GILLIES MOVE LIKELY MAKES ROOM FOR NINO*
Addressing Expectations for 19-year old and Questioning Team Toughness
* – the Islanders have yet to confirm the Gillies move is to make room for Nino Niederreiter to come off IR, but I’m hedging my bets.
At the end of today’s hour long practice at Iceworks, the team broke off into different groups. A few players were on one end with Coach Capuano, practicing shooting. Another group of defensemen were at center ice doing skating drills. Off in the corner was a curious sight, the newly healthy Nino Niederreiter taking part in his first team practice was taking notes in Trevor Gillies’ fighting class. The two were sparring and tussling in a very serious educational manner. It was a moment of the old veteran teaching his craft to the fresh faced 19-year old. They traded fake punches and Gillies showed Niederreiter how to hold and not hold an opponent in a scrum. Say what you want about Gillies but his actions of helping a rookie learn the ropes — one that likely caused Gillies’ own demotion — is honorable and is a clear ‘team first’ attitude.
Possibly unbeknownst to Gillies during practice — although I’m sure in the back of his mind he knew the scenario — he was optioned to Bridgeport to make room for El Nino, now having to pass through waivers before punching his ticket to the Sound Tigers. Gillies is now eligible to be picked up by any team but I believe he will pass through and be in Bridgeport in a few days.
The healthy Islanders (knock on wood) have faced for the first time a serious roster question. With the imminent return of El Nino — despite Capuano’s non-answers on the player’s status — they now have a fully healthy forward corps and had to make a choice that would have otherwise been reserved for training camp. The groin injury to Niederreiter allowed them to wait a few weeks to figure out who the odd-man out was. Today, we found out it was Trevor Gillies, a move not made unless Niederreiter is ready or days away. Expect to see Niederreiter in the line up by Saturday, if not earlier. In my mind, this is the only way the scenario can play out. The Islanders would not risk Gillies through waivers if it was simply to call up another player such as Michael Haley, who has a similar skill set.
The joy of a fifth overall pick who should make his living scoring, working the corners and throwing a few checks, finally stepping into the lineup will be a huge help for a team lacking in those areas and a cause for obvious fan excitement. The Islanders have had trouble scoring and Niederrieter should help put pucks in the net. However, to think that any 19-year old will have an immediate impact that solves this team’s 5-on-5 offensive woes is misplaced.
Niederreiter could be another power play weapon for Capuano to tinker with. The Islanders are the league’s 11th best powerplay — not bad — but have the fewest goals overall in the league and only two 5-on-5 goals in their last four games. No matter what line he is placed on, Niederreiter will have a positive impact 5-on-5. He should create chances and score goals. But when it comes to how many he will score, expectations need to be limited. John Tavares stepped in and scored 24 as a 19-year old two seasons ago. Josh Bailey had seven at 19 in 2008-09. Niederreiter, to be sure, is no Tavares and he is no Bailey. His goal total when 2011-12 is said and done will likely be between their seven and 24 assuming he stays healthy. But to expect him, at 19, to drastically alter the direction of this team in the standings or it’s scoring woes would be foolish. Maybe the best part of a healthy Nino is that now the Islanders will be able to consistently roll four lines instead of having to shift and maneuver around Gillies.
There’s also another issue that today’s move has created — this Islanders team’s toughness. With Gillies’ departure, there isn’t an established fighter on the roster. While he may be tough in a Travis Hamonic kind of way and took a 101 class at practice today, Niederreiter isn’t a fighter. As someone whose goal-scoring ability will be welcomed, Nino also isn’t someone a team would want to lose for five minutes or more each game. So with Matt Martin, Travis Hamonic and, I guess, Nino Niederreiter on the roster to bodycheck and occasionally fight, the Islanders as a whole will have to get tough. They won’t need to every night. As we’ve seen so far, some teams will have tough guys that this team will have to figure out how to deal with (Matt Cooke and Arron Asham in Pittsburgh come to mind) while other teams will not (a Clutterbuck-less Minnesota and the Rangers). Whether it’s Matt Martin stepping into a role as an enforcer and a capable offensive player, the team as a whole showing toughness, or bringing someone else into the mix — side note; the Sean Avery Circus is certainly not the answer — the Islanders will have to figure out where the toughness comes from now that Trevor Gillies is off the NHL roster.
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 →57 Responses to GILLIES MOVE LIKELY MAKES ROOM FOR NINO*
Addressing Expectations for 19-year old and Questioning Team Toughness
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Brian G says:
Gillies 2 min of ice time a game is not needed…Matt Martin can assume that role. Gillies can be called up if neeeded. I would rather have Nino in the lineup and roll 4 lines.
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John says:
love the updates and the practice coverage today kevin, great work!
not a huge fan of the new layout though. maybe i’ll just have to get used to it.
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Andy says:
Can’t Reasoner drop the gloves?
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DD says:
Who was practicing shooting????
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
It must be Okposo.
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mike says:
So what line is nino going to be on?
Hopefully he sparks the team we need some scorers from people not named tavares.
Garth really needs to make a deal we have to many soft offensive players package bailey or comeu and a first rounder for some skill. Why couldn’t we throw a ton of money at jagr this offseason he has skill and size im getting really sick if watching this team every night we’re not that far away just make a move!!!!-
jimfromstjames says:
you really think Jagr would have signed here?
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dedshark says:
Id like to see grabner moved to the top line…nino put on the second line, and PA on the 3rd line.
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I dunno, I remember watching a game against pens last year, that while involving a fight by Gilles ( and all time bone head move ) actually had some good fisticuffs by Bailey, Hamonic, Martin, Haley….Over all this teams needs to hit more, but as for the standard NHL fights, they have more than enough…..
Now if they could only find a second line center…..
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Terry says:
First time someone takes a run and hurts JT most people on the site will be calling for Gillies.If they plan on keeping Gillies in the minors then Haley should be called up.Nino,Hamonic cant fight that leaves only Martin and Staios to protect the guys.I would rather have Gillies play a regular shift then have Pandolfo playing.First injury from a cheap shot this site will be all about toughness.
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Danfromouteast says: man fourth line of gillies/martin konopka haley sure would look great about now. Matter of fact Z is more productive right now then reasoner.
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The Haley Hammer says:
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
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Yea if we gave him enough money over one year u think if we offered him 1.5 mill more than the flyers he wouldn’t sign yeah right he would have and then he would say I always wanted to play
for the isles -
joe says:
Doesn’t Gillies have a two way contract?
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L. Mo. says:
I like the new format, but I’m pretty sureit was (at least) partly to remove the photo of founding father Chris Botta. Bye Chris. Too bad I can’t read you for free at the Times.
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matt from Holtsville says:
Islanders have lost their minds, we won last year because haley gillies and martin opened up the ice for the young kids. why does pandalpho need to play here? also comeau is looking like a lazy player. winning is not going to be easy with matt martin being our only forward willing to drop the gloves, and quite honestly who in this league fears him???
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Max Talbot.
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ed says:
This is always the problem with the Islanders. No size or toughness. They put together roster for a Men’s recreation league and wonder why they get no respect in the NHL. It is criminal in my mind to have a talent like JT and no one who is able to stick up for him. Defensemen will run him all the time like Tampa did when Gillies wasn’t in the lineup.
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Danfromouteast says:
AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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hangover3 says:
I said it in the summer. Throw Jagr a two year 12 million dollar deal and the team makes cap floor without needing Rollston. The problem is the islanders don’t like great players. They find flaws with every talented free agent. Then they go pay brian rollson 6 million a year. This team comes in last place for a reason every year–they are clueless. From Wang to snow. Neil Smith had no problem signing good free agents.
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Mike says:
Site looks good!!!! Nice Work!!!!
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islesrock73 says:
At least it was fun watching the Islanders when we had Konpka, Martin, Gillies and Haley on the roster at the same time. The young guys knew someone had their backs. Also, the guys above would have as many points as the pointless wonders on the Islanders roster now. Is there anyone out there who would rather watch “recreational players”, as per the post by ed above, like Pandolfo, Reasoner, Rolston etc. then the nasty guys above? Just having Martin is nuts. I honestly think one of our young guys, like JT, could get really hurt by some cheap shot. I will blame Snow for that.
Hay Garth, maybe you should have made an offer to figure skater Peggy Fleming. She is certainly old and tough enough to meet your criteria to be an Islander.
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THE PORK CHOP EXPRESS says:
I think every player on the team needs to grow the Gillies Stache. Perhaps teams will not pick on them thinking that one of them is actually Gillies. The isles need some toughness. It sparks character. Other than Martin and Comeau no one checks at all. By checking the other team you tire them out.
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nick m says:
im almost positive gillies is signed to a two way contract..why does he have to clear waivers? quite frankly nino shouldnt be counted on to have a huge impact on this team. the expectations are way to high for a 19 year old kid. i hope im wrong but nino doesnt score more then 15 this year
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Alex R. says:
Don’t forget that no one expected Travis Hamonic to have much of an impact when he joined the line-up last year.
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lottadraught says:
We know that Chuck tried to eliminate the heavyweight fighter role on his team around 2008-09. It may have stemmed from the Chris Simon incidents.
My theory is that Garth convinced Wanger they needed a fighter to compete last season. Then the Pitt massacre happened and now Charles the Control Freak is on the warpath to ditch the fighters again. Ie. Konopko not re-signed (fan favorite) and Gillies / Haley in the minors.
Good luck to JT getting beat on all season.
Worst
Owner
Ever! -
NYIhockey16 says:
Charming little anecdote of Gillies teaching Nino the art of NHL fisticuffs, but I’m pretty sure he wasn’t drafted to be an enforcer. Also, good point – Niedereider is neither Tavares, nor Bailey. Good on the latter (which kills me to say because he’s still young and I’m holding out hope, but realistically, he’s showing absolutely nothing at the moment).
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Danfromouteast says:
Dear Ottawa Senators we seem to have made a mistake and you have our guy konopka so just give him back and we will give you reasoner and a sixth rounder thankyou
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Bean322 says:
yeah-dan i agree-out of all the things the islanders needed to change in the offseason, the fourth line was not one of them., and they dismantled it! At least martin-haley-gillies line brought energy
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Danfromouteast says:
The islanders should have nit messed with the fourth line. They were doing fine. Reasoner and rolston are doing zilch and pandolfo while he is a good penalty killer so can another young guy ir konopka at least he can take face offs. The defense is old well half is. Bailey I think needs a change of scenery or a year in the minors. Okposo can go to third lune and do what an old pandolfo is doing. Comeau is streaky keep him or package him with Nabokov and eaton for for a good right handed dman. Weber will be a restricted f/a next year if Nashville can’t resign him. Maybe isles can offer up bailey comedy nabakov eaton motteao and a draft pick.
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Danfromouteast says:
Man it would be cool to get cotton gillies and eric nystrom.
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Danfromouteast says:
*colton
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Peter says:
Nino has to play with Tavares. He has a really quick shot, he will battle in the corners, and the two of them could put up some great numbers together.
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jeff w says:
Time to panic and make some big changes Garth! While the rangers and doing something about their poor start what are you doing? Here is an idea….trade Baily, Comeau, Nabokov and a 2nd round pick for a decent dman, waive Pandolfo and bring up tough energy forwards Haley and Cizikas. For the Defence: waive Mattuo and announce Montoya as our number 1. This is what things could look like. At least we could get tougher and spark this place up!
Moulson-Tavares -Parenteau
Grabner-Nielsen- Nino
Martin -Haley –Okposo
Rolston -Reasoner- CizikasStreit-New Dman
Hamonic-Macdonald
Jurcina-EatonMontoya in NET 3 out of 4 games
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gdmike says:
Top six winger available that I would love to see on the Island. DUSTIN PENNER. Top six forward with size and skill and playoff experience. Don’t care what the contract is. Finally a player I see as a nice fit. Come on Wang and Snow.
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The New Isles GM says:
enhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh sorry Jeff W. Nielson is not a legit 2nd line center. I would love to believe he is, but he isn’t. He makes a great 3rd line center though given his 2 way defensive play. While I understand your point, we need an upgrade at Center for the 2nd line so that Neilson’s responsibilities are not held at an unreasonable standard. There’s still work to be done on this team, hopefully Garth is exploring all options.
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Hollywood says:
I’m sorry I don’t get it. What is the obsession with rolling 4 lines. This team isn’t built to roll 4 lines. No way should Pandolfo and Rolston be playing on this team. I believe they r holding this team back.
I also hope Snow doesn’t touch Sean Avery on reentry waivers if the Rags make the call. -
Doug F. says:
The Islanders need 3 players. A top 6 Wing (hopefully Nino), a top 4 defenseman (trade Comeau and/or Bailey) and a 2nd line center..
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Jisles says:
why Gillies? Everybody talks about how his “3″ minutes a night is worthless. Ok Then Rolston,Reasoner and Pandolfo’s 8-10 minutes a night is worthless too because these guys bring nothng to the table. I would rather have gillies there watching JT back then these 3 worthless players. In Gillies, Haley and Colliton. Out Reasoner, Rolston, Pandolfo. This gives the team more toughness, energy and youth. Get it done GARTH and fast!! Lets go Islanders.
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KP -you are definitley charles wang under cover…team toughness alone wins you games..ask the flyers-they hit and fight everyone-that is draining to the opposing team..we let teams skate circles around us with no consequnce..as for gillies chewing up time-how bout rolston,pandolfo,just to name a few-they are chewing up time
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KP says:
I’m so tired of hearing about “team toughness” Such a laughable concept in the modern NHL era. Gillies protects who? If a team is going to run Tavares, really what’s going to happen, Gillies is going to beat up their tough guy? What’s that’ going to do for JT? Martin and Hamonic can mix it up if need be, that’s good enough. Gillies does nothing but drain the lineup of a player and instantly shortens the bench with his 2:30 TOI a game he dresses. Gillies belongs in the Bridge and doesn’t need to be recalled ever again. His kind is no longer needed in the NHL. You need a guy who can drop the gloves, and skate and play responsibly for 10 mins a night.
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Paul says:
Did you actually pay attention last year? Team toughness is what brought them together.
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EJ1SINCE40 says:
Very nice design on the page gentlemen, very nice. I am all on board for the return of Nino, but, eventually they will need Haley.
As I have posted a few times along with many, do NOT understand him being down in the Port.
I really hope Trevor clears and is just a call up from what he brings to the table.
This low in line up muscle may and probably will give teams the green light to extend the physical play.
Only Martin and Harmonic will go, with Matt the more talented with fistacuffs.
Still early, let’s hope we can get the kinks out AND get out of this funk. Jets on Thursday and Caps on Saturday.
Jets are winding down a long road trip and should be had.
Let’s get 2 vs. Peg, sell out the barn for the Caps, and beat Ovie and Co. as they are off a long western road trip also.
Then they can hit the road with some mojo.
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I believe the lines on the near future should be
Moulson-Tavares-Penner
Grabner-Franz-nino
Martin-cizikas-KO
Rolston-reasoner-HaleyDefense can we readjust trade deadline
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RWM says:
Terrible Call. Nobody left to provide a speck of intimidation. We will have an injured top 6 player by Thanksgiving followed by a blind eye from Shanahan. I was so pumped for this team in April, and that has all been traded and waived in 6 months. Went from a Solid Core to Geriatric version of the Ice Girls.
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BanGarth says:
I hope Nino took it upon himslef to get tutored in the art of battle , if this team is asking him to fill that role tjhey should be forced to sell the team. Trade for a tough d man you clown , not hard stuff.
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Two issues here; the 5 on 5 scoring and the toughness. Adding Nino has a big upside. With his high end talent you have to pair him the JT. Kevin, your comparisons to JT and Bailey’s 19 year stats is off base. Nino will be playing with an elite playmaker (JT – who has made a 30 and a 20 goal scorer of Moulson and Parenteau respectively). For toughness the days of a 1 trick pony are over. Need to have tough players who can play….if it is not here, then a trade may be in order.
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Now the team has almost zero toughness. Great new look here!
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stamford hockey says:
>Haley should take Gillies spot. He was a devastating fighter last year, AND he can skate too! He is a classic tough, energy fourth liner that will contribute toward keeping the puck deep and the other team honest.
>To make room for Nino, Comeau and Rolston can alternate as healthy scratches. Rolston is a waste and maybe Comeau is one too.
>Nielsen is a great defensive center, but he is not the complete “two way” player everyone hypes him up to be due to the fact that he lacks offensive prowess. He is OK offensively (superb puck protector), but he is no second line center. He should be one of the most coveted 3rd line “shut-down” centers in the league.
>Bailey needs to be given a shot to play with some offensive players who can give him more opportunities to make plays. He shows flashes of great playmaking ability, but not enough opportunities with the linemates he has been playing with…I would give him a tryout at 2nd line center and see if he can gain some confidence back.
My lines below:
Moulson – JT – Nino
Grabner – Bailey – Okposo
Martin – Nielsen – Parenteau
Rolston/Comeau – Reasoner – HaleyDefensively, PLEASE get rid of Mottau and Staios. I believe the lack of first pass-making, puck moving defensemen is what is bogging down this team more than anything else as the forwards are rarely able to get the puck with speed thru the neutral zone. Hillen is missed at the moment. Garth needs to find a legitimate first pairing shut-down man to play with Streit. MacDonald will hopefully return to pre-injury form, and we need a replacement for Mottau.
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Steve says:
This will be a big addition to the squad and provide a great deal of line flexibility and depth. Right now they need another piece so they can tinker with the (relatively) unproductive 2nd thru 3rd liners, who have not yet gelled in any consistent way this year.
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Staten Islander says:
WHOA! I miss one day and The Stache (who I think has to stay but we’re carrying 3 goalies till DP gets hurt again) and the blog has an entire new look.
I think Gillies has to stay and I’d love to see Haley up too. There’s a lot to be said for putting on the foil.
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Trevor was showing Nino how to defend himself for when he kicks his ass..because another team is going to pick him up, and run JT and nino will have to fight him..This team is so so sad-Garth and wang you suck at life
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Anthony says:
This team is filled with soft players,and has no grit or toughness. You need to sprinkle in those type of players. Before this yrs Pitt game, during pregame show they had a segment on how that game brought the team together and then even showed it again during first intermission. Well now Konopka gone,Haley minors,Gillies minors. This team needs some spark,and those type of players bring that. How can Garth not see this?
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Ed in Westchester says:
Sorry folks, but “spark” isn’t going to do much when the team isn’t scoring.
Start putting the biscuit in the basket and all the complaining about Haley/Gillies/Konapka will be gone.
score.more.goals. -
pruggier says:
Are there any more small old can’t score, skate, hit or fight players left in the league or do we have them all. No energy, aggressiveness, size, or playmaking ability. All the great chemistry that this team had at the end of the year last year and enthusiasm that all of us fans got excited about was thrown out the door by obvious incompetent management.Let’s face it, a third string goalie with absolutely no administrative experience at any level or business should be able to run a hockey team! All we hear is about the drafting job he is doing so then why do they draft undersized players and then not even try to sign them? Somewhere someone has messed up. There has not been a team since 1970 that has won the Stanley Cup who did not have the prerequisite talent toughness and size. Why do we not have this as our goal. I can take not making the playoffs but to not have players who hustle, occasionally fight and show a willingness to protect their teammates this I cannot take. Obviously losing stinks but when players are young and fighting to win you and I can feel their enthusiasm and know that they are improving that is what I and probably every Isle fan would be willing to pay money to go see. Last place, 38 years old and boring hockey what am I missing here! Do something or sell the team!
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Gillies was doing his job and teaching Nino how to protect himself. This is standard procedure in the pros. If they want Nino to use his big body and lay hits in the goonville AHL than he better know how to hold on in a fight or he could get hurt. The islanders dont want him to fight
love gillies-dont hink it should be him going to the bridge…
regarding the new site…it would be nice if you can assign a number to each post…like the old way