Sharks 3 Islanders 2(OT) — Costly call dooms Isles in OT defeat
On a night when the Islander organization honored its 1992-93 Eastern Conference finalists, the 2011-12 Islanders were hoping to provide the 11,742 fans, who weathered through this fall’s first storm a moment to cherish. Unfortunately, the fan-base was dealt a blow eerily familiar to that which has frustrated the organization for nearly two decades.
Ironically, this jab came from the three blind stripes, who skated up and down the Coliseum ice on Saturday night. Referee Eric Furlatt mistakenly summoned Islander defenseman Travis Hamonic to the penalty box 29 seconds into overtime for delay of game, when the second-year defenseman clearly caromed a clearing attempt off the near glass. Subsequently, San Jose capitalized on the blunder 38 seconds later, as defenseman Brent Burns’ wrister from the beyond the right circle beat Islander goaltender Rick Dipietro to the high-glove side, leading the Sharks (6-3, 12 points) to their fifth consecutive road victory, 3-2 over the Islanders.
The loss extended the Islanders’ current winless streak to five.
The blunder was clearly shown on the video board at the Coliseum, yet an adamant head coach Jack Capuano and an even more adamant assistant coach Doug Weight could not sway the referee’s initial call.
The loss, while costly in the standings for the Islanders (3-4-2, 8 points), was by far the team’s best overall effort since defeating their cross-town rival Rangers, 4-2 on October 15.
The Islanders outshot the Sharks, 37-30, and controlled the flow of the game throughout. Yet, back to the drawing board for the team sitting in the Atlantic Division cellar, 10 points behind league-leading Pittsburgh.
Ten of the team’s 1992-93 heroes braved through the brutal Long Island weather, receiving a resounding ovation from the Islander faithful. Unfortunately, seconds after high-scoring center Pierre Turgeon dropped the ceremonial opening face-off, with San Jose captain Joe Thornton and Islander captain Mark Streit flanked beside him, reality set in.
Seven seconds after Islander defenseman Steve Staios cross-checked Logan Couture from behind the Islander goal and was sent to the sin bin, Shark leading scorer Joe Pavelski pounced on a loose puck to the left of a sprawling Dipietro and deposited the game’s first goal just 17 seconds into the contest.
The crowd grew restless, and at times were freakishly silent – through the game’s first 20 minutes – despite the fact that the Islanders outplayed the listless Sharks, outshooting them 10-to-8.
The Islanders would break through, 3:15 into the second, and in the process snap an 0-for-9 power play drought, as John Tavares capitalized on a tremendous individual effort by his winger Matt Moulson, who while draped by Burns, slid the puck under Sharks goalie Thomas Greiss into the waiting stick of Tavares. He scored his seventh of the season.
Eight minutes later, once again on the power play, Islanders winger Frans Nielsen skated down the center of the rink, and found a streaking Kyle Okposo to his right. Okposo, still goal-less through the season, tapered a pass onto the waiting stick of fellow winger Michael Grabner, who deflected it past Greiss, giving the Isles the 2-1 lead.
But what has become a common trend thus far in 2011, the lead was short-lived, as Couture blasted a slapper past Dipietro off a rebound of a Marc-Edouard Vlasic shot. That goal came 111 seconds after Grabner’s.
Both goalies – Greiss and Dipietro – stood on their heads through the rest of the regulation, with Dipietro stoning Pavelski late.
Greiss, who recorded 35 saves, improved to 2-2 on the season. Dipietro, who heard a smattering of boos in the game’s early going, represented himself quite well in his first full game action in over a year’s time. He made 28 saves.
The Sharks conclude their six-game, 11-day East Coast trip on Monday evening at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers, who themselves squandered a 4-1, third period deficit Saturday afternoon at home against Ottawa, losing 5-4 in a shootout.
The Islanders return to Coliseum ice Thursday night, as they play host to the Winnipeg Jets.
On to some of the positives and negatives in the +/-
- Officiating – Furlatt, linesemen Jonny Murray and Matt McPherson simply blew the call that cost the Islanders a chance to win the game in overtime or in a shootout. Inexcusable!!!
+ Frans Nielsen – His two-way game was flawless. Joe Thornton was invisible for most of the contest. Offensively, Nielsen led some important rushes for the team’s second line, keying the team’s second goal by Grabner. Remarkably, he still only makes 550K per year. Can you say, HEFTY RAISE!!
- Steve Staios – To say that his play was putrid would be saying it kindly. He committed two costly penalties, the first led to Pavelski’s goal. On Couture’s tally, Staios’ back was to the shot, and he was out of position. He was slow all night. The question has to be said – How can a 38 year-old sitting on his couch, just weeks before training camp get top-four minutes? Any answers, Garth.
+ Rick Dipietro and Thomas Greiss – Both goaltenders were stellar. Greiss, who serves as Anti Niemi’s back-up was cool and calm throughout, while his team fresh off a win in Detroit was lethargic for the most part.
- Bailey in the offensive zone – He has absolutely no confidence nowadays. On one shift in the first period, he not only went one-on-three against the Shark defenders, he subsequently handed them the puck. He may not be able to get that MOJO back, yet Islander fans might have to remain patient.
+ Blake Comeau – The most enigmatic player on the team was clearly on tonight. He skated hard. He hit people and set up Rolston on a couple of chances. I’m still waiting for Rolston’s wicked shot to hit the net once.
- Coliseum Ice – Having a public skate just hours before the game isn’t the smartest thing to do. World Class skaters were falling left and right. Tavares and Comeau even had to go back to the locker room in the third period to get work done. 2015 is rapidly approaching. Sorry Islander fans.
+ Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Travis Hamonic – Not household names throughout the league, yet both defensemen were tremendous tonight. Vlasic bodied up both Grabner and Tavares on partial break aways, while Hamonic played 24:04, second to his defense partner Andrew McDonald (24:41). Not surprised in the least. He is a stud!!!
+ – Goaltender Carousel – Three goalies in nine games, Are you kidding me? Capuano has got to pick one and stick with it. Playing three net-minders means you have none.
+ & – Coliseum Crowd – The crowd was loud when the 1992-93 Islanders hit the ice, but after Pavelski’s goal, you could hear a pin drop throughout the building. Furthermore, Dipietro’s presence draws moans and groans throughout the building, but on a sequence of three saves in the early going. Come on!!
116 Responses to Sharks 3 Islanders 2(OT) — Costly call dooms Isles in OT defeat
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Randy says:
The Isles skated great tonight. I watched it out here in Los Angeles on the lame Time Warner version of Center Ice. No home broadcast for me tonight. I watched the terrible Sharks broadcast. They pronounced Hamonic and Parenteau wrong constantly and ragged on the Coliseum. Only we can do that. They said it reeked of old school NHL, reeked being the key word. The announcer apologized to anyone he offended, admitting he’d gone too far but… still annoying. I had DirecTV out here last year and, even though I hated it overall, their Center Ice was great. Home and Away broadcasts for every game and mostly HD or SD available. With Time Warner I’ve gotten no Islander HD broadcasts so far. Anyway, Streit looks great, doesn’t he? I still miss Konopka but the Isles did pretty well in the face-off circle tonight without their face-off man of yore.
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ghost of milbury says:
Excellent question you ask Garth about Staios. Don’t expect any answers; Garth has none….
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caber09 says:
DP was not good tonight, thats why he was booed during the game, he was booed before the game because he has always sucked….first shot of the game went in, first shot after taking the lead went in, first shot of OT went in…he has consistently done that to isles throughout his career…its a shame the game had to end because of the bogus call though ugh! Please play Nabakov and/or Montoya, listen to the fans and look at their stats.
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Christian says:
All the DiPietro haters out there (seems like 90% of Isles fans) need to give it a rest. WHY… are you taunting your own team’s goaltender by booing him and giving sarcastic cheers??? Is it supposed to help the guy play better? Yes, the past 4 years of his career have been frustrating, but whether you believe the injuries were his freakin’ fault or not, give it a rest and try to support your team (which includes DiPietro). I’ve never been crazy about DP, but he did have a strong game tonight.
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ice Girl Dad says:
+ reasoner was terrific on faceoffs
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Tom D in NJ says:
Post #3 is right on regarding DP.But Cappy thought he was terrific.
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bob bassen says:
Listening to “Big Money” by Rush right now.
Pretty much explains our human existence.
Including Ref’s in Pro Sports.
And CEO’S who get wealthy back-dating stock options, stealing from common shareholders and then buying Sports Teams.
DP looked pretty good, though. -
Blizzard says: …I sat behind DP for the 1st and 2nd period. He didnt look bad, but didnt make any great saves. I would have liked to see Montoya in net tonight.
Refs totally blew that call. You can hope in the end those things even out over time but never it seams for the Islanders. How the hell can the refs blow that call. Just horrible.
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Bob E says:
dp on first goal was so out of position but go better as game went on. isle outplayed sj.
Hate when refs control the outcome of game. that was Terrible call in OT on Hamonic. Basically sealed our fate.
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i am schocked at another loss. how could this be. cappy like always says the team played great. bailey played unbelievable. with d.p.in goal as everyone knows, is one of the best if not THE best goalie in the nhl. how could the isles be 10 points behind pitt. and its still oct. with all the great moves wang and snow made over the summer to improve the team. as everyone knows wang and snow are committed to do what ever is possible to win. with all the money they spent over the summer to make sure the isles are finally a legit. playoff contender, how can they still lose game after game with all that great talent from all stars such as d.p.,bailey, mottau, paldolfo and so many more unbelievable players. i just dont get it. how can a team like fla. who last year was a last place team and is now doing very well while we lanquish in last place. i just dont get it.
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Angry Alex says:
this team just aint that good. i said it all summer to the fans that were buying the hype. nope, yet again another wasted year of islander hockey. just move already.
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Since this is the 3rd season in a row where Snow said playoffs or bust….will he get fired…nah, he is GM for life, and now that Cappy is drinking the DP is great Kool Aid for the first time, MR 85% save % and 4.00 GAA will be in net for the majority of games now
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Whaaaaaaaaaaaat says:
Are people seriously blaming DP?
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Goalie1 says:
You need to calm down. DP played great. He made big saves and didn’t do anything stupid. For his first game of the season it isn’t bad. It was a great effort. Not to mention 2 of his goals against were on San Jose’s power play. And the game was ended on a BS call. I don’t understand how you can say the guy was never good. He was an Olympian and an All-Star for a reason.
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The New Isles GM says:
We stink! That about sums it up.
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Olympian because Ryan Miller was hurt…and All Star because Brodeur was hurt..and every team needs a rep at the game.
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Claude says:
TO #10 .W3 LANGUISH IN LAST PLACE BECAUSE
To # 10
The ownership in Fla decided they weren’t going to be a door mat anymore, spent money, took advantage of FA market . Built a solid team
Who did we acquire. Oh yea , a bunch of washed up vets that no other team even thought once about. Thats why we live in the basement. Get used to it . Short of a nuclear holocaust this team will not be in the NHL playoffs. -
Harold says:
You can put lipstick on a pig and it’s still a pig.
Some improvement, but not enough to sway us from 12th in the conference to 8th. Still need more scoring. Bailey is a waste of a roster spot, Comeau has to take advantages of his ops instead of pissing himself when he realizes he’s got a chance to score.
This defense is STILL sketchy with the puck on clears. Specials teams have improved, so that helps. But this is about what you’re gonna get…hovering at your 3-4 games under .500.
Your are what your record says you are. three games this week and 2 points to speak of.
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Gary says:
DP is horrible, they need to buy him out, force him to retire or bury his contract in the AHL. I am not surprised at the call, the NHL and officals have no respect for us and that will never change. Bailey and Eaton need to go. I am starting to get fed up with okposo. It would be AMAZING if Comeau and Rolston could hit the net. Don’t worry though, 5 losses down, 15 more to go. I LOVE how they tease us every year, they play amazing for the first 4-7 games, then lose 20 in a row and are out of it by christmas.
On a side note, I have a friend that works for the isles, i get free tickets all the time, i refuse to take them because the $10 for parking and the 20 mile drive is not worth it to me to just watch this team drag their asses all over the ice. I AM FED UPP!!
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TheMass says:
Caber09-false. He was the STARTER at the all-star game because Broduer didn’t go. Rick was on the roster already. Tim Thomas replaced Broduer. Ryan miller was hurt but I would argue that John graham or Robert esch replaced him that year. Who was our rep in the game last year? I don’t mean the skills competition.
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At the time each team had to have a rep I believe they recently changed the All Star rules.
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By the sound of the boos and groans before & during the game..I would think most of the Isles fan base agrees and is fed up with him being on this team.
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Brian says:
Was at the game and DP was awful. He consistently gives up rebounds, always plays the puck behind the net and must have handed it to the Sharks at least five times. Just because he only gave up 2 goals in regulation on 30 shots does not mean he played well. It makes no sense to me how anyone was there could say he played well. I love going to games and it is frustrating watching him and chances are when he is in net they lose. If Montoya is in net tonight there is no doubt in my mind they come away with two points. Unfortunately they are going to trade Nabakov for a bag of beans and we will be stuck with him. Dipietro is no longer an NHL goaltender, would not be picked up if he was put on waivers and is hurting the team.
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Brian, I was there too, DP was ok (for him, he usually sucks), but of course he gives up first shot of game, first shot after a lead, first shot of OT….and his constant wandering confuses the D and 90% of the time his passes go right on the stick of the other team. At least Hextall used to lead guys on breaks, DP has rarely if ever been able to do that….now that he played “ok = “awesome” according to Cappy…DP will be in for awhile now.
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Jim says:
#20 you hit it right on. One thing that makes DP so bad is that he can’t control rebounds. Some nights they go to Islanders and he winds up looking like he played well, and other nights they go to the other team and we lose. In other words DP is not a good goalie and never was. Therefore he gets the 15 year contract. If anyone on this team deserves a 15 year deal it’s Taveras.
This slide needs to be stopped soon. I don’t think this franchise can survive another season of being eliminated by Christmas. Nino where are you?!
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Hello? 27 saves on 30 shots = good. He didn’t leave his net any more than Nabokov. Stop being so ignorant and give him a chance before you start berating a guy that gives everything he has for a team and fanbase that doesn’t support him. Please, don’t talk about boos from ignorant fans who are the first ones to cheer him on when he makes a big save. He’s playing better than Luongo isn’t he? You can’t talk about which number shot of the game went in. Look at the situation. Every goalie kicks out rebounds. It was a powerplay and no dman was there to dump it. The last two were quality goals. Nothing more to it.
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Comparing Nabakov/Luongo to DP….DP is not even in their league, jesus, come on take off the kool aid glasses..give him a chance…11 yrs of his BS is enough.
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He wasn’t good 11 years ago? Really? Never made the playoffs. Let’s take away all of his career accomplishments because of a string of unluckiness. Let him find his groove and he will get going like every other goalie. If he’s getting paid we can at least watch him play. He’s much more exciting than Montoya.
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2003 was Osgood (prior to trade) & Snow, then they backed into the playoffs because Snow/DP couldnt win any games…04 he split time with Snow….07 Dubies streak got them in the playoffs…yes most of the 11 yrs he has stunk up the place.
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NYIhockey16 says:
Let’s face it people. We can all bitch and complain all we want game after game, but we keep coming back for more year after year. Why don’t we all just walk away and wash our hands of this organization if we’re so sick to death? I’ll tell you why. BECAUSE WE CAN’T! Blue-and orange is in our blood and will be until the respective days we all die.
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Scott says:
We dont walk away because we can’t live without this sport and have no other choice but to continue following this joke of a team. You better believe it that ALL Isles fans would agree to stand in protest refusing to watch a single game this year to show this miserable organization that we’re no longer tolerating the awful product they put on the ice, I would be first on line to lead the protest. Hell, I’d fund it! Problem is, not all fans have suffered long enough to make that stand.
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*….in my last post, I meant to say that “IF” all Isles fans would agree to stand in protest….
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Pretty easy for you to say from behind a computer screen. Pretty easy to put the blame on DP. It’s not like Nabokov blew a 2 goal lead in 3 minutes or Montoya stunk it up a few weeks ago. If you’re gonna criticize then do it fairly. Every goalie gives up rebounds. DP, like the others, all do a good job at directing them into the corners. You don’t make it to the NHL unless you have what it takes.
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From behind the computer? Are you DP, you are acting like I am threatening you lol…its just DP man…you are comparing him to Nabakov, who has far out performed and out -accomplised DP in his NHL career, geez man wow. Look at the stats and accomplishments..DP is bad luck and an albatross on this team
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DP is a link to the past and all the frustrations the Islander fans have with the Mike Milbury era, specifically trading Luongo for him when they could have drafted Heatly or Gaborik. Imagine the Pens trading Fleury for another goaltender instead of drafting Crosby. It is not his fault he was taken #1 or that he was given a stupid contract but his being on the team both in the past and the present is one of the reasons amongst others they have been bad. Now there are two goalies that are on the team that are better than him and he should not play. They are going to trade a goalie that is better than him in Nabakov and DP will get playing time that he should not and it will cost the Isles points. It is absolutely absurd he is still on the team. Hypothesis maybe Staios was so bad tonight bc DP was in net acting spastic, probably tough playing D when you don’t know what he is going to do next.
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Jim Clark says: Gary Bettman says these bad ref calls wouldn’t happen if the taxpayers gave Wang a new arena.
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KaiserVanIslander says:
DP, Nabby, Montoya fact is we need to score more than two goals a game.PA, KO, Bailey, Comeau and all of the old guys need to put the puck in the net every few games. Need an up grade need a guy who can put the puck in the net without JT giving them a gift! Please Garth before its to late we need a goal scorer!
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Sharksfan says:
Sucks the game was decided on a blown call, but the Isles got away with a few non-calls throughout the game too (ex. the non-call on Vlasic, on the icing call.) Fact is the Isles couldn’t beat the Sharks when we played one of our worst games this year. What I noticed about the Isles game is apart from Streit you guys looked weak defensively. Also you need to get someone to play with Tavares, guys a stud. Shitty luck with the way it ended but best of luck the rest of the way.
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AA says:
The only reason this game was close was because the Sharks played the Wings the night before and where tired from the travel and the game prior… You really think a Sharks team with rest would have not killed the Isles? Sharks looked flat and had a bad game and still a bad call or not in O.T they beat the Isles!
People have to wake up! Everyone was impressed with how they played toward the end of last year I mean come on lost almost 20 games in a row they could not get any worse!! A fan tonight had the balls to tell me the Islanders looked the best they have in 5 years and that I don’t watch enough hockey for saying the team is not good… Well people the proof is in the stats!!! Truth is I do watch a lot of hockey I watch how good teams play and when I watch the Islanders I am sorry to say I don’t see a good team! I see a team that has D men who don’t take the body enough.. players who can not hit then net on scoring chances and does not have a number one goalie! What other team in the NHL rolls 3 goalies? It is not fair to any of them none of them can get into a groove !! And a GM and owner who constantly make bad decisions like keeping DP around!! BUY HIM OUT ALREADY! LISTEN TO THE FANS!!!! -
Isles4cups says:
I can’t believe how some of the people that post on this blog flip-flop so much. The Isles start the season of well, and everyone is positive and happy…they lose a few games and suddenly the team sucks and it’s the same old Islanders. The Habs started off crappy, so did the Senators..they’ve started to turn in around. And enough with the DP haters already. Gawd, if you really dislike this team that much…move on. Everyone is much smarter sitting in their recliner drinking beer than the people in the hockey world right?
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If what they are are doing is sooooo smart then someone please tell me why they still HAVE NOT WON A PLAYOFF SERIES SINCE 93????? Don’t worry I will wait!
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Sorry if I sound mean to anyone on here the truth is this team was my first love and I have been going to games and rooting for them for years I am just annoyed.. I still hope for the best and I still love the Islanders it is just really starting to get to me!
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jeff says:
So happy that I didn’t renew my season tickets. On TV, I can change the channel. This team has 5 good forwards: JT, MM, PAP, FN and MG. Trade Okposo while he still has some value.
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NYI says:
DP played very well. Nabby or Montoya would not have been better. Nabby is aged and should be traded, keep playing DP and Montoya.
Too bad we could not sign Ehrhoff in the offseason. We are only 2 very good players away from being a very good team. -
Glenn says:
“2015 is rapidly approaching. Sorry Islanders fans.”
…do we need to hear comments like that nine games into the ’11-12 campaign? True or not, the “Sorry Islanders fans” reeks
of an attempt at pity-based snark. -
LIT says:
Nail Yakupov watch has begun.. Once the Blue Jackets start winning some games, the #1 pick should be ours..
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And… for those saying it’s not DPs fault, really? Anyone can flop to his knees and hope the puck hits him. The winning goal was entirely his fault.. He made no attempt at even trying to make that save.. please..
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Tedge77 says:
We have not lost one game this year because of goaltending.
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25yearfan says:
Moulson bloodied on a high stick – didn’t see it. No call.
Bailey high sticked to the head – didn’t see it. No call.
Another Islander player (forget who) clearly hauled down going behind the net – didn’t see it. No call.
Hamonic’s clearing attempt hits glass…. Correct non-call THEN the other officials who didn’t see (or hear) it decide to hold a conference and overturn. Nice 4-on-3 gift to the Sharks.
Totally disgraceful officiating.
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Bob says:
Jeff post 41: There are only 4 in that group. I would not include PA. Bit overrated in my mind, can be very frustrating to watch and gets as many points as he has only because he is playing with JT. There is a reason he could not stick anywhere else with the Rangers.
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onecupin71 says:
As soon as Travis passes the puck, Calder trophy winner Logan Couture starts pointing to the crowd claiming there was a delay of game penalty. So the refs convene and overrule the first call. Logan had the best view on the ice and he HAD to know it hit the glass. Too bad he could not be assessed an sportsman like conduct penalty. Yet the NHL will continue to promote their latest golden boy, who apparently also happens to be a poor sport.
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Bean322 says:
Went to game.. some things i noticed…
-JT is a beast-we already knew that
-Comeau was hitting everything in site-everytime he was on the ice you heard the boards crunching
-once again the refs determine the outcome of the game..the islanders bias is in full effect…pandolfo went to talk to ref after the goal-gave him a peace of his mind..as captain streit should have been there too.Also saw doug weight behind bench going off on refs..he should have thrown some sticks,maybe a bench onto the ice -
Steve ex L.I.'er says:
Due to personal reasons that prevented me before, I started watching hockey again last year with center ice. I’m a rare Islander and Ranger rooter,though Islander over Ranger. I didn’t understand any of the team’s moves this year. No Konopka? get rid of younger players for all but has beens? Only 6 players look like they are working at all, Okposo keeps trying to be too fancy with everything, and from last year, I’ve never liked DiP. Maybe he was better before I started watching again but he doesn’t impress me. Right now I’d make him 3rd man out. If Capuano can’t right this ship fats maybe he’s the next to go.
As for the officiating…the worse overall performance I’ve seen in forever. They blew penalties and offsaides all game…even the SJ announcers mentioned them. Terrible.
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hangover3 says:
A month from now when the Isles have locked up last place for good in the division we will all be glad the ref cost us a point as the race for last overall will be on like every year!
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Stevie10703 says:
#37, do you realize that if we buy DP it will be a 20 year hit against the cap? Its bad enough we have 10 more years of this guy but, to double that means he will be haunting us for 10 more years after that.
The bad news is, we lost again though we played a better game and we got shafted on that call in OT.
The good news is that both the Devils are the Rangers are not that good and 3rd place in the division is up for grabs.
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Jerky says:
The Isles as currently constructed are a mediocre team, like it or not.
DP played like an average goalie last night, which is the most he can accomplish at this point in his injury-ridden career. Anyone who thinks DP is still a first string goaltender on any other team is delusional. I wish him well in his highly anticipated retirement.
Does Wang/Snow have to approve a pre-game public skate? Or is that a Nassau County thing? If the former, that’s a pretty good sign that Wang truly does not care what happens with this team!
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isles says:
Same old isles. DP is so done.
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Hey enough with the DP love-once in a while you need to come up with a big save…you should never question why he gets booed…
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Caber-#25- i agree 100%…now that DP played ok?!?!according to cappy, it is once again his job to lose-ughh..why did montoya lose the job in the first place…
..watch both golaies during warm-ups…DP carries himself around like he is the sh*t, while the opposing goalie just does his job not caring about his self-image..
..maybe if dP wasnt so into his self image he would have ended up a better goalie -
volmeeezy says:
most of these comments are more disgraceful than the officiating.
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Waz says:
The problem I have with DP is that he moves slow! Yes, he made a few good initial saves, but I was on edge after each one seeing a wide open net behind him as he’d casually stroll back into position. You can almost see his cockiness, its like he thinks he doesn’t need to rush back into position…which is something any good goalie would do no matter what!!!
Even when he’d come out to play the puck…he had no sense of urgency to get back to the net. Luckily there weren’t any costly turnovers…
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Tony says:
The only people who still support DP are the ones who foolishly bought his jersey back in da day and are too cheap to throw it away and buy a Tavares jersey.
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Look, if they play like this every night they will win far more than they lose. San Jose is a top 5 team. On DP he is clearly an asset handling the puck. He changes the dynamic of the game when he is involved and makes good decisions. I thought he over committed on the first goal but again it was a power play from a really bad play from Staios.
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TimQ says:
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! We’re 1 game under .500 after 9 games and the ‘faithful’ are jumping ship. There are lots of reasons to be upset but the season is just getting started. Calm down!
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mike says:
Dipietro was not the reason for the loss. Easy target for everyone who hates him. I still have respect for anyone who works that hard to get back on the ice. I doubt he can stay healthy for a long period of time, but if he could I am sure he would be a good goalie. It is not easy to play a few games at a time and be consistent. I understand why people are frustrated, but not every loss is Dp’s fault. None of those goals were his fault.
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DPs puck handling has been an asset…to the opposing teams..for years…his puck handling is way overrated, as far as that goes, at least Hextall sent guys on breakaways with hit puck skills…when was the last time DP sprung someone with a good lead pass…show me the video of 5x over the last 11 years and I will admit I am wrong lol
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The sky is falling again! Do we not see the same crap year after year…as a die-hard??? i cannot fathom how you are not frustrated and digusted?
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Aaron says:
Ok – DP’s right coast move towards Saskatchewan was a classic. It was only forgivable because the Shark’s ‘tender made the same move on JT’s goal.
As for the team, some quick observations: Bailey needs to be sent down. And I know the waiver wire stuff, but if he’s not untracked by game 25, its time to roll the dice because he needs time down there. Otherwise, and mark my words, he’ll be traded away in 2 years.
What this team really needs is a snarly top 4 dman, and a big winger with some skill to play with JT. And this team will essentially be a ~.500 without that. Bear in mind that a .500 team is 82 points which puts you into 11th place in the conference based on last years results.
So thats the alpha and omega to this people – write your rants, but thats where this is gonna be 75 games from now.
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Brian G says:
No more sugar coating by Capuano! This team needs wins ….time for Snow to step in and mnake a trade….Pandolfo is a waste
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Cabor09 he does not have to be elite with his puck skills in the vein of Hextall. But by fielding the dump ins and getting it to his closest D-man and saving a second or two, this is a valuable asset. If it works correctly (and note my caveat was him making good decisions) it disrupts the other teams forecheck. I get it in the end he may not be capable of making that correct decision and then mine is a moot point.
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cjcb says:
New NHL is BORING!!! 92-93 Hockey was fun entertaining and Physical everythung this new NHL isnt!
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Garthsnow says:
Call up Haley!! This guy has spunk and makes the game worth the price of admission.
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I thought DP was fine, and his stick handling and puck moving was apparent. Something Nabakov and AL don’t bring to the table.
This 3 headed monster can’t be good though and it just has to be fixed. Still need an upgrade in D – I kinda like Staios, but he’s possibly bringing down Streit.
Tell me why no one was as mad as Weight?!? No one shows even half the fire, except when JT broke his stick the other night. But come on…future captain Okposo, was standing their dumbfounded – show some grit and energy and bring it every night. I love Weight back there and I hope he’s lighting a fire under their butts…
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Mark from massapequa says:
We have three goaltenders, 11k fans on a Saturday night, moronic know it all “fans” insulting each other on blogs, a dilapidated arena and weak media coverage. We can not get star players or coaches to sign here. Rebuilds are not fun and many players may turn out to be a bust. It is what it is. Enough with the whining and jumping on other posters comments already. We all come to this site and the old barn for the same reason. It’s Go Islanders! not Go Me!
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Kerry Fraser says:
ExtraButter I agree with you. I wish we could see that fire and energy from Capuano. The players who really care probably look at Capuano in that situation and wonder why their coach just takes it. I know i do. The team is a reflection of their coach. Vanilla
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Thats funny because the broadcasters were saying Nabakov is an elite puck handler the other night…also DPs playing of the puck confuses the D and also gets in their way, he has not yet perfected what is supposed to be his #1 skill..most of his passes are giveaways.
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Orange&Blue says:
The only things that can be said about this game is that we all cringe when DiPietro does stupid things out of the crease like jumping for pucks and, as per norm, terrible NHL officials miss obvious calls. In fact, these are 2 constants for us each year. DiPietro being an idiot and awful refs making even more awful calls against our team.
Other than that, I think our team played well. This SJ team really took it to the Wings the night before. They are a real good team and we should have beaten them. We probably would have if the Bettman’s Zebras didnt micromanage the game. How could 4 of them miss such an obvious thing??
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An absolute garbage call that led to the winning goal. Weight had every reason to be IRATE. Interesting that this article mentioned 2015 is approaching.
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Islanders Fan in NJ says:
I thought DP played ok. The defense played very well in front of him, so it made his job MUCH easier. He didn’t have to make any difficult saves. But, he still likes to wander too much from the crease. It has been and always will be his undoing.
As for the blown call…WTF?!?!?!?!?!?
Total horsebleep. There should be a “post-mortem” done by the league to determine whose blunder that was. The linesman clearly indicated that the puck hit the boards. Why was he overruled?
By the way, they should just do away with the delay of game call. The punishment rarely fits the crime. What a total waste of a great effort by the Islanders. Their good game was rewarded with a HORRIBLE call by the refs and their punishment was a loss in OT.
Just pathetic.
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These guys seemed so creative toward the end of last year, that’s why I was so optimistic before the start of the season. Pandolfo, Rafalski, Mattau, and Staios are all way past their prime. They are horrible, I feel like they are dragging this team down. We need some youthful energy on this team. Give Bailey a few more games to not look invisible, and call up Hailey and Strome. Excited to see Nino in this line-up, but I am not going to expect to much, I don’t want to be disappointed yet again. If we have to play D.P., O.K., but Let’s get rid of Nabakov. He is not part of our future, and a 3 goalie system is not fair to the players, it also does not work if you want to win. I am so tired of Wang and Snow being so damn dense! I get the whole “building” scenario, but as everyone and their deaf, dumb, and blind grandmother can figure out, if we put a winning team on the ice everything will change. Screw investing in the bathrooms and scoreboards, invest in the TEAM for god’s sakes! Took my out of town friends to a few games, they got shut out in both! Totally embarrassing and intolerable! I don’t need Jack to say they played well. They lost….again! Do something, that’s your job!!!
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fudgywudgy says:
Here we are again folks, winless in five, we are one quarter of the way to last years debacle…..I can see it coming, we should all duck now, before its too late….
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Stephen says:
Are you kidding me with DP ‘standing on his head?’ He had MAYBE 1 or 2 tough saves the entire night. Defense played great in front of him. First goal he was completely out of position.
On the refs, the linesman immediately signaled deflection. Where was he in the meeting when they decided to give Isles a penalty?
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pruggier says:
I think we should get a couple of more 5’10″ 175 pound defensemen and or forwards maybe those two guys they signed in the summer to round out the Bridgeport team Backman etc. can help!!!!! We NEED SIZE AND AGGRESSIVENESS just to make the games somewhat interesting! Please 20 years of bad hockey enough is enough
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Dan C. says:
At least the Isles shot the puck last night.
That Hamonic penalty was totally ridiculous. How could the refs make such a likely game-deciding call when they were clearly uncertain about it? Did one of them have 20 large on the Sharks and the under in a parlay? Donaghy-style fixing is what it looked like to me.
Why is DiPietro playing? He wasn’t bad but how does Cap not go back to Montoya after he gave them a chance to win in every game he’s played? Just when it seemed that RDP would actually have to earn his playing time, we are back to this.
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JJ says:
Isles played a good game against a very good team. DP played well, but he never makes the big saves. That said, he’s a fine back-up. Id like to see Montoya get the start on Thursday.
This early season has been awfully frustrating, although if the team hangs around .500 for a bit, I think they’ll come on in a month. This team always starts slow.
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I will be on the West coast all next week. A few co workers are taking me to see Kings/Oilers game. Curious to see how the other “rebuilding” young teams play!
Agree with most Isle fans, the team needs to get tougher, not so easily fluffed off the puck. However, it should not be strength for skill, they should have both, like the 93 team. I really enjoyed kasper not taking s..t from that traitor Lemioux. It’s so funny because didn’t Kasper become a penguin? That proves Mario is a two faced jerk! Anyway, we need to take a page from Arbour, who said “win or lose, the other team will know they were in a hockey game.” -
E says:
MAN THEY SUCK. Yea, the isles skated great against an exhausted Sharks team at the end of a really difficult road trip (not to mention after playing in Detroit the night before). Don’t complain about the refs; any halfway decent team would’ve had this game wrapped up before extra time. There are so many fundamental errors that this team repeatedly commits: poor job clearing, not hitting the net, doing too much in the neutral zone, etc. I think this team, quite obviously, lacks the depth to overcome these challenges.
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Paul says:
I like the your honesty Alan. For those who think Snow is doing a great job: Last year they finished 27Th in the league. That is exactly where they are now. NO progress at all.
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Brian says:
At the game last night. It was very quiet for the entire first period after that early goal. My take of a few key players performance;
Bailey lost
Okposo trying to be flashy vs a hard nose go the net type
Grabner best game of season, someone has to teach him how to shoot
pandolfo mostly invisable but ok shorthanded
Moulson lazy most of the night, missed on a few good chances
The rest of the team was hard working
When 5 of your forwards have subpar performances, don’t expect a win unless you have a few superstars on the team and we only have 1 at this time. Time for a few changes to shake things up -
Dadi says:
Rolston & Pandolfo out, Nino & Haley in…it’s so simple…
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nyi fan 16 says:
#83-This better be what they do. The team is not physical at all, also Bailey brings nothing to the table. If your not scoring, hit someone please, show us you care!!
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islandersfan4ever says:
no balls.same $#!t different decade.More of the same from this team with little talent and an owner who will limit spending to take FA’s that no one else wanted.Thats our MO.Refs clearly on the take…GM that shouldnt be…waiting game till 2015.Not used to it yet?only brand new fans could possibly be optimistic.
Ricky’s post game interviews could actually endear him to the uninitiated!Grow a pair KO…Comeau does wet himself when he gets half a chance!Nabby will get his wish of a trade…JT has no one to be great with….This team really is consistantly bad. -
Jon in Chicago says: Wow. Take away Tavares’ seven goals and the rest of the Isles have 11 goals in nine games. Everyone said this team could make the playoffs if they avoided injuries (so far they have) and the goaltending was better (it’s been excellent) and still this team is just about at the bottom of the league.
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Wes says:
How can you win with so many losers with no talent: KO, Bailey, Staios, Pandolfo, Reasoner, Eaton, & the mountain man DP. Some great points above, sometimes you need a huge save or a clutch goal. JT can’t do it alone.
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This is my first time writing on this blog. I would like to see all Islander fans come off of the ledge. This is what you gonna see for the next 4 years. As far as #39, he is #4 on the depth chart behind Poulin in Brigeport but he’s got the contract so he’s gonna play, period (unless he gets hurt). Another top 5 pick in a deeper draft than last year is not a bad thing compared to the alternative, which is sweaking into the 8th slot and winning one playoff game in front of 10,000 paid fans. Try to enjoy the year. Watch Tavaras blossom into the NHL elite.
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Longtime fan, former STO, losing patience w/ some youngsters. Maybe coaching is to blame. Okposo (19 goals) and Bailey (16 goals, most as LW) both flourished under Gordon. Both have regressed significantly under Capuano. Okposo needs to learn how to one time shots. Bailey is a waste offensively (zero points in 13 games including preseason) and useful only as a PK/checking line center backup beneath Reasoner (a true 4th liner). He would have been put on waivers to be sent down to the Bridge except he’s insurance (!!!) if Frans signs elsewhere next year. I am starting to think he’s a bust who will never be more than a 4th liner. Comeau is and has always been inconsistent, another 3rd liner max, but Rolston having two assists in eight games is a red flag. The entire third line (making $8.6M combined) ought to be benched…or waived…except there really aren’t better alternatives (is Justin DiBenedetto really an NHL winger?). As for the defense, we have a legit first pair, an overachieving 3rd pair D in A-Mac (with limitations!) and five depth Ds. Can’t wait for Nino…and a trade of one of our goalies for some Ds. This team is not a playoff team right now.
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All I can say is when I see teams like Florida, Los Angeles, Colorado and Edmonton already much-improved, while the Islanders continue to just drift along dead in the water, it really makes me wonder what is going on. Disappointing.
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Winning says:
Another last place finish wont help the team. You can add the next malkin n crosby and it wont help. To put it simply, its near impossible to build a winning hockey team at the cap floor. Throw in the 10 points a year the isles give away due to “nepitosm” with Wang/dipietro …the isles simply have no hope. The exist as a hobby for Wang and to keep dipietro from being unemployed.
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islesrock73 says:
Garth, Mr Wang, how are Reasoner, Staios and ex Devils Mottau, Rolston and Pandolfo part of a rebuild? We are a nursing/retirement home for over the hill players especially ex NJ Devil players. This “dynamic” group above have a total of zero goals and three points to date. What a joke!!! Add our young “studs”Comeau and Bailey with combined zero points to this mess called the NY Islanders. Garth, great job putting together a boring, undersized team with group of over the hill players, three goalies, and some young players that are busts.
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Scott says:
Just like they dismantled the character of the team that made that magical run twenty years ago. Snow is making the same fxckixg mistake now, and it’s pathetic to watch…why can’t we ever get this right….it’s so frustrating…this is not the same team that was coming together last February versus Pittsburgh. What gets me sooooo mad is now we have a core of young talent, and typical islanders… Snow gets rid of the energy and character players. What is it…I don’t get it….am I only one of a few who sees it. Were back to being a team who is going to get pushed around and just missing that extra something. The nastiness and desire to do just about anything to win and bring respect back to islander fans that so desperately need it. I was so proud of that team last February, to stand up for each other. So what do we do…reward konopka who wanted to be here…with nothing, and hailey who has done more for this organization than any other player in ten years gets a trip to the minors. I just don’t get it. This sucks…I want more than just a good effort and happy to get a point. I want energy, character and winning hockey. Wang, snow cappy, admit you made a mistake to start the season and let’s move forward! Let’s go ils
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I’ve been an Islander fan since the early ’90s, and except for some mild success in the early 2000s, I have seen a lot of hard times for the team. However, the only thing that’s truly sad about this team is the majority of the fanbase. I cannot believe the negativity… It’s just plain sad.
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Fans of any team expect progress, not bottom of the league finishes every year. If Snow was a GM of any other team, he probably would not have a job by now. When is it time where the pressure is on him, instead of the coach in 10 years? When will our GM make an in season trade for some players, not dumps for picks…
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I’ve been just watching Hall-Nugent/Hopkins-Eberle…WOOO – HOOOO !
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dan says:
Win or lose I am always an Islanders fan!
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Peter says:
Wow. One game below .500, less than a month into the season, and the fans have already given up.
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… My point. Thank you.
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NYISLES001 says:
Doesn’t it piss you off the Nugent Hopkins is leading Taveras in scoring,and that Hall is having success, and that the Oilers seem to know how to friggin select high round picks, unlike the loser stiff’s we have in Baily and Okposso.
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Hall-Nugent/Hopkins-Eberle
Back to the future with the Oilers, Gretzky, Messier and Anderson.
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Again, I ask.
How many high round picks have the Islanders had the past 12 years??
And don’t give me “the draft is a crap shoot” nonsense, not when you have so many top 10 multiple picks the last 12 years.
Just take a look at Newsday’s article on hits and misses in the Islander 1st round picks over the past 20 years. It will make you sick.
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Again, the popular belief is to blame the Islander woes on not getting a new Arena.
Wang uses this to deflect the fact that he has made poor decisions since owning this franchise, and to be fair that includes the past ownerships.
Maybe building a winner and competative product would make the fan base more enthusiastic. Maybe more people would have cared and come out with a yes vote on August 1st.
Instead of blaming the woes on the need for a new Areana, I would like to see just one NY sports writer come out and admit that maybe the team has done a crappy job at drafting and developing players for a long period of time.
I challenge someone to do this.
Experts keep saying the draft is a crap shoot, however that argumanet does not hold water when you have had the number of picks and high round picks the Isles have had the last 12 years.
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And another thing, Capuano needs to show a littl fire and get angry. It is not acceptable to lose. I don’t care if Okposso and Baily and their agents have a hissy fit. Bench them and send a message.
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RICH L says:
To Islesrock 73,as for Staios,Pandolfo, Mottau, Rolston,and Reasoner, the signing of these stiffs, by Wang, and Snow is clearly only for the cap base, and also they are old, and probably came here to the Island because thats where all old guys come to play, it kind of like Gods waiting room on the Island.
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Bob E. says:
you know what frustrates me the most. The fact that Edm and Ott are doing what suppose to be doing. where is our 6 game winning streak.
Stop telling me commitment. Play to freaking win already.
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rob hock says:
islanders couldnt wait until next year to have a 10 year annie for the 92-93 team? dont get the special night unfortunatley…
The only fans who like Dipietro being on the team are the fans who grew up with Dipetro being their favorite player. They will back him out of loyalty, like Wang does. Everyone else, understands Dipietro was never a top 10 goalie for more then one season anyway, and his position is easy to fill by practically any goalie the Isles aquire as a free agen, waiver wire, or dig up from the AHL. Look at all these people that played better then Dipietro for way less money (osgood,snow,Dubie,Montoya,Roleson,Nabakov…..)