
1. Bring back Konopka
2. Buy out Trent Hunters and Bruno Gervais’ contracts
3. Draft Jonathan Huberdeau -
vrinqueens says:
Love Jack but the first thing this team needs is R-E-S-P-E-C-T from the league especially the refs, Having a Ron Wilson/John Tortorella type coach behind the bench might stop some of those ridiculous calls first and foremost.
Its tough to start a game out 5 against 9 because the linesmen are just as bad towards them. -
Oh and bring back Coach Cappy……..the guy’s earned it.
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konokpa will be back with the team. garth will sign him to a one year deal, when its right..
and to that poster that thinks the team is winning..and should get equal treatment from officials..sorry, but I’ll consider the team actually winning when its not finishing out of the playoffs…for the fifteen years straight.
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Offer Tavares the “C” if he signs a contract extention, look forward to Montoya being the starter while Poulin ripens, I’d like all the forwards on the team to be back, INCLUDING Konopka & Gillies, defense needs a monster such as Pronger & they would be set(barring injuries), Coach Cap, heck of a job, see you next year, Garth will do the right thing & take last available of big four (Coutorier/Landeskog),then think defense, Wang should move team to Willets Point & expand the fan base immensely, season was a tough one, but definately had its moments, I’ve been a diehard for thirty years & will be for thirty more…Go Isles!!!!
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Lean Cugine says:
Few Thoughts:
-We’ve been DP’ed yet again. He gives this team no chance to win.
-The Leagues bias against isles has completely became embarrasing and spiraled out of control. If nothing is done about it, next years season is over before the first drop of the puck.
-Significant moves must be made this summer GARTH! and not just Streit and possibly Nino coming back. -
BIG MINUS…-Gillies and Konopka taken off the bench and given 10 min. misconducts for talking some jibberish-(to carcillo for godsake) has that ever happened in another hockey game? i dont think so.
-CB time to expose these lowlifes Bettman/Campbell and the refs! -
Honnold says:
Doug Weight should coach for free for 2 years and the money saved should go directly to sign Grabner long term and give AMac and Hamonic raises.
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Fee-Show says:
Keep in mind the most important factor with this team is tight purse strings.
Despite his success, Cappy shouldn’t be handed the job. It should be an open process, but guys like Hartley or Hitchcock are going to demand contracts in the 3M+ range, which NYI aren’t doing. Therefore it’s Cappy vs. another AHL guy, and with this being the case, it’s Cappy’s job.
As for Z. Trust me, other teams won’t be banging down the door with a great contract for him. Snow will hold his money (600-750K) in escrow in hopes to use it on a FA upgrade. If he can’t get the player(s) he wants, Z is a fallback.
DP is finished. The injuries and inactivity have taken their toll on him to the point where he will never be any better than an AHL goalie. Tough situation for the team with all the years left on the contract, but they really must get some closure and rid themselves of a proud Islander who unfortunately is now their albatross.
Finally, two guys who MUST step up are Bailey and KO. Bails was jerked around for most of the year so hopefully with a set position at C next year he will reach his potential, which I see as a solid 2-way C maxing @ 25 goals.
As for KO, I’m not so optimistic. I’ll cut him some slack because of the injury, but unless he shows some marked improvement next year, it should be his last as a NYI.
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Bryan says:
streit amac
juice hamonic
eaton mottau martineknino jt moulson
grabs frans okposo
pa comeau bailey
haley kono martin -
Jim Clark says:
Is the salary floor going up for 2011-12? With Dead Weight retiring (I thought he did two years ago), Sowang will have to get creative to meet it.
Listen to Don Cherry and draft Ryan Murphy.
Bring back two of the following: Gillies, Haley and Konopka. Look how Taveras, Grabner,Moulson and Parenteau blossomed with them around. Everyone knows that enforcers protect the scorers.
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Rich 55 says:
DP is no longer an NHL caliber goal tender. He does not give his team a chance to compete. Even with the development of this years roster, the addition of Nino, perhaps another stud lottery pick, assume we get a B/B+ FA, and less injuries, there will still be no playoffs next year if Goal tending is not upgraded.
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John M says:
Am I the only one that thinks its bizare for Capuano to be living in Snow’s house? I mean, can’t they rent him an apartment for a few months? Maybe I am too hung up on this, but it seems to me a real organiztion wouldn’t operate that way.
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Jake says:
Maybe Phoenix won’t sign Bryz and the Isles can make a run at him. This team will not win with Ricky D, no way, he’s D O N E.
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Another Year, Another High Draft Pick says:
“there is more work to be done” is like saying God is creative.
You couldn’t make a bigger understatement if you tried.
UGHHHHHHHHH.
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three untouchables: tavares, grabner, hamonic.
two good depth players on any roster: nielsen, comeau.
two returning from injury: streit, macdonald.
everything else is fair game for making moves.
i’d like to keep jurcina, but he goes out of the lineup so easy it makes me wonder if he’s not looking to get traded.
okposo and bailey wouldn’t bring much back. the idea would be to trade guys somebody might overpay. who would overpay for those two right now? you could trade comeau and get back fair equal value, but then what’s the point?
i’d keep haley and martin. -
Dr Phil says:
DP our No.1 goalie? Come on Chris, you can’t even believe that. Even healthy, he is no longer a force in goal.
Secondly, can you find out why the vendetta by the off and on-ice officials against the Islanders. It’s so obvious its laughable.Thirdly, can the Isles afford (not dollars)to keep non-producing Okposo and Bailey on the roster next season? With the talent like Nino and maybe the 4th pick, coming up, could trading them be the best move? A nice package could be put together for a scoring vet. Okposo runs around a lot and gives up the puck very easily and Bailey looks lost sometimes.
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Ski says:
People need to relax about Okposo and Bailey. These two are still young and trading them could be a huge mistake. Lets keep in mind the dynasty that was traded away about a decade ago because people lacked patience. Amazing how so many fans act like Okposo has done nothing for this team. He finished second in points the previous two seasons, losing out to Taveras in the last game of the season last year.
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The Pork Chop Express says:
I hope the players stay hungry this summer and continue to better train for the up coming season. Each one of them need grow their skill sets.
We all knew this was going to be a long season. The biggest take a way we have is real hope. For the first time in a very long time we have a “real developing core”. We need KO and JB to step up and take it to the level.
I really do think this is the team that will be playing next year. There are no big ufas out there and I rather us try locking down the core then spending money on cheap fixes. It would be interesting to see if snow can pull off a deal and secure a stud d-man to play with streit. If we can lock down of d-core and stay healthy we should be playoff bound. Of course Montoya will need to be in net. Ricky needs to turn it around 180 otherwise perhaps this will be our buy out to get to the cap floor.
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Chas says:
Most Fans dont give a damn about the draft spot, that is something the writers and analysts care about because it gives them something to do during the Cup playoffs. I hate that the team loses. I am tired of losing to the Flyers. I am tired of giving up insanely stupid goals. I am tired of forwards zooming around the perimeter of the zone to then make a nice breakout pass for the other team. We have enough young players. NYI lose period.
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kga says:
trying to look at the positives for next year
beleive that we can be competitive with a veteran alongside jt and diff goaltender
the defense -well 2 young studs in AMac and Hamonic with Streit coming back Jurcina healthy/Eaton veteran presences
the back end could be strong
need to improve face off wins
beleive that we can make a run next year
make a trade at the draft bailey and a number 2 for veteran
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Tony says:
Capuano irks me because he never argues bad calls by the refs. He just takes whatever punishment they give. At least Butch and Jiggs complain on the tv broadcasts when the refs make a ridiculous call against the Isles.
Cappy should have made a statement at some point during the end of the season that he was unhappy with the phantom calls against his players. He should have launched a bunch of sticks or gatorade bottles onto the ice as an F You to the refs and the league. Any fine or suspension would have been well worth it.
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anthony says:
This is not a good start to the offseason, dropping a spot in the draft to 5. now we have the young talent, TIME TO BRING IN A SCORING WINGER!!! I know many teams in a tough cap spot would part with that for our 5 pick. the rebuild cant go on forever.
Next, should have interviewed other coachs, not sure Capps is the best here with his compaining to refs, they dont forget. we need a coach with a NAME AND RESUME.
signed,
already depressed
woo hoo 1st