GAMEDAY: PANTHERS at ISLANDERS, 8 PM
Finally… It’s Time to Play Meaningful Hockey Games
written by Kevin Schultz
updated 10:20am: per Katie Strang, Al Montoya named Isles opening night starter.
Ten years ago, the Islanders played the video above at opening night for the 30th anniversary season. If that video still doesn’t get you pumped for the game tonight and the return of NHL hockey on Long Island, you might be a Rangers fan. That team would go on to start the 2001-02 season on a 11-1-1-1 run and end with a loss to Toronto in the playoffs that, despite coming out on the losing end, has to be one of the most exciting series in franchise history. I certainly don’t need to give anyone a history lesson on where the team his been since then.
Ten years later, it’s starting to look like the Islanders are finally coming up the other side of the rabbit hole they went down after the 2002 season. There’s three NHL-level netminders on the roster — I mean, jeez, one of them has to be ‘the guy’ right? — plus a few exceptional prospects in the system just for good measure. The defense isn’t what we’d like it to be, but again, help should be on the way in the next year or two. There are five forwards on the roster who scored 20 goals last season, the best three of which are signed through 2015-16.
This is a team set up to succeed within the next 1-4 years. This is a team that will be fun to watch. All of the top players are healthy to start the season. The real question that no one can really answer is, ‘how far do they go?’
NEWS AND NOTES
+ On an editing note, I unfortunately have prior engagements and won’t be around Saturday to write a post-game (blog fail, I know). I trust you folks will either be at the game or glued to the TV, so let’s all go out and enjoy this night, eh?
+ If you’re headed to the Coliseum today for the game or any of the festivities, I’d like to invite you to send your pictures in. I’d like to put a reader gallery together of your opening night experiences for everyone to enjoy on the site later this week. Send them to kschultz08@gmail.com or tweet them to @schultz88. Feel free to include your name, hometown and brief description.
+ It’s only October and there’s already only one t-shirt I really want this season; this minimalist Islanders design. (Puck Daddy)
+ Rick DiPietro and Jose Theodore should be the starting goaltenders tonight. (Everyone, basically)
+ Your opening night lineup projection. (Islanders Hockey Blog)
THE OPPOSING VIEW with Donny from the Florida Panthers blog Litter Box Cats (SB Nation)
KS: First off, the big news surrounding the Panthers this off-season was the throwing of money at free agents such as Ed Jovanovski, Jose Theordore, Kris Versteeg and former Islander Sean Bergenheim. How was this received by the fanbase and personally, do you think it was the best direction for the team?
DR: The fanbase – and more importantly the community – was ecstatic that such measures were taken. The initial thinking, historically, was Florida would simply overpay anyone – regardless of pedigree or resume – willing to come to Sunrise, letting whomever the coach might be to fend for himself before a roster composed with very little forethought.
Early on, Dale Tallon had promised a plan to rebuild through the draft (which he has), eliminate the bloated “untradeable” contracts and deadwood prospects in the organization (he did), replacing them with high-character, similarly-constructed players who conform to his internal ideals (the vaunted “Blueprint”)… Signing Kevin Dineen as head coach was likely the most important move of all.
KS: Speaking of free agents, the Islanders picked one up from the Panthers in Marty Reasonser. What should fans expect from him this year?
DR: Reasoner was effective on an ultimately bad hockey team last year, and won the hearts of many fans who hoped for his return, possibly as captain. In hindsight it doesn’t sound as if management nor the player were all that interested in remaining together. Whatever the case, Marty brings good speed, solid on-ice awareness, and relatively exceptional health (72+ games-played over each of the past five seasons) for a veteran closing in on 35.
KS: Finally, I’m going to put you on the spot. Give us a prediction for where the Panthers and Islanders will finish in the Eastern Conference this year.
DR: Yikes…been able to dodge that one all summer. Both clubs are unquestionably going to be better – pointwise – than in 2010-11; what is very questionable is how quickly all those new faces come together. New York probably has the upper hand in that category, as coach Jack Capuano has had a bit more time to establish his system; far more turnover in Florida, combined with 2/3rds of a new bench staff, may conspire against the Panthers in the early going. So many variables for each team to consider, and we’re not even mentioning the rest of the conference, but simply for fun let’s say the Isles take 10th with the Cats at 11. Reality will of course prove far stranger.
AND FINALLY…
Squeezing in some fun predictions right before the puck drops.
- I’m picking the Islanders to finish 9th in the conference, close but no cigar.
- John Tavares to score 31 goals and 75 points.
- Michael Grabner leading the team in goals with 35 and 55 points.
- Jack Capuano will not be on the hot seat, barring any 20 game losing streaks.
- Travis Hamonic will step up in a big way.
Feel free to leave your own in comments and enjoy opening night!
About Kevin Schultz
Kevin was formerly an NHL blogger for the now defunct AOL Fanhouse and was the creator of the hockey comedy blog Barry Melrose Rocks. He now covers the Isles for Islanders Point Blank. You can follow him for instant updates on the team and talk hockey with him on Twitter @schultz88. View all posts by Kevin Schultz →96 Responses to GAMEDAY: PANTHERS at ISLANDERS, 8 PM
Finally… It’s Time to Play Meaningful Hockey Games
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Doug says:
Thanks for the article. The defense looks weak…they need to bring in a NHL ready defenseman soon. Go Islanders!!!
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Ricky T says:
Thanks so much for allowing me to get my IPB fix again. While we’ve all found some other outlets for Isles info, this is still where I start every day. Viewing the video you’ve posted gave me chills and I want today’s tilt to start right now. Just hope I can stay as pumped until then. This should be a better season for us, but I think we’re still a couple of crease clearers and banging forwards away from serious contention. But we’ll be close to making the playoffs and certainly doormats no longer.
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Kaszycki's Krew says:
We make the playoffs if a goalie other then # 39 starts for us.
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MarioGazz says:
Kevin, you are correct about the video, GO ISLES tonight. I cant be there as I will be working in Bridgeports home opener tonight. I hope we have a wonderful opening night. Stay healthy and show who we are. Also thanks for keeping this going Kevin, it is back on my favorites bar.
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AM says:
Woah – Montoya is starting
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T-bone says:
You can call me AL….yes somebody starting instead of red light ricky-wow i am stunned but i love it!
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Once again without haley or gillies in line-up there is not much toughness there besides martin…i understand gillies is injured but if he’s out i think haley is a must in line-up
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Wow-i am so pumped-great video Kevin. Is there anyway you can find a commercial with the tom petty song in backround-believe “dont come around here”…billy smtih jumping in the air hugging another player..believe it was done by the old sporschannel…ive been enfatuated with this commercial and trying to find it..gets u pumped as well-you’d be my hero if u can find this somehow…anyone else know what im talking about?
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Glens says:
Thank god no red light Ricky, going to the game tonight lets go boys lets get that first one under your belts.
LETS GO ISLANDERS ….. -
IslesFan says:
I agree that the defense seems weak, but hopefully its enough to win the game.
Let’s do this thing.
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BeeDubbs says:
Miss Botta but all this coverage is very refreshing. Thanks new guys.
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Erika says:
Thank you JCap! I am so happy the coach realizes which goalie gives us the best chance to win! Love Jack…Love Montoya…both have what we seriously needed…GUTS!!!!
GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
EricCup says:
All Right, Kevin! Love that video. I am SO pumped right now. THE BIG CUBANO!!!
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Mht says:
Thank you Jack.Al Montoya will be the Islanders version of Tim Thomas.Ability,humility, and perserverence.
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Daniel says:
You have to love that video. I hope they can produce something like that for this season. Big shocker on Montoya starting tonight. Very started to finally get this season started, should be interesting to say the least!
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FourCupsin4Yearsnot60 says:
Win or lose, starting Montoya is Coach C saying, “This is my team.” Good for you Jack. I think I’m gonna like this guy.
Lets Go Islanders!!!
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IslanderFAN says:
Not even a first game played already a bad decision….Montoya over Dipietro and Nabokov?? really…really..really
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Not even one game played already a controversy…Typical of The Islanders.
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MadChef says:
Cappy is endearing himself to the fans with this move.only those who produce and by injury or futility DP has not been that guy. Offense will be potent, Defense will look different by midseason but hoping for health and I think this team will suprise. Going to the game Monday, wonder if I will have to see DP then, probably. Lets get that win tonight boys
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Chummlee says:
Kevin, thanks for taking over. The video was great for then. For this year it will need editing. The ending of Lapointe, Scatchard, Peca, and Yashin simply is not the right ending. Add some Tavares, Moulsonm, Okposo, Grabner, Neilsen, etc. Then end with the Bates penalty shot goal into a still image of the Stanley Cup.
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Since72 says:
Like Chummlee’s ideas about what to add to the video but include my favorite scenes from last year. a) The terrified looks on the faces of the opposing d-men when they realized that they were in a foot race with Grabs, b) the image of Haley turning up the ice to go pummel Brad Johnson. End with that one.
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Oh, It’s Brent? Whatever.
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Phil says:
Good Job Kevin. Nice to have some insightful coverage back!
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peter debenedetto says:
Just converted 21 3rd graders in Jersey to be Islander fans.
BTW…. what’s the name of that song in the video?? -
Anthony says:
Great job Kevin! Love Jacks decision to start Montoya. I am also worried about not having toughness on this team besides Martin. These kids need protection and we need them to be healthy. Bring back Haley if Gillies is not playing.
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stephen says:
I was at that game 10 years ago. Sadly I won’t be tonight. I like Montoya starting tonight .
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Islander Fan #18- U R kidding right?
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Tony44 says:
I hope Bailey gets off to a fast start to increase his trade value.
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Winning says:
Dipietro is not a nhl goalie. The rare times he is healthy to play his stats are worse in the nhl, and Always worse then his own backups. (snow,dubie,montoya, on and on and on)
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Ari From Long Island says:
I hope Bailey gets off to a fast start….so he can be a long time productive islander….not a trade chip
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Islanders1932 says:
Great job Kevin. I’ll be at the game tonight, Lets go Islanders!!! Start the season off right!
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Mike says:
Wrote this blog off a few weeks ago Presently Surprised when I checked it out today!!! Going to the game in a few minutes to bad the blueSKIRTS got a pt off Ducks!!! I disagree with 9th place!!! If they stay healthy? 6th place!!!
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Hopefully we find out tonite what our new goal song is…hopefully
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David says:
LETS GO ISLANDERS!
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@Jmig15 are you?
I wonder who many Isles players will get hurts this year
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@Jmig15 are you?
I wonder how many Isles players will get hurts this year
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Alfred says:
Jack: “Ok guys, lets start the season off right!”
Rick: “Coach, my knee hurts.” -
U are the one upset about Red light Ricky not getting the nod?!?!
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Im not upset about that btw Red light Ricky can some of you being more childish then that giving that nickname..thats lame.
if you dont start DP at least go to Nabokov a proven goalie that regulary won at least 40 games per season?? instead of a 3rd goalie like Montoya that suddenly everyone thinks hes a number 1 goalie.
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KaiserVanIslander says:
Great job KS,
Been pumped all day, even more pumped that DP is out! Good is here from everybody!LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!
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doug says:
Needed that video…..putting on the jersey for opening night in a better mood…boy could we use a hot start…let us pray. Ditto on Montoya…DP sucks.
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Claude says:
Go ‘head put” the” redlight” in there. I hope he proves us haters obsolete. Go Isles
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Alice says:
el cubano tiene un pene enorme!
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Staten Islander says:
Do the math, 2 years ago, The Hawks won after 49 years, last year the Bruins won after 39 years. The Cup victory over Edmonton was 29 years ago, our time is now, Go Isles, lets complete the Drive for five.
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give credit to cappy. he knows how important it is for the isles to get off to a good start. for him to start montoya over the the 3rd. rate ahl goalie the isles are forced to carry, shows me that he is his own man and doesnt care if he upsets wang by not starting his boy d.p. if d.p. which stands for dont play, is kept out of 90 percent of the games, the isles will have a realistic chance of making the playoffs.
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anthony c says:
That 30th anniversary video gave me chills and got my adrenaline going that year. Opening night of the 2001-2002 season against detroit was unreal. Building shaking 10 minutes before the puck dropped was like nothing I had ever seen or experienced before in my life. Kvasha scoring 36 seconds into game, oh my god I thought the roof was gonna collapse from the sheer eruption of the crowd.
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Same old islanders?
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Jon in Chicago says: I’ll give them more than two periods to pass judgement, but this is definitely a disappointing effort, espcially in a season opener at home.
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Jim Clark says: If Capuano feels that Juan Pablo Montoya is the best goalie, then he should play him. I just hope Rickety DiPietro is not injured.
Way way early but down 0-2 in the 3rd against Florida? I know, it’s a long season and patience is a virtue.
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martin says:
Garth Snow assembled this putrid defense, and Capuano left P.A. on that first line – Lottery here we come!!!
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Jon in Chicago says:
I know someone will accuse me of being too harsh too early, but anyone who thinks thinks this team is headed for the playoffs is sorely mistaken.
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not good not good at all…Why is PA still on top line? Martin and Hammer only guys that showed up. Isles will have no problems scoring goals?
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Steven says:
I agree 53. The D is way too soft to even think playoffs. Garth better start acting like a GM and make some traded now. Do not wait until the season is over.
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Paul says:
The team is soft and heartless. Good job Snowie.
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Claude says:
Meet the New Islanders – same as the old Islanders.
No passion, no urgency, a step behind and no maturity and reacting to the puck instead of initiating play.
Oye.
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Orange&Blue says:
Im still waiting for the Isles to take the ice. What the Eff is wrong with this team? Loud and full building and they come out flat. Andy Mac looked like he never played hockey before. Bailey and Comeau need to be traded. Haley needs to be called up yesterday. Hell, hope we put Strome in the game Monday. He couldnt be worse than Bailey.
I hope this is just a case of our idiot GM not scheduling enough preseason games. These guys were so out of snyc it was ridiculous. That is because they barely played any games. Thanks, Garth.
Finally, they need to knock off the playoff talk. If you cant beat the Panthers on your opening night, you are a lottery team. Plain and simple.
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Okpososcores3@ says:
Embarassing How do you loose a season opener at home full building against the panthers????? These guys from warmups to the game looked lazy they were beat to pucks had no energy. Who do you blame??? The coach the players. If your not hyped for your opener when will you be? Its always next year we will be better we are tired of hearing it. Maybe wang should of broke the bank for erhoff. After tonights game i would be surprised to see who would spend money to see these clowns play. What a pathetic performance. Were we really expecting a winner?
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MikeInNYC says:
that was awful. They looked like they were skating in quicksand all night, and everyone (except martin and hammer) looked like they wanted to take a hit. That Florida team is not that good. Their D played strong tonight but their top line is what, fleishman weiss and upshall? or bergenheim?
Isles will face much better offenses all season, they’d better step it up.
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looked like they didn’t want to take a hit**
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Everyone relax…while it was a disappointing effort it was only the first game…give Florida credit they played a good road game…#54…the reason Parenteau is on the first line because Nino is hurt…once he comes back he will be playing with Tavares.
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@Doug……enough with the YEARLY excuses, and stop acting like Nino who has done nothing at NHL level is some kind of savior.
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John says:
let’s see…they had a sellout of 16,000 +……figure a regular saturday night against the panthers would have drawn, what, 10,000? so that’s an extra 6,000 fannies in the seats that should serve as hot repeat ticket prospects. they run all these silly ‘commitment’ ads in newsday, billboards, etc. those ads have nowhere near the captive audience that the team had in the coliseum this evening. 6.000 men, women, husbands, wives, friends, sons and daughters. and what do they observe? a lethargic, uninspired ‘going-through-the-motions’ effort that would be the antithesis of their 2011-2012 slogan of ‘commitment’. there was no ‘commitment’ tonight. say goodbye to those 6,000 prospects who with a better effort would have spent money to attend more home games this year. say goodbye to those 6,000 extras going home and talking up the game and the team to their families, friends, co-workers, etc., about their exciting saturday night in uniondale. and, perhaps even more scary is the other 10,000 fans that would have been there anyway….outside of the season ticket holders how many were inspired to see more ‘commitment’ hockey this season? let’s face it, folks: there is absolutely no excuse for playing lazily in a home opener when you’re begging the fans all summer long to come see your new, exciting improved product. charles wang and lancy simply don’t get it: all the bells and whistles mean nothing. until the team wins, spends beyond the cap minimum and makes life miserable for the people in that locker room and front office when they don’t play hard they will be living a hockey version of groundhog day for the remainder of their lives or until they sell the team.
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Joey says:
Let’s be honest, we will know the Islanders have a real team when they actually go out and get a real coach… not another minor leaguer like the past 3 coaches.
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To bad the team forgot the season started tonight!!!!!
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Garthsnow says:
The old guys looked old. Yea, I’m talking about Staios, Mottau, EATON and please get rid of Jay Pandolfo. I cant watch this. I cannot go through another season full of losses. I thought the Tavares line looked decent but didnt turn it on at the right time. No flow whats so ever. Okposo was probably the only one worth the price of admission. Grabner wasnt smart at all with his shot selection.
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Totally agree 61. Many of us have been more than patient but it has it’s limits. You have a sold out crown you better put up a much better show. Losing is one thing but this was a lack of effort. Better not be too many of these.
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Tom D in NJ says:
Yea ok, left Jersey at 4pm, got home 2am to watch one of the least inspiring games that I have ever been to. An un-excuseable effort by the Isles at home, opening night in front of a packed house.
If I hear one more person say its only one game…..demorilized already. -
PS…. Saw some of the Isles “top prospects” outside the Mariott after the game having a jolly good time having their pictures taken and seemingly oblivious to the fact the team laid a big goose egg.Is that part of the big committment campaign?
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That was pathetic!! Opening night sold out crowd and they had no energy or emotion at all. There is no grit,energy or physical play on this team besides Martin and Hamonic. Veterans who looked old and slow. Why is Pandolpho on this team and not Haley. Someone tell them that contact is part of hockey. No size no grit no energy and no physical play= a long season.
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Ny islanders, back in the cellar/basement already. Any chance they make it out of last place this season even for a game or two?
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nyc dork says:
So whats the new goal song? hahaha
you have to think snow didnt schedule a lot of preseason games to prevent injuries. We need a real NHL coach. But wang wants to pay our coaches/gm minimum wage.
The rangers played like crap in their first periods but Torterella whipped them in to shape in between periods. the rangers came out to play their usual aggressive defensive system consistently.
What the hell is Cappy preaching in his locker room? pathetic. -
jeff w says:
how could they come out so flat..unemotional after all the hype….sold out colliseum was like a morge. the game was boring and uneventful..if pitts or philly were here, we would have been demolished 8-0. hope captain jack gets these boys going or its going to be a long season.. i little haley could have went a long way, where was moulson? comeau? baily?, macdonald was hollible…clearly not ready…passengers. on top of that the ice looked so bad.
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NYISLES001 says:
Enough crap already.
Isles organization complains they need a new building, maybe attendence would go up if we did not see the same BS excuses and performance year after year.
Enough dam excuses. How many dam high draft picks have they have had in the last 10 years. It is time for Okposso and Baily to step up, expecially Okposso, as I am getting really sick and tired of his shots hitting the post and Baily playing like a pussy on the perimeter.
Okposso has friggin hands of stone.
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Another thing, sick and tired of these old retreads like Pandolfo and Staios. Would not mind if they would sign somone decent.
Again, how many years have they had high draft picks.
Okposso is the one guy in my mind on the hot seat. It is time to put up or shut up. He should practice his shooting accuracy. He is startng to remind me of Bergenheim. All motion and no hands.
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I guess the point is, we are three or four years in to rebuild and fans want to see the next step, a playoff contender. No one expects them to be a cup contender right now, but it gets old seeing the incosistency. It gets old seeing defensman get muscled off of the puck and flub clearing passes. It gets old seeing Kyle hit the post and kiss open nets. It gets old seeing Baily avoid contact.
It is time to start holding Wang and Management accountable and stop the BS excuses with the arena. Play comkpetiative winning hockey and the rest will take care of itself.
Wang has sucked and I mean sucked as an owner of a professional sports franchise. Instead of hiring a good operations man (a GM), he wants butt boys and yes men, and this had been the big problem.
Also, doesn’t it piss you off that Courtier for the Flyers was drafted 8th and is starting. And don’t give me any BS on this one, since the Flyers have a deeper line-up then the Isles and their pick is playing. Again, the Isles reach for a 1st round pick they done it fopr Baily, Niederreiter and Strome. Who makes these decisions Ken Morrow who sucks as a scout.
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The Baily pick really annoys the crap out fo me for some reason, because Snow reached for this kid (once again). Same with Okposso and same with Niederreiter, so they better be above average or near allstar calliber players.
Again, it is time to throw the crap back in Wang’s face and make him realize what the real problem is and is not a new arena.. It is crappy hockey for 20 years.
You wnat to make money and put fanny’s in the seat, then stop the BS and compete like the Devils have for the past 20 years. It starts with the organization and the GM (like Lamerello and Torrey and Develano).
You can cry about money, but this also starts with making good draft picks, which brings me back to how important it is for guys like Baily and Okposso to shake out the cob-webs and perform. Taveras too, but for some reason I don’t worry about him, but Okposso and Baily I do.
You see this in other sports with the loser Wilpons and the Jets. The same teams year after year contend (tghe Yankees and the Patriots) and the same teams year after year are losers (Mets and Jets).
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“Joey on Oct 9th, 2011 00:34:11 said:
Let’s be honest, we will know the Islanders have a real team when they actually go out and get a real coach… not another minor leaguer like the past 3 coaches.”Joey, I agree. This is the cruxed of the problem. Wang. He complains about them not getting a new arena, but he is the one who has made the stupid decisions that have set this franchise back.
Maybe, just maybe they would have had a more positive voter turnout if they had a winning organization. What I mean is that the No votes woould still be there, however there would be less apathy and more people would have turned out to vote Yes and overwhelme the No’s for fear of losing a winning franchise.
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Again, my final thought. Here is the Isles fan new slogan for 2011 – 2012:
“Sick of the same old BS excuses year after year”
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Isles have had the same problem for 15 years.
There defensman lose battles against bigger fowards. They flub clearing passes on the PK and do not create space for themselves like the Flyers, and Devels (as two examples). The reason Florida was so agressive is that the word around the NHL is and has been for a very long time now to challenge the Islander defensman physical and they will give up the puck or make a bad passing attempt. They need a couple of guys on the back line who strike fear in an opponent with toughness, size and speed (like Pronger)and who create space. They need a big skilled center and more size on the blueline and possibly another big fast winger (Petrov if they can get him over here may be one of the answers also Anders Lee might be one of the other answers, but he is 2 years away). Maybe Pedan and Mayfield are the answers on the blueline, but again they are 2 to 3 years away.
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I watched almost every Islander game last season and Konopka was my favorite player by far. I’m disgusted that he’s not back on the team this year. Disgusted and disillusioned. The Islander’s management has lost my respect again. I feel like throwing up. Such a soulless move, to get rid of him. I may not order Center Ice again I’m so mad.
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Garyfromeastnpt says:
They did look slow and seemed like they didnt have that killer drive–i think having a weak pre-season schedule might have contributed to the slow start but they were catching up to the fast Florida players all night—one game though but effort wasnt an issue last year
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81 games left….get of the bridge….we’ll be ok
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Juniorjunior says:
When do the knicks start?
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When do the Knicks start???? With any Luck NEVER!!!!!! Hope the lockout lasts FOREVER to bad it doesn’t include the WNBA and College!!!!
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@81……I bet you say that every year.
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Nail Yakupov is off to a very fast start with 9 points in 4 games in juniors. Hope the Isles don’t get moved back in the lottery draw again in the 2012 draft.
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JT says:
Thanks Kevin. Great read! That video still rocks.
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Teller McGreenspan 
Kevin, keep up the good work, we all that are regulars here were sad that the original author is no longer here, but we all agree, as long as the writer has the same passion for the blog and the team that we do, it’ll be fine…now as for missing the first game…ten lashes with a wet noodle for you.